Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris: Uganda Rwanda Safaris & Tours

Uganda Rwanda gorilla safaris are part of the popular Uganda Rwanda safaris and tours offering memorable Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

The Uganda Rwanda tours can be a combination of gorilla trekking, which offers you the best two gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation destinations that have almost all the endangered mountain gorillas in the world.

Uganda-Rwanda trips don’t only offer gorilla trekking expeditions; travelers will also enjoy amazing wildlife viewing drives and game walks in the best Ugandan national parks. These include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Kibale Park, & Lake Mburo Park.

In Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, you‘ll visit the top Rwandan national parks, such as Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest, and even Gishwati Mukura. All the parks mentioned hold something unique worth exploring!

We have immense experience in arranging personalized Uganda and Rwanda safari trips for single and small-group travelers based on personal safari needs, including the activities and attractions individuals want to see on vacation. We can also offer you the lodges of your choice, arrange special dietary requirements, and offer specials like birthday cakes and honeymoons.

Our Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours can start in Uganda or Rwanda and end in either country, depending on your wishes. We shall pick you up from major airports or any reachable place in these two countries.

For the best African safari experiences offering value for money and lifetime memories, let’s plan your Uganda-Rwanda gorilla safaris & vacations together!

Best Places to Visit in Uganda While on Uganda Rwanda Safari Tours

There are several unique places to visit in Uganda by travelers on Uganda Rwanda tours and in this blog, we have brought you the best ones.

The most interesting Uganda safari destinations:

1. Kibale National Park

The best area for chimpanzee tracking tours in East Africa. Kibale Forest National Park is a lush tropical rainforest home to the highest concentration of primate species in Africa per square kilometer, including over 1500 chimpanzees. The other 12 species of primates in Kibale Forest counts Baboons, Black and white colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and Red-tailed monkeys, which can be encountered during the chimpanzee treks.

Most birders agree that during Uganda birding tours, Kibale Forest National Park is the best place to spot forest birds, including tinkerbirds.

2. Queen Elizabeth National Park

It’s hard for tourists on Uganda & Rwanda tour safaris to miss wildlife tours to Queen Elizabeth National Park; dear, only miss it if you must!

Queen Elizabeth park is among the most diverse national parks in East Africa, home to over 95 animal species, including 4 of the Big Five and even the amazing tree-climbing Lions spotted specifically in Ishasha region. Other animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park include thousands of Hippos, Hyenas, Giant Nile crocodiles, and bushbucks, plus a healthy checklist of over 600 birds—the highest in Africa.

3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority) is a beautiful UNESCO world heritage site in southwestern Uganda.

Popularly, Bwindi national park is renowned for its great Mountain gorilla population, making it the best place for gorilla tour safaris in Africa. The park is home to almost 50% of the gorillas population on earth, with about 22 habituated gorilla groups open for Uganda gorilla tours.

For bird lovers, this stunning misty forest is a delight for Uganda birding trips, with about 350 birds and over 90% of Albertine Rift endemic birds. It’s the best area to spot Grauer’s broadbill in Africa.

Within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, some rare animal species in Africa like Forest Elephants, Giant Forest hogs, forest duikers & primate species, can be encountered during the forest walks.

4. Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls park is popular for its wildlife and the thunderous Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall found on the mighty Nile.

Just like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park also hardly misses on most safari packages for Uganda and Rwanda safaris. In this mighty park, you’ll enjoy captivating game drives and boat cruises looking for Lions, African Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Giraffes, Hippos, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and many bird species, all shoebill included.

Nature lovers on Uganda wildlife tours in Murchison falls park can go for chimpanzee trekking expeditions in the nearby Budongo Forest, home about 700 chimpanzees.

5. Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo park is Uganda’s most convenient park, just about a 3- to 4-hhour drive from Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Mburo park in western Uganda holds the highest concentration of Leopards in East Africa and it holds the highest number of Zebras in Uganda.

Other wildlife in Lake Mburo NP includes Elands, Impalas, Topis, Klipspringers, Cape Buffalos, Hyenas, Giraffes, Hippos, & Nile crocodiles, etc. Lions and African Elephants have not been spotted for a long time.

Though there are various activities in Lake Mburo National Park, game walks offer the best game viewing experience.  Among others are game drives, bird watching, boat cruises on Lake Mburo, & cultural encounters around its boundaries.

6. Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo’s landscape is almost comparable to the scenery of Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively. The breathtaking golden plains of Kidepo Valley National Park have over 77 mammal species and almost 500 birds, including over 56 raptor bird species that have never been recorded anywhere in Uganda.

Game animals in Kidepo Park, such as Lions, Zebras, Elephants, Leopards, Elands, Topis, Hartebeests, Giraffes, Bushbucks, Cheetahs, Hyenas, and warthogs, are best spotted in Narus Valley plains. The other region is Kidepo Valley, which holds little game animals as it’s dry. It’s just great for game walks and photography.

7. Source of the Nile River in Jinja

Tourists on Rwanda and Uganda safari tours who go for Jinja source of the Nile tour are interested in water adventure activities. At the source of the Nile in Jinja Town, travelers can enjoy tubing on the Nile, jet boating, kayaking, and world-class white water rafting on the wild waters of the legendary Nile River.

Around the Nile, you can also enjoy horseback riding, quad biking, and bungee jumping into the river.

While on the source of the Nile adventure, don’t miss a boat ride to explore the Source of the Nile.

8. Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi is mostly visited after gorilla tours in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This stunning lake is renowned for its breathtaking, extensive scenery, which can’t be compared to any lake in Africa.

Uganda’s Lake Bunyonyi is a lava-dammed lake 7 km wide and 25 km long, dotted with 29 islands which are surrounded by the spectacular terraced hills of Kigezi highlands.

Various resorts have been constructed around Lake Bunyonyi, all set which offer lovely views of this mist-covered lake. The popular resorts around Lake Bunyonyi include Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort and Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort.

Other prominent tourist destinations in Uganda:

• Rwenzori Mountains park
• Mgahinga National Park
• Kampala city
• Semuliki park

Popular Places to Visit in Rwanda During Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari Holidays

You’ll find various tourist places in Rwanda and each of the destinations hold amazing attractions far different from the others.

The tourist destinations in Rwanda to explore while on Rwanda Uganda safari vacation:

1. Nyungwe National Park

Over 1,100 recorded plant species, 345 birds, and 85 known mammal species, including 13 of Africa’s primates—notably the chimpanzee, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys—are found in this exceptional landscape.

Nyungwe Forest is among the oldest rainforests in Africa! Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is incredibly beautiful and holds rich biodiversity with over  1100 plant species, 345 bird species, and 13 primate species, including a small population of chimpanzees, Ruwenzori black and white colobus, Baboons, and even red-tailed monkeys, among others.

The famous tourist activities in Nyungwe park include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and even Nyungwe forest canopy walk.

We advise visitors who wish to visit Rwanda Nyungwe National Park to do it in dry months when rain showers are minimal.

2. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is a stunning, misty park protecting the steep slopes of Virunga Mountains, home to endangered Mountain gorillas.

Within Rwanda Volcanoes Park, mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys are the most recognised animal species! Other animals include forest Buffalos, Elephants, and bushbucks, as well as Giant forest hogs.

Other attractions in Volcanoes National Park include the spectacular Virunga volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Sabinyo, and Gahinga, as well as Mount Muhabura. All offer memorable hiking expeditions to tourists.

Note:

• Virunga National Park Rwanda borders Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda and Virunga National Parkin the Democratic Republic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All these national parks make up the Virunga Conservation Area but Volcanoes National Park holds the highest Mountain gorilla population among these parks.
• On a gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, you’ll have a chance to explore the tomb of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who laid the foundation to conserve Mountain gorillas in Africa.

3. Akagera National Park

The only place for game drives in Rwanda. Akagera National Park is a scenic, biodiverse park home to thousands of game animals, including all the Big Five- (Lion, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Elephant & Leopard). Among others are big Zebra hers, beautiful Elands, Topis, Hyenas, Giraffes, primates, and even various bird species.

The mentioned animals in Akagera park are mostly spotted by travelers while on game drives in the stunning acacia-dotted plains and even during a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Game walks and camping adventures can be arranged in this game park.

4. Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

Kigali Genocide Memorial Center is a great site for exploring the dark history of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda!

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center in Gisozi is the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the genocide against the Tutsi.

