Uganda Rwanda Safaris

Uganda and Rwanda share a border and, between them, hold the vast majority of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making this the most natural primate-focused pairing in East Africa, and often the most efficient way to see gorillas alongside genuinely different landscapes in a single trip.

How the route works

Many travellers trek gorillas in one country and cross overland to the other for a second primate day, chimpanzee tracking, or savannah game drives. Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Parks are both realistic additions depending on which side of the border you start from. The overland crossing between southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park is short, often under three hours.

Why this pairing works well

Uganda offers broader habitat diversity (forest, savannah, wetland and river within one country) while Rwanda offers a more compact, polished gorilla-trekking experience and its own distinct culture and history. Together they let you compare two approaches to the same extraordinary encounter.

Why combine Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda share a border and, between them, hold most of the world's mountain gorillas. Combining them is the most natural primate pairing in East Africa. Uganda offers Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions and the Nile. Rwanda offers Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys, Nyungwe and Akagera. You can trek gorillas in both countries, compare the experiences and add the best of each.

Sample Uganda and Rwanda routes

A seven day route: Kigali, Volcanoes for a gorilla trek and golden monkeys, cross to Kisoro and Bwindi's southern sectors for a second trek, then fly or drive on. A ten day route adds Queen Elizabeth and Kibale. A twelve day route can add Nyungwe or Murchison Falls. See our Uganda gorilla tours and Rwanda gorilla tours pages.

Getting between Uganda and Rwanda

The land border at Cyanika links Musanze and Kisoro, and the southern Bwindi sectors are within a few hours of Kigali by road. Other crossings exist, and flights link Kigali and Entebbe. We plan the crossing, the driver change and the permits so the border is smooth, and we check current requirements before you travel.

Best time for Uganda and Rwanda together

The drier months of June to September and December to February are the easiest for walking, and the busiest. Gorillas can be trekked all year in both countries. The rainy months are greener and quieter, with muddier trails. Permits for both countries sell out early in the dry seasons, so book six to twelve months ahead. Read our gorilla permits page.

Where to stay

See our accommodation in Uganda and accommodation in Rwanda guides, and the tier pages for budget in Uganda and luxury in Rwanda. Many guests pick Rwanda for polish and Uganda for value.

Visas, permits and practical notes

Uganda and Rwanda are both covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, but rules change, so check our visa and entry guide. Gorilla permits are limited and non-refundable and issued by each country's park authority. Chimpanzee permits are separate. Read our chimpanzee permits page and health and safety page.

Why plan it with Offmap Safaris

We plan both countries in one itinerary, handle permits, border crossings and lodges and give you one total price. Reach us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304. Read about Uganda safaris and Rwanda safaris, and our primate safaris.

What you will see in Uganda

Uganda has mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth and the Nile at Murchison Falls, plus birding and a lively cultural scene. Read our mountain gorillas page, chimpanzee page and tree-climbing lions page.

What you will see in Rwanda

Rwanda has gorillas and golden monkeys at Volcanoes, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway in Nyungwe, and savanna wildlife in Akagera, with Kigali's memorial, art and food. Read our golden monkey page and Big Five guide.

Comparing the two gorilla experiences

The gorilla hour is the same in both countries: eight visitors at most, one hour, seven metres of distance. The differences are scenery, trek style and cost. Rwanda's volcano slopes are open with bamboo, and the park is a short drive from Kigali. Uganda's Bwindi is dense, ancient forest with several sectors to choose from. Many guests do both and prefer one. Read our gorilla trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda pages.

Pace, fitness and what to pack

Both countries include treks at altitude of one to several hours. Fitness helps, and porters are available. Pack waterproofs, sturdy boots, gloves, long sleeves and a day pack. We schedule a rest day between treks.

Questions we are asked most

Guests ask whether it is worth trekking twice, and many say yes because each family and forest is different. They ask about budget, and Uganda is generally cheaper. They ask about children: the minimum age is fifteen. Our safari budgets guide page helps.

A day-by-day shape for nine days

Day one is Kigali arrival. Day two is the drive to Musanze. Day three is the Rwanda gorilla trek. Day four is golden monkeys or a rest, then the border crossing to Kisoro. Day five is the Uganda gorilla trek in a southern Bwindi sector. Day six is a rest day or Batwa visit. Day seven is the drive to Queen Elizabeth. Day eight is the Kazinga Channel and a game drive. Day nine is the return to Entebbe. We adapt this to your permit dates.

How the price is built

The price of an Uganda and Rwanda safari is driven by the two gorilla permits, which are fixed rates and the largest items, the lodging level in each country, the transport between them and any charters. Itineraries show no prices, and we give you one clear total for your dates. Uganda is usually the more affordable half.

Tips from our planners

Allow a rest day between treks, because the legs need it. Choose the southern Bwindi sectors if you cross at Cyanika, because they are closest to the border. Keep passports handy for the crossing, and let us handle the driver change.

Plan a Uganda and Rwanda safari

Tell us your dates, interests and pace and we’ll shape the sequencing, permits and logistics into one connected itinerary.