The 11-Day Uganda–Rwanda–Congo Primate Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition across three of Africa’s most biodiverse nations. This unique safari focuses on primate tracking — from mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to the rare eastern lowland gorillas of the Congo. You’ll also experience spectacular landscapes, rich cultures, and immersive wildlife encounters in the heart of Central and East Africa. Ideal for adventurous travelers, this trip connects you to the wild beauty and conservation heritage of the Albertine Rift.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe (Uganda)
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel for rest and a pre-tour briefing. If time allows, visit the botanical gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Papyrus Guesthouse

Day 2 – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Depart Entebbe and drive west through rolling countryside to Fort Portal. Arrive in the afternoon at Kibale, home to 13 primate species and one of the world’s most diverse tropical forests.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 3 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Join experienced guides for a morning chimpanzee trek. Watch them as they feed, communicate, and leap through the forest canopy. Later, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for colorful birds and colobus monkeys.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2

Day 4 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife diversity. Enjoy an afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi Plains to spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.
Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Enganzi Lodge

Day 5 – Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Take a morning game drive followed by an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds gather in great numbers.
Accommodation: Same as Day 4

Day 6 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel through the Ishasha sector, keeping an eye out for tree-climbing lions, before arriving at Bwindi. The evening is free for relaxation and preparing for gorilla trekking.
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Day 7 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest (Uganda)
Join rangers for a morning briefing before trekking into the dense rainforest to find one of Bwindi’s gorilla families. Spend an hour observing their incredible social behavior — a truly emotional experience.
Accommodation: Same as Day 6

Day 8 – Cross into Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Drive to Cyanika border and cross into Rwanda. Enjoy scenic views of terraced hills and volcanoes as you arrive in Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 9 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda
Set out for a morning trek to see golden monkeys — playful and vibrant primates unique to the Virunga region. In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an insight into Rwandan culture and music.
Accommodation: Same as Day 8

Day 10 – Transfer to Democratic Republic of Congo (Kahuzi-Biega National Park)
Cross the Goma border into Congo and travel to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place to see eastern lowland gorillas.
Accommodation: Coco Lodge Bukavu / Orchids Safari Club

Day 11 – Lowland Gorilla Trekking and Departure
After breakfast, embark on a guided trek in Kahuzi-Biega to find the lowland gorillas, which are larger and more terrestrial than their mountain cousins. Spend time observing these gentle giants before returning to Bukavu for transfer to Kigali or Goma Airport.

Highlights

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Kahuzi-Biega

• Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park

• Wildlife safaris and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Cultural experiences in Rwanda and Congo

• Scenic cross-border drives through the Albertine Rift

• Encounter three gorilla subspecies in one expedition