9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari with Double Gorilla Trekking

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be welcomed by our representative and begin your scenic drive toward western Uganda. The route winds through rolling hills, roadside markets, tea estates, and the vibrant highlands of Fort Portal beneath the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive at Isunga Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp in the afternoon. Check in and enjoy the tranquility of your forest-edge surroundings. If time allows, enjoy an optional guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for monkeys and spectacular birdlife.

Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp

Rise early for your briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre before entering Kibale Forest with experienced rangers. Follow the lively calls of chimpanzees as they move through the canopy, and spend an unforgettable hour observing them feed, groom, and interact.

Return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse landscape of crater lakes, wide savannahs, volcanic cones, and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your midrange lodge in the early evening.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Lodge

Begin with an early game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, where lions hunt among large herds of Uganda kob, elephants graze, and buffalo roam in impressive numbers.

Return for a late breakfast and relax until afternoon, when you embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway famed for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Lodge

After breakfast, travel south toward the remote Ishasha sector, home to the legendary tree-climbing lions often seen resting in large fig trees. Continue through rolling highlands and terraced farmland until you reach the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the sanctuary of mountain gorillas.

Check in to your comfortable lodge and unwind in the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.

Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Today is the highlight of your journey. After an early briefing, enter the dense, ancient forest to track one of Bwindi's habituated gorilla families. The trek may take 2-6 hours depending on their location, but meeting these gentle giants is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

After spending one magical hour with the gorillas, return to your lodge for lunch. Later, continue your journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the magnificent Virunga Volcano chain.

Overnight: Lake Mutanda Lodge

This morning, trek into the bamboo forests of Mgahinga to observe the playful golden monkeys, a rare and fast-moving primate species found only in the Virunga ecosystem. After the trek, enjoy lunch at the lodge before driving to the Cyanika Border and crossing into Rwanda.

Arrive in Musanze, with views of towering volcanoes and lush farms carpeting the foothills.

Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Today offers a choice between two deeply enriching experiences in the heart of Volcanoes National Park. You may embark on the Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke hike, trekking through lush, mist-covered forest slopes toward the historic research site where Fossey carried out her pioneering gorilla conservation work. The trail immerses you in a serene wilderness, offering sweeping views and a powerful sense of connection to her legacy.

Alternatively, you can dive into Rwanda's vibrant cultural heritage with a visit to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, traditional music, energetic dances, and engaging storytelling bring the spirit of the community to life. You'll meet local families-including former poachers who have transformed into proud protectors of wildlife-as they share their customs and daily traditions. After your chosen experience, return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon.

Overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

After breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your second gorilla trek-this time in Rwanda's open bamboo forests with breathtaking views of volcanic peaks. The trek offers excellent photography opportunities.

Following your trek and lunch, drive to Kigali for your final night in Rwanda.

Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey-carrying unforgettable memories of East Africa's primates and landscapes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast