A SIGNATURE JOURNEY THROUGH EAST AFRICA'S GREAT PRIMATE KINGDOMS

RWANDA & UGANDA GREAT APES JOURNEY

Discover two of East Africa’s most remarkable destinations on this immersive journey through Rwanda and Uganda. From the vibrant streets of Kigali and the conservation legacy of Dian Fossey to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe and Bwindi, this carefully curated safari combines extraordinary primate encounters with exceptional wilderness experiences.

Track chimpanzees through the mist-covered forests of Nyungwe National Park before venturing into Uganda’s legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a life-changing encounter with mountain gorillas. Complementing these iconic wildlife experiences are meaningful cultural interactions, spectacular savannah landscapes, and memorable safari moments in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife of the Kazinga Channel.

Designed for discerning travelers seeking East Africa’s most celebrated primate experiences, this journey seamlessly blends luxury, conservation, culture, and adventure.

  • Kigali City & Cultural Discovery
  • Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Mountain Gorilla Tracking or Gorilla Habituation Experience
  • Batwa Cultural Encounter
  • Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
  • Kazinga Channel Wildlife Cruise
  • Kampala City Experience
  • Luxury Lodges Across Rwanda & Uganda

This journey brings together East Africa’s most iconic primate experiences in one seamless itinerary. Combining Rwanda’s renowned conservation heritage with Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity, it offers an exceptional balance of luxury, wildlife, culture, and meaningful wilderness immersion.

  • Gorilla Tracking Minimum age: 15 years and above
  • Chimpanzee Trekking Minimum age: 12 years and above
  • Trekking difficulty varies by gorilla family allocation
  • Medical, fitness, or mobility concerns should be shared in advance
  • Sedan chair assistance available at additional cost
  • Early booking is strongly recommended due to limited permits
  • Budget range per person should be shared for tailored itinerary design
  • Children below trekking age enjoy alternative forest experiences
  • Parents with infants may alternate participation where applicable
  • All experiences are subject to park regulations and permit availability
  • The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund welcomes visitors through a self-guided public tour. While there is no mandatory entrance fee, guests are encouraged to make a suggested conservation donation of USD 20 per adult directly at the campus in support of ongoing gorilla conservation efforts.
  • Exclusive premium experiences, including Behind-the-Scenes Tours and VIP/Silverback Sundowner Experiences, are available at an additional cost and can be arranged upon request.
  • Conservation donations and optional premium experiences are not included in the safari cost and are payable directly at the campus unless otherwise requested.

DAY 1: WELCOME TO RWANDA

Arrive in Kigali, where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.

 

Accommodation: Movenpick Kigali or Similar
Dining: Bed & Breakfast

DAY 2: KIGALI DISCOVERY & JOURNEY TO NYUNGWE FOREST

Explore Kigali’s cultural highlights before visiting the renowned Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Continue through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

 

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 3: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN NYUNGWE FOREST

Venture into one of Africa’s oldest rainforests in search of wild chimpanzees. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the serenity of the forest.

 

Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 4: JOURNEY TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

Travel across the Rwanda–Uganda border to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

 

Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 5: GORILLA TRACKING OR GORILLA HABITUATION

Experience one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters as you spend time with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat.

 

Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 6: BATWA CULTURAL EXPERIENCE & ISHASHA

Discover the heritage of the Batwa people before continuing to Ishasha Sector, renowned for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a sunset safari drive.

 

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 7: BUSH BREAKFAST & JOURNEY TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a memorable bush breakfast and morning wildlife viewing before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

 

Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 8: SAFARI & KAZINGA CHANNEL CRUISE

Explore the park’s wildlife-rich plains before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife waterways.

 

Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 9: JOURNEY TO KAMPALA

Enjoy a final game drive before travelling to Uganda’s vibrant capital city. Explore local markets, cultural landmarks, and artisan craft shops.

 

Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel or Similar
Dining: Full Board

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.

 

Dining: Breakfast

  • Airport meet and greet services
  • Private airport transfers
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Meals as specified
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Gorilla tracking permit or habituation permit
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Game drives as indicated
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • All park entrance fees
  • Cross-border transfers
  • Drinking water during transfers
  • All ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Premium beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEYS

CONTINUE YOUR EAST AFRICAN JOURNEY

Bespoke safari experiences crafted with the same commitment to authenticity, elegance, and exceptional service.

10 - Day

Uganda & Rwanda Signature Journey

Where iconic wildlife meets timeless landscapes.

Design my safari
12 - Day

Tanzania Signature Journey

From mountain gorillas to the endless plains of the Serengeti.

Design my safari
14 - Days

Uganda & Kenya Signature Journey

From mountain gorillas to the legendary Maasai Mara.

Design my safari
16 - Days

Uganda, Rwanda& Kenya Signature Journey

Gorillas, golden monkeys, and the legendary Maasai Mara.

Design my safari
8 - Days

Uganda & Rwanda Signature Journey

Explore the home of Primates-Africa's major highlights.

Design my safari
11 - Days

Uganda Rwanda & Burundi Signature Journey

From mountain gorillas to the cultural heart of East Africa.

Design my safari
18 - Days

Uganda, Rwanda & Tanzania Signature Journey

From mountain gorillas to the Serengeti plains.

Design my safari
23 - Days

Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania & Kenya Signature Journey

The ultimate East African exploration – from mountain gorillas to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

Design my safari
error: Copying this content is prohibited. Legal action may be taken !!
× Chat with Your DMC Host