10-Day East Africa Primate Safari Destinations: Kigali (Rwanda) – Volcanoes National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) – Kibale Forest – Entebbe – Nairobi (Kenya) – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Trip Style: Mid-range to Luxury | Fly-in & road transfers | Private or small group
Focus: Primates (gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys), conservation, culture & wildlife

Itinerary Overview of the 10-Day East Africa Primate Safari

10-Day 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-Day East Africa Primate Safari Detailed Day by Day Itinerary

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

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide. 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: Heaven Boutique Hotel / 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: Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge / Bisate Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking 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: Buhoma Lodge / 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: Buhoma Lodge / 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: Turaco Treetops / 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: Turaco Treetops / 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