Do I need separate gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda?

Yes. Rwanda and Uganda each require their own gorilla trekking permits, which are issued by their respective wildlife authorities. In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500 USD, while in Uganda, it’s $800 USD. These permits must be secured in advance and are usually included in the cost of your safari package. Each permit allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family on the day of your trek.

How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking can be moderately to highly strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family you're assigned to. In Rwanda, the terrain is generally more open and less steep, while Uganda’s Bwindi Forest is denser and more rugged. Treks can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (round-trip), so a good level of fitness is recommended. Porters are available to help carry your backpack and support you on the trail, which many trekkers find helpful.

How much is a gorilla trekking permit?

Uganda: $800 (trekking) / $1,500 (habituation) Rwanda: $1,500 DR Congo: $400 Permit prices are for foreign non-residents and include park entry and guided trek.

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Yes. All treks are led by trained rangers and trackers who follow strict safety protocols. Gorillas are habituated to human presence and are generally peaceful.

Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?

Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.

Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?

Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Highlights

Double Gorilla Trekking Experience. Track endangered mountain gorillas in both Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda). Each trek offers a unique landscape, terrain, and encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitats.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest. Explore the lush Kibale Forest, known as the "Primate Capital of the World," where you’ll track wild chimpanzees and observe their social behavior, calls, and interactions up close.
Tree-Climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the Ishasha Sector, one of the few places in Africa where lions are known to climb and lounge in fig trees—an unusual and photogenic wildlife behavior unique to this region.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George, offering fantastic sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an array of birdlife along the shores.

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Overview

This 8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari is an extraordinary journey through two of Africa’s most biodiverse countries of Rwanda and Uganda in search of endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a wide variety of wildlife and primates.

This cross-border safari combines the misty mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with Uganda’s lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale Forest, offering unmatched opportunities for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game viewing.

The 8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital, and quickly immerses you in nature with a thrilling gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. After crossing into Uganda, you will experience a second gorilla trek in the dense forests of Bwindi, giving you a deeper understanding of their habitats and behaviors. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich savannah landscapes, before concluding with chimpanzee encounters in Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species.

Throughout the journey, you will stay in well-selected eco-lodges or tented camps, enjoy expert-guided treks, and travel in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle. The tour blends adventure, conservation, and cultural insights for a truly life-changing safari experience.

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Combo Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Cross Border to Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking

Day 8: Return to Entebbe – Departure

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Itinerary Expand all

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide who will brief you on the journey ahead. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour of Kigali, visiting the Genocide Memorial and local craft markets. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in the north wester part of Rwanda. The landscape transitions from urban bustle to terraced hills and lush countryside. Settle into your lodge near the park, with dinner and overnight rest.

Overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trek. Guided by expert trackers, venture into the dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family, an experience that can last from 2 to 6 hours. Once found, spend a magical hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Optional cultural visits to local communities are available in the afternoon.

Overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Cross Border to Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive north as you cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border. The journey takes you through misty hills, traditional villages, and tea plantations until you arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering a pristine and biodiverse environment. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge nestled within the forest. Evening at leisure with an optional community or Batwa cultural walk.

Overnight at Bweza Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Rise early and prepare for your second gorilla trekking adventure in the rugged terrain of Bwindi. The trekking here is more challenging due to the thick vegetation and steep slopes, but equally rewarding. Once you encounter the gorillas, enjoy another powerful hour watching their family dynamics and behaviors. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and relaxation. Spend your afternoon at leisure or explore the surrounding forest trails and birdlife.

Overnight at Bweza Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

After breakfast, drive toward the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. En route, keep an eye out for antelope, elephants, and beautiful savannah scenery. Once in Ishasha, enjoy a game drive in search of lions resting in fig trees, a behavior unique to this region. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and unwind while surrounded by wilderness. Overnight stay within the park.

Overnight at Enganzi Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Begin your day with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, rich in wildlife including buffalo, elephants, lions, and leopards. After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise that offers fantastic sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species. This water safari is a highlight of the park and offers great photo opportunities. Return to the lodge in the evening and enjoy a hearty dinner. Overnight in the northern sector of the park.

Overnight at Enganzi Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking

Depart for Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of the world. After lunch, set out on an afternoon chimpanzee trek, guided by rangers who will help track and identify the chimps in the wild. Spend an exhilarating hour watching these intelligent primates in their natural setting. After the trek, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community-guided nature walk rich in birdlife and monkeys. Overnight stay at a forest lodge near Kibale.

Overnight at Turacco Treetops

Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Return to Entebbe – Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting the journey back to Entebbe, passing through small towns and the lush Ugandan countryside. Depending on your departure time, optional stops can be made for shopping or a visit to the Equator. Upon arrival in Entebbe, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda-Uganda primate safari. Safe travels and unforgettable memories!

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Includes & Excludes

Accommodation Based on Full Board
An Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide (Any Language provided on Request)
Bottled Safe Drinking Water
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Per Person
Gorilla Trekking Permit Per Person

International Flights From/To Home
Tips
Travel Insurance
Visa Fees

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Gallery

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Availability

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari Map

8 Days Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Primate Safari FAQ's Expand all

Do I need separate gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda?
Yes. Rwanda and Uganda each require their own gorilla trekking permits, which are issued by their respective wildlife authorities. In Rwanda, the permit costs $1,500 USD, while in Uganda, it’s $800 USD. These permits must be secured in advance and are usually included in the cost of your safari package. Each permit allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family on the day of your trek.
How physically demanding is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can be moderately to highly strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family you're assigned to. In Rwanda, the terrain is generally more open and less steep, while Uganda’s Bwindi Forest is denser and more rugged. Treks can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (round-trip), so a good level of fitness is recommended. Porters are available to help carry your backpack and support you on the trail, which many trekkers find helpful.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit?
Uganda: $800 (trekking) / $1,500 (habituation) Rwanda: $1,500 DR Congo: $400 Permit prices are for foreign non-residents and include park entry and guided trek.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes. All treks are led by trained rangers and trackers who follow strict safety protocols. Gorillas are habituated to human presence and are generally peaceful.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with other activities?
Absolutely. We offer combination safaris that include chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Kivu.
Is gorilla trekking better in Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is more budget-friendly and offers more trekking regions (Bwindi, Mgahinga), while Rwanda is known for easy access from Kigali. Both offer unforgettable gorilla experiences.