21 Days Primates and Wildlife Safari Tour in Uganda and Rwanda

21 Days Immersive Primates and Wildlife Safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda Holiday.

On this 21 Days Immersive Primates and Wildlife Safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda holiday, you will discover the beauty and majesty of Gorilla and Chimpanzee, primates in Uganda plus other wildlife. Explore Ngamba Island to see orphaned chimps, experience game drives and boat safaris at Murchison Falls National Park, witness chimpanzee habituation at Kibale Forest National Park, encounter the big 5 at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and trek through Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Forests for an unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters.

Tour Highlights of Primates and wildlife safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda.

• Pickup from Entebbe airport Uganda
• Murchsion falls for game and boat ride.
• Kibale Forest for primates safari tour Uganda.
• Queen Elizabeth national Park for game and boat cruise
• Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking
• Gorilla Trekking Jungle Safari tour in Bwindi & Volcanoes Rwanda
• Game safari tours on Lake Mburo
• Water rafting on the source of the Nile river
• Nature Treks

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe Airport and then start your 21 day primates and wildlife safari Tour Holiday in Uganda and Rwanda.

Our team will meet you at Entebbe Airport and take you to your hotel, where you can rest and rejuvenate before the safari tour holiday begins. On your arrival at Entebbe Airport, G S Uganda Travel representative/guide will pick you up from Entebbe airport in Uganda and transfer you to 2friends hotel Entebbe or another hotel of your choice for the overnight,

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Midrange: K Hotel Entebbe/2 friends beach Hotel/Imperial Heights.

Luxury Accommodation: Protea Entebbe/ Imperial Resort Beach Hotel

Day 2: Explore Ngamba Island and observe the playful antics of orphaned chimpanzees in their natural environment with our expert tracking guides.

After a satisfying early morning breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre/Entebbe Zoo pier for a boat ride to Ngamba Island. Choose between two half-day excursions starting at 9:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. to see orphaned chimpanzees in their sanctuary, subject to availability and pre-booking. Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in East Africa, plus also crossing the Equator en-route during the 50-minute boat ride, on the waters of Lake Victoria.

Upon arrival at the chimpanzee sanctuary, you will be briefed on the sanctuary’s mission to care for orphaned chimpanzees. The feeding time is a remarkable experience where you can observe the primates’ different personalities and behaviors from the visitors’ platform. You’ll witness the primates with their own idiosyncrasies, from the greedy ones who hoard food to the docile ones that prefer to remain in the background. While releasing the chimpanzees into the wild is the ideal scenario, the sanctuary provides a comfortable home for them. After the safari tour, return to the zoo point and transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Midrange: K Hotel Entebbe/2 friends beach Hotel/Imperial Heights.

Luxury Accommodation: Protea Entebbe/ Imperial Resort Beach Hotel

Day 3: Embark on a scenic drive from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, making a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En-route.

Day 4: Explore Murchison Falls National Park, starting with a thrilling wildlife game viewing experience and then boat cruise

Day 5: Depart from Murchison Falls National Park and continue the Journey to Kibale National Park for chimps trek safari tour.

Day 6: Embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park where you will go for Chimpanzee and primates Safari tour.

Day 8: Depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will embark on a game drive through the savanna grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park and heading out on a scenic launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast, we embark on a morning game drive in search of the abundant wildlife that Queen Elizabeth National Park has to offer. The drive provides excellent scenic views of the great lakes of Lake Edwards and Lake George, as well as the great Kazinga channel. During the game drive, we will have the opportunity to see elephants, tree climbing lions, buffaloes, kobs, pythons, hyenas, warthogs, and a variety of birds. We will return to the lodge for a mid-morning breakfast before having lunch. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which is a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. During the boat cruise, we can expect to see a high concentration of hippos and an abundance of both typical and migratory birds. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel or lodge.

Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis):

Budget – Albertine river camp, Simba safari camp;

Moderate – Hippo Hill Luxury tented camp;

Upmarket – Mweya safari Lodge, Kyambura Wildlife reserve, Jacana Safari Lodge.

