11-Day Luxury Uganda Primate Safari with Rwanda Extension

This 11-day journey combines Uganda’s premier safari destinations with a seamless extension into Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes region. It features a rich mix of classic savannah game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, and golden monkey encounters, all complemented by carefully selected luxury lodges. The itinerary is designed around scenic overland routes, comfortable travel pacing, and immersive wildlife experiences.

Detailed 11-Day Luxury Uganda Primate Safari with Rwanda Extension

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrival in Entebbe. You are met on arrival and transferred to your luxury lakeside hotel for relaxation after your journey.
• Accommodation: Entebbe Forest Lodge
• Meal Plan: D

Lake Mburo National Park

Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, you drive through Uganda’s countryside towards Lake Mburo National Park, passing small towns and rural landscapes. A stop is made at the Equator for photos, with lunch en route in Masaka before continuing into the park for evening relaxation.
• Travel time: Approx. 4.5–5 hours
• Accommodation: Kigambira Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Lake Mburo

The day is spent exploring Lake Mburo with a morning game drive across its open plains and an afternoon boat experience on the lake. The park offers close-range wildlife sightings in a compact and scenic setting.
• Accommodation: Kigambira Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 4: Drive to Kalinzu Forest then to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You depart after breakfast and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping at Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve for chimpanzee tracking.
Lunch is taken in Mbarara before continuing into the park, arriving later in the afternoon for relaxation or a short evening drive.
• Travel time: Approx. 5–6 hours
• Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Cruise

A morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains along a guided lion tracking experience, with the opportunity to observe other wildlife across the open savannah.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you head out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
• Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, you continue south into the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. A game drive is conducted upon arrival before settling into your lodge in a remote wilderness setting.
• Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

You drive into the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the afternoon at your forest lodge.
The journey transitions from open savannah to dramatic highland jungle scenery.
• Travel time: Approx. 3–4 hours
• Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Experience

A full highlight day begins with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, followed by time with a habituated family in their natural habitat. You will spend a magical hour once found.
In the afternoon, you visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience.
• Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 9: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

After breakfast, you cross into Rwanda via Cyanika Border and continue to Volcanoes National Park, arriving in the Virunga foothills by afternoon.
The drive includes border formalities and scenic highland views throughout.
• Travel time: Approx. 4–6 hours
• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Experience

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes

A morning trek in Volcanoes National Park introduces you to golden monkeys in the bamboo forest zone.
The afternoon is at leisure or may include an optional cultural visit or relaxation at the lodge.
• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Meal Plan: B, L, D

Day 11: Drive to Kigali for Departure

After breakfast, you drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Kigali for departure. Depending on flight time, a brief city experience may be included before airport drop-off.
• Travel time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
• Meal Plan: B

11-Day Luxury Uganda Primate Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included

• Park fees (For non-residents)
• Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
• Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
• All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
• Lion Tracking permits (One per person, non-resident)
• All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water (On all days)
• AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover

Excluded

• International flights (From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees