This eight-day cross-border journey is the ultimate primate and wildlife circuit — start in Kigali with a moving city tour, trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, cruise Lake Kivu, track golden monkeys where silver meets gold at Mgahinga, then cross into Uganda for a second gorilla trek in Bwindi, savannah game drives and a Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth, and afternoon chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. Kitum Cave Safaris handles permits, cross-border logistics, mid-range lodges, and a dedicated 4x4 driver-guide throughout.
Rwanda and Uganda · Wildlife & Primate Safari
8 Days Rwanda–Uganda Safari
Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth & Kibale8 Days / 7 Nights$5,470
Duration: 8 Days / 7 NightsType: Wildlife & Primate SafariAvailability: Available year-round — gorilla and chimp permits must be booked well in advance
About This Journey
Journey Details
- Destination
- Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth & Kibale
- Accommodation
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge · Cormoran Lodge · Travelers Rest · Bakiga Lodge · Irungu Forest Safari Lodge · Isunga Lodge (7 nights mid-range)
- Transport
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with professional driver-guide; cross-border COMESA insurance; route Kigali–Musanze–Kivu–Kisoro–Bwindi–Queen Elizabeth–Kibale–Entebbe
- From
- $5,470
per person · deposit $1,641 (30%)
Day by Day
Itinerary
After breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour — visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, and the Belgian peacekeepers memorial honouring soldiers who lost their lives during the crisis. Enjoy a packed lunch while driving to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda (approximately 2–3 hours). Check in at the lodge for overnight.
After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing and allocation of your gorilla family. Hike through the forest with rangers to find a habituated group — the trek takes 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements. Spend one hour observing them, then drive approximately 3 hours to Lake Kivu. Check in, refresh, and relax at the lodge.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat tour on Lake Kivu — visit Napoleon Island, named for its distinctive shape and home to fruit bats, and a traditional fishing village to observe local methods. Check out after the boat safari and have lunch, then transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — where silver meets gold — for overnight at the lodge ahead of golden monkey tracking.
After morning breakfast, trek into the forest in search of golden monkeys — trackers follow fresh bamboo shoots left from the previous day. Once found, spend one hour watching them leap through the trees. After lunch, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in at the lodge, refresh, and prepare for your second gorilla trek tomorrow.
Early breakfast, then head to Bwindi park headquarters for briefing before setting off with experienced guides in search of mountain gorillas. Spend an hour with these giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, enjoy packed lunch while driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park — Uganda's most popular and biodiverse safari destination (approximately 4–6 hours). Check in at the lodge on arrival.
Very early breakfast, then a morning game drive on the savannah — lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and antelope are commonly sighted. In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, consistently rich with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and birdlife along the shores. Return to the lodge for relaxation.
After breakfast, transfer to Kibale National Park — the primate capital of the world with over 1,500 chimpanzees (approximately 1.5 hours). Check in at the lodge, relax, and prepare for afternoon chimpanzee trekking. Briefing at park headquarters, then trek from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre (from 3:30 pm) for 2–5 hours with expert guides to a habituated chimp group.
After breakfast, transfer to Kampala/Entebbe for drop-off in time for your evening flight — end of trip.
What's Included
- Rwanda gorilla permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- Uganda gorilla permit (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
- Chimpanzee permit (Kibale National Park)
- Golden monkey permit (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
- Park entrance fees (Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Bwindi)
- 7 nights mid-range accommodation with daily breakfast
- 4x4 Land Cruiser, fuel, and professional driver-guide
- Cross-border COMESA insurance
- Lake Kivu and Kazinga Channel boat safaris
- Kigali city tour
- East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda–Uganda)
- Mineral water whilst on safari
- All activities listed in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner (available at extra cost — breakfast is included)
- International flights to/from home
- Personal items and laundry
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Gallery
Destination Gallery
Location
Destination Map
Best Time to Visit
Primate trekking runs year-round. Dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer easier forest trails and clearer savannah viewing.
What to Bring
- Valid passport and East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda–Uganda)
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
- Light rain jacket, daypack, and gaiters for forest treks
- Insect repellent, sun protection, and reusable water bottle
- Binoculars and camera (no flash during primate viewing)
- Yellow fever certificate (recommended)
- Travel insurance documents
Pricing
Clear Pricing
$5,470per person
Approximate display rates — final amount confirmed at booking
USD
$5,470
UGX
USh 20,786,000
KES
Ksh 705,630
EUR
5.032 €
Per person mid-range, foreign non-resident rates. Includes two gorilla treks, golden monkey tracking, and chimpanzee trekking. Breakfast included; lunch and dinner extra.
Secure with a 30% deposit ($1,641) — balance due before travel.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are available throughout the journey at extra cost — lodges and restaurants along the route serve them, and we can help you arrange them.
Two — one in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and one in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Both gorilla permits are included in the package price quoted for foreign non-residents.
The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers both Rwanda and Uganda for eligible nationalities. We advise on the latest requirements when you book.
Moderate fitness is recommended. Gorilla and chimp treks can last 2–6 hours on steep, muddy terrain. Golden monkey tracking is generally shorter but still involves forest walking.
Yes — golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is included, along with the chimpanzee trek in Kibale and all park fees listed in the itinerary.
Visa/Mastercard, mobile money (MTN & Airtel), and bank transfer. We send payment instructions after you inquire. Online card checkout is being set up.
Important Information
- Minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years
- Two gorilla permits included — book months in advance
- Mid-range accommodation as quoted; upgrades available on request
- Moderate fitness required for multiple forest treks across eight days
Booking Requirements
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- East Africa Tourist Visa or individual Rwanda/Uganda visas
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate recommended
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
Cancellation Policy
Deposit refundable up to 45 days before departure minus admin fees. Gorilla and chimp permits are subject to national park authority policies once issued — non-transferable in most cases.
Ready to Experience 8 Days Rwanda–Uganda Safari?
Secure your spot with a partial payment or pay in full. Our team will confirm your booking and send you a receipt.