Uganda Safari and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Combined

Published by menlynadmin on September 24, 2026

Why Combine a Uganda Safari with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda and Rwanda are neighbouring countries, making it possible to combine the two destinations in one East African holiday. Uganda offers a wide range of wildlife and primate experiences, while Rwanda is well known for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

A combined itinerary allows you to experience different landscapes during the same trip. You can move from Uganda’s savannah parks and tropical forests to Rwanda’s volcanic mountains and rainforest.

For travellers who want to experience gorillas as well as traditional safari activities, this combination can create a varied itinerary without visiting the same type of destination throughout the trip.

What Can You Experience in Uganda?

Uganda offers a wide range of safari experiences that can be added before or after your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience.

You can visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking in Uganda, explore Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, or visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

Travelers with more time can also include Murchison Falls National Park for wildlife viewing and a Nile boat cruise. For a more relaxed part of the journey, lake Bunyonyi can be added after trekking in southwestern Uganda.

These destinations can be combined in different ways depending on how long you want to spend in Uganda.

What Can You Experience in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s main gorilla trekking destination is Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of the country. The park protects part of the Virunga mountain range and is home to endangered mountain gorillas.

A Rwanda gorilla trekking experience usually involves an early morning briefing before entering the forest with guides and trackers. The length of the trek depends on where the assigned gorilla family is located.

Rwanda can also add other experiences to your itinerary, including Kigali city tours, golden monkey trekking and visits to local communities.

Best Routes for a Uganda and Rwanda Combined Safari

Uganda Safari Then Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

One of the most practical options is to begin your journey in Uganda and finish in Rwanda.

You can start with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, continue to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking, and then travel south towards southwestern Uganda. From there, you can cross into Rwanda and continue to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.

This route allows you to experience Uganda’s wildlife and primates before ending your trip with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Then Uganda Safari

You can also start in Rwanda and continue into Uganda.

Begin in Kigali before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. After your trekking experience, cross into Uganda and continue towards destinations such as Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth or Kibale.

This option can work particularly well for travellers arriving in Kigali and wanting to continue their holiday through Uganda.

Kigali to Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth

Another option is to begin in Kigali, cross into Uganda and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking. After the trek, continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing.

You can then enjoy a game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise before returning to Kigali or continuing deeper into Uganda.

This route combines gorilla trekking, wildlife and scenic landscapes in a relatively compact itinerary.

Sample 7 Day Uganda Safari and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Uganda

Arrive in Kigali and meet your safari guide before beginning the journey towards southwestern Uganda. Cross the border and continue through the beautiful hills and countryside towards your accommodation near Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day’s activity.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, travel to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. After the experience, return to your lodge and rest.

Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi Experience

After breakfast, travel towards Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing day. You can enjoy a boat ride, explore the surrounding hills or simply relax beside the lake. The peaceful environment provides a good break after gorilla trekking before continuing with your safari.

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leave Lake Bunyonyi after breakfast and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on your route and timing, you can travel through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. Continue to your lodge and relax for the evening.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start the morning with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and many bird species.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Kigali

After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Rwanda. Travel through the southwestern countryside and cross the border before continuing to Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short city experience or relax at your hotel.

Day 7: Kigali City Experience and Departure

Spend your final morning in Kigali before your departure. Depending on your flight time, you can visit a local market, explore the city or enjoy a cultural experience before heading to Kigali International Airport.

This itinerary can also be reversed, starting with Rwanda gorilla trekking before continuing into Uganda.

Sample 10 Day Uganda Safari and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

A 10-day itinerary gives you more time to experience both countries. You can begin in Uganda with Murchison Falls National Park, continue to Kibale for chimpanzee trekking, and then travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

From Queen Elizabeth, you can continue to Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi before crossing into Rwanda. Your final days can be spent around Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking before returning to Kigali.

This longer itinerary provides a broader combination of wildlife, primates, forests, lakes and mountain landscapes.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking or Rwanda Gorilla Trekking?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer mountain gorilla trekking experiences, but they fit into different types of itineraries.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park.

If you are already planning a longer Uganda safari, adding gorilla trekking in Uganda can keep more of your itinerary within the country. If you are flying into Kigali or already travelling in Rwanda, adding Rwanda gorilla trekking can make sense as part of a multi-country trip.

You can also compare the two experiences in our guide on Uganda or Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking.

The best choice depends on your overall itinerary, travel dates, budget and the other destinations you want to visit.

How Much Does a Uganda and Rwanda Safari Cost?

The total cost of a combined Uganda and Rwanda safari depends on the number of days, accommodation, transportation, activities and number of travellers.

Gorilla trekking permits are an important part of the budget. Rwanda’s official tourism information currently lists the standard international gorilla trekking permit at USD 1,500 per person, while special rates apply to certain categories of visitors. Always check the latest official information before booking because fees and conditions can change.

Other costs can include Uganda park fees, chimpanzee trekking permits, game drives, boat cruises, accommodation, border transfers and airport transfers.

You can choose budget, mid-range or luxury accommodation depending on your travel style and overall safari budget.

How Do You Travel Between Uganda and Rwanda?

The most practical option for many combined safaris is travelling by road between the two countries. The exact route depends on the destinations included in your itinerary.

If you are travelling from Rwanda to southwestern Uganda, your route can connect naturally with destinations such as Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Bunyonyi. If you are travelling from Uganda to Rwanda, the route can be planned around your final destination and flight departure from Kigali.

Border crossing requirements can change, so make sure your travel documents and entry requirements are checked before the journey.

Best Time for a Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Uganda and Rwanda can both be visited throughout the year. The drier periods are often popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing because forest trails and safari roads can be easier to navigate.

The wetter months can bring greener landscapes and different travel conditions. Gorilla trekking still takes place during these periods, although rain can make forest trails more challenging.

When planning a combined safari, consider the weather in both countries as well as your preferred trekking and wildlife activities.

For Uganda, you can check the latest conservation and park information through the official Uganda Wildlife Authority website. For Rwanda, the official Visit Rwanda website provides information about Volcanoes National Park and gorilla trekking.

What to Pack for a Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for both safari and forest trekking. Good walking shoes are particularly important for gorilla trekking, while lightweight clothing is useful for game drives.

A rain jacket, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a small daypack are useful throughout the journey.

If you are travelling between Uganda and Rwanda, keep your passport and other travel documents easily accessible for border formalities.

Tips for Planning a Combined Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Start by deciding which country you want to visit first. Your international flight can help determine whether it is easier to begin in Kigali or Entebbe.

Next, decide how much time you want to spend in each country. A short trip can focus on gorilla trekking and one or two additional experiences, while a longer safari allows you to include chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing and several national parks.

Book your gorilla trekking permits early if you have fixed travel dates. This gives you more flexibility when arranging accommodation and transportation around your trekking day.

It is also important to plan the border crossing into your itinerary and allow enough time for the journey. A well-organized route can reduce unnecessary driving and give you more time to enjoy each destination.

Can Menlyn Tours & Travel Help?

Yes. Menlyn Tours & Travel can organize a combined Uganda safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking experience based on your travel dates, budget and interests.

We can arrange gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, accommodation, transportation and airport transfers across both countries. You can also explore our Uganda safari packages when planning the Uganda part of your journey.

Whether you want a short 5-day combination or a longer 10-day or 14-day East African adventure, the itinerary can be customized around your preferred destinations and activities.

Final Thoughts

Combining a Uganda safari with Rwanda gorilla trekking allows you to experience two different sides of East Africa in one journey. Uganda offers wildlife parks, chimpanzee trekking, forests, lakes and scenic landscapes, while Rwanda provides the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

The route can begin in Kigali or Entebbe and can be designed around the time you have available. With careful planning, you can combine gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences without making the journey unnecessarily complicated.

If you are ready to combine Uganda and Rwanda in one unforgettable safari, get in touch with Menlyn Tours & Travel and let us create an itinerary around your travel dates, budget and interests.