7 Day Virunga Gorilla Crossing: Uganda and Rwanda
Kigali, a Bwindi trek, Lake Bunyonyi and a Volcanoes gorilla family: the gorilla loop that begins and ends in Rwanda.
Go beyond the expected.
A short loop for travellers who want gorillas in two countries. Spend a half day in Kigali, drive to Bwindi for one trek, rest at Lake Bunyonyi, cross back to Rwanda for a second trek in Volcanoes National Park, and fly home from Kigali. Both treks use separate permits, one in each country.
- Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi, Uganda
- Mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Kigali Genocide Memorial and city tour
- Canoe among the islands of Lake Bunyonyi
- One arrival and one departure airport, Kigali
What's included
Included
- All accommodation as specified
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Guided activities as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
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 Arrival in Kigali
Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Your guide meets you for a briefing.
Day 2 Kigali Genocide Memorial, then to Bwindi
Kigali and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Start with the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then drive southwest to the Uganda border and on to Bwindi, arriving in the evening.
Day 3 Mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Trek with rangers to a habituated gorilla family and spend an hour with them.
Day 4 Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale
A short drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a canoe trip among the islands and a walk through the terraced hills.
Day 5 Cross into Rwanda
Lake Bunyonyi, Cyanika Border and Musanze
Drive to the Cyanika border and on to Musanze below the Virunga volcanoes.
Day 6 Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Trek into the bamboo and montane forest to a second gorilla family and spend an hour with them. The trailheads are close to the lodges, so there is time for a community visit in the afternoon.
Day 7 Return to Kigali
Musanze and Kigali
Drive to Kigali, with time for the craft markets before your transfer to the airport.
Travel Guide
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Questions about 7 Day Virunga Gorilla Crossing: Uganda and Rwanda
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.