A one-way route from Kigali to Entebbe: gorillas in Bwindi, the Ishasha lions and Kazinga Channel, then chimpanzees in Kibale, with no backtracking.
Starting in Kigali and finishing in Entebbe means you never drive the same road twice. You cross into Uganda for the gorillas of Bwindi, move north through Queen Elizabeth for the Ishasha lions and the Kazinga Channel, and finish in Kibale Forest with chimpanzees.
It is the efficient way to see Uganda’s three great wildlife experiences in six days, and it suits travellers who fly into or out of Rwanda.
Rwanda & Uganda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Balanced, fitness: active.
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali airport and takes the road to the Cyanika border, then on through Kisoro to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, on a ridge above the Nkuringo forest. The border formalities are handled for you, and you arrive in time for dinner and a view of the volcanoes.
Overnight
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Uganda's highest lodge, on a ridge in Nkuringo with views to the Virunga volcanoes.
Trek from the Nkuringo trailhead to find your gorilla family, then drive north along the edge of the park to Ishasha, the quiet southern sector of Queen Elizabeth. Ishasha Wilderness Camp puts you in tented comfort among the figs and the savannah.
Overnight
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Ten tents on the Ntungwe River in the tree-climbing lion sector.
Search the fig trees at dawn, where lions sometimes rest in the branches, then drive north through the park to Kyambura Gorge Lodge, which overlooks the gorge and the plains beyond.
Overnight
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Converted coffee-store bandas overlooking the Kyambura Gorge and the Rwenzoris.
Start with an early game drive for elephant, buffalo and lion, then take the afternoon launch along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos and waterbirds crowd the banks.
Overnight
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Converted coffee-store bandas overlooking the Kyambura Gorge and the Rwenzoris.
Drive north to Kibale Forest and settle in at Primate Lodge. In the afternoon walk the Bigodi Wetland with a community guide, looking for monkeys and birds, and rest before tomorrow’s chimpanzees.
Overnight
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Track a chimpanzee community with a ranger in the cool of the morning, then drive to Entebbe, arriving in the evening.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Uganda's highest lodge, on a ridge in Nkuringo with views to the Virunga volcanoes.
Lunch & dinner
Ishasha Wilderness Camp (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Ten tents on the Ntungwe River in the tree-climbing lion sector.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Converted coffee-store bandas overlooking the Kyambura Gorge and the Rwenzoris.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Primate Lodge Kibale (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
The only lodge inside Kibale Forest, a short walk from the chimpanzee briefing.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$7,270 | US$6,160 | US$5,790 | US$5,790 | US$5,790 | US$5,790 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$6,370 | US$5,400 | US$5,076 | US$5,076 | US$5,076 | US$5,076 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are included at the current government rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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