Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
4 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trek
Our 4 day Rwanda Uganda gorilla trek gives you two mountain gorilla encounters in two countries. First, you trek in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Then, you cross the border to trek again in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. It is a rare two-in-one experience for travellers who love exploring and adventure.
The two parks feel very different. Volcanoes National Park lies on the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, where trails are often more open. Bwindi, by contrast, is a thick, misty rainforest. As a result, you can compare and contrast both treks on a single short trip.
4 day Rwanda Uganda gorilla trek highlights
- A Kigali city visit, time permitting, with memorial sites, museums and craft markets.
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to habituated gorilla families.
- A nature walk towards the twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo.
- A scenic drive past the Virunga volcanoes into Uganda.
- A second gorilla trek in the rainforest of Bwindi.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Visit Kigali and drive to Volcanoes National Park
When you arrive, your professional guide welcomes you and briefs you on your 4 day double gorilla trek. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit some of Kigali’s historic sites. These include genocide memorial sites, monuments, museums, modern buildings and craft markets.
After lunch, you set off on the 113 km drive from Kigali to Kinigi, the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. You check in at your lodge in the evening for dinner and the night, ready for the big day ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing, which usually starts at 7:00 am. Park staff explain the rules of the trek. The hike can be tiring. Still, with a walking stick, drinking water, a good camera, tough boots, long sleeves and long trousers, you will enjoy every step.
Park rangers lead you into the forest to find the gorillas. You follow signs such as broken branches, starting from where the group was last seen. The trek usually takes about 2–6 hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch, take photos and study their behaviour. In fact, the park has around 12 habituated gorilla groups.
Afterwards, you return to the lodge for a rest and lunch. Then you go on a nature walk towards the twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo. Later, you return to the lodge for dinner and the night.
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda
After an early breakfast, your driver-guide sets off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where your second gorilla trek awaits. The drive of about 3 hours takes you through Ruhengeri in Rwanda’s Northern Province, with wide views of the Virunga volcanoes. You then cross into Uganda at either the Cyanika border post near Kisoro or the Gatuna border near Kabale.
Once you clear immigration, you continue to Bwindi. The park has four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each one offers a great trekking experience.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and departure
After an early breakfast, you take a packed lunch and head to the park headquarters for a 7:00 am briefing. Park staff explain the rules for tracking gorillas in Bwindi’s misty forest.
Then rangers escort you into the jungle. The trek takes roughly 2–6 hours, depending on where your assigned gorilla family has moved. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch their behaviour and daily life up close.
On top of that, the forest itself is a delight. Along the trail, you can enjoy birds, monkeys leaping between trees, rich plant life and colourful butterflies.
After lunch, you check out of the lodge. Finally, you drive back to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
Who this double gorilla trek suits
This trip is ideal if you want the most gorilla time in the fewest days. It also suits photographers and repeat visitors who want to compare two parks. However, each trek can take several hours on steep, muddy slopes. Therefore, a reasonable level of fitness helps. Gorilla trekking is only open to people aged 15 and over. In addition, you will cross a land border, so bring a valid passport and the right visas. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers both Rwanda and Uganda.
Best time to go
Gorilla trekking runs all year. Even so, the drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, usually bring firmer trails. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush forest and fewer visitors. Since rain can fall at any time in these mountains, always pack a rain jacket. For more detail, read our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Permits and practical tips
You need one gorilla permit for each park. Rwanda’s permits are set by the Rwanda Development Board, while Uganda’s are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Both change from time to time, so we will confirm the current rates when you enquire. Also, permits can sell out in busy months, so book early. Learn more on our gorilla permits page.
- Wear tough trekking boots with good grip.
- Pack long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from nettles.
- Use a walking stick. It helps a lot on steep slopes.
- Carry water and a good camera. You will want both.
Extend your trip
If you have more time, you can add chimpanzees and savannah wildlife. For example, our 8 day Uganda and Rwanda combined holiday covers more of both countries. You can also read our full guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then we will send you a clear itinerary for free. Get in touch today to start planning.
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Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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