10 Days Uganda & Rwanda – The Great Apes Discovery
10-Day Uganda & Rwanda Great Apes Discovery
Chimpanzees in Kibale, gorillas in Bwindi and a relaxed finish in Rwanda's Virunga foothills, with one border crossing and mostly two-night stays.
Tour Overview
This ten-day trip is paced for deep forest encounters rather than constant park-hopping. You track chimpanzees in Kibale, cross savannah and crater-lake country, trek gorillas in Bwindi and cross into Rwanda for a slow finish in the Virunga foothills. There's one border crossing and mostly two-night stays. It suits wildlife enthusiasts, couples and slow-travel lovers.
Trip Highlights
Chimpanzee Tracking
Track chimps in Kibale Forest with park rangers.
Queen Elizabeth
Savannah game drives and a Kazinga Channel cruise.
Gorilla Trek
One gorilla trek in Bwindi, with the permit included.
Rwanda's Volcanoes
Golden monkeys, volcano views and a slow finish in the Virunga foothills.
Plan Your Great Apes Trip
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll check permit availability and send you a quote.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Entebbe
Your private guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and takes you to a midrange hotel near Lake Victoria. Dinner is included, and then you rest before the drive west.
- Airport pickup
- Hotel near Lake Victoria
Entebbe → Kibale Forest
You drive west through farmland and tea plantations toward Kibale Forest. The afternoon is free to relax at your lodge, or you can take an optional community walk.
- Drive through tea country
- Optional community walk
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
In the morning you track chimpanzees in Kibale with experienced rangers. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the forest surroundings.
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Free afternoon
Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park
You drive south into Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon you go on a game drive across open savannah plains.
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth
- Kasenyi game drive
Queen Elizabeth: Game Drive & Kazinga Cruise
You start with a morning game drive, then take an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is known for hippos and birdlife.
- Morning game drive
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi
You drive through rolling hills and rural villages to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The afternoon is free to rest and prepare for tomorrow's trek.
- Drive to Bwindi
- Rest and trek preparation
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
You set out early for your gorilla trek. The afternoon is free to rest and reflect.
- Gorilla trekking
- Free afternoon
Bwindi → Volcanoes National Park
You cross the border into Rwanda and continue to the Volcanoes National Park area. The afternoon is free, with views of the volcanoes. We handle the border logistics for you.
- Border crossing
- Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Free afternoon
Golden Monkeys or a Free Day
In the morning you track golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, or you can choose an optional cultural experience instead. The afternoon is free.
- Golden monkey tracking or an optional cultural experience
- Free afternoon
Volcanoes → Kigali & Departure
After breakfast you transfer to Kigali. If your flight is late enough, you can take a short city tour first. Then you're driven to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
- Transfer to Kigali
- Optional short city tour
- Airport departure
What's Included
Included
- 9 nights at midrange lodges and hotels
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Private 4×4 vehicle and professional guide
- Kibale chimpanzee permit (Uganda)
- Bwindi gorilla permit (Uganda)
- Golden monkey permit (Rwanda)
- All park and conservation fees
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Border crossing logistics and assistance, and airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees (Uganda and Rwanda)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional second gorilla trek in Rwanda
- Tips and gratuities
Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $6,750 | Private vehicle and guide |
| 2 travellers | $5,850 | Per person |
| 3 travellers | $4,550 | Per person |
| 4 travellers | $4,250 | Best group value |
Before You Book
Good to Know
- Permits: Gorilla permits are limited and sell out, so book early. We confirm your permit dates when you book.
- Pace: Most stops last two nights, there is one border crossing, and the focus is on forests rather than moving every day.
- Fitness: Moderate. The gorilla and chimp treks involve steep, muddy ground and can last from an hour to most of the day. Bring waterproof boots and rain gear.
- Flights: Fly into Entebbe and out of Kigali. Both flights are your own, and they aren't included.
- Visas: You need visas for Uganda and Rwanda, or an East Africa Tourist Visa. Requirements depend on your nationality, so check before you travel.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Uganda. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, so see a travel clinic before you go. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms may be asked not to trek.
- Where you'll stay: Midrange lodges and hotels. Upgrades are possible on request.