Upcoming tours
Uganda & Rwanda- Gorilla & Golden Monkey Photography
June 19 - 23, 2027
5 Days / 4 Nights
Experience two of East Africa's most extraordinary primate encounters on this 5-day cross-border safari through Uganda and Rwanda. Begin your journey in Rwanda before crossing into Uganda's legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable Gorilla Habituation Experience - an exclusive opportunity to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family alongside researchers and conservationists. Continue to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey Tracking adventure and an immersive cultural experience at the renowned Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village. Complete your safari with a guided Kigali city tour, discovering Rwanda's rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable transformation before your departure.
This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking deeper wildlife encounters, authentic cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
$5,250
per person
Limited to 5 guests
Why Uganda & Rwanda?
Few places on Earth offer wildlife experiences as profound as Uganda and Rwanda. Ancient rainforests, mist-covered volcanoes, and remarkable biodiversity set the stage for two unforgettable primate encounters. In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll take part in the world’s only mountain gorilla habituation experience, spending up to four extraordinary hours alongside a family as researchers gradually acclimate them to human presence. Then, cross into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to trek through bamboo forests in search of the playful and endangered golden monkeys. Together, these neighboring countries create a once-in-a-lifetime extension that offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with two of Africa’s most iconic primates.
why join this tour?
- A thoughtfully paced itinerary that balances gorilla habituation with golden monkey tracking.
- Guided by a photographer who values patience, ethical wildlife encounters, and quiet observation, creating space for memorable moments, thoughtful storytelling, and images that reflect both the wildlife and the experience.
- Led in partnership with a trusted local guide, Mbabazi Phenny, who was born and raised in Buhoma, Bwindi. His family has deep ties to gorilla conservation, with his father being part of the original team involved in habituating the first mountain gorilla family in Uganda.
- A portion of your trip directly supports Selfless Hands Bwindi, a community-driven nonprofit organization founded by your guide Phenny, focused on improving education and literacy, health resources, and sustainable livelihoods while promoting conservation for local communities living alongside wildlife.
- Meaningful cultural experiences woven into the journey, offering insight into daily life, local traditions, and regional practices beyond the parks.
- Photography and editing guidance throughout the trip, aimed at creating images that reflect both the wildlife and landscape of Uganda.
- Small group size that allows flexibility, individual support, and time to fully engage with each environment.
- All accommodations, meals, transportation within Uganda, park fees, and permits are included, creating a seamless and well-supported experience from start to finish.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Expedite Wildlife Tours safari guide. After a short briefing about your safari, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali where you can relax after your flight.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore nearby restaurants or simply unwind in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive through Rwanda's spectacular rolling hills before crossing the Cyanika Border into Uganda. Continue through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
The scenic drive offers magnificent views of terraced hillsides, local villages, and lush forests before arriving at your lodge in time for relaxation.
Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for breakfast before transferring to the Rushaga Sector headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Unlike standard gorilla trekking, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a mountain gorilla family that is undergoing the habituation process. Accompanied by researchers, trackers, and experienced guides, you'll witness fascinating gorilla behaviors while learning about ongoing conservation efforts.
This immersive experience offers exceptional photographic opportunities and a deeper understanding of these endangered primates.
Following the experience, enjoy lunch before crossing back into Rwanda and continuing to Volcanoes National Park for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Experience
After breakfast, head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a memorable Golden Monkey Tracking adventure.
Golden monkeys are among Africa's rarest primates and are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. Watching these energetic and playful monkeys leap through bamboo forests is a delightful wildlife experience.
After lunch, visit the famous Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers have become conservation ambassadors. Enjoy traditional Rwandan dances, music performances, storytelling, local crafts, medicinal plant demonstrations, and insights into Rwanda's rich cultural heritage.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour – Departure
After breakfast, depart for Kigali.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided city tour exploring some of Kigali's most notable attractions. Depending on your flight schedule, visits may include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, art galleries, and vibrant neighborhoods that showcase Rwanda's impressive development and cultural diversity.
After lunch (optional), your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Inclusions
Gorilla habituation permit
Golden monkey permit
All accommodations based on double occupancy (single supplement available upon request)
All meals listed in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water in your car
Customized 4x4 safari jeep
All transportation within Uganda
Airport pick up & drop off
Services of a local, English-speaking guide/driver
All fuel throughout the journey
Professional photography guidance and support
All activities and listed excursions
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal Expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone etc.)
Tips and gratuities
This tour is led by Lindsey Arpin in partnership with Expedite Wildlife Tours
Travel With Purpose
giving back to bwindi
Traveling through Uganda offers a deeper connection to both its wildlife and the communities who live alongside it. A portion of this tour directly supports local initiatives through Selfless Hands Bwindi, founded by your guide Phenny.
This work includes supporting local schools and families with essential supplies, agricultural aid materials, and youth education initiatives, alongside conservation efforts such as planting indigenous trees and raising environmental awareness.
When you join this tour, you are not just visiting Uganda. You are contributing to something meaningful that continues long after the trip ends.
Pricing & Payment
5 Spots Available
$5,250 per person
(Based on double occupancy)
40% deposit + full gorilla and golden monkey permits due at booking
Remaining 60% due 21 days prior to arrival
Single supplement rates upon request
To secure your spot, contact me and I will direct you to our booking team.
FAQ
What fitness level is required?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Gorilla and golden monkey tracking involves hiking on uneven, potentially challenging terrain and sometimes steep slopes. The distance and duration vary with each trek and can range from about 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the primates are located. Porters are always available to help carry gear and assist along the hike. There is no rush, and the pace can be adjusted to what feels comfortable for the group. Other safari activities are far less physically demanding.
What focal length should I bring?
A telephoto lens is generally recommended for wildlife photography. For gorillas and golden monkeys, a super long lens is not necessary, as encounters often happen at close range. A 70-200mm range works very well for these experiences. For environmental and wider context shots, a lens in the 24-70mm range is ideal. We can also go over your gear together before the trip to help you feel confident in what you bring, and I can offer recommendations based on your goals.
what are the chances of seeing target species?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the locations we will be visiting offers the best opportunities for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Before we embark on our primate treks, rangers explore the forests in the early mornings to locate the gorillas and golden monkeys for us. These highly skilled rangers understand the animal's habits and behaviors, and have great success at finding our target species.
what other wildlife can we expect to see?
Uganda offers an exceptionally diverse range of wildlife. In addition to mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, the country supports some of the highest densities of primate species in the world. Encounters may include colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, patas monkeys, baboons, bush babies, and potto, along with a wide variety of birdlife. Various species of bee-eaters, sunbirds, hornbills, kingfishers, herons, turacos, weavers, raptors, and many more are commonly found throughout the journey. Uganda is also home to many larger mammals, with likely sightings including numerous antelope species (such as Ugandan kob, waterbuck, Jackson's hartebeest, topi, and elands), elephants, hippos, zebra, crocodiles, and giraffes.
What will the weather be like?
Uganda is generally warm year-round. June falls within one of Uganda's drier seasons, so you can expect temperatures between 20°C to 26.C/ 68°F to 78°F and cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings, particularly in higher elevation regions like Bwindi. Conditions are often comfortable for trekking and safari activities, though occasional rain showers are still possible and weather can change quickly. Packing guidance will be provided before the trip.
Will there be WiFi or cell service?
Connectivity is limited in many areas. WiFi is available in all lodges throughout the trip, typically in shared common areas rather than guest rooms. While connectivity is available each day, cell service can be inconsistent depending on the location, and many guests appreciate the opportunity to disconnect.
Do I need to be a photographer to enjoy this trip?
No. This trip is designed for both photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. While photography guidance is available, guests are equally welcome to simply observe, experience, and enjoy the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and cultural moments.
How long are we able to spend with the gorillas?
Once the gorillas are found, we are given four incredible hours to observe and photograph them as they rest, eat, climb, and groom each other.
Get in touch
Interested in joining this tour or have questions before booking?
Send a message below and I will get back to you. I am always happy to talk through logistics, photography goals, or anything else you would like to know before committing.
If this trip feels like the right fit but the dates don't work, feel free to reach out! I also offer custom guided safaris tailored to your schedule and interests.
Ethical Wildlife Experiences
All tours are rooted in respect for wildlife and the environments we visit. We prioritize ethical viewing, work closely with trusted local partners, and aim to create space for observation rather than interference. Photography is always secondary to the well-being of the animals.