5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas
from $2,850
This safari is perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable gorilla experience across Uganda and Rwanda. Explore the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich local culture, and exceptional primate encounters. The combination of gorilla trekking in two iconic destinations makes this one of East Africa’s most memorable short safari adventures.
Safari Details: 5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas
Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Destinations: Uganda & Rwanda
Safari Type: Gorilla Trekking & Primate Safari
Start Point: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
End Point: Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Main Activities: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, cultural experiences and scenic sightseeing
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodges & Hotels
Best Time to Visit: June to September & December to February
The 5-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari is designed for travelers who want to experience mountain gorillas in two of East Africa's most remarkable destinations. The journey combines gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with an opportunity to explore Rwanda's spectacular volcanic landscapes and renowned primate habitats.
Across the two countries, you will trek through lush mountain forests in search of endangered mountain gorillas, experience the beauty of the Albertine Rift, and discover the landscapes and communities surrounding these iconic conservation areas. The safari combines wildlife encounters, rainforest scenery, cultural experiences, and comfortable stays into a carefully planned short adventure.
From the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda to the dramatic Virunga Mountains and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this itinerary provides an opportunity to experience two of the region's renowned gorilla destinations in one journey.
Whether you are a gorilla enthusiast, wildlife photographer, couple, primate lover, or first-time visitor to East Africa, this 5-day safari offers a memorable combination of gorilla trekking, mountain scenery, cultural encounters, and rainforest exploration across Uganda and Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary: 5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by an Ababa Uganda Safaris representative and begin your journey southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to some of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
The journey takes you through Uganda's changing landscapes, local communities, rolling hills, and countryside. Depending on your arrival time, the journey may include a stop for lunch and refreshments along the way.
Upon arrival in the Bwindi area, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the following day's gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is one of the major highlights of your Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing before beginning your mountain gorilla trekking experience.
Enter the dense rainforest of Bwindi with experienced trackers and guides as you search for a habituated gorilla family. The trek can involve steep and uneven terrain, and the duration varies depending on the location and movements of the gorillas.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing their natural behavior and taking photographs while following the park's visitor guidelines.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. You may also have time to enjoy the surrounding community or simply rest after your forest adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Transfer from Uganda to Rwanda – Journey to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel toward Rwanda, crossing the Uganda–Rwanda border and continuing to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park.
The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda and northern Rwanda, with rolling hills, cultivated farmland, and views of the Virunga volcanic region.
After completing the necessary border formalities, continue toward the Musanze area and check in at your lodge.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your second gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience.
Volcanoes National Park forms part of the Virunga Massif and is home to habituated mountain gorilla families. With your ranger guides and trackers, enter the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes in search of your assigned gorilla family.
The trek may take several hours depending on the location and movements of the gorillas and the terrain encountered along the way. Once the gorillas are located, enjoy the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural environment.
After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Depending on your interests and available time, you may also enjoy a cultural experience or visit a local community around Musanze.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali and Departure from Rwanda
After breakfast, depart the Musanze area and travel toward Kigali, Rwanda's capital city.
The journey offers another opportunity to appreciate Rwanda's famous rolling landscapes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short Kigali city experience, visit a local craft market, or relax before your departure.
Continue to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Your 5 Days Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari concludes after two remarkable gorilla trekking experiences across the forests of Uganda and Rwanda.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
- Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
- Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Transportation between Uganda and Rwanda
- Uganda–Rwanda border assistance
- Park entrance fees where applicable
- Ranger-guided gorilla trekking experiences
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives
- All scheduled transfers and activities
- Fuel and vehicle expenses
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- 24/7 support from Ababa Uganda Safaris during the safari
Trip Excludes
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- International flights
- Visa and immigration fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Additional meals or drinks not specified
- Tips for guides, drivers, trackers, and lodge staff
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking
- Laundry services
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any expenses resulting from changes to the itinerary requested by the traveler
- Medical or evacuation costs
- Any other services not specifically listed under What's Included
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What our travelers say
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Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .![]()
Maltes TravellerVerified
Highly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!![]()
bharti nVerified
Exceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.![]()
vjparVerified
Great service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.![]()
Adam John SmithVerified
Magical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!![]()
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired![]()
mo-marvinVerified
Such a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.![]()
Katelyn OVerified
A must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.![]()
HoehlenhonkVerified
Animals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.![]()
Dilip PVerified
UGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star






