9 Days / 8 Nights

Countries: Uganda & Rwanda

Style: Nature & Wildlife • Primates • Soft Adventure

Best for: First-time East Africa travelers, couples, wildlife lovers

Comfort level: Midrange (upgradeable)

Trip Overview

This cross-border journey connects Uganda’s lush primate forests with Rwanda’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, offering a perfectly balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and cultural insight.

Starting in Uganda, the trip focuses on chimpanzee trekking in tropical rainforest and classic savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From there, the route moves south to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience before crossing into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, home to misty volcanoes, bamboo forests, and golden monkeys.

With carefully planned driving distances, multiple two-night stays, and only one border crossing, this itinerary feels immersive and relaxed — never rushed — while still delivering East Africa’s most iconic primate encounters.

Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
  
  
• Savannah safari & boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  
  
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  
  
• Volcano landscapes & golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
  
  
• Scenic countryside drives through Uganda and Rwanda
  
  
• Cultural insights in Kigali
  
  

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe (Uganda)

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet & greet by your private guide and transfer to your hotel near Lake Victoria.

Overnight: Entebbe | Midrange lodge/hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Entebbe → Kibale Forest National Park

Drive west through fertile countryside and tea plantations toward Kibale Forest. Afternoon at leisure or optional Bigodi Wetland walk.

Overnight: Kibale area | Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Morning chimpanzee trekking with experienced rangers. Afternoon free to relax or explore the surrounding community.

Overnight: Kibale area | Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for lions and large herds of antelope.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP | Safari lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning game drive followed by a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for hippos, elephants, and birdlife.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP | Safari lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Scenic drive through rolling hills and rural villages to Bwindi. Afternoon at leisure to prepare for the next day’s trek.

Overnight: Bwindi area | Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Early morning gorilla trekking experience (permit included). Afternoon at leisure to rest or enjoy the forest surroundings.

Overnight: Bwindi area | Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Bwindi → Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Cross the border into Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy spectacular volcano views en route.

Overnight: Volcanoes NP area | Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Golden Monkeys → Kigali Departure

Morning golden monkey trekking (or optional second gorilla trek at extra cost). Transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing (USD per person)

Based on midrange lodges, private guide & vehicle, and current permit fees

Prices are indicative and may vary slightly based on season and lodge availability.

Price Includes

• All accommodation (8 nights, midrange)
  
  
• All meals as specified
  
  
• Private 4×4 vehicle with professional guide
  
  
• Chimpanzee trekking permit (Uganda)
  
  
• Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda – Bwindi)
  
  
• Golden monkey trekking permit (Rwanda)
  
  
• All park fees & conservation fees
  
  
• Kazinga Channel boat safari
  
  
• All border crossings & logistics
  
  
• Airport transfers
  
  

Price Excludes

• International flights
  
  
• Visa fees
  
  
• Travel insurance
  
  
• Drinks & personal expenses
  
  
• Optional activities
  
  
• Tips & gratuities