Embarking on this 7 Day Kibale Chimpanzees and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers an immersive experience in some of the most pristine natural habitats in East Africa. Each day brings new landscapes, cultures, and wildlife encounters, Uganda is truly a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. You will explore Kibale National Park renowned for its high population of chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth National Park a stunning location known for its scenic beauty, volcanic features, and diverse ecosystems, and spotting tree-climbing lions. Wrap up your adventure with a visit to Volcanoes National Park popularly known for grabbing all the gorilla-related vacations in Rwanda.
Safari Highlights:
- Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
- Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
- Tree climbing Lions.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Gorilla Guardians Village for Iby’iwacu cultural experience.
- Golden monkey tracking.
- Equator line crossing.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park.
Kickstart your safari with breakfast at 06h00. After a briefing, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park. This 6-7-hour journey takes you through breathtaking scenic landscapes, lush greenery, rolling hills, tea plantations, and the lively town of Fort Portal. Upon reaching Kibale, you will be welcomed by the serene beauty of one of the most bio-diverse regions in East Africa. You will transfer to your lodge fully surrounded by the mystical calls of the monkeys followed by an evening at leisure whilst utilizing complementary activities offered by the lodge. Over a dozen primates inhabit this national park, and various types of monkeys grace the trees around your verandah. Close your eyes, and the soundtrack will provide an incredible appreciation for how remote you are.
Dinner and overnight at Kibale Lodge/Primate Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Midrange), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On the second day after a paradisiac breakfast at 06h30, prepare for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking adventure in the lush forests of Kibale. Kibale National Park is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees, along with 12 other primate species such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. You will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by expert guides and rangers about the park’s rules, tracking techniques, and chimpanzee behaviors. Led by an experienced ranger guide, you will venture into the dense forest looking for chimpanzees. The tracking duration can vary from 1-4 hours depending on the movement of the chimpanzee groups. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have a precious one-hour window to observe these magnificent animals as you watch them swing through trees, groom one another, and communicate through vocalizations.
After lunch at 12h00, embark on a scenic journey southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive to the park is approximately 3-4 hours and takes you through lush countryside, expansive tea plantations in Bushenyi, and picturesque views of the rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll cross the Equator, where a quick stop is a must for a photo at the iconic Equator Spot. You will later proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check in at your lodge. Your evening will be on a sunset game drive whilst enjoying your first taste of the Ugandan wilderness with a sunset view over the savannah. You will spot lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Sun Set boat Cruise.
Kick off the day with breakfast at 0600hrs followed by an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area of the park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, and the morning hours are ideal for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species. The Kasenyi Plains also host predators like leopards, which can often be found lounging on trees or prowling through the grasses. Our expert guides are knowledgeable about the animals’ movements and behaviors, ensuring you get up-close views and fantastic photo opportunities.
After a delightful lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari. The channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward, is a sanctuary for numerous animal species. This unique boat safari provides an up-close look at hippos wallowing in the water, Nile crocodiles basking along the shore, and elephants drinking by the water’s edge. The channel is also a haven for birdwatchers, as you can spot kingfishers, African fish eagles, pelicans, and more than 600 other bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, check out at 0600hrs and drive heading to the southwestern part as you exit the country through the Cyanika border. Your destination is Volcanoes Impenetrable National Park (an 8-hour drive). You will drive through the isolated Ishasha sector,home to the treasured tree-climbing lions. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once you arrive in Volcanoes, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Luxury), Sambora Kinigi Lodge (Midrange), La Locanda Boutique Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Iby’wacu Cultural Experience.
Our first full day in Volcanoes National Park is all about meeting the gorillas! Rising early, you will fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers about the guidelines on gorilla trekking. Equipped with trekking gear and excitement, you’ll embark on a guided journey through dense forests, bamboo groves, and hilly terrains. The trek varies between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, you encounter other fascinating wildlife, a wide array of bird species, and unique plant life that thrives in the volcanic soil. After navigating the forest, you’ll finally meet a family of mountain gorillas. During a one-hour interaction time permitted, you watch them play, feed, and rest, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Observing these majestic creatures up close is a humbling experience as the gorillas’ expressive faces and close-knit family bonds leave a profound impression. Returning to our lodge, we unwind and share stories from the day over a delicious dinner, reliving each moment of the trek.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan norms and customs as you enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs. The village tour also includes demonstrations of traditional medicine, basket weaving, and hunting techniques, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and Rwanda’s rich heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Luxury), Sambora Kinigi Lodge (Midrange), La Locanda Boutique Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure.
Our final day in Volcanoes National Park begins with an exciting trek to see the golden monkeys. After breakfast at 07h00, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about Golden Monkeys Trekking code of conduct heading out to the Golden Monkey trails. These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, adding another layer of diversity to our wildlife experience. The golden monkeys are known for their playful nature and watching them leap from tree to tree is a joyous sight. This half-day trek offers a less strenuous but equally captivating exploration of the park’s biodiversity.
After our golden monkey trek, we will return to Kigali (2.5-3-hour drive). Depending on your time of Departure, you’ll bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with you, unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.
Included
1. All Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits.
2. All entrance fees.
3. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
4. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
5. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
6. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
7. Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
8. Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
9. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
10. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
11. Gorilla Guardians Village for Iby’wacu cultural experience.
12. Golden monkey tracking.
13. Equator line crossing.
14. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Excluded
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
3. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
4. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.