22 Day Uganda, Rwanda and Virunga Congo Grand Expedition
The full Great Lakes primate circuit: Uganda, Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo, ending with a night on the Nyiragongo volcano.
Go beyond the expected.
Twenty-two days across three countries. Rhinos and the Nile, chimpanzees in Kibale and Nyungwe, tree-climbing lions, gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, and a night on the rim of Nyiragongo's lava lake.
- Gorillas in three countries
- Chimpanzees in Kibale and Nyungwe
- Semuliki hot springs and Batwa community
- Tree-climbing lions at Ishasha
- Overnight climb of Nyiragongo volcano
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Mountain gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo
- Chimpanzee permits in Kibale and Nyungwe
- Golden monkey permit
- Nyiragongo climb permit and camping equipment
- Cross-border arrangements
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe
Entebbe
Arrive, transfer to your hotel and have a trip briefing.
Day 2 To Murchison Falls
Murchison Falls National Park
Drive northwest, with an optional rhino trek on the way and lunch in Masindi.
Day 3 Murchison game drive and cruise
Murchison Falls National Park
An early game drive on the north bank and an afternoon launch cruise to the base of the falls.
Day 4 To Kibale
Hoima and Fort Portal
Drive south through farmland and tea estates to Kibale.
Day 5 Crater lakes
Kibale and Fort Portal
Choose from cycling, canoeing, a nature walk or a swim in the crater lakes.
Day 6 Semuliki and the Batwa
Semuliki National Park
A full day at Semuliki for the Sempaya hot springs and forest wildlife, with a Batwa community visit and performances.
Day 7 Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi
Kibale Forest
Track chimpanzees in the morning and walk the Bigodi Wetland in the afternoon.
Day 8 To Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive past the Rwenzori Mountains and take an afternoon Kazinga Channel cruise.
Day 9 Game drive and Ishasha
Queen Elizabeth National Park
An early game drive, then to Ishasha to look for tree-climbing lions.
Day 10 To Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A last morning game drive, then through the Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi.
Day 11 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi
Trek to a gorilla family and spend an hour with them.
Day 12 Golden monkeys and into Rwanda
Mgahinga and Kigali
A four-hour golden monkey trek in the bamboo forest, then cross to Kigali.
Day 13 To Nyungwe
Nyanza, Huye and Nyungwe
Visit the royal palace in Nyanza and the cultural museum in Huye, passing tea fields on the way.
Day 14 Chimpanzees in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Track chimpanzees in a small group, then walk the canopy in the afternoon.
Day 15 To Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Drive to the Virunga foothills and settle in ahead of your trek.
Day 16 Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Trek to a gorilla family and receive a certificate at the park offices; the afternoon is free for a village visit or nature walk.
Day 17 Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu
Transfer to Lake Kivu and relax by the water.
Day 18 Into Virunga National Park
Goma and Virunga National Park, DR Congo
Cross to Goma and continue to a tented camp in Virunga National Park.
Day 19 Gorilla trekking in Virunga
Virunga National Park
Hike one to two and a half hours each way to a gorilla group and spend an hour with them; free afternoon for nature walks and birding.
Day 20 Nyiragongo climb
Nyiragongo Volcano
Climb for four to six hours from the trailhead to the summit and spend the night on the rim.
Day 21 Descent and return to Kigali
Nyiragongo, Gisenyi and Kigali
Descend for about four hours, then drive via Gisenyi to Kigali.
Day 22 Departure from Kigali
Kigali
Transfer to Kigali airport for your flight home.
On this safari
Places you will visit
EntebbeExplore place →
Murchison FallsExplore place →
Murchison Falls National ParkExplore place →
Kibale National ParkExplore place →
Queen Elizabeth National ParkExplore place →
Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkExplore place →
KigaliExplore place →
Nyungwe National ParkExplore place →
Volcanoes National ParkExplore place →
Lake KivuExplore place →
HoimaExplore place →
Fort PortalExplore place →
Semuliki National ParkExplore place →NyanzaExplore place →Travel Guide
Knowledge connected to this page
Read planning and destination stories connected to this Offmap entity.
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Cultural Safari Uganda: Batwa, Buganda and Karamoja
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East Africa Conservation Culture
Batwa Cultural Experience in Uganda: What It Is and How to Choose
A forest walk with Batwa hosts, and how to do it respectfully.
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Luxury Gorilla Safari: Lodges, Flights and Private Guiding
Where the best lodges are, how flights save days and how to spend longer with the gorillas.
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Lake canoes, forest walks and one gorilla trek at a slow pace.
East Africa Birding Planning a Safari
Best Time for Birding in East Africa, Month by Month
Match your dates to the birds, not just the weather.
Ready to plan this Safari?
Start with the places and experiences that matter to you. We will shape the Safari around them.
Plan This Safari →Need to know?
Questions about 22 Day Uganda, Rwanda and Virunga Congo Grand Expedition
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time. We shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari: book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.