Overview
This 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari combines the best of Uganda and Rwanda’s primate experiences. Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge, and discover the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Travel comfortably with private transfers, enjoy full board meals, and stay at carefully selected luxury and mid-range10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari lodges.
Accommodations: Fort Murchison Lodge, Songbird Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will meet you for the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (approx. 6–7 hours). The scenic drive passes through Uganda’s lush countryside, small towns, and local villages. Upon arrival, check in at Fort Murchison Lodge and enjoy a night game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and civets.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and Uganda kobs. After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River, approaching the base of Murchison Falls for stunning views of the cascading water and observing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Extra Full Day in Murchison Falls
Enjoy a full day in Murchison Falls with a morning game drive, followed by an afternoon of relaxation or optional guided nature walks and birdwatching. This extra day increases your chances to spot predators and large herds of wildlife in the park. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 7-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional Ugandan villages. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at Songbird Safari Lodge, enjoying dinner while watching the sunset over the savannah.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
After breakfast, transfer to Kyambura Gorge, known as the “Valley of the Apes,” for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Trek through the gorge’s dense forest in search of habituated chimpanzees and listen for their calls echoing through the valley. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Songbird Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive across Kasenyi Plains to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of waterbirds while enjoying the tranquil scenery. Return to Songbird Safari Lodge for dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive approximately 6 hours through the Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Check in at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, relax, and enjoy the forest views while preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Wake up early for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing at the park headquarters, trek into the dense forest with expert rangers to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Spend one hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax for the afternoon.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, drive to the Uganda-Rwanda border at Cyanika/Katuna, then continue into Rwanda and onward to Mount Gahinga Lodge near Volcanoes National Park (approx. 4–5 hours total). Check in and relax at the lodge or enjoy a gentle walk in the surrounding forest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking experience. Observe these playful primates leaping through bamboo and forested areas. After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch, then transfer to Kigali (approx. 3–4 hours) for your overnight stay or onward departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Park entrance fees for all parks visited
- Accommodation and full board meals as listed
- All private transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide/driver
- Boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel
- Night game drive in Murchison Falls
- Guided forest walks and chimpanzee tracking
Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities not listed
What to Pack
- Passport and yellow fever vaccination card
- Long-sleeved shirts and comfortable hiking trousers
- Waterproof hiking boots and rain jacket
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars and camera (no flash)
- Daypack with water and snacks
- Light sweater for cool highland evenings
Interested in this trip with us at Abunda Discoveries Uganda we offer seamless expeditions in the wild contact us today and have the best adventure in the wild and Discover more with us 10-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari