Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Combination Guide

When it comes to extraordinary wildlife encounters, few experiences on Earth compare to coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla. Deep in the mist-shrouded rainforests of East Africa, these gentle giants—our closest relatives—move gracefully through the jungle, their calm eyes reflecting a quiet intelligence that touches the human soul.

For decades, Uganda and Rwanda have stood as the twin pillars of gorilla tourism, each offering its own version of this life-changing adventure. Uganda’s lush highlands host nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, while Rwanda’s dramatic volcanic slopes provide one of the most accessible and conservation-focused trekking experiences in Africa.

Combining both countries in a single safari offers travelers the ultimate gorilla experience—a journey that blends the wilderness diversity of Uganda with the refined eco-tourism and cultural depth of Rwanda. This Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Combination Guide explores how to plan, what to expect, and why this route is one of East Africa’s most rewarding wildlife expeditions.

Why Combine Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda may seem similar at first glance, but each destination offers distinct advantages that complement the other perfectly. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is world-renowned for its accessibility, luxury lodges, and well-organized treks, while Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides a wilder, more immersive rainforest experience at a more affordable cost.

By combining both countries, travelers can enjoy:

• A chance to visit multiple gorilla families and compare trekking environments.

• The convenience of cross-border routes linking Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP and Uganda’s Bwindi NP.

• Broader wildlife and cultural encounters across two nations that share the same conservation story.

• Flexibility with permit availability, especially during high seasons.

This combination safari allows you to begin in Rwanda—where logistics are smooth and the roads are excellent—and continue to Uganda, where lush forests and diverse ecosystems await. The journey between the two is not just a transfer—it’s a scenic adventure across Africa’s Great Rift landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant rural communities.

Rwanda: The Luxury Gateway to Gorilla Country

Volcanoes National Park – The Cradle of Gorilla Tourism

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight ancient volcanoes stretching across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park covers approximately 160 square kilometers and is home to about 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

The park’s terrain—comprising bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and misty slopes—creates a breathtaking backdrop for your encounter. Gorilla trekking here is often described as one of the most organized and well-managed experiences in Africa.

Treks begin early in the morning at the Kinigi Headquarters, where rangers brief visitors before assigning them to specific gorilla families based on fitness levels and interest. Groups are limited to eight trekkers per family, and each trek lasts between one and five hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.

When you finally find them—perhaps a mother grooming her baby or a silverback lounging in the ferns—you realize why travelers call it “the most profound hour of your life.”

Golden Monkeys and Dian Fossey’s Legacy

Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also offers golden monkey trekking—an experience that’s lighter but equally enchanting. These playful, rare primates are endemic to the Virunga region, darting through the bamboo canopy in flashes of gold and black.

Visitors can also hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Site, honoring the legendary primatologist whose dedication saved the mountain gorilla from extinction. The trail winds through lush forests, where you can still feel the spirit of conservation that defines Rwanda today.

The Comfort of Luxury and Conservation

Rwanda’s commitment to high-end, low-impact tourism has made Volcanoes NP a model for sustainable travel. Exclusive lodges such as Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provide world-class comfort while supporting local communities and reforestation programs.

Even as you relax by the fireplace in your luxury suite, the knowledge that your visit contributes directly to conservation and community welfare deepens the sense of purpose in your journey.

Permit and Pricing

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits cost USD 1,500 per person, a premium that reflects the park’s focus on exclusivity and sustainability. While this makes Rwanda a luxury destination, it also ensures controlled visitor numbers, a high-quality experience, and significant reinvestment into conservation.

Uganda: The Wild Heart of Gorilla Country

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Africa’s Living Eden

After exploring Rwanda’s volcanoes, it’s time to cross north into Uganda—home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi spans 321 square kilometers of dense rainforest, where more than 120 mammal species, 350 birds, and nearly 500 mountain gorillas thrive.

Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each offering unique terrain and gorilla families. The trekking here tends to be more physically demanding due to the thick vegetation and steep slopes, but that only adds to the sense of adventure.

Unlike Rwanda’s shorter bamboo trails, Uganda’s paths cut deep through ancient rainforest, where you may also encounter forest elephants, colorful turacos, and butterflies the size of your hand. The reward is worth every step—when you find a gorilla family resting in the foliage, the intimacy of the encounter feels truly primal.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda offers something unique that Rwanda does not—the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This special program allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family that is in the process of being habituated to human presence.

Permits for this experience cost USD 1,500 per person, the same as Rwanda’s standard trek, but the extended time makes it ideal for photographers and passionate wildlife enthusiasts who wish to observe gorilla behavior in depth.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Rwanda’s Sister Forest

Located on the same Virunga chain that stretches into Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers another opportunity for trekking, often with fewer visitors. The park’s single habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi, is famous for its mobility and playful youngsters.

Mgahinga is also home to golden monkeys and offers spectacular hiking up the Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga volcanoes—shared with Rwanda and the DRC. It’s an excellent stop for travelers crossing between Rwanda and Uganda, combining adventure, culture, and scenic beauty.

Permit and Pricing

Uganda’s gorilla permits are more budget-friendly than Rwanda’s, priced at USD 800 per person (as of 2024). This affordability makes it easier for travelers to extend their stay or include other parks in their itinerary.

The Scenic Cross-Border Route

The journey between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga takes about 3–4 hours, depending on the chosen border point. The Cyanika Border Post (near Kisoro) and the Katuna/Gatuna Border (near Kabale) are the most common crossings.

The drive itself is breathtaking—winding through terraced hills, banana plantations, and traditional villages. Every turn reveals a postcard view of the Virunga Mountains, their peaks often veiled in soft mist.

Travelers can easily start their safari in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital (just 2.5 hours from Volcanoes NP), trek gorillas there, and then cross into Uganda for more trekking and cultural encounters. The reverse route works equally well, especially for travelers entering Uganda through Entebbe and exiting via Kigali.

What to Expect on a Combined Gorilla Safari

A Uganda–Rwanda gorilla safari is designed for travelers seeking both adventure and connection. You can customize your itinerary to balance trekking intensity with relaxation and cultural immersion.

Here’s an example of a 7–9 Day Combination Safari Itinerary:

Day 1–2: Arrival in Kigali
Explore Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. Overnight in Kigali or continue to Musanze near Volcanoes NP.

Day 3–4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on your first trek, followed by optional golden monkey tracking or a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Day 5: Transfer to Uganda (Bwindi)
Cross the Cyanika or Gatuna border, enjoying scenic views of the Virunga ranges. Settle into your lodge in Bwindi.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your second gorilla encounter awaits—this time in a wilder, denser forest. Each trek feels entirely different, offering new insights into gorilla behavior.

Day 7: Community Visit or Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
Relax after trekking with a visit to a Batwa cultural community or a serene canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most picturesque highland lakes.

Day 8–9: Return to Kigali or Entebbe for Departure
Depending on your schedule, end your safari with a city tour or a relaxing lakeside evening.

Conservation and Community Impact

Both Uganda and Rwanda have turned gorilla tourism into a beacon of conservation success. Revenue from gorilla permits directly funds anti-poaching patrols, forest restoration, and community development projects.

In Rwanda, 10% of every permit fee goes to communities living near Volcanoes NP, supporting schools, clinics, and clean water projects. In Uganda, similar initiatives empower local people through jobs, craft cooperatives, and cultural tourism.

By participating in gorilla trekking, travelers contribute to the protection of one of Earth’s most endangered species while supporting livelihoods that depend on sustainable tourism.

When to Go

The best time to visit both Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons—June to September and December to February. Trails are less slippery, visibility is better, and trekking conditions are more comfortable.

However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and the rainy season (March–May, October–November) often brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Experience the Ultimate Gorilla Safari with Moreen Tours & Travel

Combining Uganda and Rwanda for a gorilla safari offers the most complete and enriching primate adventure in Africa. It’s a journey through two nations that share not only mountains and forests but also a vision of hope and conservation.

To experience this incredible adventure, travel with Moreen Tours & Travel — a trusted East African specialist with deep local knowledge and a passion for sustainable travel. From securing permits and handling cross-border logistics to arranging comfortable lodges and experienced guides, they ensure every detail of your journey is seamless.

Whether you’re trekking in the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park or deep in the jungles of Bwindi, Moreen Tours & Travel will help you experience the magic, meaning, and majesty of East Africa’s gorilla kingdom—responsibly and memorably.