Primates Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda – 8 Days
The Primates Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda offers a thrilling safari experience filled with unique wildlife encounters. On this tour, you will explore incredible attractions, including gorillas and chimpanzees and participate in exciting activities. These activities include gorilla trekking, tracking tree-climbing lions and game drives, providing unforgettable moments. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a highlight. You will observe females feeding and playing with their young ones and their fascinating feeding habits in the jungle.
Activity Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Bigodi Nature Walk
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Viewing tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks
- Cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmies
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Tour Cost Includes:
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- All itinerary activities and park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in a safari vehicle
- Services of a professional tour guide
Tour Cost Excludes:
- International flights
- Personal items
- Tips and gratuities
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
The tour guide picks you up from Entebbe Airport and begins the journey to Kibale National Park. Along the way, you visit Kampala’s attractions, including the Uganda Museum, Independence Monument, Baha’i Temple, and Kabaka Tombs. The drive to Kibale takes approximately six hours. Upon arrival, you check in at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Chimpanzee Forest Guest House (budget)
- Kibale Forest Camp (mid-range)
- Primate Lodge (luxury)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you head to Kibale’s park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. The guide explains trekking rules before leading you into the jungle. You spend one hour with chimpanzees, observing their behaviors and taking photos. Later, you return for lunch and begin the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, you check into your lodge, have dinner, and rest for the next day.
Accommodation Options:
- Bush Lodge (budget)
- Marafiki Safari Lodge (mid-range)
- Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury)
Day 3: Game Drive and Tree-Climbing Lions
You start the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive. This drive provides an opportunity to see animals like lions, leopards, buffaloes, and giraffes. After lunch, you visit the Ishasha sector to track the famous tree-climbing lions. You then return to the lodge, enjoy your dinner, and relax overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The day begins with breakfast before you start the five-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After arrival, you check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the evening, you visit the Batwa community, where women demonstrate their daily activities and traditional skills. Later, you return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Broadbill Camp (budget)
- Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (mid-range)
- Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury)
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Mutanda
The morning starts with breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Guides divide trekkers into groups of eight and lead them into the forest to locate gorillas. After an hour with the gorillas, you return for lunch. Later, you travel to Lake Mutanda, where you enjoy a boat cruise and see hippos and crocodiles. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Mutanda Eco Community Centre
- Chameleon Hill Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you drive to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge and have lunch. In the evening, you visit the Musanze Caves to learn about traditional art and culture. Locals showcase crafts and demonstrate their way of life. Afterward, you return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation Options:
- Muhabura Hotel (budget)
- Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (mid-range)
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (luxury)
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’iwacu Cultural Experience
You start with breakfast and then proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Guides assign groups of eight and lead them into the forest to find gorillas. You spend one hour with the gorillas before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, you visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre to experience Rwandan traditional dances, food, and housing styles. You then head back to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
The final day begins with an early breakfast. You then drive to Kigali International Airport for your flight, concluding the tour.
End of Tour
