8 Days Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari via Kigali

8 Days | 7 Nights | Scheduled and Guided Tour

An Unforgettable Expedition through Misty Forests and Majestic Savannahs

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda and cross into the heart of Uganda for an unforgettable encounter with some of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife. This 8-day adventure immerses you in the lush jungles of Mgahinga and Bwindi for golden monkey and gorilla tracking, before winding through Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Parks for thrilling game drives and unforgettable chimpanzee encounters. Perfectly balanced for wildlife enthusiasts and primate lovers, this safari combines awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural experiences and world-renowned biodiversity.

Safari Highlights

Gorilla & Golden Monkey Encounters – Track rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga and spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Big Game Safaris – Experience thrilling game drives across Queen Elizabeth National Park, spotting elephants, lions, buffalo and more.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Meet our closest relatives in the lush Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species.

Kazinga Channel Cruise – Glide past hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds on one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways.

Scenic Landscapes & Cultural Touchpoints – Journey through Uganda’s highlands, forests and savannahs, with chances to connect with local communities.

Day 1: Kigali – Journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kigali, Rwanda, into Uganda’s stunning southwestern highlands. Optional visits include the Kigali Genocide Memorial before crossing the border. After a lunch stop, continue through the rolling hills to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, arriving at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Accommodation: Lake Chahafi Resort / Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi

After a hearty breakfast, receive a morning briefing at the park headquarters and set out on an exhilarating golden monkey tracking expedition through Mgahinga’s bamboo forest. Watch these rare and playful primates leap through the canopy in their natural habitat. After the trek, collect your tracking certificate before heading to the misty hills of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Silverback Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas / Lake Kitandara Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Rise early for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides, then begin your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Hike deep into the forest to observe a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural home. You’ll spend up to one magical hour with them—a moment that leaves many travelers speechless. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Silverback Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp / Bwindi View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leave Bwindi’s emerald canopy behind and embark on a scenic journey north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Watch as the landscape transitions from thick forest to savannah plains, home to elephants, lions, antelope and buffalo. Arrive in time to unwind and enjoy your lodge’s serene surroundings.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge / Enganzi Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge / Simba Safari Camp / Tembo Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Game Drive & Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

Start the day with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains, famous for lions, elephants and large herds of Ugandan kob. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel—renowned for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles and water birds. The boat safari offers excellent photographic opportunities and close-up wildlife views.

Accommodation: Same as above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning game drive through the Mweya Peninsula or visit the traditional Katwe Salt Lakes. Afterward, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. Upon arrival, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary—a community-run reserve teeming with birds, butterflies and monkeys.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House / Mountain of the Moon Hotel / Primates Lodge Kibale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Today you’ll meet our closest cousins—the chimpanzees. After a briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, enter the lush Kibale Forest for an exciting tracking adventure. Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and baboons. Return to your lodge in the afternoon for leisure or optional nature walks.

Accommodation: Same as above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kigali

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali through the scenic countryside. Reflect on the unforgettable memories and meaningful encounters from your time in Uganda as you make your way to the airport or hotel for your onward journey.

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch