The double gorilla trek safari for 7 days is designed for serious primate enthusiasts who want to experience gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. You trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where Dian Fossey conducted her famous research. You also trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half the world’s mountain gorillas. This package gives you two completely different gorilla experiences in one trip.
Bwindi Primate Safaris operates in both countries. We know the gorilla families, the best guides, and the most convenient routes. This cross-border itinerary is seamless. You experience the best of both nations without logistical headaches.
For official travel information about Rwanda, visit the Rwanda Tourism Board website.
This double gorilla trek safari runs for seven days and six nights. You begin in Kigali, Rwanda. Day one is arrival and travel to Volcanoes National Park. Day two is gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Day three is cultural visit and travel to Bwindi. Day four is rest or nature walk. Day five is gorilla trekking in Uganda. Day six is travel to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Day seven is return to Kigali for departure.
The itinerary allows time to acclimatize between treks. You have a rest day after the first trek. You also have a lake relaxation day after the second trek. This pacing ensures you enjoy both experiences fully.
This package includes two gorilla treks: one in Rwanda and one in Uganda. Both permits are included.
For more details on Volcanoes National Park, read our destination guide.
Your double gorilla trek safari begins with pickup from Kigali International Airport. Your guide meets you regardless of your arrival time. You drive north toward Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours on good paved roads.
You arrive at your lodge near the park in the late afternoon. Check in, rest, and enjoy dinner. Your guide briefs you on tomorrow’s trek. You prepare your daypack for the morning.
Accommodation options in Rwanda are mostly luxury or mid-range. Book early as lodges fill quickly.
Learn about Volcanoes National Park Rwanda before your visit.
This is your first gorilla trek. You wake early, have breakfast, and drive to the park headquarters. Arrive by 7:00 AM for registration and briefing. You are assigned to a gorilla family. The trekking in Rwanda is generally easier than in Uganda. The bamboo forest is more open. The trails are better maintained.
The trek duration varies from thirty minutes to three hours. When you find the gorillas, you have one hour. Watch them feed, play, and rest. The silverback watches you calmly. The experience is magical.
After your hour, you hike back to the trailhead. Your driver takes you to your lodge. Rest and enjoy dinner. You receive a certificate of trekking.
For tips on preparing, read our packing guide.
After breakfast, you visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. This community project supports former poachers who now share their culture with visitors. You learn about traditional Rwandan life, try banana beer, and watch Intore dancers.
Then you drive south toward the border. You cross into Uganda at the Cyanika or Gatuna border post. Your Ugandan guide meets you on the other side. You continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive from the border takes approximately two hours.
You arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon. Check in, rest, and enjoy dinner.
For health and safety advice while traveling, visit the WHO Africa travel health page.
This day is designed for rest and recovery. Your second gorilla trek is tomorrow. Use this day to relax at your lodge. You can swim, read, or enjoy the views. If you want a gentle activity, you can do a nature walk on the waterfall trail.
The waterfall trail in Buhoma takes about two hours. You walk through beautiful forest to a thirty-meter waterfall. You can swim in the pool below. This is a peaceful way to spend your rest day.
You return to your lodge for dinner and an early night. Tomorrow is another early start.
Learn about nature walks in Bwindi for more details.
This is your second gorilla trek. You wake early, have breakfast, and drive to the park headquarters. Arrive by 7:00 AM for registration and briefing. You are assigned to a gorilla family. Bwindi’s terrain is steeper and muddier than Rwanda’s. The double gorilla trek safari shows you the contrast between the two countries.
The trek duration varies from thirty minutes to four hours. When you find the gorillas, you have one hour. Watch them feed, play, groom, and rest. The experience is different from Rwanda. Bwindi’s forest is denser. The gorillas are equally magnificent.
After your hour, you hike back to the trailhead. Your driver takes you to your lodge. Rest and enjoy dinner. You receive a certificate of trekking.
For a comparison of both parks, read our Bwindi vs Volcanoes guide.
After breakfast, you drive two hours to Lake Bunyonyi. This is Africa’s deepest lake, safe for swimming with no hippos or crocodiles. You check into your lakeside lodge. The rest of the day is free.
You can swim, canoe, or simply relax on the dock. The views of the terraced hills and islands are spectacular. This is your chance to decompress after two gorilla treks.
Dinner is at the lodge. Watch the sunset over the lake. Reflect on your incredible journey.
Learn about Lake Bunyonyi for more details.
On the final day of your double gorilla trek safari, you have breakfast at the lodge. Your guide drives you back to Kigali. The drive takes approximately four hours. You arrive in the early afternoon. You are dropped at the airport for your departure flight.
If you have a late flight, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This moving museum teaches about Rwanda’s history and reconciliation. Your guide will accommodate reasonable requests.
This double gorilla trek safari includes the following services. Two gorilla permits: one in Rwanda, one in Uganda. All park entry fees. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit. Nature walk on rest day. Services of an English-speaking guide in each country. Private 4×4 transport. Six nights accommodation. Meals as specified in your itinerary. Bottled water during drives. Pickup and drop-off at Kigali Airport.
What is not included. International flights. Visa fees. Travel insurance. Tips for guides and porters. Alcoholic drinks. Laundry. Personal items.
Bwindi Primate Safaris recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
The price of this double gorilla trek safari varies based on accommodation choice and group size. The Rwanda permit costs more than the Uganda permit. This is reflected in the package price. Contact us for a custom quote based on your dates and preferences.
Both permits are included in the price. Bwindi Primate Safaris charges the official permit rates with no hidden markup.
To book, you need your full name as on your passport, passport number, nationality, and preferred dates. A deposit is required to secure your permits. Book early, especially for Rwanda’s limited permits.
See our Uganda-only wildlife safari if you prefer to stay in one country.
This safari operates year round. The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the easiest trekking conditions in both countries. Rwanda’s dry season is slightly more reliable than Uganda’s.
The wet season offers lower prices and greener landscapes. However, the trekking is muddier.
For seasonal details, read our best time to visit guide.
This double gorilla trek safari is ideal for serious primate enthusiasts. You experience gorilla trekking in both countries. You see how the experiences differ: Rwanda’s easier access and bamboo forest, Uganda’s wilder terrain and lower prices.
Bwindi Primate Safaris specializes in cross-border itineraries. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the gorillas.
See our extended combined safari for a longer itinerary including chimpanzees.
The double gorilla trek safari for 7 days delivers the ultimate gorilla experience. Two countries. Two treks. One unforgettable journey.
Contact Us today to book your double gorilla trek. Our team will help you choose the right dates and accommodation for your perfect adventure.
