7 Days Luxury Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
Experience the very best of East Africa on this carefully designed 7 Days Luxury Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda through the breathtaking landscapes . This exclusive journey combines extraordinary primate encounters with classic African wildlife experiences, offering an unforgettable blend of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.
From the mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the wildlife-rich savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, every destination on this itinerary reveals a different side of Africa’s wilderness. Tourists will have the rare opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas, trek chimpanzees, and search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, all while staying at some of the region’s most luxurious lodges.
The safari begins in Kigali International Airport and ends in Entebbe International Airport, allowing for smooth access to Uganda’s premier safari destinations while showcasing the scenic beauty of both countries. Throughout the journey, travelers will enjoy personalized service, luxury accommodations, professionally guided activities, spectacular landscapes, and immersive wildlife experiences designed for discerning safari enthusiasts.
Trip overview of 7 Days Luxury Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Day 3: Transfer to Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 4: Game drive in Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
- Day 5: Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
- Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for Departure
Detailed itinerary of 7 Days Luxury Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda and Rwanda
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver guide who will brief you about your upcoming luxury safari adventure through Uganda and Rwanda.
Your journey immediately begins with a scenic drive from Kigali toward southwestern Uganda, offering a remarkable introduction to the rolling hills and vibrant countryside that have earned Rwanda its famous nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” Along the route, you will pass through charming rural villages, terraced farmland, bustling local markets, and beautiful mountain landscapes that provide exceptional photography opportunities.
After crossing the Uganda-Rwanda border, continue toward the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rainforest and endangered mountain gorillas. The journey itself is incredibly rewarding, with changing scenery that transitions from cultivated hillsides to dense tropical forest. Lunch shall be served en route.
Arrive at the luxurious Gorilla Heights Lodge perched on the edge of the rainforest, the lodge offers sweeping forest views, elegant architecture, luxurious suites, and a peaceful atmosphere perfectly suited for relaxation after your journey.
Spend the evening enjoying the cool mountain air while savoring a gourmet dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients/International cuisines. As night falls, the sounds of the surrounding rainforest create a magical ambiance and a fitting introduction to your safari experience.
Accommodation: Gorilla Heights Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters with packed lunch for a briefing conducted by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers by 7:30am. During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking procedures, safety guidelines, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting these critically endangered primates.
You will then venture deep into the dense rainforest for one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences — mountain gorilla trekking by 8:00am. Guided by expert trackers and rangers, the trek takes you through thick vegetation, forest trails, and mist-covered slopes as you search for a habituated gorilla family that you would have chosen.
The duration of the trek varies depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas, but every moment spent in the forest is rewarding. The rainforest itself is alive with birdsong, butterflies, unique plant species, and occasional sightings of other forest wildlife.
Once the mountain gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching a silverback calmly guard his family, juveniles playing among the vegetation, and mothers caring for their young creates a deeply moving and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
After the trek, return to Gorilla Heights Lodge where you can relax and reflect on the extraordinary experience. Guests may enjoy the lodge’s spa services, panoramic viewing decks, or simply unwind in the tranquility of the rainforest surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy another exceptional dining experience while sharing stories from the day’s adventure.
Accommodation: Gorilla Heights Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following breakfast, depart Bwindi and begin your scenic journey toward the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.
The drive offers ever-changing scenery, from the forested highlands of southwestern Uganda to open savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees and grazing wildlife. Along the route, your guide will provide insight into local culture, regional ecosystems, and the unique biodiversity that makes Uganda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Arrive at the intimate and beautifully designed Ishasha Wilderness Camp situated along the Ntungwe River. Surrounded by riverine forest and untouched wilderness, the camp offers a luxurious yet authentic safari atmosphere where nature takes center stage.
After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing at camp while enjoying views of the surrounding forest and occasional wildlife sightings near the riverbanks. The peaceful setting offers an ideal opportunity to unwind before the next day’s wildlife safari.
As evening approaches, gather around the campfire for sundowners before enjoying a delicious dinner under the African sky.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 4: Game drive in Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
Today is dedicated to exploring the remarkable Ishasha sector, famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions. After an early breakfast, depart for an exciting morning game drive through the vast savannah plains and fig tree woodlands that characterize this unique ecosystem.
The highlight of the day is searching for the iconic lions often seen resting high in giant fig trees, an unusual behavior observed in only a few places in Africa. Spotting these magnificent predators draped across tree branches is a truly unforgettable safari experience and a photographer’s dream.
In addition to the tree-climbing lions, Ishasha is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, topi, warthogs, hyenas, and numerous bird species. The region’s relatively remote location means game drives are peaceful and uncrowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.
Your experienced safari guide will help track wildlife while sharing fascinating insights into animal behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts within the park.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in the wilderness surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush before continuing your wildlife exploration in the afternoon.
Return to Ishasha Wilderness Camp in time for relaxation and sunset views overlooking the river. End the day with a carefully prepared dinner and a peaceful evening in the heart of the wilderness.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 5: Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart the savannah plains of Ishasha and travel north toward the lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, widely regarded as East Africa’s primate capital.
The drive offers some of the most beautiful scenery in western Uganda, including rolling tea plantations, crater lakes, traditional villages, and fertile countryside framed by distant mountain ranges. Lunch shall be served en route.
Arrive at the luxurious Chimpundu Lodge in the afternoon. Nestled near the forest edge, the lodge provides a sophisticated and tranquil retreat surrounded by rich greenery and abundant birdlife.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Guests may relax on their private verandas, enjoy the lodge’s premium amenities, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest environment.
As evening falls, indulge in an elegant dining experience while preparing for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by 7:30 am before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in the lush rainforest of Kibale National Park.
Kibale is home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of primates and protects a remarkable diversity of wildlife within its ancient forest ecosystem. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and trackers, venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
The trek itself is both exciting and immersive. As you move through the rainforest, you may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, colorful butterflies, and a wide range of tropical bird species.
Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one hour observing their energetic and highly social behavior. Watch them communicate through vocal calls, groom one another, swing through the canopy, and forage within the forest. Their intelligence, human-like interactions, and dynamic social structure make the experience incredibly fascinating.
After your trek, return to Chimpundu Lodge for lunch and relaxation.
The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the lodge’s serene surroundings, taking in forest views, or simply relaxing after another unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for Departure
Following breakfast, you will depart from the lushh landscapes of western Uganda and begin your scenic transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward international flight.
The journey offers a final chance to experience Uganda’s remarkable natural beauty as you travel through rolling hills, vibrant towns, expansive countryside, and traditional rural communities. Along the way, you will witness the everyday rhythm of local life while enjoying panoramic views of the country’s diverse landscapes.
Depending on your flight schedule, brief stopovers shall be arranged for refreshments, lunch, relaxation, photography, or last-minute souvenir shopping, allowing you to fully appreciate your final moments in the Pearl of Africa.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your professional driver guide will assist you with airport formalities and luggage handling before bidding you farewell at the end of your unforgettable 7 days luxury primates and wildlife safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Safari Highlight: End of safari
Safari includes
- 4X4 safari vehicle
- English speaking driver guides
- Airport and ground transfers
- Accommodation as mentioned above
- Meals as mentioned above
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Game drive
- All park entrance fees
- All activities mentioned above
Safari excludes
- All items that are not mentioned above.
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- All personal expenditure
- Air tickets
- All other items not mentioned in the inclusions