Travelling over the holidays? See Christmas gorilla trekking in Uganda and New Year gorilla safaris in Rwanda.
Rwanda and Uganda5-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari5 DaysTwo gorilla treks in five days: Volcanoes National Park, the Cyanika border and Bwindi.View Trip
Uganda and Rwanda7-Day Uganda-Rwanda Primates Safari7 DaysGorillas in Bwindi, then Volcanoes, with golden monkeys or a community visit to finish.View Trip
Rwanda and Uganda10-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Wildlife Safari10 Days · Most popularGorillas in both countries, then Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale chimpanzees.View Trip
Rwanda and Uganda16-Day Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari16 Days · Grand tourKigali culture, golden monkeys, gorillas on both sides of the border and tree-climbing lions.View TripEvery route is private and flexible. Change the lodges, the pace or the direction and we will re-quote it for you.
Uganda & Rwanda Tours: Gorillas, Chimps & Savannah Safaris in One Trip
Fly into Kigali, trek gorillas in two forests, then carry on into Uganda for chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and Nile boat cruises. We are a Ugandan team based in Kampala, so we plan the whole route, both sets of permits and every border crossing ourselves.
A classic route: 10 days, two countries
The first days are in Rwanda and the rest are in Uganda. See the full day-by-day plan.
A 14-day Uganda and Rwanda itinerary
Two weeks lets you trek gorillas in both countries and still see Uganda’s chimpanzees and savannah wildlife without rushing. This is a sample route; we adjust the order, lodges and pace to your dates and permit availability.
Want it shorter or longer? See our 10-day Rwanda and Uganda safari or the 16-day Rwanda and Uganda safari. Ask for a 14-day quote.
What each country adds to your trip
| Rwanda | Uganda | |
|---|---|---|
| Gorillas | Volcanoes National Park, 2 to 2.5 hours from Kigali. Permit US$1,500 | Bwindi (4 sectors) and Mgahinga, about 20 habituated families. Permit US$800 |
| Longer time with gorillas | Not offered | Gorilla Habituation Experience: about 4 hours with a family in Bwindi |
| Other primates | Golden monkeys (Volcanoes), chimps in Nyungwe | Chimps in Kibale, Budongo and Kyambura Gorge; golden monkeys in Mgahinga |
| Savannah wildlife | Akagera National Park | Queen Elizabeth (tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel), Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, rhinos at Ziwa |
| Culture & cities | Kigali, the Genocide Memorial, Lake Kivu | Kampala, Jinja and the source of the Nile, Lake Bunyonyi |
| Flights | Kigali International Airport, close to the gorillas | Entebbe International Airport; Kigali also works well for southwest Uganda |
Permit prices checked in October 2026. Both wildlife authorities can change fees, so we confirm the current rate before you pay.
One gorilla trek or two? Compare your options
Seeing gorillas in both countries is special, but it is not the only way to do a two-country trip. Here is what the permits cost per person for three popular plans:
| Plan | What you see | Permits per person |
|---|---|---|
| Gorillas in both countries | One trek in Volcanoes, one in Bwindi | US$2,300 |
| Two treks in Uganda | Two different Bwindi sectors or Bwindi + Mgahinga, with Rwanda for Kigali and Lake Kivu | US$1,600 |
| Uganda gorillas + Rwanda golden monkeys | Gorillas in Bwindi, golden monkeys in Volcanoes | About US$900 |
Our tip: let Uganda carry the gorilla budget
Do your gorilla trekking in Uganda, where permits cost about half as much, and use Rwanda for Kigali, golden monkeys and Lake Kivu. A couple choosing two treks in Uganda instead of one in each country saves about US$1,400, which pays for an extra lodge night or a chimp trek in Kibale. Prefer the habituation experience? Only Uganda offers it.
Read more: Uganda vs Rwanda: price and value · Gorilla trekking two days in a row · Habituation vs standard trekking
How a two-country trip works
Permits for both countries
We book your gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda for your exact dates. Permits are date-specific and paid in full at booking, so book early for June to September and December to February. See gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda gorilla permits.
