5-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla, Chimp & Wildlife Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Rwanda, Kigali Genocide Memorial Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional driver-guide from Openbill Safaris Uganda. Begin your Rwanda experience with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site commemorating the victims of the 1994 Genocide. Learn about Rwanda's history, the events surrounding the genocide, and the country's remarkable journey towards reconciliation and recovery.
After the memorial visit, enjoy lunch before beginning your cross-border journey into Uganda. Travel through Rwanda's beautiful rolling hills and picturesque countryside before crossing into southwestern Uganda. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the Rushaga or designated gorilla trekking sector. Check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax in preparation for the following day's gorilla trekking adventure.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

• Budget lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi with an Evening Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before entering the rainforest with experienced guides to search for a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, depending on the gorillas' location and terrain. Once found, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviour and conservation. After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its beautiful islands and terraced hills. In the evening, enjoy a scenic boat cruise exploring the lake's picturesque islands before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

Activities:

• Early morning gorilla tracking & evening boat trip

Accommodation:

Itambira Island Resort

• Mid-range hotel located at Lake Bunyonyi

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer via Ishasha to Queen Elizabeth NP, cross the Equator & enjoy an evening game drive

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelling through the scenic southwestern Ugandan countryside. Your journey takes you through the famous Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions.
Enjoy a game-viewing experience as you explore the open savannah plains, searching for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, topis, and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for the famous tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes spotted resting in the branches of large fig trees.
Continue to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy an evening game drive in the park. Explore the savannah in search of more wildlife as the day comes to an end. After the activity, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda)

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

LeopardOccasional

Show more

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Activities:

• Early morning game drive (pop-up roof minivan) & evening game drive (pop-up roof minivan)

Accommodation:

Pumba Safari Cottages

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Kyambura Gorge (Chimps)

+24 Photos

+23 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge and Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kyambura Gorge for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, venture into the lush tropical forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Observe these fascinating primates as they feed, communicate, groom, and interact within their natural habitat. The gorge is also home to other primate species and diverse birdlife.
After the trekking experience, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This natural waterway connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is famous for its large concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous waterbirds.
Enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography along the riverbanks before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Kyambura Gorge (Chimps)

Activities:

• Early morning chimpanzee tracking & afternoon boat trip

Accommodation:

Pumba Safari Cottages

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Kyambura Gorge (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer Back to Kigali, Rwanda for Departure

After an early breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, Rwanda, travelling through the beautiful countryside of southwestern Uganda. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with suitable stops for refreshments, lunch, and photography.
Proceed across the Uganda-Rwanda border, completing the necessary immigration formalities before continuing to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or to your preferred accommodation, depending on your travel arrangements.
This marks the end of your memorable Rwanda and Uganda safari, filled with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali, Rwanda)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.