17 Day Uganda and Rwanda Grand Primate Circuit
Murchison, Kibale, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Nyungwe and Volcanoes in one long circuit.
Go beyond the expected.
Seventeen days through two countries. See rhinos, the Nile, chimpanzees in Kibale and Nyungwe, tree-climbing lions and gorillas in both Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park.
- Rhino trek and Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzees at Kibale and Nyungwe
- Semuliki hot springs
- Tree-climbing lions at Ishasha
- Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
- Golden monkeys
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 and Rwanda
- Chimpanzee permits in Kibale and Nyungwe
- Golden monkey permit
- Launch cruises as listed
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
A morning game drive on the north bank, then a 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, then a Batwa community visit with traditional 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 cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 9 Game drive and Ishasha
Queen Elizabeth National Park
A morning game drive, then on to Ishasha to look for tree-climbing lions.
Day 10 To Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A last morning game drive, then drive 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 morning 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 museum in Huye, then drive into Nyungwe.
Day 14 Chimpanzees in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Track chimpanzees in the morning and 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, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure or on a village visit.
Day 17 Lake Kivu and departure
Lake Kivu and Kigali
Relax by Lake Kivu, then return to Kigali for your flight.
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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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.
Wellness Safari Uganda: Lake Bunyonyi, Forest and Gorillas
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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.
East Africa Gorilla Trekking Honeymoon & Couples
Rwanda Gorilla and Zanzibar Beach Safari: Route Guide
Trek to the gorillas, then rest by the Indian Ocean.
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 17 Day Uganda and Rwanda Grand Primate Circuit
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.