Uganda & Rwanda Safaris

Two countries, two forests, two treks

We've been running Uganda and Rwanda safaris for years, and the question we get most often is simple: can I trek gorillas in both countries on one trip? Yes. That's most of what we do.

Our combined itineraries pair Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, so you get two treks instead of one. Add on lions, elephants, rhinos, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, and you've covered most of what East Africa's parks are known for in a single loop.

We build these trips around you, whether that means a short budget run or a longer luxury circuit.

The permit difference is worth planning around

Here's something most first-time travellers don't know until they start pricing flights: a Rwanda gorilla permit runs US$1,500. Uganda's runs US$800. That's a $700 gap per person, per trek. Add in that Entebbe to Bwindi is an 8 hour drive versus 5 hours from Kigali, and you can see why most of our clients fly into Kigali and drive to Uganda for the cheaper permit. If the road time still bothers you, we run flying safaris that skip most of it.

Rwanda issues only 96 gorilla permits a day, so book your slot early, or the trek you want will not be available.

Getting to the treks

You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need reasonable fitness. If the hike concerns you, porters are available, and a sedan chair (locals call it the "human helicopter") exists for guests who need it. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi both offer it. Permits are capped and go fast. If you have travel dates in mind, tell us now, not two months out.