10 Days Primate Odyssey
Experience the ultimate tribute to Africa’s great apes on this exclusive 10-day circuit through Uganda and Rwanda. This meticulously curated journey blends the raw power of the savannah with the mystical atmosphere of ancient rainforests, offering a rare double trek that reveals the unique spirit of two iconic nations
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Price
- Before You Go
Itinerary at a Glance
Arrival – Entebbe International Airport
Transfer To Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking & Nature Walk In The Bigodi Wetland
Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game Drive & Sunset Boat Ride
Fy To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest By Aerolink
First Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Transfer To Volcanoes National Park
Second Gorilla Encounter
Departure
Arrival – Entebbe International Airport
Upon your arrival at Entebbe international airport, you’ll be welcomed by a Luxury Africa Tours representative who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to Entebbe Forest lodge, where you’ll spend the night.
The lodge has small wooden cabins on stilts, with a main building that is placed at the edge of the forest, overlooking terraces, pool and open lawns towards a spectacular drop to Lake Victoria.
Transfer To Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park, often called the “Primate Capital of East Africa,” is renowned for its exceptional primate diversity, including over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 other primate species. Set within lush tropical rainforest, the park offers one of Africa’s most rewarding chimpanzee trekking experiences and rich birdlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then depart for Kibale National Park in southwestern Uganda, famously known as the Primate Capital of East Africa. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and picturesque rural landscapes. Stop for lunch en route, then continue your journey through the lush countryside. Upon arrival at Chimpundu Lodge, check in and take time to relax while soaking in the tranquil forest surroundings, listening to the sounds of the wildlife and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at Chimpundu Lodge.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Nature Walk In The Bigodi Wetland
The amazing day is this; have breakfast early enough at 6am, leave the lodge for the park headquarters with enough bottled drinking water, where you will be briefed about chimpanzee trekking. After briefing, embark on trekking through the forest at around 8:00am guided by an armed park ranger. Nothing is as amazing as having time with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. You will also see other primates like golden monkeys, grey checked Mangabeys, LHoests monkeys, bush babies, among others; you will also spot a number of birds. After trekking, return and have lunch at the forest camp and go for a walk in the Bigodi wetland in the afternoon. You will meet different people that stay there also will see different birds like the Great Blue Turaco and more primates like the bush pigs, otters, baboons among others. Overnight and dinner at Chimpundu Lodge.
Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin your day with a sunrise breakfast at 7:00 AM before venturing toward the legendary Queen Elizabeth National Park. This leg of the journey takes you through the Ishasha Sector, a wild expanse famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the ancient fig tree branches this is one of the few places on earth where the kings of the jungle prefer a view from above.Retreat each evening to a selection of Africa’s finest eco-luxury lodges, designed to offer refined comfort without losing touch with the wilderness
Game Drive & Sunset Boat Ride
Today you will rise very early and enjoy breakfast at 6:00 a.m., after which you will immediately set off for an early-morning game drive. Starting early gives you the best opportunity to see the park’s morning risers, including lions, solitary buffaloes, Uganda kobs, elephants, and many other wildlife species.This is one of the most exciting times for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cool morning hours, allowing you to observe them at close range and capture memorable moments. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. You will see numerous bird species, including malachite kingfishers and pink-backed pelicans, as well as animals such as crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and many more. Cruising on the Kazinga Channel is one of the most eye-catching and rewarding activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. After the cruise, return to River station for dinner and an overnight stay.
Fy To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest By Aerolink
Begin your day with breakfast before departing Kasese Airstrip on a domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival at Kihihi Airstrip, you will be met by our representative, who will transfer you by road to your lodge.
On arrival at Mahogany Springs Lodge, check in and enjoy lunch, then relax for the rest of the afternoon as you prepare for the next day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner and overnight stay at Mahogany Springs Lodge.
NOTE:check-in baggage for domestic flights should have a max weight of 15 kilos in soft sided bags
First Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda and one of the world’s premier gorilla trekking destinations. Its ancient, biodiverse rainforest is home to nearly half of the global population of endangered mountain gorillas, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Have breakfast at 6:30 am and transfer to the park headquarters with packed lunch where you will be briefed by the professional park rangers. By 8:00 am you will be accompanied by the park rangers as you enter the mist forest to trek mountain gorillas. You might need a walking stick if you are not physically fit enough also considering using potters to carry your luggage just in case you have and you pay them a small amount of money for labor. Trekking may take between 2 and 8 hours and the moment to you see and start interacting with the gorillas only one hour is given to you. After trekking, return to the lodge to unwind
Transfer To Volcanoes National Park
Bid farewell to the forest after a final, leisurely breakfast. Your journey continues across the border as you descend into the vibrant, rolling landscapes of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” This scenic drive captures the essence of the Rwandan countryside a patchwork of emerald tea plantations and mist-shrouded peaks leading you toward the majestic Volcanoes.Upon arrival in the northwest, transition from the road to the rustic elegance of The Farmhouse. Situated on the doorstep of the park, this boutique farm-stay offers a soulful connection to the land before your next great adventure.
