Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Golden Monkey Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees & Golden Monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda

Discover where to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda, and compare the best destinations for an unforgettable African primate safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is available in three major destinations:

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
  • Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Uganda offers more trekking locations and is especially well suited to combining gorillas with chimpanzees and traditional wildlife safaris. Rwanda is convenient for shorter gorilla-focused trips from Kigali.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Uganda offers several well-known chimpanzee trekking destinations:

  • Kibale National Park
  • Budongo Forest
  • Kyambura Gorge
  • Kalinzu Forest

Rwanda also offers established chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. Uganda generally provides a broader choice of chimpanzee locations and safari combinations.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is possible in both countries:

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
  • Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

These playful, endangered primates inhabit the Virunga region, making golden monkey trekking a natural addition to a mountain gorilla safari.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Primate Safari Comparison

Experience Uganda Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas Bwindi & Mgahinga Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzees Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura & Kalinzu Nyungwe National Park
Golden Monkeys Mgahinga Volcanoes National Park
Best For Multi-primate and wider wildlife safaris Shorter gorilla trips and premium primate journeys
Can You Combine All Three? Yes, within Uganda Yes, combining Volcanoes and Nyungwe
Best Airport Gateway Entebbe Kigali

Which Country Is Best for a Primate Safari?

Uganda is generally the stronger choice if you want to combine mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and traditional wildlife safaris in one itinerary. Rwanda is particularly convenient for shorter gorilla and golden monkey trips from Kigali, while longer journeys can include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. The best destination depends on your available time, preferred comfort and wider safari interests.

Primate Gorilla Safari Options

Uganda

7-Day Uganda Primate Safari

Discover Uganda’s mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys on a carefully planned primate journey.

Uganda & Rwanda

8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari

Combine memorable primate encounters in both countries with spectacular forest and volcanic scenery.

Three Primate Experiences

10-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Golden Monkeys

Enjoy an extended primate itinerary with more time for wildlife, photography and local experiences.

Luxury

Luxury Fly-In Primate Safari

Reduce long road transfers with domestic flights, private guiding and carefully selected luxury accommodation.

Rwanda

Gorillas & Chimpanzees in Rwanda

Combine Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park.

Cross-Border Safari

Rwanda Gorillas + Uganda Chimps

Trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda before continuing into Uganda for chimpanzees and other safari experiences.

Plan Your Uganda & Rwanda Primate Safari

From gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzees in Kibale or Nyungwe, our Uganda-based team can help design a private safari around your interests, travel dates and preferred level of comfort.

Get My Custom Primate Safari Quote