12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda

Discover the Best of Uganda and Rwanda While Empowering Communities and Promoting Responsible Travel. 

This is a transformative 12-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda. This tour not only offers unforgettable primate and wildlife encounters but also emphasizes community empowerment and responsible travel, ensuring that your travel has a positive impact.

12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda

Overview of the safari experience

Discover the best of Uganda and Rwanda in the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda Experience. This round trip offers opportunities for encounters with primates, diverse wildlife, breathtaking views, people, and culture in Uganda and Rwanda.

This tour promotes Commitment to Sustainability and Community Empowerment.

Throughout the 12 days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda, experience accommodations and activities that prioritize sustainability and community engagement:

• Eco-Friendly Luxury Lodges: Stay in environmentally conscious lodges that use sustainable practices such as solar energy, water conservation, and waste management. These lodges also prioritize hiring and training local staff, providing fair wages and professional development opportunities.
• Community-Based Tourism: Engage with local communities through cultural experiences and guided nature walks. Learn about traditional crafts, music, and dance, directly supporting artisans and cultural preservation.
• Conservation Support: Your participation in the tour contributes to crucial conservation projects, from anti-poaching efforts to habitat restoration. Trekking permits and park fees fund these initiatives, ensuring the long-term survival of endangered species and ecosystems.

Safari highlights of the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest.
• Crater Lakes Region- Crater Rim Walk 
• An encounter with the gentle giants of the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi / Volcanoes NP 
• A unique encounter with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
• Butare City and Nyanza – King’s Palace and Ethnographic Museum 
• An encounter with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and a canopy walk 
• Kigali city tour and Butare – Kigali genocide memorial center 
• Community Interactions.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Uganda

Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a Travelers Link Africa representative and escorted to your hotel, marking the beginning of your 12 days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda in East Africa.  Accommodation at Hotel NO.5 (B&B)

Day 2:  Entebbe – Kibale Forest 

Start your adventure in the lush Kibale Forest National Park, which boasts the highest concentration of primates in Africa. Depart from Entebbe and head west to Fort Portal, stopping for lunch along the way. Nestled in the shadow of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon,” Fort Portal is renowned for its picturesque tea plantations. From this charming town, proceed to Kibale National Park.  Accommodation and Meals at Kyaninga Lodge

Day 3:   Chimp Trekking and Crater Lakes Region 

Chimp Tracking in Kibale Forest

Today, the forest beckons you for an unforgettable chimp trekking adventure. Kibale Forest is renowned for its incredible diversity and the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Join a guided nature walk through the tropical rainforest to search for wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other fascinating species.

Scenic Views of the Crater Lakes and Crater Rim Walk.

After enjoying a hearty lunch, we’ll head to the Crater Lakes region to take in the stunning views of the Kasenda Crater Lakes. These lakes, surrounded by steep crater rims, create secluded sanctuaries for monkeys and birds, offering a serene and picturesque environment.

Alternatively, you may explore Kyaninga, on a Crater Rim Walk for 1 and 1/2 hours taking in spectacular views of the lake, the Ruwenzori Mountains, and the beautiful rolling hills of Fort Portal. Afterward, return to camp to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. 

Accommodation and Meals at Kyaninga Lodge

Day 4:     Kibale Forest – Bwindi National Park

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, famous for its population of mountain gorillas. Enjoy lunch along the way before arriving in the evening to unwind at Mahogany Springs- Superior Suites, where you’ll be accommodated and served meals on the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda.

Day 5:     Gorilla trekking

Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi!  Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide.

After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. 

You will have a packed lunch from the lodge for this hike. Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young, and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles – it is a unique and unforgettable experience!  Accommodation and meals at Mahogany Springs- Superior Suites.

In the evening, you may get the opportunity to offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree or shrub at the Mahogany grounds OR visit Ride 4 a Woman a charitable organization set up to support women struggling with poverty, HIV, and domestic violence.

Day 6:     Bwindi National Park –Volcanoes National Park

Today, we will leave the impenetrable forest of Bwindi National Park and head towards the Rwanda border. From there, we’ll continue our journey to Rwanda’s most stunning national park: Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at  Virunga Lodge.

Day 7:  Gorilla trekking OR Golden Monkey Hiking and Gorilla Guardian Village.

Another chance to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas awaits you. Trek through the verdant landscapes and rolling hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. After an awe-inspiring hour with the gorillas, return to the lodge during the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda Experience.

Alternatively, opt for a golden monkey trekking adventure in the park. Spend the morning exploring the lush vegetation near Mount Sabyinyo in search of one of two habituated groups of golden monkeys, including a troop of over 80 members. Enjoy an enchanting hour observing their playful antics as they leap through bamboo shoots or tumble amidst the dense forest foliage.

Explore Gorilla Guardian Village

After the trekking, head to the Gorilla Guardian Village Visitors and have the opportunity to engage directly with the local community, learning about their traditional ways of life and the cultural significance of mountain gorillas. Guided tours offer insights into the village’s efforts in wildlife protection and habitat restoration, showcasing how tourism can be a force for positive change in preserving Rwanda’s biodiversity. Accommodation and Meals at Virunga Lodge.

Day 8:  Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu

After enjoying breakfast, journey to Lake Kivu where you will arrive in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque islands on a relaxing boat ride, swimming leisurely, or strolling through local markets surrounded by historic buildings. You’ll stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Day 9: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest NP

After breakfast, depart for Butare, Rwanda’s second-largest city. En route, pause at Nyanza, where you’ll visit the reconstructed former Mwami’s palace, designed in a distinctive thatched dome shape reminiscent of a beehive. This royal residence offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s traditional heritage.

Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, established in 1987. This museum showcases one of Africa’s most impressive ethnographic collections across seven galleries. Explore historical, artistic, and archaeological artifacts accompanied by visual aids, offering a profound insight into Rwandan culture. Later, settle in for the night at One & Only Nyungwe House.

Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking  and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, you’ll set out early for a chimpanzee trekking adventure. Depending on availability, you may trek in Cyamudongo Forest, a small, isolated ‘island’ of forest surrounded by tea estates, just over an hour’s drive from the Gisakura Park office. This area is home to about 40 chimpanzees.

Alternatively, you might visit the Uwinka group, the largest habituated group with approximately 65 individuals. The duration of your trek will vary based on the chimps’ location, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours as they move in search of food.

Following lunch, enjoy a thrilling 3-hour canopy walk along a 160m-long and 70m-high walkway, offering panoramic views of the forest and potential sightings of various primate species. Return to One & Only Nyungwe House for relaxation, where accommodation and meals are provided.

Day 11: Nyungwe Forest – Kigali

After breakfast, we’ll journey to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital known for its diverse selection of hotels, excellent restaurants, bustling markets, and exquisite local crafts. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the city’s charms with a guided tour, exploring significant historical sites such as the Kigali Memorial Centre. Tonight, enjoy accommodation at The Retreat By Heaven.

 Day 12:  Kigali city tour – Departure

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour that immerses you in the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Rwanda. You can explore the Kandt House, once the residence of Dr. Richard Kandt, the first German colonial resident of Rwanda, now transformed into the Museum of Natural History in tribute to his pioneering work.

Alternatively, visit the Kigali Memorial Centre, a poignant reminder of the tragic 1994 massacres. Located on grounds where over 250,000 victims are interred, the museum offers powerful exhibits that narrate Rwanda’s history and the events of the genocide. Touch-screen displays feature testimonials from survivors who lived through this harrowing period.

As you reflect on the profound experiences and indelible memories from the 12 days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda Experience, bid farewell to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You will be transferred to the airport in time for your international departure, enriched by this transformative journey in East Africa.

Included in the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda 

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD with gasoline/fuel,
• Accommodation and  Meals
• Gorilla Trekking Permits USD 800
• Golden Monkey Trekking 
• Gorilla Guardians Village
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest 
• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Canopy walk
• Mwami Palace and Ethnographic Museum
• Kigali City Tour
• All Park Entrance Fees
• All Primate Permits.
• Refillable Water Bottle
•  English-speaking Tour guide

Excluded in the 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda 

• Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park USD 1500
• International Airfares;
• Ugandan and Rwanda Entry Visa Fees,
• Alcoholic Drinks and Beverages,
• Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff,
• Optional activities in Lake Kivu 
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.

Experience the magic of Uganda and Rwanda’s primate kingdoms on our exclusive 12 Days Primates of Uganda and Rwanda Tour.