Combining Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Essential Planning Tips for Combining Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda for an Exclusive Gorilla Adventure

Key Things To Know About Combining Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Combining luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most rewarding ways to experience East Africa’s most iconic wildlife adventure. For travelers debating between the two destinations, the good news is you don’t have to choose. If your time and budget allow, trekking in both countries offers an unmatched opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in two distinct environments: the misty slopes of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the dense, rugged forest of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National Parks.

Rwanda and Uganda are two of only three countries in the world where you can trek endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Each destination offers a different landscape, pace, and style of tracking, from the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes to the thick jungle trails of Bwindi. By combining both, you get the full spectrum of the gorilla trekking experience.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about combining luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda from permit logistics and travel routes to what makes each destination unique so you can plan the most seamless and unforgettable gorilla trekking journey through East Africa.

Here are some of our popular combined luxury gorilla trekking safari packages in Uganda and Rwanda, some combined with other primate encounters for the full primates adventure.

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Where to Go and How to Start a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Rwanda

Luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the more popular of the two, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and offering multiple tracking regions across its dense, ancient rainforest. Mgahinga, though smaller, is part of the Virunga volcanic range and shares its gorilla families with neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Rwanda, luxury gorilla trekking happens exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, which lies within the Virunga Mountains as well. This park is not only famous for its dramatic volcanic scenery but also for being the research base of primatologist Dian Fossey. While Rwanda has fewer habituated gorilla families than Bwindi, the treks here tend to be shorter and more accessible due to the park’s open bamboo forest and smoother terrain.

If you’re planning to combine gorilla trekking in both countries, the best approach is to start in Rwanda and continue to Uganda. Flying into Kigali International Airport offers a convenient entry point, with just a four-hour scenic drive to Bwindi. This is much shorter than the roughly ten-hour transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi or Volcanoes. Starting in Rwanda also allows you to ease into the experience, as the trails in Volcanoes National Park are generally less physically demanding than the often steep and muddy routes in Bwindi.

That said, the choice of where to start can also depend on gorilla permit availability or other destinations on your itinerary. If you’re planning to add chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest or a wildlife safari in Uganda’s savannah parks like Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, it may make more sense to begin your journey in Uganda.

Whichever route you choose, both countries offer exceptional gorilla encounters and contrasting trekking experiences making a double trek across Uganda and Rwanda one of the most rewarding wildlife adventures in Africa.

Can You Drive Between Uganda and Rwanda?

Yes, you can drive between Uganda and Rwanda using the Katuna or Chanika border. It’s about 4 hours from Kigali to Bwindi via Katuna, and 12 hours from Kampala to Volcanoes National Park via Chanika. The full trip between Kigali and Kampala takes around 8 hours.

How to Book and Do Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Combining luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a rewarding way to experience two of Africa’s best destinations for mountain gorilla encounters. You can begin your tour by flying into either Kigali or Entebbe, depending on your preferred itinerary. Most travelers prefer starting in Kigali due to its proximity to both Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This route offers shorter drive times and a smoother transition between the two countries.

If you fly into Entebbe, you can take advantage of Uganda’s diverse safari opportunities before heading southwest to the gorilla parks. From there, cross the border into Rwanda and wrap up your tour with another gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, flying out of Kigali afterward. Whether you start in Uganda or Rwanda, this route allows you to compare the landscapes, gorilla families, and overall trekking experience across both parks.

To book this kind of trip, the most important step is securing your gorilla permits in advance. Uganda permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents and UGX 300,000 while Rwanda permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and go for USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents and foreign residents in Africa and USD 200 for East African citizens. Uganda also offers a unique Gorilla Habituation Experience at USD 1,500 per permit for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750,000, allowing more time with the gorillas.

Because permit numbers are limited especially in Uganda where Bwindi has 36 habituated gorilla families and only 288 daily permits it’s important to plan and book at least 3 to 5 months in advance. Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, a local tour operator like us can check permit availability, make a tentative reservation, invoice you, and handle the booking process. After payment, a scanned copy of your permit will be sent for your records.

By booking early and working with a knowledgeable operator, you’ll ensure a smooth and unforgettable double luxury gorilla trekking tour in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Best Time to Plan a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Rwanda

The best time to do a double gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda largely depends on your travel schedule. Both countries offer year-round gorilla trekking thanks to their mild climate, with daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C. However, the heaviest rains usually fall from March to May, with shorter showers in October and November. While trekking is still possible during these months, the drier seasons from June to September and December to February generally offer more comfortable hiking conditions and better trail access.

Top Accommodation for Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

For a high-end gorilla trekking experience, Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional luxury lodges near key trekking points. In Uganda, lodges like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp provide stylish stays near Bwindi, while Mount Gahinga Lodge offers a serene retreat near Mgahinga. In Rwanda, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest set the standard for exclusive comfort near Volcanoes National Park. These properties combine luxury, conservation, and personalized service, making your gorilla safari both memorable and meaningful.

More to Explore Beyond Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

While gorilla trekking is the main highlight, there’s a wide range of other unforgettable experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda that easily fill a week or more. Here’s what else you can explore during your trip:

Things to Do in Uganda

Wildlife Safaris: Visit Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks for classic game drives to see elephants, lions, buffalo, and more. For a remote experience, head to Kidepo Valley National Park in the far north.
Boat Safaris: Cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park for close encounters with hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
Adventure Activities in Jinja: Try whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or fishing at the source of the Nile in Uganda’s adventure capital.
Carnivore Tracking: Join researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program to track lions, hyenas, and leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Chimpanzee Encounters: Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge. Kibale also offers a special chimp habituation experience for more in-depth interaction.
Mountain Hiking: Challenge yourself with a trek in the Rwenzori Mountains, known for their rugged beauty and alpine scenery.
Cultural Experiences: Spend time with the Batwa near Bwindi, visit local women’s cooperatives, or tour fairtrade coffee farms to connect with Uganda’s communities.

Things to Do in Rwanda

Kigali City Tour: Explore Rwanda’s capital with its clean streets, lively arts scene, artisan boutiques, and vibrant food culture. Don’t miss the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful and reflective visit.
Golden Monkey Trekking: In Volcanoes National Park, set out to track the rare golden monkeys. The trek starts from the same base as gorilla trekking, and permits cost $100.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest: This ancient rainforest offers guided treks for chimps and black-and-white colobus monkeys, plus forest bathing and walks through tea plantations.
Game Drives in Akagera National Park: Home to the Big Five, Akagera is Rwanda’s top spot for traditional wildlife safaris.
Lake Kivu: Enjoy a relaxing break with kayaking, boat rides, or lakeside walks along the scenic shoreline.
Hiking Adventures: Climb Mount Bisoke to its crater lake or explore the multi-day Cyinzobe Trail in Nyungwe for immersive forest treks.

Why Choose Engabi Tours and Travel for Your Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Engabi Tours and Travel brings deep local expertise to every journey. Based in East Africa, we specialize in crafting personalized gorilla trekking and safari experiences across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. With a strong reputation built on trust and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, our team is committed to delivering seamless adventures rooted in local insight and genuine hospitality.

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