Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari

Embark on a cross-country primate safari across Uganda and Rwanda, exploring the lush rainforests, rare wildlife, and vibrant cultures of East Africa. This incredible journey offers a close encounter with some of the world’s most captivating primates, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys. This itinerary has become especially popular due to the option of arriving and departing via Kigali, Rwanda, which offers more accessible and shorter travel times to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, bypassing the long drive from Entebbe.

Here’s how One More Adventure Safaris can tailor your Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari to create an unforgettable experience:

Highlights of the Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Known for its dense forest, Bwindi is home to a significant population of mountain gorillas. Visitors trek through misty, lush landscapes for a life-changing encounter with these gentle giants.
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): For those interested in double gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers an alternative gorilla trekking experience with its habituated gorilla families. This park, located near Kigali, allows you to experience gorilla trekking in both countries.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking

• Kibale National Park (Uganda): Known as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale offers a fantastic chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience. Kibale is also home to numerous other primate species, including the black-and-white colobus monkey and red-tailed monkey.
• Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda): Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and provides an immersive chimpanzee trekking experience. It also offers opportunities to see other primates, such as the colobus monkeys, in their natural habitat.

3. Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is a unique experience found in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. This trek allows you to witness these beautiful, playful monkeys in the wild as they leap through bamboo forests. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are a rare sight to behold.

4. Other Primates and Wildlife

In addition to gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, this safari also presents opportunities to encounter other primates, including colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. You can further enrich your experience by combining the primate safari with wildlife sightings, cultural experiences, or even additional adventures in Kenya and Tanzania.

Recommended Itinerary for Uganda and Rwanda Primate Safari

This flexible itinerary covers both Uganda and Rwanda, featuring primate treks, cultural encounters, and optional wildlife add-ons.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• Kigali City Tour: Upon arrival, take a tour of Kigali, visiting sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries.
• Overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Drive to Volcanoes National Park: Enjoy a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, with views of rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.
• Optional golden monkey trek or relaxing evening at the lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a morning trek to see the gorillas. This experience brings you face-to-face with a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
• Return to Kigali or overnight near Volcanoes National Park if planning additional treks or activities.

Day 4: Transfer to Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Cross the border from Rwanda into Uganda and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This drive offers a scenic journey through the Virunga Mountains.
• Overnight at a selected lodge in Bwindi.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: Join a guided trek through Bwindi’s dense forest, seeking out a habituated gorilla family. The encounter allows you up-close time with the gorillas, providing an incredible, life-changing experience.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience (Optional): Spend up to four hours with a gorilla family as part of the habituation process in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking

• Scenic Drive to Kibale: Depart Bwindi and drive to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of Uganda.
• Overnight in Kibale.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking or Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale National Park

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into Kibale Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee trek, observing these fascinating primates in their natural social groups.
• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Optional): Spend extended time with a chimpanzee group as they become accustomed to human presence.

Day 8: Cross Back to Rwanda or Transfer to Entebbe for Departure

• Transfer Back to Kigali: If your flight departs from Kigali, drive back to Rwanda and explore a bit more of the Rwandan countryside along the way.
• Option to Fly from Entebbe: Alternatively, drive to Entebbe if departing from Uganda.

Additional Activities and Extensions

Wildlife Safaris and Cultural Tours

For a richer experience, you can combine this primate-focused safari with a wildlife safari or cultural tour:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda): Go on a safari to see the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, along with a variety of other wildlife on game drives and boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel.
• Murchison Falls National Park (Uganda): Experience the breathtaking waterfall, river cruises, and sightings of the Big Five.
• Cultural Experiences: Meet local communities, visit a Batwa village near Bwindi, or interact with the Kinyarwanda people of Rwanda for insight into local traditions.

Extend to Kenya and Tanzania for a Classic Safari Experience

Complete your East African adventure by adding Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration and other incredible wildlife encounters.

Luxury Lodges and Accommodations

We arrange accommodations to fit every preference, from luxury lodges to eco-friendly stays:

• Rwanda: Options include Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and One & Only Gorilla’s Nest near Volcanoes National Park.
• Uganda: Stay at lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge near Bwindi, and Ndali Lodge near Kibale.

Why Choose One More Adventure Safaris for Your Primate Safari?

At One More Adventure Safaris, we specialize in crafting personalized safaris that go beyond standard itineraries. We arrange customizable itineraries, luxury accommodations, and reliable transportation, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned. From gorilla and chimpanzee permits to seamless cross-border transfers, we are here to make your dream safari an effortless and unforgettable experience.

Get in touch with us today to start planning your primate safari in Uganda and Rwanda! Let us tailor your journey to create a truly memorable East African adventure.