22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife

22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife adventure is a definitive cross-border expedition that captures the very soul of East Africa. This immersive journey begins in the clean, rolling hills of Rwanda and winds through the mist-shrouded peaks and sprawling savannahs of Uganda. Designed for those who seek deep connection over hurried sightseeing, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife focuses on the continent’s most profound animal encounters. You will find yourself standing in the quiet presence of mountain gorillas, watching chimpanzees swing through ancient canopies, and tracking the rare golden monkeys. Beyond primates, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife features classic Big Five game drives, the thunderous Murchison Falls, and the rhythmic songs of Lake Kivu’s fishermen. It is a thoughtfully paced road trip that balances the physical challenge of volcano hiking with the serenity of crater lakes, offering a transformative perspective on regional conservation and the enduring spirit of the local people.



Tour Highlights

  • Explore Kigali’s historic city center.
  • Track Nyungwe’s agile colobus monkeys.
  • Walk above forest canopy bridge.
  • Cruise scenic Lake Kivu shores.
  • Track endangered golden monkeys daily.
  • Visit Iby’Iwacu’s vibrant cultural village.
  • n gorillas in Rwanda.
  • Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
  • Explore Mgahinga’s ancient Batwa trail.
  • Canoe between Bunyonyi’s emerald islands.
  • Face mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
  • Meet Bwindi’s welcoming local communities.
  • Spot Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions daily.
  • Drive through dramatic explosion craters.
  • Search for lions in Kasenyi.
  • Cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.
  • Hike legendary Rwenzori mountain slopes.
  • Spend full day with chimpanzees.
  • Boil eggs in Sempaya springs.
  • Explore Amabere’s mythical stalactite caves.
  • Walk through Mpanga tea estates.
  • Visit Kibiro’s ancient salt gardens.
  • View world’s most powerful waterfall.
  • Navigate the Victoria Nile delta.
  • Stand at Source of Nile.

Detailed Itinerary Day By Day

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

Your 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife begins in Kigali, a city renowned for its order and remarkable transformation. After a warm greeting, you explore the capital’s landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This visit offers a somber yet essential understanding of Rwanda’s history and its journey toward reconciliation. You also visit local markets and craft centers, witnessing the vibrant pulse of modern Rwandan life. The clean streets and flowering hills provide a gentle introduction to the "Land of a Thousand Hills." As the first evening of your 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife settles in, you enjoy a meal overlooking the city lights, reflecting on the resilience of the people and the incredible natural beauty that awaits you in the southwestern forests tomorrow.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife heads south toward the ancient Nyungwe Forest. This scenic drive takes you through terraced hillsides and traditional villages, offering a window into rural Rwandan life. You will stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, home to one of Africa’s finest archaeological collections, providing deep insight into the region’s pre-colonial heritage. As you approach Nyungwe, the vegetation turns into a dense, primary rainforest that has survived since the last Ice Age. This forest is a vital water catchment and a sanctuary for thirteen primate species. Arriving at the edge of the park, the cooler air and the sounds of the jungle signal the start of the wilderness chapter of your 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Colobus Monkey Tracking and Canopy Walk

Today on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, you step into the emerald world of Nyungwe. In the morning, you track the large troops of Black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Watching hundreds of these acrobatic primates leap through the high canopy is a spectacular sight. In the afternoon, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife takes you 70 meters above the forest floor on the famous Canopy Walk. Walking across the suspended bridge gives you a bird’s-eye view of the ancient treetops and hidden ravines. It is a thrilling way to appreciate the forest’s complex layers and spot rare birds or orchids. This day highlights the unique montane ecology of Rwanda, providing an exhilarating start to your primate encounters in one of Central Africa's most important biodiversity hotspots.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi Area)

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife follows the Congo-Nile Trail toward the sparkling shores of Lake Kivu. This drive is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Africa, with the road winding along the lake’s edge and offering constant views of blue water and green peninsulas. You pass through bustling lakeside towns like Karongi, where you can see local farmers tending to coffee and tea plantations. Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes, and its serene atmosphere provides a perfect "safari pause." Upon reaching Gisenyi, you feel the tropical breeze and see the distant Nyiragongo volcano glowing on the horizon. This transit day on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife focuses on the stunning geology of the Western Rift Valley.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Lake Kivu Experience and Volcanoes National Park

