Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

5-Day Primates Luxury & Wildlife Safari

Experience the ultimate luxury safari over five unforgettable days, starting in Kigali and journeying to Uganda’s breathtaking national parks. Explore the abundant wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can witness majestic animals in their natural habitat. Then, venture into the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an exhilarating gorilla trek, followed by a visit to Kyambura Gorge to observe playful chimpanzees. This safari promises an extraordinary blend of adventure and luxury in the heart of Africa's stunning wilderness.

What do I need to bring?

Essential Gear

Hiking boots (waterproof, with good grip)
Long-sleeved shirt (to protect from stinging nettles)
Long hiking trousers (lightweight but durable)
Rain jacket / poncho (weather in the forest changes quickly)
Warm fleece or light jacket (cool mornings)

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Accessories

Garden gloves (helpful for grabbing vines & branches)
Hat or cap (sun protection)
Sunglasses (optional)
Gaiters (if available, protect against mud & insects)
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Booking in advance

Cut off: 3 days

Categories

Safari/Wildlife , Adult Only

Duration

5 days

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge inside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge outside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

All Meals Included

Hotel near the shores of Lake Bunyonyi

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
Gorilla trekking permits (for non-residents)
Chimp trekking permits (for non-residents)
Meals
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Day 1 : Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP Trek Chimps with Evening Game Drive

Your adventure begins at 7:00 am with a scenic transfer from your lodge in Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and crater lakes before arriving at the park.

After lunch, embark on a guided chimpanzee trekking experience in the Kyambura Gorge, often called the “Valley of Apes,” where you’ll track lively chimps in their natural forest habitat. Later in the afternoon, set out on an evening game drive across the savannah plains, where elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and if lucky, big cats come alive under the golden glow of sunset. The day ends at your lodge within the park, surrounded by the wilderness soundtrack of Queen Elizabeth..

Day 2 : Game Drive and Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel

You'll start your day with an early game drive through the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the savannah comes alive with wildlife. Look out for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, and a variety of bird species as you explore this scenic landscape with your expert guide.

You'll return to the lodge for a late breakfast and leisure time before lunch.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This unforgettable experience brings you up close to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa, as well as Nile crocodiles, elephants along the shore, and countless water birds.

The day ends with breathtaking views of the sun setting over the channel—an ideal moment to reflect on the beauty of the wild.

Day 3 : Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Set off from Mweya at 8:00 am for a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, into the misty highlands of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.” Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, terraced hillsides, and lively villages that offer glimpses into local life.

You may stop for photos at crater lakes or tea plantations before continuing into the dense, emerald embrace of Bwindi. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge nestled on the edge of the forest, with sweeping views of the canopy. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and preparing for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure that awaits you the next day.

Day 4 : Gorilla Trek and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You'll trek through dense jungle terrain, guided by expert trackers, until you come face to face with a habituated gorilla family. You'll spend a magical hour observing their interactions—a humbling and emotional wildlife experience like no other.

After the trek, you will enjoy a packed lunch and begin your scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil haven known for its emerald waters and misty, terraced hills.

You'll arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lakeside lodge. As the sun begins to set, you'll unwind with a peaceful sundowner experience on Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 5 : Early Morning Boat on lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Kigali with tour of Kigali Genocide memorial

Start the day with an early morning boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Lake of a Thousand Islands.” Glide across its calm waters as the mist lifts to reveal terraced hillsides, countless green islands, and the gentle rhythms of local life unfolding along the shores.

After this tranquil experience, embark on a scenic transfer to Kigali, crossing the border into Rwanda’s land of a thousand hills. Upon arrival, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn yet powerful place of remembrance and learning that honors the victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s resilience and rebirth. The day ends with a transfer to the airport in Kigali, where you can reflect on the journey and prepare for what lies ahead.

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