20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Primates and Wildlife Safari, A 20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Primates and Wildlife Safari is the ultimate East African adventure for travelers who want to experience mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, spectacular wildlife, scenic landscapes and vibrant cultures in one unforgettable journey.
This carefully designed Uganda and Rwanda safari takes you through some of the region’s most remarkable destinations, including Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
The highlight of the journey is the opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, while chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, wildlife game drives, boat cruises and forest walks add even more adventure.
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, primate lover, photographer, honeymooner or first-time visitor to East Africa, this 20-day Uganda Rwanda safari package offers an extraordinary combination of experiences.
Why Choose a 20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari?
Uganda and Rwanda are among Africa’s most rewarding destinations for primate and wildlife experiences. A 20-day itinerary allows you to explore both countries without rushing from one destination to another.
Instead of choosing between gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and traditional wildlife safaris, you can enjoy them all on one extended adventure.
Highlights of this safari include:
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and Nyungwe, Golden monkey trekking, Big Five and other wildlife viewing, Game drives in Uganda and Rwanda, Boat safari experiences, Forest walks and bird watching, Scenic drives through East African landscapes, Cultural experiences Kigali city exploration, Relaxation around Lake Kivu or other scenic destinations
20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe and Welcome
Your adventure begins when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
You will be welcomed by your safari guide from Fuga tours and travel and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or enjoy a short excursion around Entebbe.
If time allows, you may visit the shores of Lake Victoria, explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens or simply rest after your international journey.
Overnight: Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey to Kibale National Park, one of Africa’s most important primate destinations.
The drive takes you through beautiful Ugandan countryside, local communities, tea plantations and rolling hills.
Kibale is famously known as the Primate Capital of the World, thanks to its remarkable diversity of primates.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax.
Overnight: Kibale
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
Today is dedicated to one of Uganda’s most exciting wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest.
Your trek takes you through lush tropical vegetation while searching for habituated chimpanzee communities.
Along the way, you may encounter other primates, including:
Red colobus monkeys, Black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Blue monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Olive baboons
Chimpanzee trekking can last several hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees.
Overnight: Kibale
Day 4: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Transfer Toward Queen Elizabeth
After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Bigodi is an excellent location for bird watching and primate viewing. You may see monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
After the walk, continue toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey provides beautiful views of western Uganda and the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Safari and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Wake up early for a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The park supports a remarkable variety of wildlife, including:
Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, Uganda kobs, Warthogs, Hippos, Antelopes
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
The cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous waterbirds along the shoreline.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
After breakfast, drive toward the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be found resting in large fig or acacia trees.
Enjoy a game drive through the sector while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topi and other wildlife.
Continue toward Bwindi later in the day.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is one of the most anticipated days of your Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari.
After an early breakfast, head to the gorilla trekking briefing point.
The trek takes you deep into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing them as they feed, rest, play and interact.
The experience can be deeply moving because mountain gorillas share many behaviors and characteristics with humans.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 8: Bwindi Forest Experience and Community Visit
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, enjoy a more relaxed day around Bwindi.
Depending on your interests, you can participate in a forest walk, birding excursion or community and cultural experience.
You may learn about the traditions, crafts, music and daily lives of communities living around the forest.
This is also an opportunity to support community-based tourism initiatives.
Overnight: Bwindi
Day 9: Bwindi to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Today, travel toward Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda.
The landscape changes dramatically as you approach the Virunga volcanic mountains.
Depending on your interests and available time, you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon around the lodge.
Overnight: Mgahinga
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
Today you will explore the bamboo forests of Mgahinga in search of the endangered golden monkeys.
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift region and are among Africa’s most attractive primates.
The trek offers opportunities to photograph these energetic monkeys as they move through the bamboo and forest vegetation.
Overnight: Mgahinga
Day 11: Cross into Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, cross the border into Rwanda and continue toward Volcanoes National Park.
The journey takes you through Rwanda’s famously scenic countryside, characterized by rolling hills and cultivated landscapes.
Arrive at your lodge and relax.
If conditions permit, enjoy views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Day 12: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Today you experience another extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
After a briefing, enter the forest with your ranger and trek toward one of the habituated gorilla families.
Rwanda is one of only a few countries where travelers can encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The experience offers incredible opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Day 13: Dian Fossey Experience and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you may visit the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Centre.
The experience provides insight into the work of Dian Fossey and the history of mountain gorilla conservation in the Virunga region.
Afterward, continue toward Lake Kivu.
Relax along the lakeshore and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 14: Lake Kivu Relaxation and Exploration
Enjoy a slower day after several active trekking and safari days.
Depending on your interests, you can enjoy:
Boat excursions, Lakeside relaxation, Scenic walks, Local community visits, Cultural experiences, Photography
Lake Kivu provides a peaceful contrast to the forests and national parks visited earlier.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 15: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, continue toward Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most important montane rainforests.
