Rwanda, Uganda · Primate Tours

4-Day Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla and Chimp Trekking

4 Days Round trip from Uganda Hard pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track the rare mountain gorillas through Bwindi National Park
02 Spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
03 Observe wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including hippopotamuses, leopards, and elephants
04 Follow chimpanzee trails through Kalinzu Forest, home to six other primate species
05 Explore Kalinzu Forest's rich biodiversity, with 414 tree species and 378 bird species

Embark on a 4-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda. Travel from Kigali to Bwindi National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, then continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a Kazinga Channel boat trip with possible wildlife sightings. Round off the journey with chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve before your transfer to Kigali or Kampala/Entebbe.

Embark on a 4-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Ruhengeri, Kigali, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kisoro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi National Park

We will pick you up at Kigali Airport or downtown Kigali and drive you to Bwindi National Park.
The scenic 4-5-hour drive to Uganda will take you through Rwanda's northern town of Ruhengeri before crossing into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border post.
The trip continues through nearby Kisoro or Kabale town and finally into Bwindi National Park.
Arriving at Bwindi National Park in the early afternoon will allow you to do optional activities such as hiking, canoeing, or visiting the local community.

Day 02

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Today is a special day - the gorilla safari Uganda is famous for.
You will head to Bwindi National Park immediately after breakfast for a briefing about the gorilla trek. The presentation will cover the basics of what to expect during the trek and how to approach the animals for your safety and theirs.
The national park guide will assign all visitors a gorilla family to track, and after that, your adventure begins.
Depending on how far the gorillas are inside the forest, the trek can last from 3 to 8 hours, with the average time being between 3 and 5 hours.
Venture into the vegetation until you come across these incredible creatures - it is a truly unique experience.
After the trek, you will return to the lodge to relax, eat dinner, and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Day 03

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

We will start the journey in the morning from the Bwindi National Park area and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The drive will take you along the Kabale-Ishaka-Bushenyi Road, which features the stunning landscapes of southwestern Uganda and tea plantations.
On arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, join the Kazinga Channel boat trip to enjoy possible sightings of hippos and elephants.

Day 04

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kalinzu Forest and Transfer Out

After breakfast, we will drive to Kalinzu Forest to experience tracking chimpanzees in their forest home.
Kalinzu Forest is a haven for chimp trekking in Uganda, and visitors have more than a 50% chance of encountering the animals. If you are lucky, you might also encounter one of the six different species of primates that call the area home.
These include the colobus monkey, the olive baboon, and the red-tailed monkey.
After our exhilarating morning of wildlife sightings, it is time to end the trip, and we will take you to Kigali or Kampala/Entebbe. The drive from Kalinzu Forest Reserve to Kigali or Entebbe/Kampala is about 6-7 hours.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Uganda 8 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All activities and services as per the itinerary
4WD vehicle with a pop-up roof for scenic viewing
A professional English-speaking driver-guide
Site entrance fees
Free Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle
All ground transportation and fuel
Meals
Drinking water in the vehicle

What's Not Included

Visas
International airfares
Activities and services not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic drinks and wines
Laundry and any service of a personal nature
Travel insurance cover

What to bring

Hiking boots
Garden gloves
Rain jacket or poncho
Long-sleeved shirt or blouse
Cameras and extra batteries
Hat or cap and sunglasses
A pair of binoculars
Flashlight (torch)
Mosquito repellent
Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars or bites

Know before you go

Age restriction: 15-80 years old
A valid passport is required on the day of travel.
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
We advise against people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions participating in this tour.
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
This 4-day adventure offers the best of wildlife safaris in Uganda, giving you the opportunity to spot creatures from Uganda's myriad natural wonders. See the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, catch a glimpse of the tree-climbing lions, and venture into the natural wonderland of Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve, famous for its numerous species of trees and primates.

Logistics