14 Day Uganda and Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Safari

Experience two of East Africa’s most captivating destinations on this 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Safari with Arcadia Safaris. This cross-border adventure combines Uganda’s renowned national parks, exceptional primate encounters and classic wildlife safaris with Rwanda’s spectacular volcanic landscapes, golden monkeys and cultural heritage.

In Uganda, explore Murchison Falls National Park, track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, encounter chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha before trekking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Continue into Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, for golden monkey trekking or a hike to the Dian Fossey grave site in Volcanoes National Park. Conclude your journey with a guided Kigali city tour, including an opportunity to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and explore local markets and craft centres.

Whether you are looking for a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, a combined chimpanzee and wildlife adventure, or a private East African safari with cultural experiences, this 14-day itinerary brings together remarkable wildlife, beautiful scenery and meaningful encounters.

Uganda Safari Highlights

Pickup from Entebbe International Airport

Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Evening Sundowner in Murchison Falls National Park

Boat trip on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls

Hiking to the top of Murchison Falls

Chimpanzee Tracking  in Kibale Forest National Park

Bigodi wetlands nature walk and community visit

Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat Safari experience at Kazinga Channel

Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha Sector

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable

Rwanda Safari Highlights

Cross to Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Trekking to Dianna Fosse’s grave in Volcanoes

City Tour in Kigali-The Capital City of Rwanda

Visiting the local markets and genocide memorial center

Transfer back to Kigali International Airport for departure

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Kampala

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide will welcome you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. You will then transfer to your accommodation in Kampala and have time to relax after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose an optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or simply unwind at your hotel. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Enjoy your first evening in Uganda and prepare for the wildlife experiences ahead. Your guide will brief you on the upcoming safari arrangements and confirm the next day’s departure details.

Destination: Kampala City
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, travelling through Uganda’s countryside towards one of the country’s premier wildlife destinations. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot. Accompanied by a trained guide, you will search for southern white rhinos in their protected habitat, adding an important Big Five wildlife encounter to your Uganda safari.

Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, with a lunch stop along the way. After arriving, check into your lodge and enjoy the surrounding wilderness. The park is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, hippos and numerous bird species, making it an exciting destination for game drives and wildlife photography.

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Start the morning with a game drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. With your driver-guide, search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest and Uganda kob while enjoying the park’s diverse landscapes. The early hours often provide rewarding wildlife-viewing opportunities before the day becomes warmer.

Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out for a boat cruise on the River Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Look out for hippos, Nile crocodiles and water birds along the riverbanks. Depending on the schedule and your preference, you may also enjoy a sundowner experience or hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views of the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin the journey south towards Kibale Forest National Park. If you did not visit the top of Murchison Falls the previous day, an early visit may be possible if the schedule and driving time allow. Continue through rural communities and the changing landscapes of western Uganda, stopping for lunch around Fort Portal or along the route.

Arrive near Kibale Forest, one of East Africa’s leading destinations for chimpanzee tracking and primate viewing. The forest supports chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and several other primate species. After checking into your lodge, enjoy dinner and relax before the following day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Kibale Forest National Park briefing point for instructions from the park rangers. Enter the tropical rainforest with an experienced guide to search for a habituated chimpanzee community. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will normally spend up to one hour observing their behaviour as they feed, groom, communicate and move through the forest canopy. The experience offers an exciting opportunity to discover one of our closest living relatives in its natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. If time permits, you may choose an optional activity such as a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community visit or the Top of the World hike near Fort Portal. These activities offer additional opportunities to appreciate the region’s birdlife, landscapes and local culture.

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse wildlife destination known for its savannah plains, crater lakes, wetlands and scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive takes you through the countryside of western Uganda, with opportunities to appreciate the changing scenery along the way.

Arrive at your lodge around lunchtime, check in and enjoy your meal before relaxing. Later in the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife. Lions and leopards may also be seen, although sightings depend on animal movements and conditions. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Rise early for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s wildlife-rich plains. Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, waterbucks and other animals as your guide explores suitable wildlife-viewing areas. The morning drive also offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography across the park’s varied habitats.

