14 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari
14 Days Uganda & Rwanda Primates and Wildlife Safari offers the best of wildlife and primate adventures in both countries. You will have the chance to experience activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and golden monkey trekking. Uganda’s savannah parks will give you an opportunity to see the Big Five: Rhinos (at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary), Elephants, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Lions. You will also enjoy boat safaris to spot birds, crocodiles, and hippos on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park and the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Safari Highlights
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives
- Boat safaris
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Gorilla trekking
- Canopy walk
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a driver from Iconic Africa Safaris will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Drive time: 20 minutes
- Accommodation: Hotel No. 5 or Protea Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Rhino Tracking
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. This stop allows you to track rhinos, one of the Big Five. Arriving early gives you the best chance to see rhinos before the heat of the day sets in. After a briefing from the ranger guide, you’ll head into the bush to track the rhinos. Depending on their location, part of the trek may require driving.
- Drive time: 5 hours or a 1-hour scheduled flight
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (B, L, D)
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the northern banks of the River Nile for a morning game drive. Keep an eye out for hyenas, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. The open roof of the safari vehicle will give you excellent views of the animals in the savannah.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat safari on the Victoria Nile, which offers a chance to see crocodiles, hippos, and birds as well as a view of Murchison Falls from the bottom.
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park – Primate Tours
Today, you will travel to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The park is famous for its high concentration of primates, including chimpanzees. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside and local markets. After a stop for lunch, you’ll reach your lodge in the evening, ready for chimpanzee trekking the next day.
- Drive time: 5 hours
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, or Primate Lodge
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll go to the park’s briefing point by 7:00 a.m. Here, a ranger will guide you on what to expect and how to behave during the chimpanzee trek. Chimpanzees are active, so you will need to be prepared to move quickly through the forest to keep up with them. The trek can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on where the chimps nested the night before.
Besides chimpanzees, you may spot other primates such as red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as birds and mammals like elephants or wild pigs. Once you find the chimpanzees, you’ll have one hour to observe them. Flash photography, eating, or smoking are not allowed.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Bigodi community, where you’ll experience birdwatching, coffee tours, banana beer brewing, basket weaving, and a visit with a traditional medicine man.
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, or Primate Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After your chimpanzee experience, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of about two hours.
- Drive time: 2 hours
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, or Katara Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
You’ll start your day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is known for its varied wildlife and stunning views, including the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. Look for lions, leopards, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, and more.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. This water safari offers a great opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and numerous bird species, including kingfishers.
- Meals: B, L, D
- Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, or Katara Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Search for Tree Climbing Lions
After breakfast, you’ll head to the Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. As you drive through, keep your eyes peeled for lions lounging in the branches of fig and acacia trees. It’s a rare sight that makes Ishasha stand out among other safari destinations.
The drive from your previous location takes about two hours, and along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Ugandan landscape. Once you arrive in Ishasha, you’ll settle in at the Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a charming camp that blends perfectly with the surrounding wilderness.
- Drive Time: 2 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 9: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector
Today is all about exploring the Ishasha plains in search of the tree-climbing lions. While sightings are never guaranteed, Ishasha offers a good chance to spot these majestic creatures resting in the trees, especially during the warmer parts of the day. Even if the lions prove elusive, the game drive will still be a rewarding experience, as you’ll encounter various other animals such as elephants, buffalos, and antelopes. The park’s natural beauty will surround you as you explore the plains.
In the evening, you can relax and enjoy the sundowner – a peaceful moment in the bush as the sun sets over the horizon.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 10: Transfer to Rwanda
After breakfast, it’s time to leave Uganda and head to Rwanda. You’ll cross the Cyanika border and continue your journey to Musanze or Kinigi, which are located close to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The drive takes about six hours, giving you ample time to soak in the scenic beauty of southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills and lush green landscapes.
Once you arrive in Rwanda, you’ll settle in at either Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Virunga Lodge, both offering comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Drive Time: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An exciting day awaits as you go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing, which starts at 7:00 am. Here, you’ll learn about the guidelines for trekking and interacting with the mountain gorillas. As you sip some authentic Rwandan coffee, you might even witness traditional Rwandan dances performed as part of the experience.
Once the briefing is over, the guides will divide visitors into groups, and you’ll begin your trek through the forest. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is worth it – an unforgettable hour spent with the gorillas. You’ll watch them as they go about their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, and raising their young. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe these peaceful creatures up close.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Day 12: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you’ll return to the park headquarters for another briefing, this time for golden monkey trekking. Like the gorilla trek, the guides will split the group into smaller teams before you begin your trek into the forest.
Golden monkeys are more active and faster than gorillas, so be prepared for a more energetic adventure. You’ll follow them as they jump from tree to tree, foraging for food, especially bamboo shoots. These playful monkeys are a delight to watch, and their energetic behavior will keep you on your toes.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local cultural village or take a community walk, where you can interact with the local Rwandan people and learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour
Today, you’ll travel to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The drive takes about two and a half hours. Once in Kigali, you’ll embark on a short city tour that includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which serves as a sobering reminder of Rwanda’s tragic history. You’ll also visit the Kandt Museum, named after a German explorer, and explore local art and craft markets.
If time allows, you might also visit the reconciliation village located just outside of Kigali. This village is home to genocide survivors and perpetrators who now live together peacefully. Hearing their stories of forgiveness and rebuilding is both moving and inspiring.
- Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (B, L & D)
- Accommodation: Kigali Serena
Day 14: Departure
On your final day, depending on the time of your flight, your guide will drive you to Kigali International Airport for your departure. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center, so you’ll have a short and easy transfer. Before you leave, take a moment to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters and cultural experiences that have made your trip so memorable.
- Drive Time: 20 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (B & L)
