Wander and Wonder Tours Uganda
Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas
Two countries, two forests, two gorilla families. Six days that take you from the shores of Lake Victoria to the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, with an hour beside a mountain gorilla family at each end.
- Enquiry received
- Itinerary designed
- Quote issued
- Deposit paid
- Permits secured
- Confirmed
Tour Overview
Meet Gorillas in Two Countries
Few journeys let you stand with mountain gorillas twice, in two different forests, with two different rangers and two very different landscapes. This one does. You fly into Entebbe, climb through the highlands of south western Uganda for your first family, cross the border into Rwanda for your second, and fly home from Kigali. Quote valid for 14 days, to 30 October 2026.
Highlights
- Two gorilla treks with permits secured first
- Equator crossing and Lake Bunyonyi viewpoint
- A seamless border handover at Cyanika
- Kigali city and its memorial, market and art
Good to know
- Moderate fitness is enough for both treks
- Minimum age for trekking is 15 years
- Day 2 is the longest drive, 9 to 10 hours
- Best months: June to September, December to February
Day by Day Programme
Tap a Day, Walk the Story
Choose any day to see its story, its schedule and its driving times. Every timing is a realistic estimate including stops.
The Pearl Welcomes You
Every journey has a first breath. Yours is the warm air on the apron at Entebbe, a driver holding a sign with your name, and Lake Victoria shining beyond the airport fence. Today asks nothing of you but to arrive.
Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa. By sunset you will see why.
- ArrivalMeet your driver guide at Entebbe airport, any flight time
- 14:00Check in and rest, lunch if you land early
- 16:00Optional stroll in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where Tarzan films were once shot
- 18:30Welcome briefing with your guide, permits and plans
- 19:30Dinner by the lake
The Road to the Misty Mountains
Today you cross the Equator and climb into the highlands of the south west. The land folds into green terraces, and by afternoon Lake Bunyonyi appears below you like a dropped necklace. The long drive is the price of the gorillas, and it pays you back in scenery.
Somewhere past the terraces, the mountains begin to look like they are keeping a secret.
- 06:30Breakfast and early departure from Entebbe
- 08:00Photo stop at the Equator crossing
- 10:30Coffee break in Mbarara, then onward through cattle country
- 13:00Lunch on the road
- 16:00Viewpoint over Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of many islands
- 18:00Arrive near Rushaga and settle in, early night
First Gorilla Family: Uganda
Bwindi is one of the oldest forests in Africa, and around half of all mountain gorillas live in it. You will walk in with rangers and trackers who have followed these families for years. Then the vines part, and a silverback looks at you as if he already knew you were coming.
One hour is all you get with each family. It is enough to remember for life.
- 06:30Early breakfast, packed lunch
- 07:30Briefing at the park headquarters, gorilla families assigned
- 08:30Trek begins with ranger guides (2 to 6 hours, depending on where the family slept)
- MiddayOne hour with the gorillas, photographs without flash
- 15:00Back at the lodge, hot shower, optional Batwa music evening
- 19:30Dinner and stories of the day
Two Countries, One Morning
After breakfast you drive to the Cyanika border, change countries, and meet your Rwanda driver on the other side. Roads here are smooth, hills are terraced to the top, and the volcanoes rise ahead of you like a row of sleeping giants.
Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills. You are about to find out how many of them are volcanoes.
- 08:00Breakfast and departure from your Uganda lodge
- 09:30Reach the Cyanika border, exit and entry formalities (about 1 hour)
- 11:00Meet your Rwanda driver guide and drive to Musanze
- 12:30Lunch in Musanze, check in
- 15:00Optional visit to Iby'iwacu Cultural Village for dance and traditional life
- 18:30Dinner and briefing for tomorrow's trek
Gorillas of the Volcanoes
This is the forest where Dian Fossey spent nearly two decades studying mountain gorillas, and where a new generation of families still carries on. You walk through bamboo and mist, and then the family is simply there, babies tumbling, an old male watching you with calm eyes.
Two countries, two forests, two different gorilla families. One very full heart.
- 06:30Breakfast and drive to Kinigi park headquarters
- 07:00Briefing, gorilla families assigned
- 08:00Trek into Volcanoes National Park (2 to 6 hours), then your hour with the family
- 13:00Back to the lodge for lunch and a rest
- 14:30Drive to Kigali (about 2 hours)
- 17:00Check in at Kigali, dinner
A City of Hills and a Gentle Goodbye
Kigali is clean, calm and quietly inspiring. Your last morning is a chance to learn how this country has rebuilt itself, then to buy a basket, a coffee or a painting to carry the trip home.
A good safari does not end at the airport. It follows you home in a basket.
- 08:30Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance (about 2 hours)
- 11:00Craft market or Kimironko Market for gifts
- 12:30Lunch at leisure
- By requestTransfer to Kigali airport, three hours before departure
Accommodation and Transparent Pricing
Choose Your Comfort Level
The route, treks and guides are the same on every collection. Only the places you sleep, and how you reach Kisoro, change. Tap a collection to see where you stay and what it costs.
Comfortable guesthouses and community camps, road transfers.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Comfortable guesthouse near the lake |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Community camp or guesthouse, name confirmed at booking |
| Musanze | Comfortable hotel near the park |
| Kigali | Comfortable city hotel |
Characterful lodges with great views, road transfers.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge or similar |
| Musanze | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar |
| Kigali | Hotel Chez Lando or similar |
Premier lodges and a scenic flight to Kisoro on Day 2.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Lake Victoria Hotel |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Mutanda Lake Resort or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge |
| Musanze | Virunga Lodge or similar |
| Kigali | Kigali Serena Hotel |
Prices are in US dollars per person, two sharing, and are fixed once your balance is paid. Your two gorilla permits are already included: $800 for Uganda and $1,500 for Rwanda, a total of $2,300 per person. Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board and can change, in which case we confirm the difference in writing before you pay. Single travellers and budget options are available on request. Lodges are confirmed at booking, or a similar standard is offered.
Transport and Logistics
Two Countries, Zero Stress
On the road
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a window seat each
- Uganda driver guide from Entebbe to the border
- Rwanda driver guide from the border to Kigali
- Airport pickup in Entebbe and drop off in Kigali
Journey times
- Entebbe to Rushaga or Kisoro by road: 9 to 10 hours
- Luxury scenic flight to Kisoro: about 1 hour 45 minutes
- Rushaga to Musanze with border: about 4 to 5 hours
- Musanze to Kigali: about 2 hours
At Cyanika, our Uganda driver walks you through exit formalities and hands you over to your Rwanda driver on the other side. Flying home from Kigali means your return flight must depart from Kigali, so book an open jaw ticket into Entebbe and out of Kigali.
Activities and Experiences
Moments Worth the Journey
Included
- Two gorilla treks, one in each country
- Equator stop and Lake Bunyonyi viewpoint
- Border crossing support at Cyanika
- Kigali city visit with the memorial
Optional extras
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens stroll
- Batwa cultural experience near Bwindi
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Porters for either trek
Inclusions and Exclusions
Everything Clear Before You Commit
Included
- Gorilla permits for Uganda and Rwanda
- Five nights accommodation in your collection
- Meals as listed in the programme
- Private vehicles, fuel and driver guides
- Park entry fees and Kigali memorial visit
- Airport transfers and bottled water
- Luxury only: scenic flight to Kisoro
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, rangers and staff
- Optional extras and porters
- Drinks outside meals and personal items
- Laundry and phone calls
Payment Terms and Cancellation
Simple, Secure and Fair
Payment terms
- 30 percent deposit holds your dates and both permits
- Balance due 60 days before arrival
- Pay securely online with WeTravel, by link or QR code
- Send your confirmation to bookings@wanderandwonderug.com
Cancellation policy
| Days before arrival | Charge |
|---|---|
| 91 or more | 30 percent deposit |
| 61 to 90 | 50 percent |
| 31 to 60 | 75 percent |
| 30 or fewer | 100 percent |
Gorilla permits are generally not refundable once purchased. Read the full Cancellation and Refund Policy
Personalisation
Make the Story Yours
This is a starting point. Tell us what you love and we will shape the journey around you.
Add more wild
- Add Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth for classic game
- Add golden monkeys or Dian Fossey's tomb hike in Rwanda
- Add a night at Lake Bunyonyi for a dawn canoe
Add more comfort
- Fly to Kisoro to save a long day on the road
- Celebration dinner for a birthday or anniversary
- Private vehicle for a family, friends or a small group
Travel Preparation Guide
Before You Fly
Documents and entry
- Passport valid for at least six months
- The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda and Rwanda, or arrange separate visas. We guide you step by step
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, carried for both countries
What to pack
- Sturdy hiking boots and long trousers for the forest
- Long sleeved tops, waterproof jacket and gardening gloves
- Insect repellent, sun hat and binoculars
- Soft bags for the vehicle, and a light layer for cool mornings
- Rwanda bans single use plastic bags, so pack in cloth or leave them at home
Money and connectivity
Carry some US dollars in recent notes for tips. Uganda uses shillings and Rwanda uses francs, and cards work mainly in cities. Signal can be weak in the forests.
