8 Days Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari (Golden Monkeys, Gorilla Trekking, & Game Drives)

Arrival in Kigali: Gateway to Your Adventure

Your journey begins when you land at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s primary international gateway. Upon arrival, a Saso Uganda Safaris guide will greet you and assist with immigration and luggage. From there, you’ll enjoy a comfortable road transfer to your accommodation in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Check-in at Hotel Des Mille Collines

You will check in at the Hotel Des Mille Collines, one of Kigali’s finest hotels. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a relaxing atmosphere. After check-in, you’ll have the remainder of the day to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for your upcoming adventures.

Rwanda’s capital is known for its cleanliness, friendliness, and welcoming people, making it the perfect place to start your journey through the country. You may also explore the city at your leisure, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, or enjoy a local meal at one of the city’s many restaurants.

• Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at Hotel Des Mille Collines.
• Meals and drinks as per the hotel package.

Morning Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, you will embark on a Kigali city tour, which will give you an introduction to Rwanda’s rich history, culture, and development. Your guide will take you to key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s tragic past and its remarkable recovery. You’ll also visit Kigali’s craft markets, where you can purchase souvenirs made by local artisans, and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s beautiful hills.

Afternoon Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, a journey that takes about 2.5 hours. En route, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, lush terraced farms, and picturesque valleys.

Evening Iby’Iwachu Cultural Experience

Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you’ll visit Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience the traditional Rwandan lifestyle. Here, you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities, learn about their cultural practices, and watch traditional dances, drumming, and songs.

This cultural experience offers a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the local way of life, as well as the community’s involvement in gorilla conservation efforts.

• Kigali City Tour.
• Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit to Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village.
• Accommodation near the park.

Morning Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

On Day 3, you’ll embark on a thrilling golden monkey tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. These endangered primates are a sight to behold as they move through the bamboo forests of the park. Golden monkeys are smaller and more agile than gorillas, but equally fascinating to observe in their natural habitat. Your 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari guide will take you through the forest to find these playful monkeys, giving you a chance to photograph and learn about their behavior and ecology.

Afternoon Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After your golden monkey adventure, you’ll have lunch and then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, a journey that will take approximately 3-4 hours. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas, making it one of the most important destinations for gorilla trekking.

Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll have some free time to relax before your exciting trek the next day.

• Golden monkey tracking permit and park fees.
• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Accommodation near Bwindi.

Early Morning Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The highlight of Day 4 is mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park’s headquarters to meet your ranger guides. You will receive a briefing about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and the trek.

The trek through Bwindi’s dense forest can be challenging, with muddy paths and steep terrain. But the reward is incredible. Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll have one hour to observe these magnificent animals up close. Watching them interact with each other, eat, or rest is a magical experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Evening Relaxation at the Lodge

After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy the evening at leisure, reflecting on your remarkable encounter with the mountain gorillas.

• Mountain gorilla trekking permit and park fees.
• Ranger guides for the trek.
• Accommodation at a lodge near Bwindi.

Morning Road Transfer to Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic road transfer to Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a unique phenomenon where lions rest in the branches of fig trees during the heat of the day. Your 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari guide will take you through this fascinating area in search of these rare lions, as well as other wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

Evening Game Drives

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a game drive through Ishasha, where you may have the opportunity to see more wildlife, including the elusive tree-climbing lions. The area is also home to many bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

• Game drive in Ishasha Sector.
• Transfer to Ishasha.
• Accommodation at a lodge near Ishasha.

Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kasenyi Plains

On Day 6, you’ll enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kasenyi Plains. The park is known for its rich wildlife, including the Big Four (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo) and a wide variety of antelopes and birds. The Kasenyi Plains are particularly known for their lion sightings, so keep your eyes peeled for these majestic predators.

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This scenic boat ride offers fantastic wildlife viewing, as animals often come down to drink at the water’s edge. You may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a host of bird species, including the African fish eagle.

• Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains.
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
• Accommodation at a lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest

On Day 7, you’ll head to Kalinzu Forest for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience. Kalinzu is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and tracking them through the forest is a thrilling experience. The chimpanzees are playful and often loud, making them easy to find. You’ll be able to observe them as they feed, socialize, and move through the forest.

Evening Relaxation at the Lodge

After your chimpanzee tracking experience, you’ll return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation. Reflect on your experiences and enjoy a peaceful evening in the beautiful surroundings.

• Chimpanzee tracking permit and park fees.
• Accommodation at a lodge near Kalinzu Forest.

Scenic Transfer to Entebbe

On the final day of your 8 Days Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. The drive will take approximately 7-8 hours, but it’s a beautiful journey, offering one last chance to take in the stunning landscapes of Uganda.

• Road transfer to Entebbe Airport.
• Drop-off at the airport for departure.