5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari from Kigali, Rwanda

5 days of Gorilla and Chimpanzee safari in Uganda from Kigali; Combining the two countries, Rwanda and Uganda, in one East Africa tour is one of the best safari ideas. Primate expeditions, especially gorilla treks, are among the most sought after. Rwanda is a more popular destination than Uganda for gorilla trekking due to its aggressive tourism marketing. However, the high permit price is part of the reason we designed such a route. The 5-day safari from Kigali includes an affordable gorilla trek in Bwindi, a chimpanzee trek, a self-drive safari and a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Road from Kigali to Kibale National Park

It is a scenic journey that takes you through the green hills of Rwanda and the picturesque Kigezi highlands. You leave your Kigali hotel after breakfast and head towards Uganda via the Kyanika border post. Continuation of the road to Kibale National Park, arriving in the evening. Installation in your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

We will attend the information session after breakfast at the lodge. The briefing helps prepare hikers for this forest adventure in search of primates. We all converge on the park headquarters in Kanyanchu, from where we are divided into groups of no more than eight people. Each group visits at least one family of chimpanzees. After chimpanzee trekking, visit the Bigodi marsh and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Installation in your lodge and rest.

Day 3: Tree lion safari towards Bwindi

Departure from your lodge after breakfast and drive to Bwindi Gorilla Park. En route, safari in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe lions climbing trees. Continuation to Bwindi after lunch and arrival in the evening. Check-in, refreshment and rest before dinner.

Day 4: Hike to meet gorillas and boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi

Departure from the lodge with your packed lunches and sufficient drinking water. You first go to the briefing point to be guided on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. With your rangers and the chief guide, choose a walking stick and set off in search of your gorilla family. Aware of what to do and what not to do in front of the gorillas, follow them for an hour. Later, you will exit the forest to meet your driver and hand over the gorilla trekking certificates.

Day 5: Boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi and return to Kigali (Rwanda)

After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, you can head to the shores of the lake. Take a boat that will take you around the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. Visit the different islands and the island of Akampene (island of punishment). It was on this island that the ancient Bakiga used to smother girls who became pregnant before being officially married off by their parents. After a few cultural encounters and the boat trip, return by car to Kigali or the airport. End of the excursion.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)