11 Day Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania Primate Safari
Embark on the 11 Day Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania Primate Safari Expedition, an extraordinary journey that captures the essence of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and its rarest wildlife encounters. This cross-border safari adventure invites you to witness the vibrant cultures, breathtaking terrains, and unmatched biodiversity that define East Africa. It’s more than a holiday it’s an experience that connects you with the soul of the continent.
Your 11 Day Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania Primate Safari begins in the clean and scenic city of Kigali, Rwanda, a place where modern Africa thrives while honoring a powerful past. As you journey into the volcanic highlands of Volcanoes National Park, the land of Dian Fossey, you’ll step into a world where misty mountains shelter the last mountain gorillas on Earth. This is where your heart begins to race with the excitement of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and the warmth of Rwandan culture welcoming you at every turn.
An Unforgettable East African Journey
From Rwanda’s emerald slopes, your route takes you into Uganda, affectionately known as the Pearl of Africa. Here, the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest teem with primates and birds. Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking here are not mere activities they are immersive experiences that bring you face to face with our closest relatives in the wild. Beyond the thrill of the treks, Uganda enchants you with rolling highlands, scenic lakes like Bunyonyi, and vibrant communities that reflect the authentic rhythm of East African life.
Your 11 Day Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania Primate Safari journey continues south into Tanzania, the crown jewel of African safaris. As you cross into the Serengeti, you enter one of the world’s greatest natural theatres home to endless plains and the iconic Great Migration. Watch as lions stalk wildebeests under the golden light of dawn, elephant’s cross acacia-lined horizons, and cheetahs sprint through the grasslands. The adventure crescendos at the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Garden of Eden, where Africa’s wildlife congregates in breathtaking abundance. The expedition concludes at Lake Manyara National Park, a sanctuary for flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and serene woodlands offering one final chapter of wonder before you depart.
This itinerary combines Rwanda’s resilience, Uganda’s natural charm, and Tanzania’s timeless wilderness into one seamless experience of exploration and connection. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Africa or a seasoned traveler seeking deeper meaning in your journeys, this 11-day expedition promises awe, authenticity, and adventure in equal measure.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Discovering Rwanda’s History and Heart
Your 11 Day Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania Primate Safari expedition begins in the vibrant capital of Kigali, a city renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and cultural vitality. After breakfast at your Kigali hotel, your professional driver-guide from Ngeye Tours and Travel will meet you and take you on an insightful city tour. The first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the resilience and unity of the Rwandan people. It’s an emotional yet inspiring visit that sets the tone for understanding the country’s remarkable journey toward peace and renewal.
From here, the landscape transforms as you drive through the scenic highlands toward Volcanoes National Park, the celebrated home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the legacy of primatologist Dian Fossey. En route, admire the lush terraced hills and glimpse rural life unfolding in the countryside a true representation of Rwanda’s nickname, The Land of a Thousand Hills.
After lunch, you’ll visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an inspiring conservation center that educates visitors about gorilla protection and scientific research. Later, immerse yourself in local heritage at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, where traditional dances, music, and crafts bring Rwandan culture to life. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar, resting at the foot of the Virunga Mountains.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking or Gorilla Encounter – Crossing into Uganda
Today, adventure calls. After breakfast, choose between an unforgettable trek to observe the playful golden monkeys or upgrade to the legendary Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Both treks take you deep into the misty bamboo forests, where every rustle in the leaves could signal a primate encounter. The experience is intimate, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding.
After lunch, you’ll cross the border into Uganda, driving through rolling landscapes toward Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, depending on your trek permits. Uganda’s welcoming smiles, green highlands, and panoramic Virunga views instantly captivate the senses.
Upon arrival, unwind at Travellers Rest Hotel, famously known as the “home of gorilla tracking” since the time of Dian Fossey.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 3: Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Serenity at Lake Bunyonyi
Rise early for one of Africa’s greatest wildlife adventures Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a detailed briefing, join your ranger guide and venture into the ancient rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek may take several hours, but the reward is priceless. When you finally encounter the gorillas, time seems to pause as you spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior, gestures, and interactions. It’s a profound experience that stays with you for life.
