10-Day Primate Safari : Chimp, Gorilla &Golden Monkey

Embark on an extraordinary 10-day primate safari that takes you through Africa’s top primate safari destinations: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This expertly crafted safari offers an unforgettable opportunity to trek and interact with three of the world’s most fascinating primates: chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys.

This multi-country journey offers unparalleled primate trekking experiences across lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking natural reserves. You’ll explore some of Africa’s most famous national parks, including Uganda’s Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

This 10-day primate safari allows you to take a deep dive into the habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts behind these incredible species. From the dense jungles of Uganda’s chimpanzee-rich forests to the misty mountains of Rwanda and the rugged terrain of Congo’s Virunga.

Top safari highlights include chimpanzee trekking in the lush rainforests of Kibale Forest, getting up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Virunga National Park, and witnessing golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes. In addition to these once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, you’ll also enjoy stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges to comfortable midrange options;

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)

Your adventure begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Here, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel and also brief you about your 10-day primate safari. Depending on the time of the day for your arrival, you can explore the Uganda Wildlife Educational Center (UWEC also known as Entebbe Zoo for a glimpse of Uganda’s spectacular fauna. Overnight stay in Entebbe.

Accommodation: Entebbe Eco Resort (Luxury) / The Boma Hotel (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Dinner, Breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda)

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its chimpanzee trekking. Located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is Uganda’s prime chimpanzee trekking destination, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, making it the “Primate Capital of Africa.” The journey to Kibale offers picturesque views of Uganda’s lush countryside with encounters with local people going on about their daily lives.

You will arrive in Kibale in time for lunch at your lodge after which you will relax. Later, enjoy a guided nature walk to Bigodi wetland, which is teeming with monkeys, reptiles, and a variety of bird species. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

Travel Time: 6 to7 Hours

Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury) / Turaco Treetops (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full-board  

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park

Wake up early for breakfast and by 7:30 am, you will be heading to Kanyanchu Tourism Center to begin your chimpanzee trek. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, Kibale offers one of the most reliable and rewarding chimpanzee encounters in Africa. The briefing is given by expert rangers who will share fascinating insights into the behavior, communication, and conservation of these remarkable primates.

The trek begins at 8 am and you will be led by skilled guides into the dense, lush rainforest to track the chimps while following their vocal calls and movements. Once located, you will be allocated an hour to spend an unforgettable moment observing the chimpanzees as they swing through the trees, groom each other, and forage for food on the forest floor.

In addition to chimps, keep an eye out for other wildlife like red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and a variety of bird species, making Kibale a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. After your trek, return to your lodge and relax amidst the serene surroundings of the forest, reflecting on this extraordinary wildlife experience. Overnight stay at your lodge.

Trekking time: 1 to 6 Hours (depending on chimpanzee location)

Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury) / Turaco Treetops (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full board  

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Uganda)

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, renowned as the sanctuary for Uganda’s iconic mountain gorillas. Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda in Kanungu district, Bwindi boasts half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places on the globe to encounter these great apes in their natural. Enjoy impressive views of rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and charming rural villages en route, providing a window into the daily life of local communities. Upon arrival in Bwindi, settle into your lodge, surrounded by the park’s rich rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rest up and prepare for tomorrow’s thrilling gorilla trekking experience.

Travel Time: 7 to 8 Hours

Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full-board

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today, you get to take part in one of Africa’s most unforgettable adventures—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers over 2o habituated gorilla groups for trekking. The experience starts at the park headquarters with a briefing at 7:30 am by experienced rangers. Thereafter, follow your guide’s lead into the dense rainforest in search of your assigned gorilla family, following trails created by trackers who monitor the gorillas daily.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the journey through Bwindi’s ancient, mist-covered forest is as rewarding as the destination. Aside from mountain gorillas, the forest hosts a plethora of Albertine bird species and over 10 other primate species. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their behaviors and watching them feed, groom each other, and care for their young.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this life-changing experience. Later in the evening, you can opt to visit the Batwa pygmies who live around the forest for an authentic cultural experience. Overnight stay in Bwindi.

Trekking Time: 30 minutes to 6 Hours (depending on gorilla location)

Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full-board

Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)

Today, you’ll cross the border into Rwanda and head to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains region.  Volcanoes National Park, part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, is famous for its mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, making it a prime destination for primate enthusiasts. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s stunning rolling hills and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, have lunch, and relax, in preparation for tomorrow’s golden monkey trekking adventure. Overnight stay in Volcanoes National Park.

Travel Time: 3 to 4 Hours

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) / Le bamboo Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Meal Plan: Full board

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Start your day with an exciting golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, home to one of the last remaining populations of these endangered and playful primates. Like gorilla trekking, the trek begins at the park headquarters with a briefing, but it is relatively short and takes you through the park’s scenic bamboo forests, where you’ll observe golden monkeys leaping between branches and foraging for food.

Golden monkeys are some of Africa’s most sought-after primate species mostly for their small size, beautiful black and gold skin, as well as their playful nature. Enjoy incredible opportunities for photography before trekking back to your lodge for lunch.

Travel Time: 3 to 4 Hours

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) / Le bamboo Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)

Meal Plan: Full board 

Day 8: Transfer to Virunga National Park (DR Congo)

After an early breakfast, cross the border and transfer to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse national parks. Virunga National Park is also part of the large Virunga Conservation Area – home to one of the world’s last remaining populations of mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax. Overnight stay in Virunga National Park.

Travel Time: 2 to 3 Hours

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury) / Bukima Lodge (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full board

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Your final gorilla trek takes place in Virunga National Park. This park is home to some of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking here is a rare privilege. After a morning briefing with experienced rangers, you will set off into the park’s dense forests, navigating volcanic terrain and misty trails in the company of expert guides.

Once you locate the gorilla family, spend an awe-inspiring hour observing their behaviors and take the opportunity to create lasting memories with these apes. The intimate setting and pristine beauty of Virunga make this a truly unique and humbling wildlife encounter. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relax. Overnight stay in Virunga National Park.

Trekking Time: 1 to 5 Hours (depending on gorilla location)

Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge (Luxury) / Bukima Lodge (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Full-board

Day 10: Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, you will depart Virunga National Park and transfer back to Kigali, Rwanda, for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend some time in Kigali and explore the beautiful, clean, and bustling city. This is the end of your 10-day primate safari in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The scenic journey offers one last opportunity to reflect on your incredible primate safari across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Safari Inclusions

• All permits and park entry fees
• Border crossing fees
• Ground transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation on full-board
• All safari activities included in the safari itinerary
• An expert English-speaking safari vehicle
• Bottled mineral water

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• All personal expenses
• Any optional activities excluded from the itinerary

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