Day 9: Embark on a game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and explore the diverse habitats of the park and search for various wildlife and bird species then head to the Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee experience and primates and wildlife safari tour in Uganda.

After breakfast, we will embark on a game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will explore the diverse habitats of the park and search for wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species. In the afternoon, we will head to the Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee tracking experience. As you drive through grassland areas, you’ll soon come across a stunning ravine of tropical rainforest, over 100 meters deep. Trek into the gorge and marvel at the river valley, home to many species of birds and butterflies. Your knowledgeable ranger guide will provide information about this beautiful gorge which is home to a thriving community of chimpanzees, as well as other primates and birdlife. The expert guide will take you through the lush forest and help us locate and observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, dinner, and overnight stay.

You’ll have a choice of accommodation options, (all on a full board basis)

• Budget: Albertine River Camp, Simba Safari Camp
• Moderate: Hippo Hill Luxury Tented Camp
• Upmarket: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, Jacana Safari Lodge

Day 10: Depart from Queen Elizabeth National Park and head towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain Gorillas

This morning, you will depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the way, we will drive through the seasonal southern sector of Queen Elizabeth known as Ishasha, where we may be able to spot the famous tree-climbing lions. If time permits, we will take lunch by the Ishasha River before continuing to Bwindi, home to the few remaining mountain gorillas. Note that if you are tracking gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi, you will not be able to drive via this sector to shorten the drive between Kisoro and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The bird and primate life in Bwindi National Park is exceptional, and the flora is incredibly diverse. Bird watchers often describe Bwindi as a bird paradise, with 348 bird species and 24 of the 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda, as well as seven red data book species. Once connected to the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils.

Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis):

Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas (self-contained cottages)

Moderate: Lake Kitandara Camp, Engagi Lodge

Upmarket: Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Resort Camp, Clouds Lodge.

Day 11: Go for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park.

After having breakfast and packing your trekking gear including a raincoat, ankle-level hiking boots, gardeners gloves, a pair of trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, you will proceed to the starting point for a briefing by a ranger guide. Then, enter the gorilla sanctuary for a world-class primate and wildlife safari encounter and adventure: gorilla trekking. The rainforest is simply breathtaking with dramatic, steep, and densely forested landscapes crossed by numerous animal trails. The time taken and the terrain covered will vary depending on the movements of these gentle giants. Spending time observing these endangered great apes is a thrilling and emotional experience to be longed and savored. Whether you track the M group or the N group, you will find no wildlife experience quite as exhilarating as this. After the trek, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis):

• Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas (self-contained cottages)
• Moderate: Lake Kitandara Camp, Engagi Lodge
• Upmarket: Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Resort Camp, Clouds Lodge

Day 12 Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and cross the border into Rwanda

Following breakfast, we will depart from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and cross the border into Rwanda. This journey will take us through the scenic hills and countryside of Rwanda, providing a wonderful opportunity to observe the local people going about their daily activities. We will arrive in Rwanda in the afternoon and check into our accommodations. We will have lunch en-route and proceed to your accommodation. After check-in, you will have time to relax and enjoy the amenities of your lodge and have the remainder of the day to rest and explore the surrounding areas. Dinner and overnight will be at your hotel or lodge.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge

Moderate: Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Up Market: Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

Day 13: Embark on a thrilling adventure of gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda

Start your day with an early morning breakfast and then head to Kinigi park headquarters. Here, you will receive a briefing, get your group allocation, and orientation before starting your trek to the Virunga Mountains. The trekking can last anywhere from 3-10 hours and involves hiking and tracking gorillas, including hiking through the bamboo zone. Once you find the gorillas, you will have an opportunity to spend an hour with them. After this incredible experience, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Choose from various accommodations, including budget options such as Kinigi Guest House or Muhavura Lodge, moderate options such as Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and up-market options such as Virunga Volcanoes Lodge. All accommodations come on a full board basis.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Budget: Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge

Moderate : Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Up Market :Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

Day 14: Optional/Extra activities in Rwanda.