After this life-changing moment, you’ll journey to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, meaning “Place of Many Little Birds.” Encircled by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake offers a peaceful retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy canoe rides, scenic views, or cultural encounters with local communities. Overnight at Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi to Kibale National Park – Into the Heart of the Primates
After a leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi’s shimmering waters, embark on a scenic drive northward through southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and banana farms. This journey reveals the country’s breathtaking diversity and rural charm.
Arrive at Kibale National Park by late afternoon, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park is a paradise for birders and nature lovers alike, with over 300 bird species fluttering in its emerald canopy.
Settle into your lodge amidst the tranquil forest surroundings and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure. Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Walk
Today’s highlight is a morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa. After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a pre-trek briefing. Led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll follow trails through the forest as calls echo from above. Watch these intelligent primates as they swing through the trees, groom one another, and communicate in fascinating ways.
In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project offering excellent birdwatching and a glimpse into rural life. Meet locals, learn about traditional farming, and spot rare species like the Great Blue Turaco.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Kibale National Park.
Day 6: Cross into Tanzania – Relax by Lake Victoria in Mwanza
After breakfast, drive south toward the Mutukula border post and cross into Tanzania, a land of vast savannahs and timeless beauty. Continue to Bukoba, where you’ll board a short domestic flight to Mwanza, a scenic port city on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.
Upon arrival, transfer to your lakeside resort to unwind and enjoy the tranquil scenery. This evening, watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting golden reflections across the water an unforgettable African sunset. Overnight at Malaika Beach Resort or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Mwanza, Tanzania.
Day 7: Enter the Legendary Serengeti – The Land of Endless Plains
After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, entering via Ndabaka or Fort Ikoma Gate. The drive itself feels like a moving documentary as wildlife begins to appear zebras grazing, giraffes browsing, and elephants moving gracefully across the savannah.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Grumeti River region, known for its crocodiles, hippos, and frequent predator sightings. The vast Serengeti landscape, stretching beyond the horizon, embodies the spirit of untamed Africa.
Check into your tented safari camp, where the sounds of the wild lull you to sleep under a canopy of stars. Overnight at Osinon Tented Camp or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park.
Day 8: Full-Day Game Drive in the Serengeti
Today is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti’s endless plains. Begin with a dawn game drive to catch the park’s predators at their most active, followed by a picnic breakfast in the wild. Continue through open grasslands and acacia-dotted terrain in search of the Big Five lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino and witness the seasonal Great Migration if traveling between June and October.
Every corner of the Serengeti offers drama and beauty, from hunting cheetahs to playful cubs in the tall grass. Return to camp in the evening for dinner beneath a starlit sky. Overnight at Osinon Tented Camp.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park.
Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Sunset Views and Scenic Drive
Enjoy an early morning game drive through the Seronera Valley, one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the Serengeti. Spot predators on the hunt and herds beginning their daily migration. After lunch, travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable natural landscapes on Earth.
Stop for breathtaking views of the crater rim and the sweeping plains below—a panorama that captures the true essence of Africa. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Day 10: Explore the Ngorongoro Crater – Africa’s Natural Wonderland
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. The crater floor is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, hosting over 25,000 animals including elephants, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and the endangered black rhino. Lions roam freely across the grasslands while flocks of flamingos decorate the soda lakes with shades of pink.
Spend the day exploring this “Garden of Eden,” capturing stunning photographs and soaking in the diversity of life before ascending back to your lodge. Overnight at Marera Valley Lodge or similar.
Meals: All meals included.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 11: Lake Manyara National Park – Farewell to Africa
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, a lush sanctuary famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and vibrant birdlife. Enjoy a final game drive through forests, acacia woodlands, and open plains before continuing to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight.
Your incredible Rwanda Uganda Tanzania safari concludes here, filled with unforgettable encounters, cultural experiences, and natural wonders.
Meals: Breakfast included.
Main Destination: Arusha, Tanzania.
Safari Inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda or Rwanda – depending on option)
Chimpanzee trekking permit (Kibale National Park)
All park entrance fees and conservation levies
Professional English-speaking driver/guides throughout
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Airport transfers as arranged
Internal domestic flight (Bukoba to Mwanza)
Safari Exclusions
International flights and visa fees
Optional gorilla trekking upgrade in Rwanda ($1,500 permit)
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
Beverages and alcohol at lodges
Tips, souvenirs, and personal items
Laundry services and optional activities not listed
Experience the Wild, Feel the Soul of Africa.