This center currently serves to educate visitors on Rwanda safaris about how the Rwanda genocide began and examine this genocide in the 20th century. Entering Kigali genocide memorial center is free but we suggest you get an onsite guide who is well-informed about the 1994 genocide history.

Other Prominent Places in Rwanda to Explore During Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

1. Kigali City is one of the cleanest cities on the African continent
2. The Gorilla Guardians Village or Ibyiwacu cultural village
3. Gishwati Mukura park
4. King’s Palace Museum
5. Musanze Cave

Main Things to Do in Rwanda and Uganda During Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris Vacation

While on your Uganda & Rwanda gorilla safari holiday, you can take part in various activities, including mountain gorilla trekking expeditions, chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife viewing, among others.

The best tourist activities in Uganda and Rwanda for tourists:

1. Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a memorable adventure that gives you an encounter with Mountain gorillas—the beautiful, cool giants living in misty rainforest forests within the Albertine Rift Valley region.

There are 3 places to choose to go for gorilla trekking adventures during your trip in Uganda and Rwanda. Among these are Uganda’s Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and even Volcanoes National Park.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit costs $800 and that of Rwanda is $1500. The lovely thing of Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park is that it’s the best option for time-poor visitors in East Africa.

The gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds a friendlier terrain compared to the gorilla tour expeditions in Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

MAIN GORILLA TREKKING RULES IN RWANDA AND UGANDA TO FOLLOW

Visitors on gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda must abide by the guidelines below:

1. Mountain gorilla tracking is restricted to individuals above 15
2. Each gorilla family is limited to 8 guests per day
3. Before visiting a gorilla family, wash your hands
4. Visitors must follow the ranger’s guidance during gorilla trekking
5. Littering on the gorilla trekking track is prohibited. Keep garbage in dustbins!
6. Avoid going into the gorilla natural habitat if infected with contagious diseases
7. Keep a safe distance of over 7 meters from mountain gorillas when spotted. Cool giants are wild animals, despite their habituatedness!
8. Eating in the company of mountain gorillas is illegal, and smoking is prohibited.
9. Tourists are allowed one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
10. Avoid using flash when photographing gorillas; gorillas may become hostile due to this.
11. On gorilla treks, stay together while encountering these cool giants.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking

Just like gorilla trekking safaris, chimpanzee trekking tours can also be done in various destinations but the question remains where to go.

From experience in arranging Rwanda and Uganda safaris, we recommend chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. This Ugandan park has the highest concentration of primates in Africa, with about 1500 chimpanzees.

Other areas in Uganda to track chimpanzees include Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and even Budongo Forest. In Rwanda, it’s done only in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

We are available to guide you in choosing the best place for chimpanzee tracking based on your budget & interests.

3. Wildlife Viewing Expeditions

Uganda and Rwanda are not only for gorilla tracking safaris; game-viewing safaris are also possible. During your gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda, be expectant to spot numerous game animals, including Lions, big Elephant herds, Leopards, Giraffes, Rhinos, Bushbucks, Uganda kobs, Hyenas, Hippos, elands, etc.

Uganda holds more places for wildlife safari tours. The most popular are Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo park, Lake Mburo park, and Queen Elizabeth park, home of the tree-climbing Lions. Rwanda game viewing safaris take place in Akagera National Park.

Most of Ugandan and Rwandan wildlife safaris are done on game drives in a safari vehicle but game walks and boat cruises can be done in some parks as well.

4. Mountain Hiking and Climbing

There are various mountain hiking options for travelers on Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla tours.

Out of the many, Uganda Mountain Rwenzori hiking tours offer the best hiking experience for international hikers. Reaching the 5109-meter-high snow-capped peak of Mount Rwenzori takes around 7–9 days.

Other amazing options for mountain hiking tours in Uganda and Rwanda include climbing the Virunga Mountains in Uganda and Mgahinga National Park & Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

5. Cultural Encounters

The intention of arranging a cultural experience for travelers on Uganda Rwanda gorilla trekking safari holiday is to allow them to explore & learn about the amazing and distinctive culture of local people in Africa.

During cultural encounters, visitors interact with local people during guided village walks and some fascinating cultural performances can be arranged prior.

Popular cultural experiences during Rwanda Uganda safari tour holidays include Batwa cultural experiences in Uganda and even the Ibyiwacu cultural tour in Rwanda.

