9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari
Book a 9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari with MJ Safaris Uganda.
9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari
Safari Overview
Discover the ultimate primate adventure across two of East Africa’s most spectacular destinations on this 9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari. This carefully designed cross-border safari combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and world-renowned primate trekking adventures.
Begin your journey in Uganda with a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to rescued orphaned chimpanzees on the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, famously known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” where you’ll trek wild chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat.
Your adventure continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, before crossing into Rwanda’s breathtaking Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. The safari concludes with a scenic drive to Kigali, offering an unforgettable journey through the heart of East Africa.
Safari Highlights
- Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic drive through southwestern Uganda
- Cross-border safari from Uganda to Rwanda
- Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali city transfer and departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between Uganda and Rwanda (and Kenya) using a single visa. We are happy to advise you on the best visa option.
This safari includes rescued chimpanzees at Ngamba Island, wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, making it one of East Africa’s most comprehensive primate safaris.
Yes. It combines Uganda’s and Rwanda’s top primate attractions into one seamless cross-border adventure.
Absolutely. We can upgrade accommodations, add cultural experiences, extend your stay, or include additional destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park or Akagera National Park.
9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari
Prices
- USD 5,846 per person
Safari Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up in Entebbe
- Airport drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation for 8 nights
- Meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Ngamba Island boat transfer
- Bigodi Wetland guided walk
- Park entrance fees (where applicable)
- Government taxes and conservation fees
Safari Cost Excludes
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
- Golden Monkey Permit
- Uganda & Rwanda Visas (where applicable)
- International flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Laundry services
- Personal expenses
- Optional Kigali city tour entrance fees
- Tips and gratuities
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Detailed Itinerary
Experience East Africa’s Ultimate Primate Adventure
From rescued chimpanzees on Lake Victoria to wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and playful golden monkeys in Rwanda, this safari offers an incredible opportunity to experience Africa’s most fascinating primates while exploring two beautiful countries.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide.
Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe, where you can relax after your journey and receive a briefing about the exciting adventure ahead.
Depending on your arrival time, optional visits to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria can be arranged.
Highlights
- Airport meet and greet
- Relaxing stay in Entebbe
- Lake Victoria views
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary Experience
After breakfast, transfer to the Entebbe Pier for a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The sanctuary provides a safe home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. During your visit, watch the fascinating feeding session while expert caregivers explain the chimps’ behaviour, conservation efforts, and rehabilitation programs.
Enjoy lunch before returning to Entebbe in the afternoon. If time allows, visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for an evening nature walk.
Highlights
- Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
- Ngamba Island visit
- Chimpanzee feeding session
- Conservation education
Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive westwards to Kibale Forest National Park.
Travel through picturesque tea plantations, rolling hills, and vibrant local communities before stopping for lunch in Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s most beautiful towns.
Arrive at Kibale Forest in the evening and settle into your lodge surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
Highlights
- Scenic countryside drive
- Tea plantation views
- Fort Portal
- Kibale rainforest
Accommodation: Forest Lodge near Kibale
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
After breakfast, report to the visitor centre for registration and a briefing before entering Kibale Forest in search of wild chimpanzees.
Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is home to 13 species of primates, making it one of Africa’s premier primate destinations.
After lunch, enjoy a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, renowned for its rich birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and community conservation initiatives.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Kibale rainforest
- Bigodi Wetland walk
- Birdwatching
Accommodation: Forest Lodge near Kibale
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Travel through western Uganda’s spectacular landscapes, passing crater lakes, rolling hills, and traditional villages before arriving at Bwindi.
The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is also one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots, supporting hundreds of bird species and numerous forest mammals.
Highlights
- Scenic drive through western Uganda
- Crater lakes
- Kigezi Highlands
- Bwindi rainforest
Accommodation: Safari Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari.
After breakfast, attend a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before trekking through the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek may last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they interact naturally within their family group.
Optional community or Batwa cultural visits can be arranged later in the day.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- One-hour gorilla encounter
- Bwindi rainforest
- Optional cultural experience
Accommodation: Safari Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands towards the Uganda–Rwanda border.
Cross into Rwanda and continue through the spectacular rolling hills that have earned Rwanda the nickname “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri) near Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll check into your lodge and relax before tomorrow’s adventure.
Highlights
- Cross-border safari experience
- Scenic mountain landscapes
- Rwanda’s rolling hills
- Cultural scenery
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and briefing.
Embark on an exciting trek through the bamboo forests in search of the rare and playful golden monkeys, one of the Albertine Rift’s most beautiful endemic primates.
Spend time observing these energetic monkeys as they leap through the forest canopy before returning to your lodge for lunch.
The afternoon is free for relaxation or an optional cultural village visit.
Highlights
- Golden monkey trekking
- Volcanoes National Park
- Bamboo forests
- Optional cultural tour
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Kigali International Airport
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief city tour of Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, including opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.
Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of an extraordinary East African primate adventure.
Highlights
- Scenic drive to Kigali
- Optional Kigali city tour
- Airport transfer
Meal Plan: Breakfast
