11-Day Rwanda & Uganda Primate & Birding Safari
Destinations: Rwanda (Nyungwe, Volcanoes) & Uganda (Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival Kigali, Rwanda
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrival Kigali International Airport.
- Afternoon: Kigali city tour (Genocide Memorial, craft markets).
- Evening: Welcome briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Kigali hotel
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Scenic 5-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park through beautiful hills.
- Afternoon: Arrive Nyungwe lodge, check in, rest.
- Evening: Briefing on Nyungwe’s primates and birds, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Nyungwe lodge
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Birding in Nyungwe
- Early Morning (5:30 AM): Early breakfast.
- Morning (6:30 AM): Transfer to trailhead for chimpanzee tracking (2-4 hours):
- Track habituated chimpanzee groups
- Also see: Angolan colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys
- Excellent birding opportunities
- Afternoon: Rest or optional canopy walk (2 hours) for birding:
- Target forest specials: Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco
- Canopy views for bird watching
- Evening: Dinner, bird list update.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Nyungwe lodge
Day 4: Full Day Birding in Nyungwe
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Full day birding in Nyungwe:
- Target Albertine Rift endemics:
- Red-collared babbler
- Rwenzori batis
- Rwenzori double-collared sunbird
- Regal sunbird
- Purple-breasted sunbird
- Grauer’s swamp warbler
- Archer’s ground robin
- Over 300 bird species recorded
- Target Albertine Rift endemics:
- Mid-day: Picnic lunch in forest.
- Afternoon: Continue birding on different trails.
- Evening: Return to lodge, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Nyungwe lodge
Day 5: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Scenic 5-hour drive north to Volcanoes NP.
- Afternoon: Arrive Volcanoes lodge, check in, rest.
- Evening: Gorilla trek briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Volcanoes NP lodge
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP
- Very Early Morning (5:00 AM): Wake-up, light breakfast.
- Morning (6:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Briefing, group allocation.
- Late Morning (8:00 AM onwards): Gorilla trekking (2-4 hours), 1 hour with gorillas.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, rest.
- Optional: Golden monkey trek if energy permits.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Volcanoes lodge
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trek & Birding
- Morning (7:00 AM): Golden monkey trekking (2 hours):
- Playful golden monkeys in bamboo zone
- Endemic to Virunga region
- Excellent photo opportunities
- Afternoon: Birding in Volcanoes NP:
- Target: dusky crimsonwing, strange weaver
- Montane forest species
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Volcanoes lodge
Day 8: Cross Border to Bwindi, Uganda
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Cyanika border (1 hour), cross into Uganda.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP (2-3 hours).
- Late Afternoon: Check into Bwindi lodge, rest.
- Evening: Gorilla trek briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Early breakfast.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters, briefing.
- Late Morning: Gorilla trekking (2-6 hours), 1 hour with gorillas.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, rest.
- Evening: Celebratory dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 10: Birding in Bwindi
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Full day birding in Bwindi:
- Target Albertine Rift endemics:
- Shelley’s Crimsonwing (very elusive)
- Grauer’s Warbler
- Handsome Francolin
- Rwenzori Turaco
- Archer’s Robin-Chat
- Stripe-breasted Tit
- Mubwindi Swamp for Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
- Target Albertine Rift endemics:
- Evening: Final bird list tally, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 11: Bwindi to Kigali for Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Katuna border (1 hour), cross to Rwanda.
- Afternoon: Continue to Kigali (2-3 hours), lunch en route.
- Late Afternoon: Transfer to airport for departure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| All airport transfers | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle (both countries) | Visas (East Africa Tourist Visa $100) |
| Specialist primate & birding guide | Travel insurance |
| Accommodation (10 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Gorilla permits: Rwanda ($1,500) + Uganda ($800) | Alcoholic drinks |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe, $100) | Tips for guides, rangers, staff |
| Golden monkey permit (Volcanoes, $100) | Laundry services |
| Nyungwe canopy walk ($60) | Premium drinks |
| Park entrance fees (all parks) | |
| Bottled water throughout | |
| Bird checklist and species tally | |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | June – September | Best trekking, dry trails, excellent birding |
| Good | December – February | Good conditions, lush scenery |
| Fair | October – November | Short rains, fewer tourists |
| Avoid | March – May | Long rains, difficult trekking |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Trekking Gear | Waterproof hiking boots (2 pairs), gaiters, gardening gloves, daypack, waterproof jacket, fleece |
| Birding Gear | Quality binoculars, field guide, camera with 400mm+ lens, notebook |
| Clothing | Long pants (quick-dry, 6 pairs), long-sleeved shirts (6), wide-brimmed hat |
| Health | DEET repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, personal medications, anti-malarial, blister care |
| Documents | Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Nyungwe | Volcanoes | Bwindi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge |
| Luxury | Nyungwe House (One&Only) | Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many bird species can I expect?
A: 300-400 species possible across both countries, with expert guide and good conditions.
Q: Is Nyungwe worth visiting for primates?
A: Yes—it has 13 primate species including chimpanzees, Angolan colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the canopy walk is spectacular.
Q: How fit do I need to be for multiple treks?
A: Very fit. Four days of trekking (chimp, gorilla x2, golden monkey) plus birding requires excellent stamina.
Q: Can I do this itinerary without the birding focus?
A: Yes, adjust to focus more on primates and cultural experiences.
Itinerary 16: 14-Day Best of Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari
Destinations: Rwanda (Volcanoes NP), Uganda (Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
- Afternoon: Kigali city tour (Genocide Memorial, craft markets).
- Evening: Transfer to hotel, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Kigali hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Morning (8:30 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Scenic 2.5-hour drive to Musanze.
- Afternoon: Check into Volcanoes lodge, lunch.
