7-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari with Gorillas & Chimps

Kigali and Volcanoes National Park

Day 1Kigali and Volcanoes National Park Kigali and Volcanoes National Park Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport by your private guide. You'll travel comfortably in a well-equipped safari vehicle. You'll start the day with a guided Kigali city tour, including a moving visit to the Genocide Memorial, vibrant local craft markets, and key cultural landmarks that offer insight into Rwanda’s rich history and heritage. After the city tour, you'll depart for Volcanoes National Park, a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Main Destination: Virunga Mountains (Mountain Range, Rwanda) Accommodation: Rond Point Gorilla Boutique & Apartments Budget hotel in Ruhengeri (City, Rwanda) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike

Day 2Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike Today’s adventure offers a choice between two unforgettable experiences: You can choose to track the vibrant and energetic Golden Monkeys, known for their striking orange-gold coats and playful nature. Found only in a few places in the world, these rare primates leap through the lush greenery of the Virunga Mountains in large, lively troops—making for an incredible sight and a dream for photographers and wildlife lovers alike. Alternatively, you may opt for a hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, a powerful and moving journey through the forest to the resting place of the legendary primatologist. Along the way, you'll learn about her tireless work to protect mountain gorillas and the legacy she left behind in these misty mountains. Afterwards, you'll begin your scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier) High Season June to September (Permits are scarce) Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot) Wildlife in Volcanoes NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeNone ElephantRare BuffaloRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone Show more GiraffeNone LionNone LeopardNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda) +41 Photos +40 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals incl

Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Today, you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, you'll set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment. This is the highlight of any trip to Uganda and an experience that leaves a lasting impression. After the trek, you'll continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi. Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas) Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest) High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce) Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP GorillaCommon ChimpanzeeRare ElephantRare White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone Show more GiraffeNone LeopardNone CheetahNone BuffaloNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone HippoNone Accommodation: Itambira Island Resort Mid-range hotel located at Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Exploring Islands of Lake Bunyonyi

Day 4Exploring Islands of Lake Bunyonyi Exploring Islands of Lake Bunyonyi You'll begin your day on Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” which is surrounded by misty hills and dotted with 29 small islands, each with its own story. This morning, you'll embark on a boat adventure to explore some of these islands, taking in the stunning scenery and getting a glimpse of local life along the lakeshore. After your chosen activity, you'll continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the landscape opens up into wide savannahs and rich wetlands teeming with wildlife. This scenic drive takes you through the heart of western Uganda, with the promise of new encounters awaiting in the park. Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) +7 Photos +6 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Day 5Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari You'll start your morning with a drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s top wildlife destinations. The park is known for its rich variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. In the afternoon, you'll set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds of elephants and buffalo coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife. Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall) Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP ChimpanzeeOccasional ElephantCommon LionCommon BuffaloCommon HippoAbundant LeopardOccasional Show more GiraffeNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone CheetahNone ZebraNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP (Uganda) Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Day 6Chimpanzee Trekking Chimpanzee Trekking This morning, you’ll start with chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest, a scenic reserve known for its wild chimpanzee population. With the help of experienced local guides, you’ll track a chimp group. Once found, you'll spend up to one hour observing their behavior in the wild. It's a raw, unfiltered wildlife experience that gives real insight into how these primates live. Afterward, you'll begin your journey toward Lake Mburo. As you travel, keep an eye out for some of the park’s wildlife, which occasionally wanders beyond its boundaries, as well as flocks of Uganda’s famous Ankole cows with their impressive horns. You'll arrive at your lodge in time to relax and prepare for tomorrow's exploration. Main Destination: Kalinzu Forest Reserve (Chimps) Best Time To Go January to February and June to July (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (But it’s seldom busy) Best Weather Accommodation: Hyena Hill Lodge Budget lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP (Uganda) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park

Day 7Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park You'll start your day with a walking safari — an exciting and different way to explore the park. Being on foot lets you get much closer to the wildlife, whether it's a group of zebras grazing nearby or a tower of giraffes moving through the trees. With a ranger guiding you, it's a thrilling way to see wildlife in their natural environment. After the walk, you'll begin the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you'll stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to pick up some local crafts. You’re expected to arrive in Entebbe by early evening. Main Destination: Lake Mburo National Park (Uganda) Best Time To Visit January to February and June to August (Dry seasons) High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda) Best Weather June to August and January to February (Little rainfall) Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP GiraffeCommon BuffaloCommon ZebraCommon HippoCommon LeopardOccasional HyenaOccasional Show more ElephantNone White RhinoNone Black RhinoNone LionNone CheetahNone WildebeestNone Wild DogNone Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour