Uganda and Rwanda Combined Gorilla Safari
Experience the ultimate East African primate adventure with a Uganda and Rwanda Combined Gorilla Safari. This unique cross-border journey gives you the rare opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, two destinations that offer distinctly different landscapes and trekking experiences.
The safari combines Uganda’s ancient rainforest and spectacular highland scenery with Rwanda’s dramatic Virunga Volcanoes and vibrant cultural heritage. Starting or ending in Kigali makes the journey particularly convenient, while optional extensions can include Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mutanda, golden monkey tracking, Batwa cultural experiences, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kigali City.
With Kamere Tours and Travel, your entire journey can be customized around your preferred trekking sectors, travel dates, accommodation level, and budget.
Safari Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Experience two gorilla trekking destinations in one safari
- Scenic cross-border journey between Uganda and Rwanda
- Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi experience
- Golden Monkey Tracking – optional
- Batwa and local community cultural experiences
- Kigali City and cultural tour
- Professional local driver-guide
- Private and tailor-made safari options
- Luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation
Sample 6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Combined Gorilla Safari
Day 1: Kigali – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Meet your Kamere Tours driver-guide in Kigali and begin your journey to southwestern Uganda. Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills and countryside before crossing the border into Uganda.
Depending on your gorilla trekking sector, the most suitable crossing may be Cyanika or Katuna. The Cyanika route is particularly convenient for travelers heading toward southern Bwindi sectors such as Rushaga and Nkuringo, while Katuna provides access toward Kabale, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check in at your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day’s gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the designated Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point.
Following the ranger briefing, begin your trek through Bwindi’s ancient montane rainforest in search of your assigned gorilla family. The duration of the trek depends on the location and movement of the gorillas and the terrain.
Once the gorillas are located, enjoy an unforgettable encounter observing their natural behavior, family interactions, feeding, and playful juveniles.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Optional afternoon: Batwa cultural experience, coffee experience, community visit, or nature walk.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, leave Uganda’s gorilla highlands and begin your scenic journey toward Rwanda.
Depending on your route and trekking sector, enjoy a stop at Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda for photographs and a relaxing lakeside experience.
Continue across the Rwanda-Uganda border and travel toward Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy views of the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.
Accommodation: Lodge in Musanze/Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing by the park ranger guides.
Begin your second gorilla trekking experience through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Searching for a different gorilla family in Rwanda provides an opportunity to appreciate how the landscape and trekking environment differ from Bwindi.
Once you locate the gorillas, spend the permitted viewing time observing and photographing these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.
Return to your lodge after the trek for lunch and relaxation.
Optional afternoon: Iby’Iwacu cultural experience or local community visit.
Accommodation: Lodge in Musanze/Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking or Cultural Experience – Kigali
After breakfast, choose an optional activity depending on your interests and departure schedule.
Option 1: Golden Monkey Tracking
Explore the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered golden monkeys.
Option 2: Dian Fossey Experience
Take a guided hike toward the former Karisoke Research Centre and Dian Fossey’s gravesite.
Option 3: Cultural Experience
Visit a community project and learn about traditional Rwandan culture, crafts, music, dance, and conservation.
After the activity, drive to Kigali through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6: Kigali City Tour – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a short Kigali City Tour depending on your flight schedule.
You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, art galleries, or other cultural attractions before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Why Choose a Combined Gorilla Safari?
A combined Uganda-Rwanda itinerary gives travelers the opportunity to experience two major mountain gorilla destinations in one journey. Bwindi offers an immersive rainforest environment, while Volcanoes National Park provides the dramatic backdrop of the Virunga volcanic range.
It is especially suitable for travelers who:
- Want to trek gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda
- Want to compare two different gorilla trekking environments
- Are flying into or out of Kigali
- Want a cross-border East African adventure
- Prefer a private, tailor-made itinerary
- Want to combine gorillas with culture, lakes, or other wildlife experiences
Extend Your Safari
For travelers with more time, the itinerary can be extended to include:
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee tracking and forest experiences.
Lake Bunyonyi – Boat cruises, island visits, and scenic highland experiences.
Lake Mutanda – Boat cruises with spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Golden Monkey Tracking – An excellent addition to your Rwanda or Mgahinga experience.
Kigali Cultural Tour – Explore Rwanda’s history, culture, markets, and local communities.
Why Book with Kamere Tours?
Kamere Tours and Travel specializes in Uganda-Rwanda cross-border gorilla safaris, with local knowledge of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park, Kisoro, Musanze, and the major border routes.
We can arrange your gorilla permits, accommodation, private transportation, professional driver-guide, border transfers, cultural experiences, and optional activities, creating a seamless safari from start to finish.
Two countries. Two gorilla experiences. One unforgettable African adventure.
Explore Uganda and Rwanda with Kamere Tours and Travel.
