Uganda & Rwanda chimpanzees & gorillas Safari

Pearl Paths & Thousand Hills: A Compact Cross-Border Safari

Answer the call of East Africa on a compact, two-country safari that pairs Uganda’s rain-soaked jungles with Rwanda’s rolling highlands.

Start in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile surges through a narrow gorge in a dramatic cascade. Watch for elephants, giraffes and hippos as you explore the park’s diverse landscapes. Then, head south into Kibale Forest, home to one of Africa’s most accessible and thrilling chimpanzee tracking experiences.

Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll ascend into mist-shrouded ridges for an unforgettable hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Cross into Rwanda and journey to Volcanoes National Park, a landscape of dramatic peaks and dense rainforest made famous by Dian Fossey. Here, you’ll again have the chance to encounter gorillas or visit the park’s golden monkey troops.

This sample itinerary spans 15 days and 14 nights and is designed for two guests. It includes accommodation, park fees and taxes, internal flights, transfers, and medical evacuation cover, while extra activities, visas and gratuities are not included.

*This is a sample itinerary designed to showcase the highlights and logistics of a premium safari experience.

Day 1 - 2: Arrive In Kampala

Arrive in Kampala and settle into Latitude 0 Degrees, a stylish and comfortable hotel offering modern amenities and a central location. Enjoy a relaxing stay with easy access to the city’s attractions and vibrant culture.

Day 3 - 5: Murchison Falls National Park

Location and Accommodation

Fly into Pakuba Airstrip and boat across the Nile to Papa’s Camp, a five-tented hideaway tucked on the river’s wild south bank, 20 km upstream of the thunderous falls. Each canvas suite faces the racing water, so you drift to sleep with the Nile’s roar and wake to giraffes on the opposite shore.

About Papa’s Camp

Named after Ernest “Papa” Hemingway, who survived two plane crashes here, this intimate camp blends vintage-safari style with solar power, outdoor showers, and attentive, eco-friendly service. Its remote setting places you beside Uganda’s largest park, where rainforest, savanna, and riverine wetlands meet.

Highlights

Dawn and dusk game drives on the little-visited southern tracks for lions, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo and antelopes.
Private boat cruise (or thrilling sport-fishing) below Murchison Falls in search of the legendary Nile perch, hippos, and crocs.
Guided walks through riverine forest alive with chimp calls and over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill.
Unrivalled vistas of the Nile squeezing through a 7-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres, all enjoyed with sundowners in hand.

Day 6 - 8: Kibale Forest National Park

Location and Accommodation 

Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s most vibrant rainforests, offers an unparalleled experience for primate enthusiasts. At the heart of this lush haven, Primate Lodge Kibale combines comfort with adventure, providing a perfect base for exploring the park's extraordinary wildlife. Situated just a short distance from the park's chimpanzee trekking trails, the lodge immerses you in the surrounding wilderness, offering a truly authentic African experience.

About Primate Lodge Kibale

Primate Lodge Kibale provides an exceptional stay right on the edge of the park. Surrounded by the dense forest, the lodge offers spacious, eco-friendly cottages and luxurious tents, allowing guests to enjoy the serenity of the forest while staying close to nature. From the comfort of your lodge, you can hear the sounds of the forest and watch wildlife come and go, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of chimpanzee trekking or forest walks.

Highlights

• Track chimpanzees through the forest with expert guides, observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy intimate walking safaris through the rainforest, encountering various primates, birds, and the rich flora of the park
• Relax in the tranquil setting of Primate Lodge Kibale, where you’ll experience seamless integration with nature, from luxury accommodations to fine dining in the heart of the forest.

Day 9 -11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Location and Accommodation 

Situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Africa’s most renowned and biodiverse rainforests, famously home to the endangered mountain gorillas. A stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, providing unparalleled access to gorilla trekking experiences while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the forest. With its stunning views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes, this lodge offers an unforgettable base for one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet.

About Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Perched on the edge of the park, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers an intimate and luxurious experience for guests. The lodge is designed to provide comfort while maintaining a connection to the surrounding natural beauty, offering spacious cottages with private balconies and stunning views over the forest. With expert guides, fine dining, and a serene atmosphere, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge ensures your stay is as extraordinary as the wildlife experiences you’ll encounter in Bwindi.

Highlights

• Trek to see the majestic mountain gorillas, with expert guides ensuring a safe and memorable encounter.
• Explore the dense forest on guided walks, spotting other wildlife and enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.
• Relax and unwind at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, where luxurious accommodations and stunning views create the perfect retreat after a day of gorilla trekking.

Day 12 - 14: Volcanoes National Park

Location and Accommodation 

Covering 160 square kilometres, Volcanoes National Park is famous for its rugged volcanic terrain and its incredible biodiversity. Home to one of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla populations, it provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek with these majestic creatures. The park is also known for its golden monkeys, a range of bird species, and stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

About Wilderness Sabyinyo

Wilderness Sabyinyo offers a luxurious stay with a unique blend of comfort and culture. Situated at the base of Mount Sabyinyo, the lodge features elegant, spacious cottages and offers an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape. The lodge’s eco-friendly design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff provide personalised service. 

Highlights

• Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, guided by experienced trackers who ensure a safe and respectful encounter with the gorillas.
• Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from bamboo forests to volcanic slopes, on guided nature walks.
• Unwind at Wilderness Sabyinyo, where luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views of the volcanoes create the perfect retreat after a day in the wild.

Day 15: End of Itinerary

Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home or onward connections. If your international flight departs later in the day, a day room can be arranged in Kigali to accommodate your schedule.

Discover The Itinerary Camps

Experience the perfect blend of adventure and luxury in Uganda and Rwanda’s finest safari camps. From chimpanzee tracking in the lush forests of Kibale to gorilla trekking in the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, each destination unveils a unique aspect of East Africa’s rich biodiversity, all while offering unparalleled comfort and relaxation at the end of your day.

Ready for Adventure?

If tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and strolling Rwanda’s volcanic highlands set your pulse racing, our tailor-made East African safari is your invitation to go. At Kusini Safaris, we craft journeys where close-up wildlife encounters meet effortless comfort and seamless logistics.

Contact us today and let us transform your two-country dream into an unforgettable reality. Africa’s rainforests and rolling hills are waiting.