Morning on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is dedicated to the tranquility of Lake Kivu. You can enjoy a boat ride to explore the nearby islands or simply walk along the sandy beaches of Gisenyi. Witnessing the rhythmic rowing of the "Sambaza" fishermen in their unique three-hulled canoes is a cultural highlight. In the afternoon, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife heads north toward the dramatic Virunga Mountains. As you ascend toward Volcanoes National Park, the landscape becomes dominated by the five massive peaks that form the park’s backbone. You arrive at the home of the mountain gorillas in the late afternoon, with the mist-covered slopes providing an expectant backdrop for the life-changing wildlife encounters scheduled for the coming days.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Golden Monkeys and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife ventures into the bamboo forests of the Virungas to track the endangered Golden Monkeys. These playful, fast-moving primates are endemic to this region and are a joy to observe as they leap through the stalks. In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a community project where former poachers now share their heritage. You will witness traditional dances, learn about ancient medicine, and see a demonstration of a Rwandan wedding. This cultural immersion is a core part of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, showing how tourism supports both conservation and local livelihoods. The day ends with a deep appreciation for the human and natural history that makes this volcanic region so unique.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is a defining moment of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you enter the thick forest to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending one sacred hour just meters away from a silverback and his family is a memory that stays with you forever. Watching their gentle interactions and human-like expressions is a deeply moving experience. The strict conservation rules ensure that your presence protects these magnificent apes. Returning from the forest, you carry a new perspective on our place in the natural world. This encounter is the physical and emotional peak of the Rwandan chapter of your 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Dian Fossey Hike and Crossing to Uganda

Today on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, you pay tribute to the pioneer of gorilla conservation. You hike to the Karisoke Research Center, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, to visit the grave of Dian Fossey and her beloved gorilla, Digit. The hike offers a look at the challenging conditions Fossey worked in to save the species from extinction. In the afternoon, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife crosses the border at Cyanika into Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. The transition into the "Pearl of Africa" is marked by a change in scenery to the lush Kigezi highlands. You settle into your lodge under the shadow of the three extinct volcanoes, ready for the Ugandan chapter of your expedition.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Batwa Cultural Experience and Lake Bunyonyi

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife delves into the ancient history of the forest’s original inhabitants. The Batwa Cultural Experience in Mgahinga takes you on a trail through the lower slopes where the Batwa share their ancestral survival skills, hunting techniques, and honey-gathering methods. Hearing their songs in the Garama Cave is a powerful cultural moment. Afterward, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife heads to Lake Bunyonyi, a place of incredible serenity. Known as the "place of many little birds," this lake is dotted with 29 emerald islands. After days of trekking, the calm waters and terraced hills provide a beautiful environment for reflection, marking a peaceful transition in the middle of your three-week 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi Islands and Bwindi Forest

Morning on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is spent exploring Lake Bunyonyi by dugout canoe. You visit legendary islands like Punishment Island and learn about the local customs of the Bakiga people. The lake is bilharzia-free, making it perfect for a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife moves toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This drive through the "Switzerland of Africa" offers breathtaking views of steep, terraced hillsides and vibrant mountain markets. Entering the Bwindi region, the vegetation becomes incredibly dense and ancient. You arrive at your lodge overlooking the canopy, preparing for your second gorilla encounter, which offers a different perspective on the species in a more primary rainforest setting.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Bwindi Gorilla Tracking and Community Visit

For many, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is a rare chance to track gorillas twice in different habitats. Bwindi’s terrain is steeper and more "impenetrable" than the Virungas, offering a raw, adventurous trek. Spending another hour with a different gorilla family allows you to notice subtle differences in their behavior and group dynamics. In the afternoon, you visit a local community project to see how the people living around Bwindi benefit from tourism. You might visit a local school, a traditional healer, or a women’s craft group. This day reinforces the conservation message of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, highlighting the vital partnership between the forest, the wildlife, and the local communities that protect them.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Ishasha Sector and Queen Elizabeth Park

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife heads north into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This remote area is world-famous for its tree-climbing lions. You spend the afternoon scanning the large sycamore fig trees for these predators, who lounge in the branches to escape the heat and flies. Spotting a pride of lions draped over tree limbs like leopards is a unique wildlife highlight. The drive then continues through the park’s crater track, offering spectacular views of volcanic explosion craters. This transition from the deep forest to the open savannah is a classic feature of the 21 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, showcasing the incredible geographic variety that allows Uganda to host both great apes and large savannah cats.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Kasese

Today the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife focuses on the Kasenyi Plains. An early morning drive reveals lions, hyenas, and the beautiful Uganda kob. In the afternoon, you board a boat for a cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway holds one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos and incredible birdlife. Seeing elephants and buffaloes drink at the water’s edge is a signature experience. Afterward, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife transfers to Kasese, located at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. The sights shift from aquatic life to the towering peaks that form the border with Congo. This day provides a perfect blend of water-based and land-based wildlife viewing, keeping the pace of the journey engaging and diverse.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Rwenzori Hike and Kibale Forest

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife takes a physical turn as you enjoy a guided hike into the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary "Mountains of the Moon." While not a summit climb, the walk takes you through the lush lower zones, crossing mountain streams and enjoying views of the jagged peaks. It is a fresh, invigorating way to experience Africa’s tallest mountain range. Afterward, the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife continues to Kibale Forest National Park. Driving through the crater lake region of Fort Portal, you pass through endless tea estates that carpet the hills in vibrant green. You arrive at the "Primate Capital of the World" in the late afternoon, with the sounds of chimpanzees echoing through the trees, signaling the next big adventure.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Full Day Chimpanzee Habituation (CHEX)

