12 Day Mountains of the Moon, Gorillas and Wildlife
A five-day Rwenzori trek, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, gorillas at Mgahinga and a finish in Kigali.
Go beyond the expected.
Twelve days from Entebbe to Kigali. Chimpanzees in Kibale, a five-day trek in the Rwenzori Mountains, two days at Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla trekking at Mgahinga and a transfer to Kigali.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- Five days trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains
- Game drives and a Kazinga Channel cruise
- Gorilla trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- One-way route: Entebbe in, Kigali out
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Mountain gorilla and chimpanzee permits as listed, subject to availability
- Rwenzori guides, porters and park fees for the trek
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Entebbe to Kibale
Entebbe and Kibale National Park
Drive to Kibale and track chimpanzees, depending on arrival time.
Day 2 To the Rwenzori Mountains
Rwenzori Mountains
Drive to the Rwenzori Mountains and start the trek.
Day 3 Rwenzori trek: second day
Rwenzori Mountains
Trek higher into the mountains.
Day 4 Rwenzori trek: third day
Rwenzori Mountains
Continue the trek.
Day 5 Rwenzori trek: fourth day
Rwenzori Mountains
Continue the trek through the high moorland.
Day 6 Rwenzori trek: descent
Rwenzori Mountains
Descend to the lower camp.
Day 7 To Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Complete the descent and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive.
Day 8 Queen Elizabeth game drive and boat cruise
Queen Elizabeth National Park
A game drive and the launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Day 9 To Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Drive south to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in the Virunga volcanoes.
Day 10 Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Trek to a habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga.
Day 11 To Kigali
Cyanika Border and Kigali
Cross the Cyanika border and drive to Kigali.
Day 12 Departure
Kigali
Transfer to Kigali airport for your flight.
Travel Guide
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Start with the places and experiences that matter to you. We will shape the Safari around them.
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Questions about 12 Day Mountains of the Moon, Gorillas and Wildlife
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time. We shape the exact length around what you want to include.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari: book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.