7 Day The Great Apes & Primates of Rwanda & Uganda

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Ruhengeri

After breakfast, guests will enjoy a guided morning city tour of Kigali, a capital rich in history and culture. Once a small colonial town, Kigali has grown into a dynamic city of over one million people, known for its tree-lined streets, welcoming atmosphere, and impressive modern development.

The tour includes visits to the Kandt House Museum of Natural History, Old Kigali, and the craft markets and art centres, where local artisans display exquisite Rwandan handicrafts. Guests will also visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and educational site that honours the memory of those who lost their lives and highlights Rwanda’s remarkable journey of reconciliation and progress.

In the afternoon, guests will depart Kigali for Ruhengeri, located approximately 110 kilometres northwest of the capital. The three-hour drive offers scenic views of rolling hills, verdant countryside, and local farming communities before arriving at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge. Upon arrival, guests will check in and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the Virunga Mountains.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 110 km (3 hours)

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Community Visit – Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, guests will be met by their guide and transferred to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for a briefing on the day’s gorilla trekking experience. Here, guests will receive their group allocation and meet the expert trackers and porters who will accompany them on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The trek begins at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, where lush forests and terraced hillsides provide breathtaking views in every direction. The trekking duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family being visited, and may take between 2 to 6 hours.

Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat — watching as they feed, groom, play, and care for their young. Coming face-to-face with a mighty silverback is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters.

In the late afternoon, guests will visit a local community to experience daily Rwandan life, gain insight into traditional customs, and meet local residents who live near the park.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 25 km (round trip, including transfer to park headquarters and community visit)

Day 4: Journey to Kibale, Uganda

After an early breakfast, guests will meet their driver-guide and travel to the Rwanda–Uganda border for immigration formalities. Upon crossing into Uganda, guests should adjust their watches one hour ahead to local time.

Once border procedures are completed, guests will continue to Kisoro Airstrip for their scheduled flight to Kasese. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the countryside and the dramatic peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.

On arrival in Kasese, guests will be welcomed by a lodge driver-guide and transferred to Primate Lodge Kibale, located within the lush Kibale Forest area — home to one of the greatest concentrations of primates in Africa.

The rest of the afternoon is free for guests to unwind and enjoy the tranquil forest setting, listen to the sounds of nature, or simply relax at the lodge in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 150 km (including transfer and border crossing)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Cultural Walk – Kibale

After breakfast, guests will transfer to the Kibale Forest National Park Headquarters for a briefing before beginning their chimpanzee tracking experience. The forest is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including over a dozen primate species and hundreds of bird species.

The trek to find the chimpanzees typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on their location within the forest. Along the way, guests may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys moving through the treetops. Your expert ranger-guide will interpret the sights and sounds of the rainforest, sharing fascinating insights about its unique plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Once the chimpanzees are located, guests will spend an unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, and play in their natural habitat — a thrilling and intimate wildlife encounter.

In the afternoon, guests will enjoy the Bigodi Cultural Walk, a guided visit through the nearby community to learn about local traditions, meet residents, and discover the harmonious relationship between people and the surrounding forest.

Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 20 km (round trip, including transfers to the park and community visit)

Day 6: Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, guests will meet their driver-guide at 08:00 and begin the journey to Entebbe. The scenic drive offers a final opportunity to take in Uganda’s beautiful countryside and bustling roadside villages.

Along the way, guests will stop at the Equator to enjoy lunch and a chance to take photographs at this iconic landmark — a perfect moment to commemorate the journey through East Africa.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, guests will be transferred to Karibu Guest House for check-in and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Karibu Guest House
Meals: Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 370 km (6–7 hours including stop at the Equator)

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, guests will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport in time for their onward flight. Your driver-guide will assist with the transfer and ensure a smooth and timely arrival for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Travel Distance: Approximately 10 km (20 minutes)