All Budget Gorilla Safaris > Rwanda–Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Primate Safari (6 Days)

Rwanda–Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Primate Safari (6 Days)

6 Days Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari | Midrange Tour.

Discover an unforgettable 6-day Rwanda–Uganda safari featuring gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Bigodi birding, and classic game drives. Midrange lodges, expert guides, and seamless cross-border travel.

A Remarkable Primate & Wildlife Safari Across Rwanda and Uganda

This 6 Days Rwanda–Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Primate Safari is a perfectly curated journey combining mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, and rich cultural experiences across two of East Africa’s most biodiverse destinations.

Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, and continuing into Uganda’s top national parks, this safari offers a rare opportunity to experience Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector), and Kibale Forest National Park in one seamless itinerary.

Carefully selected midrange accommodations, professional driver-guides, and well-paced activities ensure comfort, authenticity, and exceptional value.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking primate encounters, scenic landscapes, wildlife safaris, and cultural immersion all within a short yet rewarding timeframe.

Safari Highlights at a Glance

  • Kigali City Tour – history, culture & local life
  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Cultural experience with local communities
  • Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector
  • Game drives & Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary primate & bird walk
  • Flexible departure via Kigali or Entebbe

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on a guided Kigali City Tour, offering insight into Rwanda’s inspiring journey and vibrant culture.

Key highlights include:

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
  • Local craft markets and artisan shops
  • Panoramic city viewpoints

After lunch, enjoy a scenic road transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northern province and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, volcanic landscapes, and rural villages.

Accommodation (Midrange):

  • Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / La Palme Hotel
    Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience

Today marks the highlight of your safari Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers before heading into the forest.

The trek can last between 2–6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat an emotional and life-changing wildlife encounter.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural village visit, such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan customs, music, dance, and community conservation initiatives.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector & Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Rwanda and cross into Uganda, journeying towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions.

This scenic drive passes through rolling countryside, tea plantations, and local communities. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in Ishasha, searching for lions resting in fig trees, alongside elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and topi.

Accommodation (Midrange):

  • Enjojo Lodge / Ishasha Jungle Lodge
    Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Transfer to Kibale Forest

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering excellent chances to spot predators returning from hunts and plains game grazing in the golden light.

Later, proceed to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise, one of Uganda’s top wildlife experiences. Expect close encounters with:

  • Hippos and Nile crocodiles
  • Large herds of elephants and buffaloes
  • Numerous water birds including African fish eagles

After lunch, continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa.

Accommodation (Midrange):

  • Turaco Treetops / Kibale Forest Camp/ Kibale Canopy Lodge
    Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Primate Walk

This morning, enjoy Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 13 primate species. Guided by expert rangers, you’ll track chimpanzees through dense forest as they feed, groom, and communicate in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, renowned for:

  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys
  • Red-tailed monkeys
  • Over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco

This community-based project directly supports conservation and local livelihoods.

Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Return to Kigali or Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, you will transfer either:

  • Back to Kigali, Rwanda, or
  • To Entebbe International Airport, Uganda,

depending on your departure flight preference.

This marks the end of your memorable Rwanda–Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife & Primate Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Midrange Safari Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
  • All ground transportation & cross-border transfers
  • Midrange accommodation (shared twin/double)
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (Uganda)
  • Park entrance fees & ranger guides
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • All scheduled activities mentioned

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees (Rwanda & Uganda)
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Alcoholic & soft drinks
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Why Choose This Safari?

  • Combines Rwanda & Uganda in one seamless itinerary
  • Covers gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife & birds
  • Carefully selected comfortable midrange lodges
  • Ideal for short safari holidays with maximum highlights
  • Expert planning by experienced East African tour operators

Request a Quote
Request a Quote