Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Safari Combo

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Safari Combo

Combining Rwanda and Uganda for a gorilla safari offers an unparalleled primate trekking experience, allowing visitors to compare and contrast the distinct environments, gorilla families, and trekking experiences in both countries. This combo itinerary is a popular choice for serious primatologists or travelers seeking a more comprehensive understanding of mountain gorilla conservation.

Why Combine Rwanda & Uganda?

  • Diverse Trekking Experiences:
    • Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): Known for generally shorter trekking times due to its higher permit cost and the gorillas’ relative proximity to the park boundary. The landscape is often open bamboo forest or Hagenia woodlands, offering good visibility for photography. Permits are typically $1,500 per person.
    • Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park): Offers a more “impenetrable” and challenging trekking experience, often involving longer, steeper hikes through dense forest. Permits are significantly more affordable at $800 per person (as of July 2024). This provides a more rugged, authentic jungle adventure.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: While Rwanda’s permits are more expensive, combining with Uganda’s more affordable permits can make a dual-country gorilla safari more accessible than doing multiple treks solely in Rwanda.
  • Varied Landscapes & Activities:
    • Rwanda: Offers golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey’s grave hike, Bisoke volcano hike, and cultural experiences near the volcanoes.
    • Uganda: In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is fantastic for birdwatching and community visits. Mgahinga also offers golden monkey trekking and volcano hikes (Mount Gahinga, Sabinyo, Muhabura). Southern Uganda also provides access to Queen Elizabeth National Park for traditional safari game drives and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
  • Accessibility: Both countries are relatively easy to travel between, with smooth border crossings and good road networks connecting their respective gorilla parks.

Typical Itinerary Flow

A common approach is to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive to either Volcanoes National Park (VNP) for a trek, or directly to Uganda’s gorilla parks.

Option 1: Fly into Kigali (Rwanda) & Drive to Uganda:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide, and transfer directly to a lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda (approx. 4-5 hour drive including border crossing).
  • Day 2: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi/Mgahinga. Afternoon at leisure or community visit.
  • Day 3 (Optional): Second Gorilla Trek in Bwindi/Mgahinga OR Golden Monkey Trekking (Mgahinga) OR Chimpanzee Trekking (if extending to Kibale) OR transfer back to Rwanda.
  • Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda (approx. 3-4 hour drive).
  • Day 5: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Afternoon cultural visit or relaxation.
  • Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali for departure.

Option 2: Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, then Drive to Uganda:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Kigali, transfer to VNP lodge.
  • Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in VNP.
  • Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike. Afternoon drive to Bwindi/Mgahinga.
  • Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi/Mgahinga.
  • Day 5: Drive back to Kigali for departure or continue on other Ugandan safaris.

Logistics and Considerations

  • Visa: You will need visas for both Rwanda and Uganda. The East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda and is often the most convenient option if your itinerary includes these countries.
  • Permits: Gorilla permits must be booked well in advance (6-12 months for peak season) for both countries.
  • Transportation: A private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide is highly recommended for cross-border travel and comfort.
  • Border Crossing: The common border crossings for gorilla safaris are Cyanika (for Mgahinga/southern Bwindi) or Katuna/Gatuna (for central/northern Bwindi). They are generally straightforward.
  • Health: Ensure all necessary vaccinations (especially Yellow Fever) and malaria prophylaxis are taken.
  • Packing: Pack layers, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, gaiters, and insect repellent.

A Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari combo offers an incredibly rich and diverse experience, allowing you to witness these magnificent creatures in two distinct and equally captivating environments.