Fitness and altitude
Both forests sit at altitude and trails can be steep and slippery. Moderate fitness is enough, our rangers set a comfortable pace, and porters are available.
Safety Information
Your Wellbeing Comes First
With the gorillas
- Groups of up to eight visitors for one hour
- Stay about seven metres away and follow your ranger
- Do not trek if you have a cold, cough or stomach illness
- No flash photography, no eating near the animals
Health and travel
- Speak to your doctor about malaria prevention
- Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is required
- Drink only bottled or treated water
- Our team stays reachable on WhatsApp throughout your trip
Seasonal Information
When to Travel
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| June to September | Long dry season | Easier trails, clearer views, busiest permits |
| December to February | Short dry season | Warm days, good trekking, book early for festive dates |
| March to May | Long rains | Green, quiet and muddy, fewer visitors |
| October to November | Short rains | Afternoon showers, lush scenery, lower demand |
Gorillas can be trekked all year in both countries. Because you need permits in two places, we suggest booking at least six months ahead for June to September and December.
Clear Next Step
Ready for Two Gorilla Families?
Scan to pay your deposit, or scan to chat with our team. We will secure both permits and send your booking confirmation.
Pay Deposit with WeTravelChat on WhatsApp
Pay your deposit or balance securely with WeTravel.
Opens a WhatsApp message to our team at +44 7826 805254.
Bookings: bookings@wanderandwonderug.com
Enquiries: info@wanderandwonderug.com
Call or WhatsApp: +44 7826 805254
Your team: Samuel Ojok, Managing Director (UK), Fassie Adyero, Chief Operations Officer, and Brian Ogenrwot, Tour Consultant (Uganda)
Wander and Wonder Tours Uganda
Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas
Two countries, two forests, two gorilla families. Six days that take you from the shores of Lake Victoria to the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, with an hour beside a mountain gorilla family at each end.
- Enquiry received
- Itinerary designed
- Quote issued
- Deposit paid
- Permits secured
- Confirmed
Tour Overview
Meet Gorillas in Two Countries
Few journeys let you stand with mountain gorillas twice, in two different forests, with two different rangers and two very different landscapes. This one does. You fly into Entebbe, climb through the highlands of south western Uganda for your first family, cross the border into Rwanda for your second, and fly home from Kigali. Quote valid for 14 days, to 30 October 2026.
Highlights
- Two gorilla treks with permits secured first
- Equator crossing and Lake Bunyonyi viewpoint
- A seamless border handover at Cyanika
- Kigali city and its memorial, market and art
Good to know
- Moderate fitness is enough for both treks
- Minimum age for trekking is 15 years
- Day 2 is the longest drive, 9 to 10 hours
- Best months: June to September, December to February
Day by Day Programme
Tap a Day, Walk the Story
Choose any day to see its story, its schedule and its driving times. Every timing is a realistic estimate including stops.
The Pearl Welcomes You
Every journey has a first breath. Yours is the warm air on the apron at Entebbe, a driver holding a sign with your name, and Lake Victoria shining beyond the airport fence. Today asks nothing of you but to arrive.
Winston Churchill called Uganda the Pearl of Africa. By sunset you will see why.
- ArrivalMeet your driver guide at Entebbe airport, any flight time
- 14:00Check in and rest, lunch if you land early
- 16:00Optional stroll in the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where Tarzan films were once shot
- 18:30Welcome briefing with your guide, permits and plans
- 19:30Dinner by the lake
The Road to the Misty Mountains
Today you cross the Equator and climb into the highlands of the south west. The land folds into green terraces, and by afternoon Lake Bunyonyi appears below you like a dropped necklace. The long drive is the price of the gorillas, and it pays you back in scenery.
Somewhere past the terraces, the mountains begin to look like they are keeping a secret.