- Afternoon Activity: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (2-3 hours).
- Evening: Trek briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Volcanoes NP lodge
Day 3: First Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes NP, Rwanda)
- Very Early Morning (5:00 AM): Wake-up, light breakfast.
- Morning (6:00 AM): Transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Briefing, group allocation.
- Late Morning: Trek gorillas (2-4 hours), 1 hour with gorillas.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, rest.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Volcanoes lodge
Day 4: Second Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkeys
- Morning: Choose:
- Option A: Second gorilla trek (different family) – extra permit ($1,500)
- Option B: Golden monkey trekking (2 hours, $100)
- Option C: Dian Fossey Hike (3-4 hours)
- Afternoon: Rest at lodge.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Volcanoes lodge
Day 5: Cross Border to Mgahinga, Uganda
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Cyanika border (1 hour), cross to Uganda.
- Afternoon: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla NP (1-2 hours).
- Late Afternoon: Check into Mgahinga lodge.
- Evening: Dinner, briefing.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Mgahinga lodge
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking & Batwa Experience
- Morning (7:00 AM): Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga (2-3 hours).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Batwa Pygmy experience (3-4 hours):
- Forest walk with Batwa guides
- Traditional hunting demonstrations
- Storytelling and music
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Mgahinga lodge
Day 7: Mgahinga to Queen Elizabeth NP
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP (4 hours).
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Game drive on Kasenyi Plains (2-3 hours).
- Evening: Dinner at lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth lodge
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drive & Boat Cruise
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Game drive (3-4 hours).
- Mid-day: Rest.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Kazinga Channel boat cruise (2 hours):
- Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, abundant birdlife
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Queen Elizabeth lodge
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Transfer to Kyambura Gorge.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge (2-4 hours):
- “Underground forest” in the gorge
- Habituated chimp group
- Afternoon: Lunch, drive to Bwindi (3 hours).
- Late Afternoon: Check into Bwindi lodge.
- Evening: Gorilla trek briefing, dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge
Day 10: First Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi, Uganda)
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Early breakfast.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters.
- Morning (7:30 AM): Briefing, group allocation.
- Late Morning: Trek gorillas in Bwindi (2-6 hours), 1 hour with gorillas.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, rest.
- Evening: Dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 11: Second Gorilla Trekking or Batwa Experience
- Morning: Choose:
- Option A: Second gorilla trek in Bwindi (different family) – extra permit ($800)
- Option B: Batwa community experience (3-4 hours)
- Option C: Nature walk in Bwindi (birding)
- Afternoon: Rest at lodge.
- Evening: Farewell dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi (2-3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into Lake Bunyonyi lodge, lunch.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Canoe excursion (2-3 hours):
- Explore islands, visit communities, bird watching
- Evening: Dinner with lake views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi lodge
Day 13: Full Day at Lake Bunyonyi
- Morning: Choose activities:
- Hiking
- Swimming (bilharzia-free)
- Bird watching
- Village visits
- Afternoon: Relaxation, optional canoeing.
- Evening: Farewell dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Lake Bunyonyi lodge
Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali for Departure
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Katuna border (1 hour), cross to Rwanda.
- Mid-day: Continue to Kigali (2-3 hours), lunch en route.
- Afternoon: Transfer to airport for departure.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| All airport transfers | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle (both countries) | Visas (East Africa Tourist Visa $100) |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Travel insurance |
| Accommodation (13 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Gorilla permits: Rwanda ($1,500) + Uganda ($800) x 1-2 each | Alcoholic drinks |
| Golden monkey permits (Rwanda & Uganda) | Tips for guides, rangers, staff |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kyambura) | Laundry services |
| Kazinga Channel boat cruise | Optional activities |
| Batwa cultural experiences | Premium drinks |
| Lake Bunyonyi canoe excursion | |
| Park entrance fees (all parks) | |
| Bottled water throughout | |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry | June – September | Best trekking, clear skies, excellent for all activities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Dry | December – February | Good trekking, lush scenery, occasional showers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Rains | October – November | Muddy trails, fewer tourists, lower rates possible | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Long Rains | March – May | Heavy rains, challenging trekking, some lodges closed | ⭐⭐ |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Long pants (quick-dry, 6+ pairs), long-sleeved shirts (6+), thermal base layers, fleece (2), waterproof jacket, gardening gloves (2 pairs), wide-brimmed hat, swimwear |
| Footwear | Waterproof hiking boots (2 pairs ideal to rotate), gaiters (2 pairs), comfortable shoes, sandals |
| Trekking Gear | Daypack (30L) with waterproof cover, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, power bank, headlamp |
| Health | DEET repellent, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, blister care, personal medications, anti-malarial |
| Documents | Passport (multiple copies), visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, permit confirmations, cash (USD) |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, high-energy snacks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Rwanda | Uganda | Price Range (per person/night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Mount Gahinga Lodge, Ihamba Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bunyonyi Eco Resort | $200-350 |
| Luxury | Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Clouds, BirdNest | $500-1,200 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is this too many gorilla treks?
A: For serious primate enthusiasts, no—each family and forest is unique. Four treks allows you to appreciate differences between Volcanoes and Bwindi.
Q: Can I skip some treks?
A: Yes, itinerary is customizable. Many do 2 treks total (one each country) for a more relaxed pace.
Q: What’s the Batwa experience like?
A: Authentic forest walks with pygmy guides demonstrating traditional hunting, gathering, and forest life. Directly supports Batwa communities.
Q: How fit do I need to be for four treks?
A: Very fit. Four days of challenging trekking requires excellent stamina. Consider a rest day between treks.
Q: Is Lake Bunyonyi worth the visit?
A: Absolutely—it’s stunningly beautiful and provides perfect relaxation after intense trekking. Safe swimming is a rare bonus.