Second Gorilla Encounter
The beauty of a dual trek lies in the nuances. Begin your morning at 6:30 AM with a fresh breakfast before returning to the park headquarters. Today offers a fresh perspective; you may be assigned to a different sector of the park or a new gorilla family with its own unique dynamics and social structure. At 7:00 AM, you step back into the ancient forest. Because the movement of these great apes is entirely unpredictable, today’s journey may lead you through different terrain perhaps deeper into the bamboo thickets or across sun-drenched ridges. Witnessing a different troop allows you to observe varied behaviors, from the protective nature of a new Silverback to the playful antics of different juveniles.
What to wear and carry: Wear long trousers, long sleeve and hiking waterproof boats (to minimize the impact on wildlife, it is recommended to wear shades of green or brown). Carry garden gloves, a rain jacket, and a camera.
Minimum age for gorilla trekking:15years
Departure
Begin your final morning with a relaxed breakfast, savoring the fresh flavors and quiet beauty of Rwanda one last time. As your journey draws to a close, we ensure your transition from the wilderness to your onward travels is as seamless as the adventure itself.Your private chauffeur will be ready to escort you on a scenic final drive through the vibrant streets of Kigali. We carefully coordinate your transfer to Kigali International Airport based on your specific flight schedule, ensuring you arrive with ample time to check in and relax.
Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
Getting here
Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. Scheduled helicopter transfers within Rwanda are available through Akagera Aviation.
Passport and visas
Applicants should have a valid passport or another acceptable travel document. The document must have a validity of at least six months on the day of entry into Rwanda. As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Visas can be applied for before departure, by submitting an application online, with the option to pay online or upon arrival.
Vaccinations
Travelers should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations, following the advice of their local healthcare provider. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/187/rwanda, each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
The greatest health risks in Rwanda are accidents and malaria. Much of Rwanda lies at too high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present and prophylactic drugs are recommended. Travellers should seek professional medical advice on taking anti-malarial medicines and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially between dawn and dusk.
COVID-19 Requirements
All travellers must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Rwanda, immediately upon arrival.
Note: The negative RT-PCR test result will be the only type accepted. Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted.
All travellers are required to complete and submit a “Rwanda Passenger Locator Form” to assist in contact tracing. To access this form, please https://travel.rbc.gov.rw/travel/.
You must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test each time they visit Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks. Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDTs) is accepted for check-in at any hotel or lodge and in Akagera National park
Note: all passengers arriving from or have traveled to India and Uganda in last 7 days are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at the designated hotels. Please visit https://rbc.gov.rw/index.php?id=188 for an up-to-date list of approved. This quarantine requirement does not apply to transit passengers.
Note: COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.
Climate
Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F) in the daytime or drop below 15°C (59°F) at night. Akagera is generally the warmest and the Virunga Mountains the coolest and the average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C (70°F). There are two rainy seasons in a year, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. The dry season, from June to mid-September, sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall. The roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate in this period
Money
The Rwandan franc (Rfw) is the principal currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. Expect to pay for local services in cash, in Rwandan francs. Dollar series of 2006 below are note accepted in national park and for exchange they have a lesser exchange value together with smaller notes below 50$. A growing number of places accept credit and debit cards, with Visa being more widely accepted than Mastercard. It’s best to check when making a booking. Cash can be exchanged at banks and private forex bureaux (bureau de change) but Both are closed on Sundays and public holidays. ATMs can be found in Kigali and nearly all major cities. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s cheques away from the capital. Western Union facilities are common.
Electricity: 230v 50Hz
Time: GMT + 2:00
Telephone: International telephone code +250
Getting there
All international flights only have safe landing at Entebbe International Airport which is the only international airport in the country. Direct flights are available from London by British Airways, Brussels by Brussels Airlines, Istanbul by Turkish Airlines, and Amsterdam by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. There are direct flights from Doha by Qatar Airways, Dubai by Emirates Airlines. Inter-Africa airlines include; Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, Fly 540, and Precision Airlines.
Passport and Visas
To enter Uganda, a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry is required by all nationalities. All persons intending to come to Uganda for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, medical are required to apply and obtain a visa online. https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply. You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Please be aware that E-Visas are valid for 90 days after issuance. Therefore, do not apply for your E-Visa too far in advance.
NOTE: Applicants are required to upload a copy of their International Certificate of YELLOW FEVER Vaccination when applying for their Uganda tourist visa. If
Vaccinations
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/231/uganda , each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
A yellow fever vaccination is currently required of ALL travellers in order to enter Uganda. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to your arrival, and you must carry an International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician; without it, you may be denied entry.
COVID-19 requirement
All travelers entering Uganda via Entebbe International Airport must provide printed, documented proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flight to Uganda. Any person failing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result will not be allowed to enter the country. • All travelers must take an additional COVID-19 RT-PCR on arrival. The testing is performed at a facility near Entebbe International Airport and guests must wait (approximately 2-4 hours) for their result. If the result is negative, guests may continue with their scheduled journey.
Note: COVID rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time. Get in touch with us for accurate new rules before travel.
Climate
It is sunny and green all year round with two distinct rainy seasons stretching from March to May and September to November. However, rain can occur at any time. The temperature average is 27C with the highest being 31C in the Karamoja and Kasese regions and the lowest being 15C in Kabale.
Money
American Express, Discover Cards and Mastercard’s are rarely accepted, except in few places. Visa Cards are readily accepted. Some large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in the urban areas accept credit cards. Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.
Time zone: GMT +3:00
Electricity: Uganda operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz. the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.
Telephone: International telephone code +256













