9 Day Volcanoes to Chimps: Rwanda and Uganda Crossing
Kigali, golden monkeys and gorillas in Rwanda, then Queen Elizabeth and chimpanzees in Uganda.
Go beyond the expected.
A nine-day primate crossing: a gorilla trek and golden monkeys in Rwanda's Virungas, a Kazinga Channel cruise and game drive in Queen Elizabeth, and chimpanzees at Kibale.
- Golden monkeys
- Gorilla trek in Rwanda
- Iby'iwacu village
- Kazinga Channel cruise
- Kibale chimpanzees
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 permit in Rwanda
- Golden monkey permit
- Chimpanzee permit
- Kazinga Channel cruise
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 Kigali
Kigali
Arrive and transfer to a hotel. Optional visits include the Genocide Memorial, markets and the cultural centre.
Day 2 To Volcanoes National Park
Kinigi and Volcanoes National Park
A two-hour drive through terraced hills to Kinigi, with an optional city tour first.
Day 3 Golden monkeys and village visit
Volcanoes National Park
Trek to a golden monkey group in the bamboo forest in the morning, then visit the Iby'iwacu cultural village after lunch.
Day 4 Gorilla trekking
Volcanoes National Park
Trek to a gorilla family and spend an hour with them.
Day 5 To Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Cross to Uganda and drive to Queen Elizabeth, then take an afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 6 Game drive and Kibale
Queen Elizabeth and Kibale
A dawn game drive with the Rwenzori behind, then transfer to Kibale.
Day 7 Chimpanzees and Bigodi
Kibale Forest
Track chimpanzees in the morning and walk the Bigodi Wetland.
Day 8 To Kampala
Kampala
Drive to Kampala, with time for coffee and craft shops.
Day 9 Departure
Entebbe
Transfer to Entebbe airport for your flight.
Travel Guide
Knowledge connected to this page
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Cultural Safari Uganda: Batwa, Buganda and Karamoja
Forest people, kingdoms, markets and cattle herders, linked to the parks.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Honeymoon & Couples
Rwanda Gorilla and Zanzibar Beach Safari: Route Guide
Trek to the gorillas, then rest by the Indian Ocean.
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.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Multi-Country Safaris
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Gorilla Safari: Routes and Planning
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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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Questions about 9 Day Volcanoes to Chimps: Rwanda and Uganda Crossing
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.