9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate & Volcanoes Classic
9-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primates Safari
Chimpanzees in Kibale, a Kazinga Channel cruise, gorillas in Bwindi and golden monkeys in Rwanda, with one border crossing and a private guide throughout.
Tour Overview
This nine-day trip links Uganda's primate forests with Rwanda's volcanoes. You track chimpanzees in Kibale, take a game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek gorillas in Bwindi and finish with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. There's only one border crossing, and most stops last two nights, so the pace is relaxed. It suits first-time visitors, couples and wildlife lovers.
Trip Highlights
Chimpanzee Tracking
Track chimps in Kibale Forest with experienced rangers.
Queen Elizabeth Safari
A Kasenyi game drive and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Gorilla Trek
One gorilla trek in Bwindi, with the permit included.
Golden Monkeys
Track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Plan Your Primates Safari
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 the optional walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Drive through tea country
- Optional Bigodi Wetland walk
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
In the morning you track chimpanzees in Kibale with experienced rangers. The afternoon is free to rest or to visit the surrounding community.
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Free afternoon or community visit
Kibale → Queen Elizabeth National Park
You drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon you go on a game drive across the Kasenyi plains, which are known for lions and big herds of antelope.
- Drive to Queen Elizabeth
- Kasenyi game drive
Queen Elizabeth: Game Drive & Kazinga Cruise
You start with a morning game drive, then board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. The channel is known for hippos, elephants and birdlife, which you see close up from the water.
- 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 or enjoy the forest surroundings.
- Gorilla trekking
- Free afternoon
Bwindi → Volcanoes National Park
You cross the border into Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park, with views of the volcanoes along the way. We handle the border logistics for you.
- Border crossing
- Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkeys → Kigali Departure
In the morning you track golden monkeys. If you'd rather see gorillas again, you can swap this for a second gorilla trek at extra cost. After the trek you're driven to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
- Golden monkey tracking (or optional gorilla trek)
- Transfer to Kigali airport
What's Included
Included
- 8 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 airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- 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 | $5,950 | Private vehicle and guide |
| 2 travellers | $4,950 | Per person |
| 3 travellers | $4,650 | Per person |
| 4 travellers | $4,350 | 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 driving days are planned so the trip doesn't feel rushed.
- 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.