This experience is mostly done after mountain gorilla trekking adventures or any other wildlife expedition.

6. Bird Watching

Bird watching is a lovely venture for ornithophiles and bird lovers on Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking safari tours. While on a birding trip in these 2 countries, be expectant to spot special birds in Africa, including the mighty Shoebill and even Albertine endemic bird species.

The other notable birds in Uganda and Rwanda include:

1. Double-toothed barbet
2. Lilac-breasted roller
3. Papyrus gonolek
4. Blue-headed sunbird
5. Black-headed gonolek
6. Blue-headed coucal
7. African paradise flycatcher
8. African fish eagle, and
9. African thrush, etc.

Within Uganda and Rwanda, birding tours are open any season of the year, but the migratory birds are present from November to April.

7. Exploring Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

Taking a visit to explore Rwanda’s Kigali Genocide Memorial Center will give you an insight into the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. This memorial site is a final resting place for over 250,000 people who lost their lives during the genocide against the Tutsi.

Though it’s free to enter this prime area, you need to have an onsite guide for a great experience.

While on this adventure in Rwanda, you should dress decently and behave respectfully. Also, persons under the age of 12 are not allowed to enter and you should not walk or step on the mass graves.

Don’t come with pets!

Other Interesting Things to Do in Uganda, Rwanda

1. Relaxation on Lake Bunyonyi
2. Tracking Golden monkeys
3. Visiting Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
4. White water rafting on the Nile in Jinja
5. Visiting Dian Fossey tomb after Rwanda gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
6. Undertaking a forest canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
7. Cycling adventures
8. Tubing on the Nile River
9. Exploring nightlife in Kampala

Safari Packing List for Rwanda and Uganda Safari Trips

Tourists coming for Uganda & Rwanda gorilla tour vacation should mind traveling light. Only have safari essential materials!

The packing list for the Rwanda-Uruguay safari tour is discussed below:

i. A Camera

Do you wish to keep memories of your Rwanda Uganda gorilla trekking safari holiday? If yes, bring a camera with you to take photos and record videos! It should have enough storage space.

ii. Jungle Shoes

These boots are a must-have for tourists undertaking gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. They protect your feet while on the hilly, challenging terrain during the gorilla tour. Jungle boots are also great during mountain hiking and birding tours.

iii. Rain Jacket

It should be a simple, light rain jacket. This helps in case rainfall finds you as you trek Mountain gorillas in Rwanda or during Uganda gorilla trekking tours. In most cases, travelers on the gorilla trek keep the rainjacket in their day bag and just remove it in case rain starts.

iv. Sun Protection Gears

Among the sun protection gear required during Uganda & Rwanda gorilla tours are a sunhat, sunglasses, & sunscreen. They are vital during the dry seasons.

v. Insect Repellents

As you trek Mountain gorillas in the tropical rainforests, the insect repellent will keep all the bugs, like mosquitoes, from biting you; therefore, you’ll be safe.

vi. Light Daypack Bag

The bag helps to keep all the items you wish to use in the day, for instance, a camera, notebook, insect repellents, and water bottle while on the gorilla trek or other hiking expeditions.

vii. Warm Sweater

A warm sweater will keep you warm during cold nights and even chilly mornings.  Also, as you trek gorillas, the sweater will keep you warm in the misty hilly rainforest. It’s also helpful during Tanzania wildlife safari tours.

Other items to pack for safari in Uganda and Rwanda include:

• Personal toiletries
• Travel documents, including your passport
• Garden gloves keep you warm as you trek gorillas or Golden monkeys in misty woods
• Simple medical kit
• Adapters for chargers
• Extra batteries for the camera
• Sandals for evenings

What to Wear on Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris Tours?

While on a wildlife safari in Uganda or Rwanda, you should think about what you wear. The dress code varies with the activity you are going to do. It’s recommended that travelers wear clothes friendly to the environment and mostly grey, kaki, and brown colors are suggested.

• Red and white stress animals, including Mountain gorillas, while on the gorilla trek.
• Tourists on Rwanda & Uganda gorilla trekking expeditions should put on long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Such a dress code protects the skin from insect bites and scratches.
• Put on garden clothes to protect your hands while on the gorilla trek
• While undertaking cultural encounters on your Rwanda Uganda gorilla trekking safari, wear knee-covering clothes to respect the traditions of Africans.

