COMBO SAFARI

12 days friendly neighbours’ primate bonanza

Experience the best of Uganda and Rwanda on this 12-day primate and wildlife safari. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, meet mountain gorillas in Bwindi, search for golden monkeys in Mgahinga and visit the Dian Fossey site in Rwanda.

The journey also includes rhino tracking at Ziwa, game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, boat safaris, bird-watching and meaningful cultural encounters.

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DURATION

12 Days / 11 Nights

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ROUTE

Entebbe (Uganda) to Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, and Kigali (Rwanda)

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Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Limited – Book Early

Tour Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking

Guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Mountain gorilla trekking

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Bird Watching

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Game drives and a Nile boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda. A Native Expeditions representative will meet you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation.

Depending on your arrival time, an optional Entebbe excursion can be arranged.

Overnight: Entebbe

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Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls

After breakfast, travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walk to see southern white rhinos in their natural habitat.

Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and settle into your lodge.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park

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Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Boat Safari

Begin the day with a game drive across the park’s savannah plains. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, hartebeest and several bird species.

In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Expect sightings of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and wildlife along the riverbanks.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park

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Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest

Travel south through Uganda’s scenic countryside to Kibale National Park, one of Africa’s leading chimpanzee-tracking destinations.

The forest supports numerous primate species, including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s and red-tailed monkeys.

Overnight: Kibale National Park

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Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After a briefing at the park headquarters, enter Kibale Forest with an experienced ranger to search for habituated chimpanzees.

Later, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The community-managed sanctuary is known for monkeys, colourful birds and local conservation initiatives.

Overnight: Kibale National Park

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Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains along the way.

In the afternoon, take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds gather near the shore.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park

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Day 7: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

Explore the Ishasha sector on a game drive in search of its famous tree-climbing lions. The open plains are also home to elephants, buffaloes, topis, antelopes and abundant birdlife.

Overnight: Ishasha sector

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Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy a final morning game drive before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This ancient rainforest is one of the world’s most important mountain gorilla habitats and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, trek through the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are located, spend the permitted time observing and photographing them before returning to your lodge.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga

Travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a guided golden monkey trek through the bamboo forest.

Watch these energetic primates leap between trees before continuing across the Kyanika border into Rwanda.

Overnight: Musanze, Rwanda

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Day 11: Dian Fossey Site Trek

Trek through Volcanoes National Park to the former Karisoke Research Centre and Dian Fossey’s burial site.

Along the trail, your guide will share the story of her work, her contribution to mountain gorilla conservation and the continuing efforts to protect the Virunga ecosystem.

Overnight: Rwanda

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Day 12: Kigali City Tour and Departure

Complete your safari with a guided tour of Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, the experience may include local markets, neighbourhoods, Rwandan coffee, city viewpoints and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport or another agreed drop-off point.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take this safari?

The safari can be enjoyed throughout the year. The drier periods generally offer easier trekking conditions, while the wetter months bring greener landscapes and excellent birdwatching.

Are gorilla sightings guaranteed?

Gorilla trekking has a high success rate, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

What Should I pack?

Bring hiking boots, long trousers, gloves, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, insect repellent, drinking water and a small daypack.