10 Days Uganda and Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Safari

Overview

Experience the ultimate East African adventure with this 10-day Uganda and Rwanda safari, featuring gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and Big Five safaris. This journey takes you through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park before crossing into Rwanda’s Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks. With Go Safaris Africa, discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Safari Highlights

✅ Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & Volcanoes National Parks
✅ Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
✅ Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth & Akagera National Parks
✅ Boat safaris on Kazinga Channel & Lake Ihema
✅ Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
✅ Cultural experiences & scenic landscapes

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale Forest

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your Go Safaris Africa guide for a warm welcome. Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees. Enjoy scenic countryside views and a relaxing evening at the lodge.

• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Camp

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest. Follow expert guides through the lush jungle to observe these playful primates up close. Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse wildlife.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 3: Big Five Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and hippos. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. Enjoy breathtaking views along the way before settling into your lodge for a relaxing evening.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Wake up early for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. After a briefing, hike through the dense rainforest to locate a gorilla family and spend an hour observing their behaviors. Later, relax at the lodge or visit a local Batwa community.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs

Day 6: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika border and drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to another population of mountain gorillas. Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Mountains and settle into your lodge.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Visit

After breakfast, embark on a golden monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive Rwandan cultural experience.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Safari

Depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 9: Big Five Safari & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Start the day with an early morning game drive, increasing your chances of spotting predators like lions and leopards. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Day 10: Return to Kigali & Departure

Enjoy a final morning game drive before returning to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

✅ Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permits
✅ All park entrance fees & guided activities
✅ Professional English-speaking safari guide
✅ Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
✅ Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
✅ Bottled water during safaris

Safari Exclusions

❌ International flights
❌ Rwanda & Uganda visa fees
❌ Personal expenses & tips
❌ Optional activities