The Ultimate 6-Day Apes & Wildlife Safari: An Epic Rwanda & Uganda Adventure

Overview

This immersive 6-day escorted tour is a wildlife lover’s dream, spanning the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda. Experience close encounters with three iconic primates: mountain gorillas in Bwindi, playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest. The adventure continues with thrilling game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree-climbing lions and elephants, a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, and a relaxing finale at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Expertly curated by Muganzi Safaris, this tour offers a perfect blend of intense wildlife action and cultural immersion.

  •  6 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda & Rwanda
Journey with Muganzi Safaris for a Primate Lover's Dream – Track Gorillas, Chimps, Golden Monkeys & Seek the Famous Tree-Climbing Lions.

Are you ready for the African safari of a lifetime? Muganzi Safaris invites you on a meticulously crafted 6-day expedition across the heart of East Africa’s most stunning landscapes. This tour is designed for the true wildlife enthusiast, offering an unparalleled opportunity to come face-to-face with the region’s most iconic primates and majestic big game. From the misty volcanoes of Rwanda to the vast savannas of Uganda, we guide you through a series of unforgettable encounters that will leave you in awe of the natural world.

Tour Highlights:

  • Trek to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
  • Track the charismatic Golden Monkeys in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
  • Walk through the lush Kalinzu Forest in pursuit of playful Chimpanzees.
  • Search for the legendary Tree-Climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector.
  • Cruise the Kazinga Channel, a magnet for wildlife, in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Relax and soak in the breathtaking views of Uganda's "Lake of a Thousand Islands," Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Immerse yourself in history and culture with a Kigali city tour and a visit to the Batwa community

Detailed 6-Day Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda & Journey to the Land of Volcanoes

Your adventure begins the moment you land. Your Muganzi Safaris guide will greet you at Kigali International Airport, and we immediately dive into the vibrant culture and history of Rwanda’s capital. We’ll take you on a guided tour of Kigali’s evolving neighborhoods, with a poignant and educational visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This powerful site honors the victims of the 1994 tragedy and offers a profound lesson in resilience. After lunch, we leave the city behind and journey towards the towering Virunga volcanoes. If time allows, we’ll stop to admire the stunning Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, their deep blue waters framed by dramatic hills. We’ll settle in at our lodge near Volcanoes National Park, where the mountain air fills you with anticipation for the days ahead.

  • Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Golden Monkeys in the Mist & Cross-Border Journey to Uganda

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and enjoy an early breakfast. We transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for our first primate encounter: Golden Monkey Trekking. After a briefing, we hike into the bamboo forests, a relatively gentle terrain, where troops of these energetic, bright-orange monkeys feed and play. You’ll have a full hour to observe their acrobatic antics—a truly delightful experience. After returning to the lodge for lunch, we bid farewell to Rwanda and cross the border into Uganda, winding our way through scenic highlands to the edge of the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: The Apex Experience: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing. Then, the real adventure begins. Led by experienced trackers, we venture into the dense, ancient rainforest. The gorilla trek is an adventure in itself, traversing steep, verdant hills. The moment you lock eyes with a majestic mountain gorilla, every step will feel worth it. You will spend one magical hour watching a gorilla family interact—the powerful silverback, caring mothers, and playful juveniles—an experience that often moves travelers to tears. In the afternoon, we offer a cultural interlude with a Batwa Community Tour, learning about the forest’s original inhabitants and their intimate connection to this ecosystem.

  • Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Savanna Game Drives, Chimp Trekking & Scenic Lake Retreat

We start early with a morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains. This vast savanna is the prime hunting ground for lions and is home to large herds of Uganda kob, elephants, and buffalo. The adventure continues as we head to Kalinzu Forest for another primate encounter: chimpanzee tracking. Following their energetic calls through the forest canopy is an exhilarating experience. After meeting our chimpanzee cousins, we journey to one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Bunyonyi. Surrounded by terraced hills, this deep lake is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your adventures.

  • Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget, with beautiful lake view)

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Serenity & Farewell

Enjoy a final breakfast with a stunning lake view. We’ll take a boat ride to explore some of the lake’s many islands, learning about their unique histories. Afterwards, we begin our journey back to Rwanda, crossing at the Katuna border. We’ll transfer you to Kigali International Airport, with a possible brief city tour if your flight schedule allows, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Accommodation: None (Tour concludes)

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

What's Included & Excluded

Your Safari Includes:

  • All ground transportation in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle.
  • Professional, full-time English-speaking driver/guide.
  • All park entrance fees and activity permits as per the itinerary.
  • Gorilla Trekking Permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Golden Monkey Trekking Permit for Volcanoes National Park.
  • Chimpanzee Tracking Permit for Kalinzu Forest.
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Not Included:

  • International airfare and visa fees.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Tips for your guide and lodge staff.
  • Alcoholic and other premium beverages.
  • Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, laundry, etc.).

Ready to answer the call of the wild? This 6-day Ultimate Apes and Wildlife Safari is our most popular tour for a reason. Contact Muganzi Safaris today to book your spot and secure the necessary permits for this unforgettable cross-border adventure

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