12 Days Combined Gorilla Tour: A Primate Adventure Across East Africa

The 12 Days Combined Gorilla Tour offers an unparalleled experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This journey takes you through the lush rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, where you will have the rare opportunity to trek mountain gorillas and other primates in their natural habitats. Alongside these unforgettable encounters, you’ll also enjoy the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse wildlife that make this region of East Africa so extraordinary.

Day 1-2: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. After being warmly greeted by your guide, you’ll embark on a city tour that includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This important site offers a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people.

On the second day, you’ll travel to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, with its iconic rolling hills and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your lodge at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, preparing for the thrilling days ahead.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The highlight of your time in Rwanda will be the gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park’s headquarters for a briefing before beginning your trek into the dense forest. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is immense: encountering a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Watching these majestic creatures interact, play, and go about their daily lives is a moment you’ll never forget. After spending an hour with the gorillas, you’ll return to your lodge to reflect on the experience.

Day 4-5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Lake Kivu

On the fourth day, you’ll have the opportunity to trek the golden monkeys, another endangered species that inhabits the forests of Volcanoes National Park. These lively and colorful primates are a joy to watch as they leap from tree to tree. The trek is less demanding than the gorilla trek, offering a more relaxed pace.

After your golden monkey trek, you’ll transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Lake Kivu is known for its serene beauty and is a perfect place to unwind after your treks. You can relax on the lakeshore, take a boat trip to explore the lake’s islands, or visit local fishing villages to learn about the lives of the people who live around the lake. The sunsets over Lake Kivu are simply magical, offering a peaceful end to your day.

Day 6-7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Gorilla Trekking

Your journey continues as you cross the border into Uganda, heading towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is renowned for its biodiversity. The landscape here is rugged and dense, adding to the sense of adventure.

On the seventh day, you’ll embark on your second gorilla trekking experience, this time in Bwindi. The trek through the dense forest can be demanding, but the encounter with a gorilla family in such a wild setting is nothing short of extraordinary. Each gorilla family has its own dynamic, and spending time with them offers a unique perspective on their lives. After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and savor the memories of the day.

Day 8-9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife Safari and Boat Cruise

After your adventures in Bwindi, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserves. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, which support a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a vast array of bird species.

You’ll enjoy game drives in the Kasenyi Plains, where you might spot large herds of buffalo, elephants, and the park’s famous tree-climbing lions. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is another highlight, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds as they bask on the shores. The cruise provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, with the park’s stunning landscape as a backdrop.

Day 10-11: Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking

Next, you’ll head to Kibale National Park, renowned for its high concentration of primates, including chimpanzees. Kibale is often referred to as the primate capital of the world, and a chimpanzee trek here is a must-do activity. The forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and as you trek through the dense vegetation, you’ll hear their calls echoing through the trees.

The experience of watching chimpanzees up close is thrilling. You’ll observe them as they forage for food, play, and interact with each other in their complex social structures. The trek also offers opportunities to see other primates, such as colobus monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies.

Day 12: Return to Entebbe and Departure

On the final day of your tour, you’ll travel back to Entebbe, Uganda’s gateway city. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or relax by Lake Victoria before your departure. Your guide will ensure you reach the airport in time for your flight, bringing your incredible 12-day primate adventure to a close.

The 12 Days Combined Gorilla Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers the best of Rwanda and Uganda’s primate encounters. From the awe-inspiring gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the exhilarating chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park, this tour provides a deep connection with some of the world’s most endangered and fascinating species. Alongside these primate experiences, you’ll also enjoy the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife that make East Africa one of the world’s most captivating destinations. This tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s natural wonders.