A unique highlight of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Unlike standard treks, you spend a full day with the chimps, starting from the time they leave their nests at dawn. You follow a community as they forage, hunt, socialized, and play, gaining an intimate understanding of their complex social lives. This immersive day is a favorite for photographers and researchers alike. By the time they build their nests for the evening, you will have spent several hours observing our closest relatives in their natural habitat. This deep dive into primate behavior is a standout feature of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, offering a level of intimacy rarely found on shorter tours.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Hot Springs, Pygmies, and Crater Lakes

Today on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, you explore the diverse cultural and geological sites around Fort Portal. You visit the Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki, where boiling water bubbles from the earth. You also meet the Ntandi pygmy community to learn about their forest traditions. The journey continues to the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves, where stalactites and stalagmites are intertwined with local legends of a beautiful princess. A hike to the nearby crater lakes provides panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. This day of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is a masterclass in variety, combining geothermal wonders, indigenous culture, and dramatic rift valley geography, ensuring that every hour brings a new and fascinating discovery.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Mpanga Tea Estates and Hoima

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife takes a scenic route north through the Mpanga Tea Estates. You can walk through the neatly trimmed tea bushes and see the pickers at work, perhaps even trying your hand at the harvest. The drive then continues toward the town of Hoima, passing through rural villages and local markets. This "transit day" is a vital part of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, providing a window into the agricultural heart of Uganda. You see how the land supports the people, from banana plantations to cattle farms. Arriving in Hoima in the late afternoon, you have a chance to relax and prepare for the final wildlife chapter in the northern savannahs of Murchison Falls.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Kibiro Salt Gardens and Murchison Falls

Heading further north on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, you stop at the Kibiro Salt Gardens on the shores of Lake Albert. This traditional salt mining site has been in use for centuries and offers a fascinating look at ancient industrial techniques still used today. The descent down the escarpment provides stunning views of the lake and the Blue Mountains of Congo. The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife then enters Murchison Falls National Park. You drive through the park toward your lodge, perhaps spotting your first herds of giraffes or elephants. The change from the lush, hilly west to the open northern savannah is a dramatic conclusion to the geographic diversity of your three-week-long expedition.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Murchison Game Drive and Boat Cruise

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife reaches its wildlife peak in Uganda's largest park. A morning game drive on the Buligi Peninsula reveals lions, leopards, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. In the afternoon, you board a boat for the famous cruise toward the base of Murchison Falls. You will see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants lining the banks of the Nile. The sight of the world’s most powerful waterfall squeezing through a seven-meter gap is a breathtaking display of natural energy. You can choose to hike to the top of the falls to feel the earth shake. This day perfectly captures the wild, untamed spirit that the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife aims to deliver, combining epic land and water safaris.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: Transfer to Jinja

The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife begins its final leg by driving east toward Jinja. The journey takes you through the heart of the country, crossing the Victoria Nile and moving past vibrant trading centers. You will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary if you missed it earlier, or head straight to the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Jinja is where the Nile begins its 4,000-mile journey to the Mediterranean. Arriving in the late afternoon, you can relax at a riverside lodge and listen to the sound of the rapids. This transit day on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife marks the transition from the wild savannahs to the historic source of the world's longest river.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: The Source of the Nile

Today on the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife, you explore the historic Source of the Nile. You take a boat ride to the exact point where the river leaves Lake Victoria, a spot famously discovered by John Hanning Speke. It is a moment of great geographic significance. You can also visit the nearby Bujagali Falls area or explore Jinja’s colonial-style town and vibrant craft markets. For those seeking more excitement, optional whitewater rafting or bungee jumping is available. This final full day of the 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife is a celebration of the Nile, providing a serene and historic conclusion to your journey through the diverse landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22: Departure

Your 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife concludes today. After a final breakfast by the river, you are transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. As you drive through the lush countryside one last time, you reflect on the incredible diversity you have witnessed—from the mountain gorillas of the Virungas to the lions of the savannah and the thunderous Murchison Falls. The 22 Days Rwanda and Uganda primate safari and wildlife has provided a complete and transformative look at East Africa’s natural and cultural treasures. You leave with a full camera, a tired body, and a soul enriched by the "Pearl of Africa" and the "Land of a Thousand Hills," marking the end of your grand adventure.


Accommodation

Meal Plan

Breakfast & Lunch

Cost Includes

  • Gorilla tracking permit
  • Golden monkey tracking
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale forest
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit in Nyungwe
  • Canopy walk in Nyungwe
  • Game drive in Akagera
  • Game drive in Queen Elizabeth park
  • Game drives in Murchision falls
  • Game drives in Kidepo valley
  • Jinja white water rafting
  • Game drive at Piani upe game reserve
  • Boat safari in Murchison falls
  • Gam drive in Queen Elizabeth park
  • Boat safari at Kazinga channel
  • Visit to top of Murchison falls
  • Golden monkey tracking permit
  • Park fees for all locations visited
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
  • Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
  • Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Driver allowances and park entry fees

Cost Excludes

  • Rwandan Visa
  • Uganda Visa
  • Uganda visa (available online or on arrival)
  • International and internal flights
  • Personal expenses and gratuitie
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Laundry services
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Tips for staff and guides

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