If you feel like taking it easy, you can spend the day enjoying the stunning views of the impenetrable forest. Alternatively, there are several activities you can choose from, including a visit to a local community for USD 25 per person, a nature walk in Bwindi Forest for USD 75 per person, or a cycling tour along a well-maintained trail from the park headquarters in Buhoma to the Ivi River for USD 50. The cycling tour is organized by the community under the “Ride for a Woman” project.

Day 15: Depart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park heading for Kisoro

After leaving Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will make your way to Kisoro. Once you arrive, take some time to relax and refresh at your lodge. Later in the day, you can choose to visit the Pygmy communities, where you can learn about their traditional way of life and culture. Alternatively, you can take a walk to Lake Mutanda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Accommodation options available on a full board basis include:

• Budget: Tourist Hotel (bed and breakfast), Travelers Rest Hotel
• Mid-range and Luxury: Mount Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge

Day 16: Travel from Kisoro to Mgahinga National Park to embark on a trek to observe the fascinating golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for the exciting golden monkey trek in Mgahinga National Park. Ensure to be at the ranger station before 8:00 am for registration and a briefing by an experienced ranger, who will also guide you through the bush to track the playful golden monkeys. Spend an hour observing and photographing these fascinating primates before returning to the starting point go with your packed lunch as it will be had en-route. After the trek, return to your previous lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 17: Transfer to Kisoro to see the beautiful scenic crater Lake Bunyonyi with all its abundant wildlife

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi a volcanic crater lake and one of Uganda’s most stunning and deepest lakes. Enjoy a nature walk and a boat ride to Akampene Island, also known as “Punishment Island”, where unmarried pregnant women were once abandoned as punishment. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this island and its significance to the local community. Overnight at your lodge of choice, with options including

Birdnest Bunyonyi for luxury

Arcadia Cottages for mid-range

Bunyonyi Overland Camp for budget

Day 18: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Depart early in the morning after breakfast for a four-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park to embark on your game drive. You will have the chance to see zebras, topis, elephants, elands, impalas, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on lake Mburo to enjoy more of the park’s abundant wildlife.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis):

• Luxury: Mantana Luxury Tented Camp or Mihingo Lodge
• Mid-range: Arcadia Cottages or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
• Budget: Rwonyo Rest Camp.

Day 19: Take a tour of Lake Mburo National Park and Transfer to Jinja.

Lake Mburo National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species. During a game drive, visitors have the opportunity to see zebras, impalas, topis, elands, buffaloes, and antelopes. The park is also a good place to spot predators such as hyenas and leopards. Bird watching is also popular in the park, with over 350 species recorded, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is also home to five lakes, including Lake Mburo, which is a haven for hippos and crocodiles, and provides opportunities for boat rides and fishing. Additionally, the park has a number of nature trails for hiking and walking safaris, providing a chance to get up close and personal with the park’s flora and fauna.

Embark on a thrilling horseback ride in Lake Mburo national park to spot the wildlife, before departing for Jinja. The drive to Jinja takes approximately 4 hours. Spend the night at one of the following accommodations:

Basic – Source of the Nile Guest House

Moderate – Gately on the Nile

Luxury – Jinja Nile resort.

Day 20: Transfer to Jinja and explore White Water Rafting on the source of River Nile

You will begin your day by transferring to the starting point for a full day of rafting on the river Nile in Jinja. The rafting company will provide lunch and photo opportunities throughout the experience. After the day’s adventure, you will return to Kampala for overnight accommodation at either Speke Hotel Kampala or Fairway Hotel Kampala.

Day 21:Transfer to Kampala for a brief Kampala City Tour and then head to Entebbe to end your 21 Days  Primates and Wildlife Safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda.

After early morning breakfast depart from Jinja and head for Kampala where our experienced tour guide will accompany you to explore the popular landmarks, historical places, and interesting tourist spots of Kampala.

Some of the places we will visit include: Bulange and Lubiri, Buganda-Parliament-Bulange, Kasubi Tombs, Gadhafi Mosque, Ndere Centre, Uganda Museum, Bahai Temple, craft markets (Buganda Road or national theatre), monuments, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral, and local restaurants for lunch.

After the tour, we will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight back home.

END OF THE 21 Day primates and wild life safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda Holiday.