Nyungwe is renowned for its biodiversity and large number of primate species.
The forest is also famous for chimpanzee trekking and the spectacular canopy walkway.
Overnight: Nyungwe
Day 16: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Today is another major primate experience.
Set out early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
The forest is home to several primate species, and the trek provides an opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.
You may also encounter:
Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Blue monkeys, Mangabeys, Forest birds
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation.
Overnight: Nyungwe
Day 17: Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and Transfer to Akagera
Enjoy the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended above the forest floor.
The elevated walkway provides panoramic views of the rainforest and an opportunity to appreciate the forest ecosystem from a completely different perspective.
Later, travel toward Akagera National Park.
Overnight: Akagera
Day 18: Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
Today is dedicated to Rwanda’s savannah wildlife.
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Akagera National Park.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Antelopes, Rhinos
The combination of savannah, lakes and wetlands makes Akagera particularly scenic.
Overnight: Akagera
Day 19: Akagera Game Drive and Boat Safari
Enjoy another opportunity to explore Akagera.
Depending on your safari schedule, you can take a boat trip on Lake Ihema.
The boat experience offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
Continue toward Kigali later in the day.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 20: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Your final day begins with breakfast before enjoying a Kigali city experience, depending on your departure time.
Possible activities include:
Kigali city tour, Local markets, Cultural experiences, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Shopping for souvenirs
Later, your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
Your 20-day Uganda and Rwanda gorillas, primates and wildlife safari comes to an end.
Wildlife and Primates You Can Expect to See
One of the biggest advantages of this itinerary is the diversity of wildlife experiences.
Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park provide opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzees
Kibale and Nyungwe offer some of the region’s most memorable chimpanzee trekking experiences.
Golden Monkeys
Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park are excellent destinations for golden monkey tracking.
Savannah Wildlife
During game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera, you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, hippos and other wildlife.
Forest Primates
Depending on the destination, you may encounter colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, mangabeys and other primates.
Why Book a Uganda and Rwanda Combined Safari?
A combined Uganda Rwanda safari gives travelers access to a broader range of experiences than visiting either country alone.
Uganda offers:
Bwindi gorilla trekking, Kibale chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth wildlife safaris, Mgahinga golden monkey trekking, Murchison Falls and other wildlife destinations, Diverse birding opportunities
Rwanda offers:
Volcanoes gorilla trekking, Golden monkey trekking, Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking, Lake Kivu, Akagera wildlife safaris, Kigali cultural experiences
Together, these destinations create an exceptional great ape and African wildlife safari.
Best Time for a 20-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari
Uganda and Rwanda can be visited throughout the year.
However, the generally drier periods are often preferred for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and wildlife game drives because forest trails and roads can be easier to navigate.
The main dry periods are commonly:
June to September, December to February
The wetter months can also be rewarding. Rain keeps the forests lush and green, and visitor numbers may be lower.
Because weather patterns can vary, it is advisable to plan your itinerary around your preferred activities rather than choosing a month based only on weather.
What Is Included in a 20-Day Uganda Rwanda Safari?
A customized safari package can typically include:
Airport transfers, Private safari vehicle, Professional English-speaking driver-guide, Accommodation, Meals according to the itinerary, Gorilla trekking permits, Chimpanzee trekking permits, Golden monkey trekking permits, National park entrance fees, Game drives, Boat cruises where applicable, Border-crossing arrangements, Selected cultural experiences
The exact inclusions depend on the package and accommodation category selected.
What Is Not Included?
Unless specifically included in your quotation, travelers should budget separately for:
International flights, Travel insurance, Visa fees, Personal expenses, Laundry, Alcoholic drinks, Tips, Souvenirs, Additional activities, Personal purchases
Always request a detailed quotation before confirming your safari.
What to Pack for a Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
For a comfortable 20-day adventure, consider packing:
Lightweight hiking trousers, Long-sleeved shirts, Waterproof hiking boots, Rain jacket, Warm fleece, Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, Binoculars, Camera and extra batteries Small daypack, Reusable water bottle, Personal toiletries
For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are particularly important.
Book Your 20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Primates and Wildlife Safari
A 20-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Primates and Wildlife Safari is much more than an ordinary African holiday. It is an opportunity to explore rainforests, savannahs, wetlands, volcanic landscapes and vibrant communities while encountering some of Africa’s most fascinating animals.
From the chimpanzee forests of Kibale to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and Volcanoes, from golden monkeys in the Virunga region to wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera, every stage of the journey offers something different.
If you are looking for a 20-day Uganda Rwanda safari package, a gorilla and chimpanzee safari, a Uganda Rwanda primate safari, or a customized wildlife and gorilla trekking holiday, this itinerary can be tailored to your travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and interests.
Contact us today to customize and book your 20-day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla, primates and wildlife safari.