Short Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

February 12, 2026

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Uganda

February 15, 2026

Why Choose a Uganda–Rwanda Combined Safari?

Combining Uganda and Rwanda allows you to explore two distinct yet complementary destinations in one trip. Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is famous for its diverse wildlife, powerful waterfalls, and primates. Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers scenic beauty, conservation success stories, and luxury gorilla trekking experiences.

A cross-border safari also gives you flexibility in gorilla trekking options. You can trek in Uganda’s lush forests or Rwanda’s volcanic slopes, depending on your preference and permit availability.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe offers a relaxed introduction to Uganda.

Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the botanical gardens or simply relax after your flight.

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive offers scenic views of rural Uganda, with optional stops at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking.

In the afternoon, visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces itself through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 meters below. The power and beauty of the falls create one of the most dramatic sights in East Africa.

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile

Begin the day with an early morning game drive on the northern banks of the park. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Murchison is also home to leopards and hyenas.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls. Along the way, you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species including the rare shoebill stork.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Today you travel south to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The journey takes you through tea plantations, rolling hills, and traditional villages.

Kibale is famous for its chimpanzee population and dense tropical forest. In the evening, relax at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

After an early briefing, enter the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting experience as you follow experienced guides through the forest in search of habituated families.

Watching chimps interact, groom, and communicate is a fascinating and emotional wildlife encounter. In the afternoon, you may explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching and community interaction.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations. The park is known for its scenic beauty, crater lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Enjoy an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions, buffaloes, and elephants roam freely against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start the day with a sunrise game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants drinking at the water’s edge.

Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Seeing lions resting in fig trees is a unique and memorable sight.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive offers spectacular views of terraced hills and rural landscapes.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the highlight of your safari. After a briefing by park rangers, you will enter the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Mountain Gorilla trekking can take between two and six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

Spending one hour in the presence of these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience. Watching them feed, play, and care for their young creates a deep appreciation for conservation efforts.

Day 10: Cross to Rwanda – Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda and drive to Kigali. Rwanda’s clean cities and organized infrastructure are immediately noticeable.

In the afternoon, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery. This emotional yet educational visit provides important context to the country’s transformation.

Day 11: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. The park is renowned for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

The scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills justifies its nickname as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Relax at your lodge with stunning views of the volcanoes.

Day 12: Gorilla Trekking or Golden Monkey Tracking

Today you may choose between another gorilla trek or tracking golden monkeys. Golden Monkey tracking offers a lively and energetic primate experience.

Alternatively, trekking another gorilla family allows for a different perspective and deeper appreciation of these endangered primates.

Day 13: Cultural Experience and Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu for relaxation. The peaceful lakeside atmosphere offers a perfect break after several days of adventure.

Engage in community visits, coffee experiences, or simply enjoy a boat ride on the lake while admiring Rwanda’s scenic beauty.

Day 14: Return to Kigali

Drive back to Kigali for your final night. You may explore local markets, art galleries, or enjoy fine dining at one of the city’s top restaurants.

This is an opportunity to reflect on the diverse experiences encountered throughout the safari.

Day 15: Departure

Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. You leave with unforgettable memories of wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality from both Uganda and Rwanda.