Do I need separate visas for Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya?

Yes, but the easiest option is to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya on a single visa for 90 days. You can apply through the embassy of the country you’ll enter first (e.g., Rwanda). It's more cost-effective and convenient than applying for separate visas for each country.

How physically demanding is the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be moderately to highly strenuous, depending on the location of the primates and the terrain. Treks may take between 1 to 6 hours, often involving steep, muddy trails. A good level of fitness is recommended, but porters are available to assist, and trekking groups are matched to your fitness level. Trekking in Rwanda is generally shorter and less steep than in Uganda.

What’s the best time to go gorilla trekking?

The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions. However, the wet season (March–May, October–November) often has more permit availability and fewer crowds.

How difficult is the trek?

Trekking can range from easy to strenuous, depending on the location and gorilla movement. Bwindi is known for its steep terrain, while Volcanoes National Park is moderately challenging. Your guide will brief you in advance.

Can children go gorilla trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, enforced by all national parks.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?

Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.

Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?

Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.

Ultimate 10-Day East Africa Primate Safari

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Highlights

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes NP & Cross into Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk
Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhinos & Chimpanzees

This 10 Days East Africa Primate Safari starts from Kigali and takes you through Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Kibale Forest to Entebbe International Airport for a flight to Kenya, Nairobi and ends with Ol Pejeta Conservancy exploration.

Trip Style: Mid-range to Luxury | Fly-in & road transfers | Private
Focus: Primates (gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys), conservation, culture & wildlife

Itinerary Overview of the 10 Days East Africa Primate Safari

This 10 day cross-border primate and wildlife safari takes you deep into the heart of East Africa's most iconic rainforests and savannahs. Track mountain gorillas in both Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, encounter chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and witness golden monkeys in the Virunga Mountains. The journey continues into Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to rescued chimpanzees, rhinos, and classic African wildlife.

Combining unforgettable primate encounters, scenic drives, cultural experiences, and game viewing, this well-paced itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and conservation-focused travel — ideal for wildlife lovers seeking the ultimate East African safari circuit.

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Warm Welcome to East Africa

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Land of a Thousand Hills

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cross into Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Second Gorilla Experience

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Home of Chimpanzees

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk

Day 8: Flight to Entebbe – Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya

Day 9: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhinos & Chimpanzees

Day 10: Morning Game Drive – Return to Nairobi & Departure

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Day By Day Itinerary Expand all

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Warm Welcome to East Africa

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Jewel Gorilla Safaris team. After a short briefing, transfer to your boutique hotel in Kigali for check-in and relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries or the Nyamirambo Women’s Center.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Land of a Thousand Hills

After breakfast, drive north through Rwanda’s rolling hills and coffee-covered slopes toward Volcanoes National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas. En route, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions and ex-poacher rehabilitation. Arrive at your luxury lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

Today is the highlight: an unforgettable trek into the rainforest to encounter a habituated mountain gorilla family. After an early briefing, hike through misty forest terrain guided by rangers. Spend one magical hour observing the gorillas up close. Return to your lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation: Same as above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda – $1,500 value)
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cross into Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This morning, enjoy a shorter, gentler trek to see the rare golden monkeys, endemic to the Virunga region. After the trek, proceed to the Rwanda–Uganda border at Cyanika or Gatuna. Cross into Uganda and head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Second Gorilla Experience

Today offers a second opportunity to trek gorillas, this time in Uganda. Each trekking sector in Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga) offers unique terrain and gorilla families. Trekking twice in two countries deepens your understanding and appreciation of these incredible creatures.

Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda – $800 value)
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Home of Chimpanzees

After breakfast, journey north through scenic Kigezi and Fort Portal landscapes to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. You’ll pass tea plantations and crater lakes before arriving at your lodge nestled in the forest edge. Afternoon at leisure or optional nature walk.

Accommodation: Crater Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk

Begin your day with a chimpanzee tracking excursion in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by experienced rangers, walk through the tropical rainforest to observe wild chimpanzees as they feed, groom, and call through the trees. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands, a community-run conservation area rich in birdlife and primates.

Accommodation:Crater Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included: Chimpanzee tracking permit
Day 8: Flight to Entebbe – Transfer to Nairobi, Kenya

Transfer to Kasese or Kibale Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, connect with your international flight to Nairobi, Kenya (or regional flight via Uganda Airlines / RwandAir). Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Hemingways Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Nairobi to Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Rhinos & Chimpanzees

This morning, depart Nairobi and drive (or fly) to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a leading conservation area in Kenya’s Laikipia region. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimpanzees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot rhinos, elephants, lions, and more.

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp / Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Morning Game Drive – Return to Nairobi & Departure

Enjoy a final sunrise game drive in Ol Pejeta before returning to Nairobi by road or light aircraft. Depending on your flight time, you may have lunch or a brief visit to the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum (time permitting). Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Information

Based on Full Board Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transportation Domestic flights and an air-conditioned Safaris Land Cruiser
Guiding method Private
Departure from Kigali end Nairobi
Language Any Language on requetst
Min people 1
Max people 4
Trip Types Luxury

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Includes & Excludes

Accommodation Based on Full Board
An Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide (Any Language provided on Request)
Bottled Safe Drinking Water
Gorilla Trekking Permit Per Person
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Per Person

International Flights From/To Home
Tips
Visa Fees

Gallery

Availability

10 Days East Africa Primate Safari Map

FAQ's Expand all

Do I need separate visas for Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya?
Yes, but the easiest option is to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya on a single visa for 90 days. You can apply through the embassy of the country you’ll enter first (e.g., Rwanda). It's more cost-effective and convenient than applying for separate visas for each country.
How physically demanding is the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be moderately to highly strenuous, depending on the location of the primates and the terrain. Treks may take between 1 to 6 hours, often involving steep, muddy trails. A good level of fitness is recommended, but porters are available to assist, and trekking groups are matched to your fitness level. Trekking in Rwanda is generally shorter and less steep than in Uganda.
What’s the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions. However, the wet season (March–May, October–November) often has more permit availability and fewer crowds.
How difficult is the trek?
Trekking can range from easy to strenuous, depending on the location and gorilla movement. Bwindi is known for its steep terrain, while Volcanoes National Park is moderately challenging. Your guide will brief you in advance.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, enforced by all national parks.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?
Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.
Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.