9-Day Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey & Gorilla Trekking Safari (Rwanda & Uganda)
Chimps in Nyungwe, golden monkeys in the Virungas, gorillas in Bwindi
- Duration9 days / 8 nights
- LocationRwanda & Uganda
- Minimum age15+
- DifficultyChallenging
Tour overview
About this journey
Experience the best of Rwanda and Uganda on this 9-day primate safari. From chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park to the unforgettable gorilla trek in Bwindi, this journey offers rare encounters with Africa’s most iconic primates. Along the way, enjoy scenic lakes, cultural visits, and stunning landscapes, all guided by expert local guides.
Trip highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
- Two stops on Lake Kivu: Karongi and Gisenyi
- Mount Bisoke crater lake and Dian Fossey’s grave
- Golden monkey trekking
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda
- Starts
- Kigali International Airport
- Ends
- Kigali
- Best time
- All year · best June–September & December–February
- Style
- Private & tailor-made
Your route
- Kigali
- Nyungwe NP
- Karongi
- Gisenyi
- Musanze
- Bwindi (Uganda)
- Kigali
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
-
Day1
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Pride Adventure driver-guide. After a short briefing, set off on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, stop for a visit at the Nyanza King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. In the afternoon, enjoy the canopy walk, offering an exhilarating perspective from above the treetops. Check in to your lodge for the night.
- Airport pick-up
- Scenic drive
-
Day2
After an early breakfast, head into the rainforest for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure. With guidance from expert trackers, you’ll explore the forest trails while learning about primates and rich biodiversity. Afterward, return for lunch and transfer to Cormoran Lodge in Karongi, located on the scenic shores of Lake Kivu.
- Chimpanzee tracking
-
Day3
Today, travel from Karongi to Gisenyi (Rubavu). You may choose a relaxing drive or an optional boat ride across Lake Kivu (at extra cost). Along the way, admire the beauty of the islands and distant Congo hills. On arrival in Gisenyi, unwind by the lake or stroll through the town.
- Lake Kivu experience
-
Day4
After a relaxed morning at the lake, drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, where you’ll enjoy traditional music, dances, and local crafts.
- Cultural village
-
Day5
Today, embark on a guided Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike. Begin with a park briefing at 7:00 AM before setting off on this rewarding trek through stunning volcanic landscapes. After returning and having lunch, visit the Dian Fossey Research Center for a deep dive into gorilla conservation history.
- Bisoke crater lake
- Dian Fossey site
-
Day6
After an early breakfast, report to the park office at 7:00 AM for Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, begin your cross-border journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda via the Cyanika or Gatuna border. Arrive and check in at your lodge near the park.
- Golden monkey trek
- Border crossing
-
Day7
Today is the highlight of your trip – mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda! After an early breakfast, report for a briefing by park rangers before heading deep into the forest. The trek can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the hour spent in their presence is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the day.
- Gorilla trekking
-
Day8
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali via the border. Upon arrival, you may have time for a city tour, visit local markets for souvenirs, or simply relax at your hotel.
- Souvenir shopping
-
Day9
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your airport transfer for your departure flight. If time permits, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial can be arranged.
- Departure
End of your Pride Adventure — with memories for life.
Drive times are approximate. Lodges are confirmed with you when you book, matched to your budget and availability.
Price details
What’s included
Included
- Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
- Accommodations
- Transportation
- Professional guide
Not included
- International flights
- Tips
- Taxes
- Insurance
Gallery
Photos from the trail
Before you go
Good to know
What to pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Light rain jacket (it can rain any time)
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt
- Gardening gloves for grabbing vegetation
- Day pack, 2 litres of water and snacks
- Camera without flash, and spare batteries
- Passport (needed to collect permits)
Travel with confidence
- Licensed and insured tours
- Local driver-guides who know every trail
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Permits and lodges booked for you
Questions
Frequently asked
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Pride Adventure trip is tailor-made. We can add or remove days, change the order, upgrade or downgrade lodges and add activities. Send us a request and we will send you a proposal.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Yes, the gorilla permit is included in this tour. Permits are limited each day, so book early, especially for June–September and December–February.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You should be able to walk for 1 to 6 hours on steep, muddy forest paths. Porters and walking sticks are available at the park and help you a lot. Minimum age is 15.
What is the best time to go?
The long dry season (June–September) and the short dry season (December–February) are the easiest for trekking and game drives. The green seasons are quieter, lush and good value.
How do I book?
Send us a request with your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a quote. When you confirm, we book permits and lodges and send you a full travel pack.
Free quote
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group. We will confirm availability and send you a tailored price within 24 hours.
What travellers say
Traveller testimonials
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