The Great Apes of Uganda and Rwanda

A once in a lifetime opportunity to encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild as you journey deep into the lush hills of Uganda and Rwanda. Observe these wonderful creatures with a primatologist and track gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Volcanoes National Park. Stay in stunning lodges, from a lakeside bungalow at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains to a hilltop eco-lodge with spectacular views of Rwanda’s volcanoes.

Trip highlights

Join a National Geographic–funded primatologist on treks in search of chimpanzees, gorillas, and endangered golden monkeys.

Watch the antics of chimpanzees up close at a sanctuary established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute.

Meet with scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre to learn about ongoing conservation projects, and get an in-depth perspective on Fossey's 18-year-long study.

Itinerary - 11 Days

1-2 Entebbe, Uganda/Ngamba Island

Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute as a habitat for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. Later, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Lake Victoria Serena Resort (Day 2: B/L/D)

3-4 Kibale National Park

Travel to Kibale National Park and check in to our lodge. Meet with a local researcher and search for chimpanzees; black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys; and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Kyaninga Lodge(B/L/D)

5-6 Kibale National Park/Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend a second morning tracking chimpanzees. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and go on safari to look for elephants, lions, and Ugandan kobs before an afternoon wildlife cruise.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B/L/D)

7-8 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Head into the forest to sit among these gentle giants, observing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures up close.
Bwindi Lodge (B/L/D)

9-10 Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Cross into Rwanda and settle into your private villa overlooking volcanoes and lakes. Meet experts at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Spend the next day tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey conducted research on gorillas for 18 years. Enjoy a traditional dance performance this evening.
Virunga Lodge (B/L/D)