Best Time to Undertake Rwanda and Uganda Safari Tours

Tourists intending to come for Uganda & Rwanda gorilla tours should target the dry seasons but visits remain open year-round. During dry months- of December–February and June–early September, rain is scarce in the tropical rainforests, and therefore, trails for the gorilla trek are dry and easy to hike.

In the dry season, visitors should book their accommodation and gorilla permits in advance, as there can be many tourists.

The trails for gorilla tracking in the wet season (March–May) can be muddy along some points and rain is expected most of the day.

FAQs About Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Tours

1. Is It Better to See Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda? : Which Is Better, Rwanda or Uganda?

The gorilla trek in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park offers the same experience as Uganda gorilla safari tours.

A table showing a comparison between Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and gorilla tracking expeditions in Uganda

Rwanda Gorilla trekking expeditions (MISSING)

Uganda gorilla tours

Rwanda has about 14 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking

Uganda has over 23 habituated gorilla families for gorilla tours

Rwanda’s gorilla permit is $1500

A gorilla permit in Uganda is $800

Gorilla tours in Rwanda are ideal for time-poor travelers. A 1-day gorilla tour is possible

A day-long gorilla trek in Uganda is impossible. Ugandan gorilla parks are far from the airport

Rwanda gorilla tours offer no Mountain gorilla habituation experience

Travelers can enjoy gorilla habituation experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park

It’s possible to combine Rwanda gorilla tours with wildlife Tanzania safari trips, i.e. Tanzania wildebeest migration safari tour

Gorilla tours in Uganda can be combined with wildlife Tanzania safari holidays

There are no Eastern lowland gorillas in Rwanda.

Not there also

2. How Much Does It Cost to Visit Gorillas in Rwanda for Rwandans?

To trek Rwanda gorillas, Rwandans and other nationals in East Africa pay $200. Then, a Rwanda gorilla permit for foreign nonresidents is $1500 and $500 for foreign residents. Travelers should book their Rwanda gorilla permits in advance before they start their trip.

3. How Much Is Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

Your travel style, hotel choice, and mostly the transport means you choose to use will greatly determine the cost of your Rwanda and Uganda gorilla safari holiday. An all-inclusive 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda normally runs between $1,300 and $2,900 per person.

4. Is Gorilla Trekking Cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda?

A Uganda gorilla permit costs 800 USD, while Rwanda gorilla permits are sold for 1500 USD. The only challenge with gorilla trekking in Uganda is the long driving distance from Entebbe airport, which takes a whole day. If you hate long drives, it’s possible to connect to Uganda’s gorilla national parks from Rwanda.

5. Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?

Gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda are quite expensive compared to other wildlife safari adventures like game drives because much revenue is needed for the conservation of mountain gorillas. For example, a big part is used to pay pack rangers, start community projects around the parks, and sensitize people about gorilla conservation.

As you go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you’re partly promoting gorilla conservation. In the last decade, gorilla population growth has been promising.

6. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is successively completed by 99% of visitors. There are mountain gorilla groups that are known to feed nearer, and therefore, tracking such gorilla families is good for unfit travelers. Your tour guide can ask for a mountain gorilla group that is easier to track.

Keep in mind that as you track gorillas, you’ll walk along hilly terrain and hike through misty forests, and some points along the gorilla trek might be muddy. Think about what you wear!

7. Is It Safe to Travel to Rwanda to See Gorillas?

Tracking Rwanda gorillas is safe, as all the gorilla tours in Rwanda are done by habituated gorilla families that are familiar to people. Also, there are gorilla trekking rules you must follow as you visit any habituated gorilla group. The expedition to visit mountain gorillas in their misty natural habitat is done with the company of armed park rangers.

All travelers planning to come for African safari tours in East Africa should consider undertaking Uganda & Rwanda safari expeditions for a remarkable vacation.

While on this trip, you’ll enjoy notable safari activities in Africa such as gorilla trekking, birding, and chimpanzee trekking safari expeditions, plus game viewing tours within scenic biological national parks. Let’s organize your Rwanda-Uruguay safari trip for a notable experience.

For all inquiries about Uganda Rwanda gorilla Safaris & tours, email our travel expert.