Rwanda–Uganda Primates and Nature Experience

This is a 5-day safari of primates and nature in Rwanda and Uganda, a really nice combination of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes.

The trip starts in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, which is clean and welcoming, where you will explore its interesting history and vibrant culture by a guided city tour. Continuing to Volcanoes National Park where the cheerful golden monkeys are staying, you will have an option to join the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Trail, which will give you a quick glimpse of local traditions and community life.

The country switch to Uganda where the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will be your next stop—rainforest hiking eventually leads you into the magical world of gorillas. Take the trail through the jungles with the rangers and spend precious time seeing up-close these wonderful animals in their natural setting.

Then come the restful days at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its calm waters and 29 beautiful islands. You can do a “Top of the World” hike for the views, plus a relaxing canoe trip before returning to Kigali for your flight.

This safari between the two countries will let you experience the best of nature, culture, and adventure together—perfect trip for tourists who want to live the real East Africa!

Durations
5 days
Group Type
Small Group
Cities
Kigali Bwindi Forest Lake Bunyonyi

Rwanda–Uganda Primates and Nature Experience

Journey time: Less than 30 Minutes At Kigali International Airport, our safari guide will be waiting for you, helping with your bags and taking you on a smooth transfer to your hotel in Kigali. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel – or similar Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven – or similar

meals Bed and Breakfast

Journey Time: Around 3 Hours Pick-up Time: 08:30AM. Have breakfast at the hotel before taking part in a guided tour of the city of Kigali. Discover the Attractions of Kigali City: Get to know the lively core of Rwanda on this guided Kigali city tour, which will provide you with a real insight into the country’s past and art. Go to places like Kandt House, the former home of Dr Richard Kandt, Mount Kigali, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. On the way to Volcanoes National Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or go straight to the lodge for a late lunch. Optional Activity: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience – Involve yourself in the cultural activities that include guided walks through the community, a visit to the King’s House replica, traditional entertainment, storytelling, and demonstrations of local banana beer and spirit brewing. Reach the lodge late evening, to freshen up for dinner at your convenience. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 3 Hours Pickup Time: 05:00AM. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, and then a transfer to the park’s Kinigi Office for the daily briefing before trekking. Planned Activity: Volcanoes Golden Monkey Trek – Start with a briefing and then go into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park. One of the two monkey troops that are used to human contact will be tracked and their amusing and interesting behaviors will be seen in a very close way. The monkeys are very agile—leaping from tree to tree—follow them through the forest and completely get immersed in their energetic world. For safety and comfort during the trek, wear hiking boots, trousers, long sleeves, a raincoat, a hat, carry insect repellent and water to drink. Return to the lodge for lunch (may vary) and be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Check in for the night and rest for dinner at your leisure upon arrival, which will be late evening. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. After an early breakfast, the guest will get a packed lunch and a bottle of water that will be carried in the guest’s backpack before heading to the park office. Planned Activities: Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Experience – Take a trip to the very center of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas that you will never forget. You will be led by a knowledgeable ranger and expert trackers who will help you find your way through the green, foggy, and quiet trails while you are being tickled by the sounds and smells of the jungle and are getting more and more excited with every step. When you get to the gorillas, you will have from one to two beautiful hours to watch and take pictures of these noble animals in theirnatural habitat. More than a simple trek, it is a close, once-in-a-lifetime adventure through one of the world’s most marvelous ecosystems! The guide will choose a peaceful place for a picnic lunch before you either go on or return to the lodge (this is liable to change). Your comfort and safety require wearing sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, a face mask, and you should also take insect repellent and drinking water with you. Next, go to Lake Bunyonyi for the “Top of the World” Hike, where the highest point gives you an amazing 360-degree view of all the 29 islands. Walk through beautiful paths, get to know the locals, and enjoy the peacefulness of the sunset over the lake as it happens. Notes Overnight: Midrange: BirdNest Resort – or a similar option Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi – or a similar option

meals Full Board

Duration of Trip: About 03 Hours Collection time: 07:00AM. Have a light meal in the morning before leaving and moving from Bunyonyi to Kigali City. Activity in the morning: Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Adventure –Embark on a ride full of excitement by crossing Lake Bunyonyi on a traditional dugout canoe, thus going round its 29 beautiful islands! Viewing the lake’s picturesque landscape from a different angle and appreciating the surrounding natural beauty will be your experience. Later, return to Kigali and go to the airport for check-in (Traveling flights from 06:00PM and later are suggested).

meals Breakfast and packed lunch

From 3165$

Cancel for free until 24 hours before you visit and get a full refund
What's included/Excluded
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary. 
  • Transportation in an enclosed 4WD Land Cruiser
  • Return airport transfers.
  • Fuel for the entire trip.
  • 02L daily mineral water per person during the safari. 
  • 04 Nights’ Accommodation. 
  • Gorilla and golden monkey tracking permit(s) 
  • Activities as outlined in the itinerary.
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • AMREF medical evacuation coverage
  • All optional activities and services not mentioned above.  
highlights
  • Guided Kigali city tour
  • Optional Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience 
  • Volcanoes Golden Monkey Trek 
  • Bwindi Gorilla tracking expedition 
  • Bunyonyi “Top of the World” Hike 
  • Lake Bunyonyi canoe adventure 
  • In-depth cultural and nature trails 
  • Birding on primate treks 
  • Stunning scenic views 
  • Souvenir shopping  
Notes

DISCLAIMER: Journey times in the itinerary are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions |Accommodation options listed are subject to availability at the time of booking; if unavailable, comparable properties will be provided |Allocation within the five sectors of Bwindi will depend on availability at the time of booking and cannot be predetermined |Rates are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Any adjustments or top-ups will be communicated and reflected in your final invoice.

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