Uganda & Rwanda Primate Expedition
The definitive primate safari combining both countries for gorillas and chimpanzees
Your Route
Entebbe → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Volcanoes → Kigali
Route Details
Kibale Forest - Chimpanzees
Kibale National Park
Start with chimpanzee habituation or tracking in Africa's primate capital.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking or habituation experience
- Crater lake walks
- 13 primate species in one forest
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha and Kazinga
Break from primates with savannah safari featuring tree-climbing lions.
Highlights
- Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Hippo and elephant concentrations
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi National Park
Two gorilla treks in Uganda's most famous mountain gorilla habitat.
Highlights
- Two gorilla tracking experiences
- Dense montane forest trekking
- Batwa community experience
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Cross to Rwanda for additional gorilla treks and golden monkey tracking.
Highlights
- One or two gorilla treks
- Golden monkey tracking
- Dian Fossey memorial hike
A Typical Day
Sample from Kibale Forest - Chimpanzees
5:30–6:30
Early breakfast before chimp trek
7:00–12:00
Chimpanzee habituation (8 hours) or tracking (2-4 hours)
12:00–15:00
Return to lodge, lunch
15:00–18:00
Crater lake walk or Bigodi wetland
18:00–21:00
Dinner with forest sounds
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Primate enthusiasts, serious photographers, and travelers wanting the complete East African primate experience.
Not ideal for
Those with mobility issues, travelers on tight budgets, or those not interested in multiple forest treks.
Trade-offs
Like what you see?
We'll customize this route around your preferences
Best Time to Go
Dry Season 1
Easier forest trekking, clearer skies for photography
Dry Season 2
Short dry season, good conditions
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
12 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Premium positioning in private concessions or exclusive-use camps. Higher cost buys exclusivity, flexibility, and guide expertise.
Primate enthusiasts, serious photographers, and travelers wanting the complete East African primate experience.
Why each segment was chosen:
Kibale Forest - Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee habituation here is excellent. Morning treks have higher success rates.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla group assignment affects trek difficulty. Permit timing constrains itinerary structure.
Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla group assignment affects trek difficulty. Permit timing constrains itinerary structure.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Lake Kivu Beach Stay
End with relaxation on Lake Kivu's shores
Cost Context
$8,000–$14k/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Includes multiple gorilla permits
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking