What You Need to Know: This 9-day private safari includes two gorilla treks, in Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), plus game drives in Queen Elizabeth and golden monkey tracking, crossing the border by road. It costs from US$6,738 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, including both gorilla permits.
Is the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Right for You?
Two treks in two different forests: Bwindi's dense rainforest and the Virunga volcanoes' bamboo slopes. Many guests say the second trek is when they really watch the gorillas, rather than just taking photos.
| This trip suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| You want two gorilla encounters | One trek is enough: see the 3-day Rwanda gorilla trip |
| You are fit for two treks and some long drives | You prefer flying: ask us to add the Entebbe–Kihihi flight |
| You want savannah too, in Queen Elizabeth | You want chimpanzees: see the 14-day Uganda and Rwanda safari |
The 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Route at a Glance
Four nights in Uganda, then four in Rwanda.
| Day | Route | Travel | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Airport transfer, 15 minutes | Entebbe |
| 2 | Entebbe to Bwindi | Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hours | Bwindi |
| 3 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi | Gorilla trek 2–6 hours | Bwindi |
| 4 | Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth | Drive 4–5 hours with game viewing | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth to Kigali | Drive 7–8 hours, border crossing | Kigali |
| 6 | Kigali to Volcanoes National Park | Drive 2.5–3 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 7 | Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes | Gorilla trek 2–6 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 8 | Golden monkeys and a free afternoon | Golden monkey trek 2–4 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 9 | Return to Kigali and departure | Drive 2.5–3 hours | — |
9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
The route runs from Entebbe to Kigali by road, crossing the border at Katuna (Gatuna).
-
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your driver-guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport, on the shore of Lake Victoria, and takes you to your hotel nearby.
Airport transfer, 15 minutesEntebbeDinner -
Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi
The road west to Bwindi is a full day, through Mbarara and the green hills of Kigezi. We can replace it with a scheduled flight to Kihihi airstrip, about 1.5–2 hours, quoted as an option.
Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hoursBwindiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Meet the rangers at about 7:00 for the briefing, then walk into the forest with your group of up to eight to find your assigned gorilla family, and spend one hour with them.
Gorilla trek 2–6 hoursBwindiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth
Drive north through the Ishasha sector, where lions often rest in fig trees, then on to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise among hippos and buffaloes.
Drive 4–5 hours with game viewingQueen Elizabeth National ParkBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth to Kigali
A long drive south through Mbarara and Kabale to the Katuna (Gatuna) border, then on to Kigali, arriving in the evening.
Drive 7–8 hours, border crossingKigaliBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 6: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the morning, then drive north-west to Musanze, about 2.5 hours, with the Virunga volcanoes rising ahead. The afternoon is free at your lodge near Kinigi.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Meet the rangers at Kinigi at 7:00 for the briefing, then climb through farmland into the bamboo zone to find your gorilla family. You spend one hour with them, then walk back down for a late lunch.
Gorilla trek 2–6 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 8: Golden monkeys and a free afternoon
Track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, playful and quick-moving, then rest or visit the Iby'Iwacu cultural village.
Golden monkey trek 2–4 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 9: Return to Kigali and departure
Drive back to Kigali, about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a craft cooperative on the way, for your flight home.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursDepartureBreakfast
What You Can See on the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
- Bwindi: mountain gorillas in dense, steep rainforest
- Queen Elizabeth: tree-climbing lions, hippos and elephants
- Volcanoes National Park: gorillas and golden monkeys in the bamboo zone
Where You Stay on the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
| Nights | Area | Country | Example lodges (or similar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe | Uganda | Named in your quotation |
| 2 | Bwindi | Uganda | Named in your quotation |
| 1 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Uganda | Named in your quotation |
| 1 | Kigali | Rwanda | Named in your quotation |
| 3 | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) | Rwanda | Named in your quotation |
How Much Does the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Cost?
From US$6,738 per person, for 2 travelers sharing at mid-range lodges, with the private vehicle and driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed, park fees and permits included. This is a starting price: your final price is the one in your written quotation, worked out for your dates, group size and lodge level.
| Permit | Price per person (2026) |
|---|---|
| Uganda gorilla permit | US$800 |
| Rwanda gorilla permit | US$1,500 |
| Golden monkey permit | US$100 |
What changes the price
- Group size: the vehicle and guide are shared, so the price per person falls as your group grows
- Lodge level: budget lodges lower it, and luxury lodges and tented camps raise it
- Season: lodges charge more from June to October and at Christmas; Uganda's gorilla permit falls to US$600 in April, May and November
- Flights: the route is by road; the optional flight from Entebbe to Bwindi is quoted separately
Park fees and permits on this route
| Park, permit or fee | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Bwindi gorilla permit (Uganda Wildlife Authority) | US$800 per person, US$600 in April, May and November; includes park entry |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park (UWA) | About US$40 per adult per 24 hours |
| Volcanoes gorilla permit (Rwanda Development Board) | US$1,500 per person, including park entry |
| Golden monkey tracking (RDB) | US$100 per person |
What the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide in each country
- 8 nights' accommodation at the level you choose, with meals as listed in the itinerary
- All park entry and conservation fees, and government taxes
- Uganda gorilla permit, Rwanda gorilla permit, Golden monkey permit (one each per person)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Optional flights, such as a fly-in instead of a long drive
- Visas
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Tips for your guides, rangers and porters
- Drinks, laundry and personal items
- Porters on the trek (hired at the trailhead)
How the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Compares with Our Other Trips
| Trip | Days | From (per person) | Treks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda and Rwanda | 7 | US$5,124 | Chimpanzees, one gorilla trek |
| Uganda and Rwanda | 9 | US$6,738 | Two gorilla treks, golden monkeys |
| Uganda and Rwanda | 14 | US$9,398 | Two gorilla treks, chimps, Murchison Falls |
If you only want one gorilla trek, the 7-day route is shorter and costs less.
How to Book the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
In Uganda and Rwanda this trip is run on the ground by trusted local partner operators. We plan and book it, send one written quotation, and stay your contact from arrival to departure.
This page covers what is particular to the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Rwanda safaris: permits, the trekking day, fitness and the rules.
- Uganda safaris: permits, the trekking day, fitness and the rules.
- East Africa safaris: borders, flights and the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Why trek gorillas twice?
Every family behaves differently, and the two forests look nothing alike. On the second trek most people put the camera down and simply watch.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?
Often, yes: at US$100 it covers Uganda and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entries. Apply through the country you enter first, Uganda on this trip.
How much does the 9-Day Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari cost?
From US$6,738 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, with park fees and permits included. Your written quotation gives the final price for your dates, group and lodge level.
The Bottom Line
Two gorilla treks in two countries make this the best primate trip for a first visit. Reserve both permits as soon as your dates are set.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will reply with a written quotation.