Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari – 6-Day of Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Habituation, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Winton Africa Safaris on a 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari adventure that brings you face-to-face with some of the world’s most remarkable creatures in their natural habitats. This expertly crafted itinerary takes you through the heart of two incredible countries, Rwanda and Uganda, offering you the chance to engage in both gorilla and chimpanzee experiences, from trekking to habituation. These adventures take place in the stunning Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park, all known for their breathtaking biodiversity and conservation significance.

This 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari offers a unique blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Not only will you be tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, but you will also have the rare chance to take part in the gorilla and chimpanzee habituation process—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these animals’ behavioral adaptation to human presence. In addition, cultural interactions with the Iby’Iwacu community in Rwanda and the Batwa people in Uganda add a rich cultural layer to the 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari adventure.

Whether you’re exploring Rwanda’s vibrant city of Kigali, trekking for primates, or participating in cultural exchanges, this six-day safari promises an intimate and life-changing connection with Africa’s great apes.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience

6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit
• Day 3: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Village Visit
• Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking
• Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Entebbe

Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari begins upon arrival in Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and rich history, and it is the gateway to Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park. After meeting your experienced safari guide from Winton Africa Safaris, you’ll embark on a guided city tour, visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s tragic yet inspirational history.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore local markets and art galleries, providing you with a glimpse of modern Rwandan life and culture. After your city tour, you will be driven to Volcanoes National Park, approximately two hours from Kigali. The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s lush green hills, passing rural villages and farmland as you ascend towards the dramatic Virunga Mountains. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure that awaits.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes / Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit

Your second day begins with an early breakfast before you head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s portion of the Virunga Mountains, is renowned for its thriving population of endangered mountain gorillas. After the briefing, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to trek, accompanied by expert trackers and rangers who will lead you through the forest.

The trek can last anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is incomparable. When you finally come face-to-face with a family of gorillas, the experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling. You’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior—watching the silverback protect his family, juveniles playing, and mothers caring for their young. The sheer size and strength of these animals, combined with their gentle demeanor, leave an indelible mark on every visitor.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and crafts. This community-based tourism initiative allows former poachers to earn a living by sharing their culture with visitors. The visit is an enriching cultural exchange, giving you insights into the daily lives and customs of the Rwandan people.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes / Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will set out for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are an endangered species, known for their striking golden-orange fur and playful nature. Tracking these primates is a lighter but equally rewarding experience compared to gorilla trekking. As you follow them through the bamboo forests, you’ll observe their energetic behavior, leaping from tree to tree in search of food. This trek lasts about two to four hours, offering a perfect morning 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari adventure.

After your golden monkey trek, you’ll cross the border into Uganda, heading towards the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes and terraced hills, offering a glimpse of rural life in this part of East Africa. You will arrive at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon, ready for the next day’s gorilla habituation experience.

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Accommodation: Four Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Engagi Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water

Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Batwa Cultural Village Visit

You’ll participate in the unique gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. Unlike the typical gorilla trek, which allows for one hour of observation, the habituation experience offers a much more immersive four-hour session with a gorilla family. Gorilla habituation involves gradually getting the animals accustomed to human presence, which is part of a long process undertaken by researchers and guides.

During the 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari experience, you’ll witness the daily lives of the gorillas, observing their feeding, playing, and interactions with each other, all while learning from the researchers and conservationists who work to protect these magnificent animals. This rare opportunity provides deep insight into gorilla behavior and the conservation efforts aimed at ensuring their survival.

In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Batwa community, an indigenous group of forest dwellers who once lived in Bwindi before it became a national park. During your visit, the Batwa will share their knowledge of the forest, showcasing traditional survival techniques such as hunting, gathering, and fire-making. This visit offers a glimpse into the Batwa’s way of life and the challenges they face after being displaced from their ancestral lands.

• Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Accommodation: Four Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge/Engagi Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking

On the fifth day, you’ll transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, a 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari journey that takes approximately six hours. Kibale is often referred to as the “Primate Capital of the World” due to its high density of primates, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Upon arrival, you’ll participate in an afternoon chimpanzee tracking experience. Led by experienced guides, this trek takes you deep into the lush rainforest in search of our closest living relatives. As you track the chimps, you’ll hear their loud vocalizations echoing through the forest long before you see them. Once you locate a troop, you’ll spend an hour observing their complex social interactions, watching them forage, groom each other, and play in the treetops. The sheer intelligence and emotional depth of chimpanzees make this experience both educational and emotionally resonant.

• Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
• Accommodation: Chimpundu Safari Lodge/ Crater Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, And Drinking Water

Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Entebbe

The final day of your 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari is dedicated to the chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park. Much like the gorilla habituation process, this experience allows you to spend an extended amount of time with a group of chimps, observing them as they gradually become more comfortable with human presence.

Throughout the day, you’ll follow the chimps as they go about their daily routines, from feeding to grooming to socializing. This unique experience offers a more in-depth understanding of their behavior, family structures, and the critical conservation work being done to protect them.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to Entebbe for your departure flight. Please note that you should book an evening flight to allow ample time for the transfer from Kibale. This brings an end to your incredible 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Rwanda and Uganda’s wildlife and cultures.

• Destination: Entebbe Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, And Drinking Water

End of the 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari

Where to Visit on the 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari?

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa, primarily for its role in protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Covering over 330 square kilometers of steep, mist-covered rainforest, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. In addition to gorillas, Bwindi hosts over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a world-renowned 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari experience, offering visitors the rare chance to come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With permits costing $800, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park are the primary destinations for trekking. The challenging hikes through dense forests are rewarded with an hour spent observing these incredible primates, an encounter that is both exhilarating and humbling.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Rwanda offers a luxury gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, where permits cost $1,500. The shorter drive from Kigali to the park makes Rwanda a popular choice for high-end travelers. The pristine setting of the Virunga Mountains adds to the magical experience of observing mountain gorillas in the wild.

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience

Unique to Uganda, the gorilla habituation experience allows visitors to spend four hours with a gorilla family, learning about their behavior and the gradual process of getting them accustomed to human presence. This immersive experience is available in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector and offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe gorilla behavior in depth.

About Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is famous for its diverse population of primates, particularly chimpanzees. The park is home to 13 different primate species, making it one of the most important areas for primate conservation in Africa. Kibale’s dense rainforest, wetlands, and savannah create a rich ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and over 375 bird species.

About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is part of the Virunga Mountain range and is famous for its mountain gorilla population. The park covers 160 square kilometers of lush rainforest, home not only to gorillas but also to golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, and over 200 bird species. The park is a center for gorilla conservation and research, thanks to pioneering efforts by primatologist Dian Fossey.

Gorilla Trekking from Chobe

6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

• Gorilla trekking and habituation permits
• Chimpanzee trekking and habituation permits
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
• Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Cultural visits as specified in the itinerary
• Bottled water during the safari

Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees for Rwanda and Uganda
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses, including drinks, laundry, and souvenirs

Conclusion

This 6-day Rwanda Uganda primate safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion. From trekking endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys to experiencing the rare gorilla and chimpanzee habituation process, every moment is designed to offer you the ultimate primate encounter. This 6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari journey not only showcases the stunning biodiversity of Rwanda and Uganda but also offers a deep appreciation for the critical conservation work being done to protect these incredible animals.

6-Day Rwanda Uganda Primates Safari Quotation

The cost per person staying in a triple room in midrange lodges will be USD5550 on full-board occupancy excluding drinks, insurance, flights, visa, tips and other personal expenses.