13 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari & Rwanda Primate Tour

Ultimate Primate and Wildlife Expedition

This 13-day Uganda–Rwanda safari blends exceptional wildlife encounters with unforgettable primate adventures across two of Africa’s most biologically rich destinations. Beginning in Entebbe, Uganda, and ending in Kigali, Rwanda, the journey offers a perfect mixture of savannah game viewing, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, and scenic cultural experiences.

Travelers explore iconic wildlife hotspots such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, before crossing into Rwanda for immersive adventures in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each destination introduces diverse landscapes from open savannah plains to lush montane forests ensuring every day brings something extraordinary.

With expertly selected midrange and luxury lodges, comfortable transfers, and knowledgeable local guides, this itinerary guarantees a seamless, memorable, and truly exceptional Africa safari experience.

Safari Highlights

• Explore Murchison Falls National Park and cruise to the base of the world’s strongest waterfall
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Start in Entebbe (Uganda) and end in Kigali (Rwanda)

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a safari representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Take this time to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for the remarkable adventures ahead.
Accommodation – Entebbe

• Luxury: Hotel No. 5 / Entebbe Forest Lodge
• Midrange: Karibu Guesthouse / K Hotel
• Budget: Papyrus Guesthouse / Airport Guesthouse
  Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early breakfast, drive northwest through the historical Luwero Triangle, with an optional stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos. Continue to Masindi for lunch, then proceed into Murchison Falls National Park. Visit the top of the falls, where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a seven-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters—creating thunderous sound and misty rainbows.
Destination: Murchison Falls NP
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge / Papa’s Camp
• Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Twiga Safari Lodge
• Budget: Ikorom Safari Lodge / Gipir & Labong
  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise

Start with a sunrise game drive across the park’s northern plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, and abundant birdlife. After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise to the base of the falls, where hippos, crocodiles, and riverine wildlife flourish along the Nile’s banks.
Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Fort Portal

Depart Murchison Falls and journey south through the Albertine Rift Valley, passing through vibrant rural towns and rolling countryside. Arrive in Fort Portal, a charming town resting beneath the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Proceed to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination: Kibale / Fort Portal
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Primate Lodge / Papaya Lake Lodge
• Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Tabebuia Resort
• Budget: Kibale Forest Camp / Kibale Bweza Lodge
  Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Kibale National Park’s briefing point for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. The forest hosts 13 primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. After locating the chimpanzees, spend an hour observing and photographing them.

Return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse savannah park.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge / Honey Bear Bush Camp
• Midrange: Aardvark Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Lodge
• Budget: Bush Lodge / Enshama Lodge
  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Begin with a sunrise game drive along the Kasenyi plains, known for excellent sightings of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and warthogs. Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s densest wildlife corridors, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and remarkable birdlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, drive south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The route passes through stunning rolling hills and rural landscapes. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Gorilla Forest Camp / Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
• Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge / Buhoma Haven Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
• Budget: Buhoma Community Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early briefing at the park headquarters, begin your unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Trekking can last from 2–7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you locate a gorilla family, enjoy a full hour observing these gentle giants.

After trekking, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic freshwater lakes, surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with picturesque islands.
Accommodation: BirdNest Resort / Bunyonyi Overland Resort / Heritage Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Spend the morning enjoying a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, visiting selected islands, learning local traditions, and enjoying beautiful birdlife. Afterward, cross into Rwanda and proceed to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, then head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on golden monkey tracking. These playful primates live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes, offering a lively and entertaining trekking experience.
Optional afternoon cultural visit available.

Day 11: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, depart Musanze and enjoy a scenic countryside drive toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most ancient mountain rainforests. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk (Optional)

Today, trek through the lush forest in search of Nyungwe’s chimpanzee communities. The forest is home to 13 primate species, over 275 bird species, and diverse orchids. After trekking, you may enjoy the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk (optional), suspended above the forest for panoramic views.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Kigali City Transfer & Departure

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your schedule, you may add a short Kigali city tour to visit the Genocide Memorial, craft markets, or historical sites.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Park entrance fees
• Chimpanzee trekking permits (Kibale & Nyungwe)
• Mountain gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
• Golden monkey tracking permit (Volcanoes)
• All ground transport in a 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser or Safari Van
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Boat cruises (Nile & Kazinga Channel)
• Game drives in all parks
• Drinking water in the vehicle
• All meals as listed
• Accommodation as per selected category

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees (Uganda & Rwanda)
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone bills, shopping)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary