5 Days Rwanda Golden Monkey, Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

Safari Overview

This 5 Days Rwanda Golden Monkey, Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari combines some of the most remarkable primate and wildlife experiences in East Africa.

The journey begins in Kigali with golden monkey trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. You will explore the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of these lively and beautiful primates.

The adventure then continues across the border into Uganda. You will trek through the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of endangered mountain gorillas.

After the trek, Lake Bunyonyi provides a peaceful escape among rolling hills and scattered islands. A scenic boat ride adds a relaxing experience after your gorilla adventure.

The safari then continues north toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you will enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise and wildlife viewing across the park’s savannah plains.

Your final destination is Kibale National Park, one of Africa’s best destinations for chimpanzee trekking. The safari ends with a fascinating chimpanzee tracking experience before your transfer to Kampala.

Detailed 5 Days Rwanda Golden Monkey, Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Golden Monkey Trekking – Dian Fossey Museum – Bwindi

Your East African Jungle Safaris’ driver-guide will pick you up at approximately 5:00 AM. You will then drive toward Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.

You should arrive at the Kinigi park headquarters around 7:00 AM. Here, you will meet the ranger guides and other trekkers before receiving a briefing about golden monkey trekking.

After the briefing, you will drive to the trailhead and begin your trek into the bamboo forests.

Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift and live in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains. Their striking golden-orange coats make them one of Rwanda’s most fascinating primates.

Watch as the monkeys move through the bamboo, feed, groom one another, and interact within their troop. Your ranger will explain their behavior, habitat, and conservation.

After the trek, return to Musanze for lunch.

You will then visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The museum offers an engaging introduction to Dian Fossey’s work and the history of mountain gorilla conservation.

Explore the exhibits, learn about Fossey’s pioneering research, and discover how modern conservation efforts continue to protect the gorillas.

After the museum visit, continue toward the Uganda border.

You will cross into Uganda and proceed toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving later in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at:

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride

Today is the highlight of your safari.

After an early breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. The briefing normally starts around 7:45 AM.

Your ranger guide will explain the trekking guidelines and responsible gorilla viewing practices.

You will then enter the ancient Bwindi forest in search of your assigned gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Bwindi’s terrain can be steep and challenging, but the experience is extraordinary.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend approximately one hour observing them.

This is a remarkable opportunity to watch these intelligent animals feed, play, rest, and interact within their family groups.

After the trek, return to the starting point and receive your gorilla trekking certificate.

You will then drive toward Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic highland lakes. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

The lake is famous for its numerous small islands and dramatic surrounding hills. The calm waters provide a perfect setting to unwind after your gorilla trek.

You may also enjoy a short hike to one of the viewpoints before returning to your lodge.

Dinner and overnight at:

Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi – Queen Elizabeth NP – Kazinga Channel

After breakfast, drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda. After lunch, enjoy the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, with opportunities to see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth – Crater Lakes – Kibale NP

Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth, searching for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly lions. Continue through the scenic crater lake region to Kibale National Park. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature and primate walk.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kampala

After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Search for habituated chimpanzees while encountering other primates and forest wildlife along the way. After lunch, begin the journey to Kampala, arriving later in the afternoon.

Inclusions

  • Private safari transportation
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Gorilla trekking permit – USD 800
  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee tracking permit
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park entry
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Dian Fossey Museum visit
  • Bigodi Wetland experience
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Full-board meals
  • Drinking water
  • Border crossing assistance
  • All applicable park and government fees

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation before or after the safari
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and other personal drinks
  • Laundry
  • Souvenirs
  • Tips
  • Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary