About the 7-Day Uganda-Rwanda Primates Safari
This 7-day safari lets you trek mountain gorillas in two countries. You start and finish in Kigali, cross into Uganda for a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then return to Rwanda for a second trek in Volcanoes National Park. On day six you can choose optional golden monkey tracking or a village visit.
It suits travellers who want to compare Uganda’s dense Bwindi forest with Rwanda’s volcano slopes in one short trip. Your driver-guide handles the transfers and the border crossing. Gorilla trekking is moderate to strenuous, and the minimum age is 15.
Planning tips: see our Uganda and Rwanda tours, the guide to the Kigali to Bwindi border crossing and the East Africa Tourist Visa. Gorilla permits for both countries are included, along with the park fees for the activities in the itinerary. Request a free quote and we will reply by email.
Read more: Rwanda gorilla permit cost and our Kigali to Bwindi border crossing guide.
Read the full trip guide: 7-Day Uganda-Rwanda Primates Safari
Table of Contents
Last updated October 2026. Planned by Victoria Kayaga, founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years in East African tourism.
7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari: quick answer
This 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari lets you trek mountain gorillas in two countries. You start and finish in Kigali, cross into Uganda for a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, then return to Rwanda for a second trek in Volcanoes National Park.
On day six you can choose optional golden monkey tracking or a village visit. Gorilla trekking permits for Uganda and Rwanda are included.
Day-by-day route of the 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari
Day 1: arrive in Kigali and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crossing the border into Uganda, with views of the Virunga Mountains along the way.
Day 3: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After a briefing you trek through the dense forest and spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Day 4: transfer back to Rwanda and arrive at Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where the bamboo forests give a different gorilla family dynamic.
Day 6: golden monkey tracking or a community visit, then return to Kigali.
Day 7: transfer to Kigali International Airport, or extend your stay.
What to expect on a 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari
Two treks in two forests give you a rare comparison of Bwindi and the Virungas.
Your driver-guide handles the transfers and the border crossing between the two countries.
Border days are long, so keep your day packs light and your documents ready.
Read our Uganda and Rwanda tours page and the Rwanda gorilla permit guide to prepare.
What is included
Included are airport transfers and ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary, park entrance fees and scheduled activities, gorilla trekking permits for Uganda and Rwanda and a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
International flights, visa fees for Uganda and Rwanda, insurance, tips and optional activities such as golden monkey tracking are not included.
How Afraeka plans your two-country primate safari
We request both permits for your travel dates. Permits can sell out in busy periods, so book early.
Send us your questions and we will reply by email with a personal quote.
Who this safari suits
Travellers who want gorillas in both countries in about a week and are comfortable with long road days.
7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari FAQ
Which countries does this safari cover?
Rwanda and Uganda.
Are gorilla permits included for both countries?
Yes, along with park entry fees for the activities in the itinerary.
What happens on day six?
You can choose optional golden monkey tracking or a village visit.
Where does the trip start and end?
In Kigali.
Related guides and sources
Check destination information on the official Visit Rwanda website, compare more options on our Rwanda safaris page, or request a free quote for this 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari.
The 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari in more detail
Day 1: arrive in Kigali
The 7 day Uganda Rwanda primates safari starts in Kigali, where you arrive and transfer to your hotel. Your driver-guide meets you and handles the transfers for the whole trip.
Days 2 and 3: Bwindi and the first trek
On day 2 you drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crossing the border into Uganda, with views of the Virunga Mountains along the way. The day is long, so keep your day packs light and your documents ready. On day 3 you attend a briefing and trek through the dense forest, then spend one hour with a gorilla family. The minimum age is 15, and the trek is moderate to strenuous.
Days 4 and 5: back to Rwanda
On day 4 you transfer back to Rwanda and arrive at Volcanoes National Park. Day 5 is your second gorilla trek, where the bamboo forests give a different feel from Bwindi. Two treks in two forests give you a rare comparison of Bwindi and the Virungas.
Days 6 and 7: golden monkeys or a village visit
On day 6 you can choose optional golden monkey tracking or a community visit, then return to Kigali. Optional activities are not included in the base itinerary. On day 7 you transfer to Kigali International Airport, or you can extend your stay.
Permits and planning
Gorilla trekking permits for both Uganda and Rwanda are included, along with park entrance fees for the scheduled activities. Permits are date-specific and can sell out in busy periods, so book early. You need to meet entry rules for both countries, including the East Africa Tourist Visa where it applies. Read our Kigali to Bwindi border crossing guide and the Rwanda gorilla permit guide.
Pace and comfort
You travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide. The border days are long, so we suggest comfortable shoes and a light bag. Tell us your flight time when you enquire so we can plan day 7.
Who it suits
The safari suits travellers who want gorillas in both countries in about a week and are comfortable with long road days. Compare other routes on our Uganda and Rwanda tours page, and send us your questions for a personal quote by email.
7 days Uganda-Rwanda Primates Safari
This 7-day Uganda-Rwanda primate safari is an adventure for wildlife enthusiasts who want to trek mountain gorillas in two countries: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, with optional golden monkey tracking in Rwanda.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (brief overview) 7-day Uganda-Rwanda primate safari
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda – Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kigali.
- Day 2: Kigali to Bwindi, Uganda – Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, crossing the border. Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Mountains. Overnight near the park.
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – After a briefing, trek through the dense forest to find a gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour with them. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.
- Day 4: Bwindi to Volcanoes NP, Rwanda – Transfer back to Rwanda. Arrive at Volcanoes National Park and prepare for your second trek the next day.
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP – Trek again, this time in Rwanda. The experience is different – the bamboo forests offer unique views and a different gorilla family dynamic. Afternoon at leisure.
- Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking or Community Visit – Choose an optional golden monkey trekking experience or a visit to a local village to learn about Rwandan culture. Return to Kigali for an overnight stay.
- Day 7: Departure – Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay.
What Makes This Safari Special?
- Double Gorilla Encounters: Visit gorilla families in two different countries.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience both Ugandan and Rwandan hospitality.
- Scenic Drives: Cross the lush hills of the Albertine Rift and the Virunga massif.
- Flexible Options: We can customize this itinerary – add a chimpanzee trek, extra game drives, or extend to other East African parks.
Gorilla permits sell out.
Gorilla permits for both Uganda and Rwanda are highly sought after. We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons. Contact us for a detailed quote and to check permit availability.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Start and finish in Kigali
- Optional golden monkey tracking or a village visit on day six
- Gorilla permits for both countries included