Return to your lodge for lunch before enjoying a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel attracts large numbers of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and water birds, creating excellent opportunities to observe wildlife from the water. After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha for Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, travel through the Ishasha sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which sometimes rest on the branches of large fig trees. During a game drive, your guide will search suitable areas for these remarkable cats while looking out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and other wildlife.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important habitats for endangered mountain gorillas. After arriving at your lodge, check in, enjoy dinner and rest before the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will explain the arrangements for the trek and help you prepare for the forest terrain.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

After an early breakfast, proceed to the designated briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Park rangers will explain the gorilla trekking guidelines before leading you into the rainforest in search of your assigned habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements and the terrain. Once the group is located, you will normally have up to one hour to observe these endangered primates at the permitted distance.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Depending on the timing of the trek and your chosen arrangements, you may also enjoy a Batwa cultural experience or another local activity. The Batwa experience introduces visitors to aspects of the Batwa people’s traditional forest knowledge and cultural heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: Cross into Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel towards Rwanda, crossing the international border at the appropriate crossing for your route. Your guide will assist with the planned border arrangements, and all travellers should carry valid travel documents and meet the applicable entry requirements. The drive continues through Rwanda’s beautiful highland scenery towards Volcanoes National Park. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

On arrival, check into your accommodation near the park and enjoy lunch. The remainder of the day is generally reserved for relaxation or an optional local cultural activity, subject to timing and availability. Volcanoes National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as the dramatic volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. Prepare for your selected primate or hiking activity the following day.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Grave Hike

After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park briefing point for your selected activity. You may join a guided golden monkey trek to search for these lively and endangered primates in the bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Observing golden monkeys as they move through the vegetation offers a different but equally memorable primate experience from mountain gorilla trekking.

Alternatively, choose the hike to the Dian Fossey grave site and the former Karisoke Research Centre area, subject to the park’s operating arrangements. This guided hike introduces visitors to the legacy of the renowned primatologist and her contribution to mountain gorilla conservation. The two activities have different physical demands and permit arrangements, so your preferred option should be confirmed in advance. After the excursion, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali and Guided City Tour

After breakfast, leave the Volcanoes National Park area and travel to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. The drive passes through the country’s characteristic rolling hills and rural settlements. On arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy lunch before beginning a guided Kigali city tour, depending on the arrival time and opening hours of the sites.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and its profound impact on Rwanda’s history. You may also explore local craft markets, including the Caplaki craft area when open, for locally made artwork, souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Your guide will help you appreciate Kigali’s history, culture and development. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Destination: Kigali City.
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 13: Explore Kigali at Leisure with an option of Shopping

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a flexible day in Kigali. You may choose to explore local markets, browse craft shops, visit additional cultural sites or discover the city’s cafés and neighbourhoods. Travellers interested in local history and culture can arrange additional guided visits, subject to time and opening hours.

Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely day at your hotel before the end of your Uganda and Rwanda safari. This day provides time to shop for souvenirs, take photographs and reflect on the wildlife encounters and cultural experiences from the past two weeks. Your guide or hotel team can help arrange suitable activities and transport according to your interests.

Destination: Kigali City.
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 14: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. Your departure transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule, allowing appropriate time for the journey and airport check-in. 14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

This marks the end of your 14-Day Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Safari with Arcadia Safaris. You leave with memories of Uganda’s national parks, close encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, Rwanda’s golden monkeys and the cultural experiences that make this cross-border journey special.

Destination: Kigali International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (Unless on request)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

SAFARI COST: From $4,500 Per Person

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with Ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees (Uganda)
• Boarder Crossing Fees
• Golden Monkey Trekking Permit Fees
• Dian Fossey Grave Trek Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All  Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

We appreciate you choosing us. Let’s explore the wild together!