The border crossing
Most routes cross at Cyanika, close to Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors; Katuna (Gatuna) is used for routes via Kabale; with our clients that crossing usually takes about an hour. Your driver-guide handles the formalities with you. Read the Kigali to Bwindi border guide.
One visa, three countries
The East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100, valid 90 days) covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with multiple entries between them. Apply through the country you enter first. Rules vary by passport, so we will confirm what applies to you.
Which way round?
Start in Kigali for the shortest drive to the gorillas, then finish in Entebbe after Uganda’s parks, or loop back to Kigali. Flying in and out of different airports saves backtracking, and we can help you plan the flights.
Short on time? Start in Kigali, trek in Uganda
Kigali · Uganda2-Day Fast Track: Kigali to Mgahinga2 DaysThe quickest Uganda gorilla trek from Kigali.View Trip
Kigali · Uganda3-Day Budget Gorilla Safari from Kigali3 DaysKigali to Bwindi on a budget.View Trip
Kigali · Uganda4-Day Kigali to Bwindi Luxury Safari4 DaysPrivate 4×4 Land Cruiser from Kigali.View Trip
Rwanda · Uganda7-Day Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari7 DaysStarting in Kigali, gorillas and wildlife.View Trip
Uganda · Rwanda7-Day Uganda Primate Trek and Akagera7 DaysUganda primates with a Rwanda game drive.View Trip
Rwanda · Uganda7-Day Kigali Memorial and Uganda Gorilla Trek7 DaysHistory and gorillas in one week.View TripBest time for a Uganda & Rwanda safari
Gorilla trekking runs all year in both countries. The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, give the easiest trails and the busiest parks, so book permits early. March to May and October to November are greener, muddier and quieter. See the month-by-month guide.
Plan your route
Gorillas in both countries
Permits, comparisons and the border
Add Uganda’s wildlife
Chimps, lions and the Nile
Rwanda add-ons
Kigali, Lake Kivu and Rwanda’s parks
Frequently asked questions
Can I see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda on one trip?
Yes. Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi are connected by road through the Cyanika border, and a combined gorilla trip can be as short as five days.
Do I need two gorilla permits?
Yes, if you trek in both countries. Each country issues its own permit, valid only for its park and date. Rwanda’s costs US$1,500 and Uganda’s US$800.
Is it worth trekking gorillas in both countries?
It is a wonderful experience, but not essential. Many guests do two treks in Uganda instead, which costs US$1,600 in permits rather than US$2,300, and still visit Rwanda for Kigali, golden monkeys or Lake Kivu.
What visa do I need for Uganda and Rwanda?
Most visitors use the East Africa Tourist Visa: US$100, valid for 90 days and multiple entries across Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Apply through the country you enter first. Requirements vary by nationality, so we confirm yours when you book.
Should I fly into Kigali or Entebbe?
Kigali is closest to the gorillas. Entebbe is better for Uganda’s northern and western parks. Many guests fly into Kigali and out of Entebbe to avoid backtracking.
Do you arrange both permits and the border crossing?
Yes. We book permits in both countries, plan the transfers on each side and your driver-guide accompanies you through the border.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
15 years in both Uganda and Rwanda.
How much does a Uganda and Rwanda tour cost?
It depends on your dates, group size, lodges and how many permits you choose. Send us your plans and we will send you a personal quote.
Ready to plan your Uganda & Rwanda trip?
Tell us your dates, group size and must-sees. We will check permits in both countries and send you a route and a quote.
Table of Contents
How to choose Uganda and Rwanda tours
Our Uganda and Rwanda tours range from five days to sixteen. Choose a shorter route if gorillas are your priority, or a longer one to add chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and boat cruises.
Compare more routes on our Uganda safari packages page, or combine more countries with our East Africa multi-country safaris.
Official sources
Check entry rules and park information with Visit Rwanda and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our East Africa Tourist Visa guide explains the visa that covers more than one country.