Tour Overview

The 7 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is an incredible cross-border adventure that combines the very best of East Africa’s primates, wildlife, and cultural experiences. In just one week, you will trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy classic savannah game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and explore Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for golden monkey tracking and cultural experiences.

This safari also includes a Kigali city tour and scenic road journeys through Uganda and Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes. It is perfect for travelers seeking a compact yet diverse safari experience featuring primates, wildlife, and culture.

Highlights of the 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

Kigali City tour.
Chimpanzee trekking.
Gorilla trekking.
Golden monkey tracking.
Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Boat cruise.
Game viewing.
Road trip by a private 4WD safari vehicle.

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park.
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 3: Morning game drive and launch cruise.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 6: Golden monkey tracking and visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Day 7: Depart for Kigali City.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Your safari begins with a briefing from your driver-guide before setting off for Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, with a stop at the Nakayima Tree in Mubende for cultural exploration. You will continue to Fort Portal for lunch and enjoy scenic views along the way. Depending on arrival time, you may also visit the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru caves before checking in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Luxury – Primate Lodge Kibale or Kyaninga Lodge, Mid-range – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, Budget – Chimps Nest
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Travel time: 6–7 hours

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. You will track chimpanzees through the rainforest and spend one hour observing them once located. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a drive of about 4 hours.

Accommodation Options: Luxury – Mweya Safari Lodge, Mid-range – Enganzi Game Lodge, Budget – Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite or Simba Safari Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Morning game drive and launch cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you may spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, and various antelope species. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the shores.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will check out and enjoy a scenic drive through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. You will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Luxury – Mahogany Springs Lodge, Mid-range – Engagi Safari Lodge, Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mountain gorilla trekking and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. You will hike through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with them once found. After the trek, you will receive a trekking certificate and transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda via the Katuna border. Arrival will be in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Luxury – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mid-range – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Budget – Kinigi Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Golden monkey tracking and visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
After breakfast, you will head into Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking. These playful primates are found in the bamboo forests and are known for their lively behavior. After the trek, you will return for lunch and later visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan culture, music, dance, and local heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 5
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Kigali City and Departure
After breakfast, you will travel to Kigali for a city tour, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. After lunch, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch