Embark on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda and Uganda—home to the last remaining strongholds of the endangered mountain gorilla. Track these majestic primates in the misty forests of Volcanoes and Bwindi, explore the rich wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on thrilling game drives and a boat safari, and encounter our closest relatives during chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Along the way, connect with local cultures and soak in the region’s breathtaking landscapes.
This East African expedition is the ultimate blend of primate trekking, big game viewing, and authentic cultural experiences.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, settling in and preparing for the adventure ahead.
This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and the ethnographic museum. After lunch in the city, depart for Volcanoes National Park in the north. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking etiquette. You will then set off into the forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes in search of a mountain gorilla family. The trek can take 1 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and afternoon at leisure.
After breakfast, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. En route, stop for lunch at the historic Traveller’s Rest Hotel in Kisoro, once frequented by primatologist Dian Fossey. Continue through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” arriving at your lodge in the evening.
Today is another extraordinary day of gorilla tracking, this time in Uganda. After a morning briefing, begin your trek through the dense rainforest. Gorilla tracking here can take 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. You will spend one magical hour in their presence before returning to the lodge. Remember to bring rain gear and waterproof protection for your gear, as the rainforest is unpredictable.
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in this region before continuing to the northern sector of the park and checking in to your lodge.
Begin the day with a morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where you may encounter lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelope species, and more. After lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, known for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
After breakfast, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through Kasese and the scenic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Ugandan lunch at Tinka’s Homestead. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided community walk—an eco-tourism project known for birds, monkeys, and cultural interactions.
Today, venture into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. The forest is home to 13 primate species, and you may spot red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. After lunch, take a scenic walk around the Crater Lakes region and visit a local homestead to learn about the culture of the Tooro people.
After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, enjoying views of Uganda’s countryside, tea plantations, roadside fruit markets, and rural communities. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrive in time for your evening international departure flight.