7 Day Golden Monkeys, Gorillas and Chimps: Rwanda and Uganda
Golden monkeys in Rwanda, gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kyambura and Kibale, from Kigali to Entebbe.
Go beyond the expected.
A week that starts in Kigali and ends in Entebbe. Track golden monkeys at Volcanoes National Park, cross into Uganda for a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi, then take game drives and a boat trip in Queen Elizabeth and track chimpanzees in Kyambura and Kibale.
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi
- Game drives and a boat trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge and Kibale
- One-way route: Kigali in, Entebbe out
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
- Golden monkey, gorilla and chimpanzee permits as listed, subject to availability
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 Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Kigali and Volcanoes National Park
Your guide meets you at Kigali airport and you drive to Volcanoes National Park, with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest, depending on arrival time.
Day 2 Cross into Uganda
Cyanika Border and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Drive to the Cyanika border, cross into Uganda and continue to Bwindi, with a briefing for the gorilla trek.
Day 3 Mountain gorilla trek
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Trek with rangers to a habituated gorilla family and spend one hour with them.
Day 4 To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha Sector and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive north through the Ishasha sector, looking for tree-climbing lions, to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5 Queen Elizabeth game drive, boat trip and Kyambura Gorge
Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Gorge
A game drive on the Kasenyi plains, the Kazinga Channel launch cruise and chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.
Day 6 Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
Kibale National Park
Drive to Kibale National Park and track chimpanzees.
Day 7 Return to Entebbe
Kibale National Park and Entebbe
Drive back to Entebbe for your onward flight.
On this safari
Places you will visit
KigaliExplore place →
Volcanoes National ParkExplore place →
Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkExplore place →
Queen Elizabeth National ParkExplore place →
Kibale National ParkExplore place →
EntebbeExplore place →
Ishasha SectorExplore place →
Kyambura GorgeExplore place →Kyambura Wildlife ReserveExplore place →Travel Guide
Knowledge connected to this page
Read planning and destination stories connected to this Offmap entity.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Planning a Safari
Gorilla and Beach Safari: Combine Gorillas with Zanzibar
Pair a forest trek with a few days on the coast.
Uganda Chimpanzees Communities
Cultural Safari Uganda: Batwa, Buganda and Karamoja
Forest people, kingdoms, markets and cattle herders, linked to the parks.
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.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Luxury & Private Safaris
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.
Wellness Safari Uganda: Lake Bunyonyi, Forest and Gorillas
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 7 Day Golden Monkeys, Gorillas and Chimps: Rwanda and Uganda
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.