Fully Primate Safari with arrival in Kigali – Rwanda and Departure in Uganda.

This 6 day safari, beginning with arrival at Kigali International Airport, offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Uganda’s most iconic primates. The itinerary is exclusively focused on gorillas and chimpanzees, with visits to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale National Park, allowing you to maximize your time observing our closest relatives in their natural habitats.

Carefully designed for primate enthusiasts, wildlife researchers, and travelers seeking authenticity, this safari provides a meaningful and immersive connection with nature.

Highlights:

  • Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
  • Scenic road trip from Kigali to Bwindi via Cyanika border.
  • Nature lovers
  • Kigali city tour.
  • Primate enthusiasts

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival at Kigali International Airport.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will proceed through the immigration process, which typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the time of day, airport traffic and baggage claiming. After going through customs, you will then exit to the arrivals area where you will find the driver of Golden Tusk Journeys who will warmly welcome you, after a brief meet and greet, the driver will then put all the luggage in the vehicle and transfer to the hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel,  you will check in and unwind, relax and cool off the jetlag from the long journey, have the rest of the evening at leisure before settling in for a comfortable overnight.

Accommodation: Overnight at Des Mille Collines Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 – Kigali city tour and transfer to Bwindi via Cyanika border.

After breakfast, head out for the Kigali city tour before driving to the border, the guide will take you through Rwanda’s fresh market where you can have a chance to grab some fruits, the craft place, the Genocide memorial among others, the city tour will end with lunch and then drive to Cyanika border – 6 4 hours drive through the out casts of the country with rolling hills, here you will experience the beauty of Rwanda with rolling hills, upon arrival at the border, you will be guided by your guide on how to go through immigration, after clearance you will then procced on the Ugandan side and get an entry stamp.

After all this process, you  will then drive to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National – Rushaga sector approximately 2 hours from the border, upon arrival at the lodge, check in and have the rest of the day enjoying the beauty of the area.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla lodge.
Meal Plan: Half board (Dinner)

Day 3 – Gorilla Tracking – Rushaga sector.

Start your day with an energizing breakfast, preparing you for an unforgettable experience. Afterward, we’ll take a short drive to the UWA Briefing Center, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking. This informative session ensures you are well-equipped with the knowledge to safely interact with these magnificent creatures, helping you make the most of the adventure ahead.

Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be assigned to one of the gorilla families and join a small group of no more than 8 people. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you’ll venture into the dense, mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your guides will lead you as you track down the gorillas, following their fresh tracks and calls through the lush undergrowth.
Upon locating the gorillas, you’ll be granted a full one-hour encounter with them, observing them from a respectful distance of 7-10 meters. Watch in awe as they go about their daily activities-feeding, grooming, and interacting with one another in their natural habitat. The peace and wonder of these gentle giants will leave a lasting impression.

After the thrilling experience, you will then transfer back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4 – Transfer from Bwindi to Kibale National Park.

On this day, you will be driving from Bwindi to Kibale via Kabale and Fort Portal, this is a scenic drive of approximately 7/8 hours driving through the Kigezi hills, via villages, towns and cultures, upon arrival in Fort Portal town, you will have lunch and then proceed to the crater lakes region, this area provides a 360 degrees of most of the crater lakes in the region with stunning views of the Rwenzori mountains.

Accommodation: Ensiko Primate  Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5 – Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon Bigodi community swamp walk.

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking,  This park offers thrilling primate tracking experiences, Kibale National Park provides some of the best chances to observe wild chimps. The guided trek leads you into the dense rainforest, where you will spend an hour observing the social behaviors of habituated chimpanzees. After lunch, opt for a nature walk through Bigodi Wetland, where Uganda’s rich biodiversity unfolds through sightings of birds and monkeys.

Accommodation: Ensiko Primate Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6 – Drive to Entebbe or catch a domestic flight.

After having breakfast, drive back to Entebbe (approximately 6/7 hours drive) or catch a domestic flight scheduled to arrive at 11:25am – Clients to advise on the prefered option.

Lunch en route for the driving option.

 

Included in the above safari

  • Accommodation as mentioned above
  • 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person.
  • 1 Chimpanzee tracking permit per person.
  • Border crossing – Rwanda/Uganda
  • Kigali city tour.
  • Crater lakes visit and the Bigodi Swamp excursion.
  • 4×4 Landcruiser with an experienced English speaking safari guide.
  • Drinking water in the vehicle all through the safari
  •  All excursions mentioned in the safari
  • Government taxes
  • All transfers.

Excluded in the above safari.

  • Rwanda/Uganda entry visa fee
  • International air flights
  • Domestic flight – (Kasese – Entbbe)
  • Any optional activities not indicated in the above
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities and Tips.

 

Please note that since your entry point is Rwanda, please DO NOT worry about the 2 visas before travel, you will obtain an East African visa upon arrival at Kigali international airport on day 1, this Visa will work for both Rwanda and Uganda.