- 06:30Breakfast and early departure from Entebbe
- 08:00Photo stop at the Equator crossing
- 10:30Coffee break in Mbarara, then onward through cattle country
- 13:00Lunch on the road
- 16:00Viewpoint over Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of many islands
- 18:00Arrive near Rushaga and settle in, early night
First Gorilla Family: Uganda
Bwindi is one of the oldest forests in Africa, and around half of all mountain gorillas live in it. You will walk in with rangers and trackers who have followed these families for years. Then the vines part, and a silverback looks at you as if he already knew you were coming.
One hour is all you get with each family. It is enough to remember for life.
- 06:30Early breakfast, packed lunch
- 07:30Briefing at the park headquarters, gorilla families assigned
- 08:30Trek begins with ranger guides (2 to 6 hours, depending on where the family slept)
- MiddayOne hour with the gorillas, photographs without flash
- 15:00Back at the lodge, hot shower, optional Batwa music evening
- 19:30Dinner and stories of the day
Two Countries, One Morning
After breakfast you drive to the Cyanika border, change countries, and meet your Rwanda driver on the other side. Roads here are smooth, hills are terraced to the top, and the volcanoes rise ahead of you like a row of sleeping giants.
Rwanda is called the Land of a Thousand Hills. You are about to find out how many of them are volcanoes.
- 08:00Breakfast and departure from your Uganda lodge
- 09:30Reach the Cyanika border, exit and entry formalities (about 1 hour)
- 11:00Meet your Rwanda driver guide and drive to Musanze
- 12:30Lunch in Musanze, check in
- 15:00Optional visit to Iby'iwacu Cultural Village for dance and traditional life
- 18:30Dinner and briefing for tomorrow's trek
Gorillas of the Volcanoes
This is the forest where Dian Fossey spent nearly two decades studying mountain gorillas, and where a new generation of families still carries on. You walk through bamboo and mist, and then the family is simply there, babies tumbling, an old male watching you with calm eyes.
Two countries, two forests, two different gorilla families. One very full heart.
- 06:30Breakfast and drive to Kinigi park headquarters
- 07:00Briefing, gorilla families assigned
- 08:00Trek into Volcanoes National Park (2 to 6 hours), then your hour with the family
- 13:00Back to the lodge for lunch and a rest
- 14:30Drive to Kigali (about 2 hours)
- 17:00Check in at Kigali, dinner
A City of Hills and a Gentle Goodbye
Kigali is clean, calm and quietly inspiring. Your last morning is a chance to learn how this country has rebuilt itself, then to buy a basket, a coffee or a painting to carry the trip home.
A good safari does not end at the airport. It follows you home in a basket.
- 08:30Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance (about 2 hours)
- 11:00Craft market or Kimironko Market for gifts
- 12:30Lunch at leisure
- By requestTransfer to Kigali airport, three hours before departure
Accommodation and Transparent Pricing
Choose Your Comfort Level
The route, treks and guides are the same on every collection. Only the places you sleep, and how you reach Kisoro, change. Tap a collection to see where you stay and what it costs.
Comfortable guesthouses and community camps, road transfers.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Comfortable guesthouse near the lake |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Community camp or guesthouse, name confirmed at booking |
| Musanze | Comfortable hotel near the park |
| Kigali | Comfortable city hotel |
Characterful lodges with great views, road transfers.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge or similar |
| Musanze | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar |
| Kigali | Hotel Chez Lando or similar |
Premier lodges and a scenic flight to Kisoro on Day 2.
| Night | Where you stay |
|---|---|
| Entebbe | Lake Victoria Hotel |
| Rushaga or Kisoro (2 nights) | Mutanda Lake Resort or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge |
| Musanze | Virunga Lodge or similar |
| Kigali | Kigali Serena Hotel |
Prices are in US dollars per person, two sharing, and are fixed once your balance is paid. Your two gorilla permits are already included: $800 for Uganda and $1,500 for Rwanda, a total of $2,300 per person. Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board and can change, in which case we confirm the difference in writing before you pay. Single travellers and budget options are available on request. Lodges are confirmed at booking, or a similar standard is offered.
Transport and Logistics
Two Countries, Zero Stress
On the road
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a window seat each
- Uganda driver guide from Entebbe to the border
- Rwanda driver guide from the border to Kigali
- Airport pickup in Entebbe and drop off in Kigali
Journey times
- Entebbe to Rushaga or Kisoro by road: 9 to 10 hours
- Luxury scenic flight to Kisoro: about 1 hour 45 minutes
- Rushaga to Musanze with border: about 4 to 5 hours
- Musanze to Kigali: about 2 hours
At Cyanika, our Uganda driver walks you through exit formalities and hands you over to your Rwanda driver on the other side. Flying home from Kigali means your return flight must depart from Kigali, so book an open jaw ticket into Entebbe and out of Kigali.
Activities and Experiences
Moments Worth the Journey
Included
- Two gorilla treks, one in each country
- Equator stop and Lake Bunyonyi viewpoint
- Border crossing support at Cyanika
- Kigali city visit with the memorial
Optional extras
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens stroll
- Batwa cultural experience near Bwindi
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village in Rwanda
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Porters for either trek
Inclusions and Exclusions
Everything Clear Before You Commit
Included
- Gorilla permits for Uganda and Rwanda
- Five nights accommodation in your collection
- Meals as listed in the programme
- Private vehicles, fuel and driver guides
- Park entry fees and Kigali memorial visit
- Airport transfers and bottled water
- Luxury only: scenic flight to Kisoro
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, rangers and staff
- Optional extras and porters
- Drinks outside meals and personal items
- Laundry and phone calls
Payment Terms and Cancellation
Simple, Secure and Fair
Payment terms
- 30 percent deposit holds your dates and both permits
- Balance due 60 days before arrival
- Pay securely online with WeTravel, by link or QR code
- Send your confirmation to bookings@wanderandwonderug.com
Cancellation policy
| Days before arrival | Charge |
|---|---|
| 91 or more | 30 percent deposit |
| 61 to 90 | 50 percent |
| 31 to 60 | 75 percent |
| 30 or fewer | 100 percent |
Gorilla permits are generally not refundable once purchased. Read the full Cancellation and Refund Policy
Personalisation
Make the Story Yours
This is a starting point. Tell us what you love and we will shape the journey around you.
Add more wild
- Add Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth for classic game
- Add golden monkeys or Dian Fossey's tomb hike in Rwanda
- Add a night at Lake Bunyonyi for a dawn canoe
Add more comfort
- Fly to Kisoro to save a long day on the road
- Celebration dinner for a birthday or anniversary
- Private vehicle for a family, friends or a small group
Travel Preparation Guide
Before You Fly
Documents and entry
- Passport valid for at least six months
- The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda and Rwanda, or arrange separate visas. We guide you step by step
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate, carried for both countries
What to pack
- Sturdy hiking boots and long trousers for the forest
- Long sleeved tops, waterproof jacket and gardening gloves
- Insect repellent, sun hat and binoculars
- Soft bags for the vehicle, and a light layer for cool mornings
- Rwanda bans single use plastic bags, so pack in cloth or leave them at home
Money and connectivity
Carry some US dollars in recent notes for tips. Uganda uses shillings and Rwanda uses francs, and cards work mainly in cities. Signal can be weak in the forests.
Fitness and altitude
Both forests sit at altitude and trails can be steep and slippery. Moderate fitness is enough, our rangers set a comfortable pace, and porters are available.
Safety Information
Your Wellbeing Comes First
With the gorillas
- Groups of up to eight visitors for one hour
- Stay about seven metres away and follow your ranger
- Do not trek if you have a cold, cough or stomach illness
- No flash photography, no eating near the animals
Health and travel
- Speak to your doctor about malaria prevention
- Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is required
- Drink only bottled or treated water
- Our team stays reachable on WhatsApp throughout your trip
Seasonal Information
When to Travel
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| June to September | Long dry season | Easier trails, clearer views, busiest permits |
| December to February | Short dry season | Warm days, good trekking, book early for festive dates |
| March to May | Long rains | Green, quiet and muddy, fewer visitors |
| October to November | Short rains | Afternoon showers, lush scenery, lower demand |
Gorillas can be trekked all year in both countries. Because you need permits in two places, we suggest booking at least six months ahead for June to September and December.
Clear Next Step
Ready for Two Gorilla Families?
Scan to pay your deposit, or scan to chat with our team. We will secure both permits and send your booking confirmation.
Pay Deposit with WeTravelChat on WhatsAppPay your deposit or balance securely with WeTravel.
Opens a WhatsApp message to our team at +44 7826 805254.
Bookings: bookings@wanderandwonderug.com
Enquiries: info@wanderandwonderug.com
Call or WhatsApp: +44 7826 805254
Your team: Samuel Ojok, Managing Director (UK), Fassie Adyero, Chief Operations Officer, and Brian Ogenrwot, Tour Consultant (Uganda)