9-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate Expedition
9-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate Expedition
In the heart of East Africa lies a land of mist-covered mountains, lush rainforests, and ancient cultures that have thrived beside nature for centuries. This is the region where the rare mountain gorillas roam — where every trek, trail, and moment draws you closer to the wild. A 9-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate Expedition is more than just a safari; it is a soul-stirring adventure that combines the best of two extraordinary countries: Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa.”
From Kigali’s cultural vibrancy to the mystical Volcanoes National Park, and onward into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Kibale’s chimpanzee-filled jungles, this journey celebrates the spirit of East Africa’s primate sanctuaries. It is a voyage that takes you from the power of gorilla encounters to the thrill of chimpanzee tracking — a perfect blend of wilderness, culture, and connection.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Your expedition begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s gleaming capital city, where rolling green hills cradle modern architecture and tree-lined streets. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional guide from Moreen Tours & Travel.
After a short briefing about the upcoming adventure, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a Kigali city tour, exploring landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving site that commemorates the resilience of the Rwandan people. Stroll through the Nyamirambo neighborhood, famous for its lively markets and colorful houses, or visit local art centers like Inema Arts Gallery, where Rwandan creativity comes alive in vibrant paintings and sculptures.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps sampling Rwandan delicacies such as brochettes (skewered meat), ibirayi (spiced potatoes), and passion fruit juice. Overnight in Kigali, as the cool evening air and distant city lights welcome you to East Africa.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Gateway to the Gorillas
After breakfast, set off for Volcanoes National Park, a scenic 2.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s verdant countryside. The route winds through rolling hills and terraced farms, offering panoramic views that capture the essence of Rwanda’s nickname — the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Arrive in Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park, and check into your lodge nestled amidst the Virunga Volcanoes. The afternoon is perfect for a light cultural excursion — visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers have turned into passionate conservation ambassadors. Here, you’ll experience Rwandan traditions, music, and dance, and learn how tourism contributes to community development.
As the sun sets over the volcanic peaks, enjoy dinner at your lodge, the air filled with the scent of mist and mountain forest. Tomorrow brings the first of your primate encounters.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is one of the most anticipated days of your expedition — the day you meet the mountain gorillas face to face. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing by your ranger guides. You’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and begin your trek through bamboo forests, ferns, and tangled vines.
The trek may take one to five hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. The hike itself is a sensory experience — the scent of wild orchids, the calls of tropical birds, and the rustle of leaves beneath your boots. Then, suddenly, your ranger signals — and there they are.
A powerful silverback sits regally among his family, while juveniles play nearby and mothers cradle their infants. For a precious hour, you’ll share the forest with these magnificent creatures, observing their behavior and feeling a profound sense of connection.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon can be spent visiting the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, serene bodies of water reflecting the surrounding volcanoes. Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Cross the Border into Uganda – The Pearl of Africa
After breakfast, bid farewell to Rwanda and cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. The drive is short but scenic, offering glimpses of rural life — terraced hills, banana plantations, and smiling children waving as you pass by.
Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dense rainforest and as home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Check into your lodge nestled on the edge of the forest.
The afternoon is yours to unwind and take in the natural surroundings. You may opt for a community walk to meet the local Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants. Learn about their traditional hunting skills, songs, and survival techniques — an inspiring story of adaptation and cultural preservation.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Bwindi, surrounded by the sound of the jungle as night falls.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – The Heart of the Wild
Wake up to the mist rising over the rainforest and the songs of birds echoing through the trees. After breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on another unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
While you’ve already encountered gorillas in Rwanda, Bwindi offers a completely different atmosphere — its terrain is wilder, steeper, and even more magical. As you trek through dense vegetation, you may encounter other primates, such as L’Hoest’s monkeys or blue monkeys, as well as a stunning variety of birds and butterflies.
Once you find your assigned gorilla family, you’ll spend a full hour in their presence — a moment of awe, humility, and wonder that defines this journey. No two gorilla treks are ever the same; each encounter offers a new story.
After returning from the forest, spend the evening at leisure or take part in a storytelling session with local guides and conservationists. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Medley of Wonders
After breakfast, leave Bwindi behind and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse reserve. The journey takes about 4–5 hours, winding through the Ishasha sector, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the fig trees — you may spot one lounging on a branch!
Continue through the savanna plains, where elephants, antelopes, and buffalo roam. Arrive at your lodge inside the park in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is often called the “Medley of Wonders” for good reason — it’s a mosaic of ecosystems, from open grasslands and forests to volcanic craters and wetlands. Dinner and overnight overlooking the Kazinga Channel, where hippos grunt softly through the night.
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where lions, leopards, elephants, and kob antelopes are often seen. The early morning light makes for breathtaking photography.
After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This two-hour journey offers an intimate look at the park’s wildlife — hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and elephants coming down to drink. Bird lovers will be delighted by sightings of African fish eagles, pelicans, and pink-backed pelicans.
Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening overlooking the water.
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of the World
After breakfast, set out for Kibale Forest National Park, a lush rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and large population of chimpanzees. The drive takes about 5 hours through picturesque countryside, crater lakes, and banana plantations.
Upon arrival, check into your forest lodge and relax. If time allows, take a guided walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project famous for birdwatching and cultural experiences. You might spot the Great Blue Turaco, colorful butterflies, and a variety of monkey species.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Return to Entebbe
Today, you’ll meet the forest’s most mischievous residents — the chimpanzees. After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure.
The walk through the forest is alive with activity — bird calls, rustling leaves, and flashes of color as monkeys leap from tree to tree. When you find the chimpanzees, you’ll spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch them play, groom each other, and communicate with expressive gestures and sounds. Their intelligence and energy are captivating.
After the trek, begin your journey back to Entebbe, arriving in the evening or connecting directly to your outbound flight.
The Essence of the Rwanda–Uganda Primate Expedition
This 9-day expedition is a journey through two of Africa’s most soul-stirring destinations — a symphony of forests, wildlife, and culture. You’ll trek through the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, follow gorillas through Bwindi’s dense jungle, and encounter playful chimpanzees in Kibale’s canopies.
It’s not just a safari; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of nature. You’ll come away with unforgettable memories — the silverback’s gaze, the echoing laughter of chimpanzees, the warmth of village smiles, and the tranquil beauty of Africa’s highlands.
This journey embodies what East Africa is all about — wild, welcoming, and deeply alive.
Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel
To truly experience the magic of the Rwanda–Uganda Primate Expedition, you need a travel partner who understands the rhythm of these lands and the heartbeat of their people. Moreen Tours & Travel is a trusted East African tour operator that specializes in primate safaris, cultural experiences, and cross-border adventures.
Their team of professional driver-guides, expert trackers, and logistics specialists ensures a seamless and enriching journey. Every itinerary is crafted with care, combining comfort, sustainability, and authentic encounters that connect travelers to both nature and culture.
With Moreen Tours & Travel, your safari isn’t just about seeing wildlife — it’s about experiencing Africa with purpose and heart. They support local communities, protect wildlife habitats, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s your first African adventure or a return to your favorite continent, Moreen Tours & Travel makes every step of the journey unforgettable.
