Uganda Gorilla Tours through Rwanda

Uganda Gorilla Tours through Rwanda. Here is a secret that experienced safari planners have known for years: the easiest way to reach Uganda’s mountain gorillas is often not through Uganda at all. It is through Rwanda.

Kigali International Airport sits just three to four hours by road from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport, is eight to ten hours away. At the same time, a Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800 — and only US$600 in April, May and November — while a Rwanda permit costs US$1,500. Put those two facts together, and Uganda gorilla tours through Rwanda become the best-value gorilla experience in Africa.

That simple idea is why Pick and Transfer Safaris exists. When we planned our first gorilla trips, we found that starting in Kigali was quicker, more comfortable and far more affordable than starting in Entebbe. Today, gorilla safaris from Kigali are our speciality.

In this guide, you will learn:

• Why starting in Kigali makes sense
• How Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking compare
• Which border to use and what visas you need
• Which park and sector to choose
• Tour packages from one to ten days
• Permit prices and total costs for 2026 and 2027
• Where to stay, when to go, what to pack and the rules to follow

Pick and Transfer Safaris is based on the Kabale–Kisoro road, just minutes from the Cyanika border and between Bwindi and Mgahinga. Our team drives this route almost every day, so we know the border officers, the sectors, the lodges and the shortcuts that turn a cross-border safari into a smooth adventure.

Why Start Your Uganda Gorilla Tour in Kigali?

Much Shorter Travel Time

This is the biggest advantage. Compare the journey to the gorillas:

Starting point	Destination	Approximate drive time
Kigali	Mgahinga Gorilla National Park	3–3.5 hours
Kigali	Bwindi – Rushaga sector	4–4.5 hours
Kigali	Bwindi – Nkuringo sector	4–5 hours
Entebbe	Bwindi – Rushaga sector	9–10 hours
Entebbe	Bwindi – Buhoma sector	8–9 hours

From Kigali, you can leave in the morning and be at your gorilla lodge by mid-afternoon. From Entebbe, you lose almost a full day each way — or pay for a domestic flight.

Half the Permit Cost of Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is closer still to Kigali, but its permits cost US$1,500 per person. Uganda’s cost US$800, or US$600 in the low season. For a couple, crossing the border saves US$1,400 to US$1,800 on permits alone — enough to pay for the rest of a short safari.

Excellent Flight Connections

Kigali is served by RwandAir and many international carriers, with direct and one-stop flights from Europe, the Middle East and other African hubs. Many travellers find better fares into Kigali than into Entebbe.

A Smooth, Scenic Drive

The road from Kigali to the border is well paved and passes through Rwanda’s famous “thousand hills,” terraced farms and, on the Cyanika route, the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. It is one of the most beautiful drives in East Africa.

Easy to Combine Two Countries

Starting in Kigali means you can also enjoy Kigali’s clean, safe streets, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Lake Kivu or Rwanda’s golden monkeys. Learn more about the city in our Kigali City guide.

Perfect for Short Trips

Because the drive is so short, you can see gorillas on a trip of just one to three days — ideal for business travellers, conference visitors or anyone adding gorillas to a wider Africa holiday. For background on Uganda as a destination, the About Uganda guide from Kenlink Tours is a helpful read.

Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: How They Compare

Both countries offer world-class encounters with the same species — the mountain gorilla — in the same Virunga–Bwindi ecosystem. The differences are in price, landscape and logistics.

Feature	Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga)	Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Permit price (foreign non-resident)	US$800; US$600 in April, May, November	US$1,500 year-round
Gorilla population	Nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas	Part of the Virunga population (shared with Uganda and DRC)
Habituated families	Over 20 in Bwindi, plus 1 in Mgahinga	About 12
Habitat	Dense, ancient rainforest on steep hills	Bamboo and montane forest on volcano slopes
Gorilla Habituation Experience	Yes (Rushaga, about four hours)	No
Distance from Kigali	3–5 hours including border	2–3 hours
Other primates nearby	Golden monkeys (Mgahinga), chimps (Kibale, Kyambura)	Golden monkeys (Volcanoes), chimps (Nyungwe)
Minimum age	15 years	15 years
Time with gorillas	1 hour (4 hours on habituation)	1 hour

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Uganda if you want the best value, the widest choice of gorilla families, the option of the Gorilla Habituation Experience, or the chance to add chimpanzees and savannah wildlife.
• Choose Rwanda if your time is extremely limited, you prefer the shortest possible drive from Kigali, and the permit price is not a concern. Learn more about Volcanoes National Park.
• Choose both if you are a passionate wildlife lover. Trekking in both countries shows you two very different habitats and two different gorilla families. Kenlink Tours’ 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari is a good example of how the two fit together.

For most travellers, Uganda via Kigali offers the best of both worlds: Rwanda’s convenient airport and Uganda’s affordable permits.

Border Crossings, Routes and Visas

The Two Border Crossings

There are two main road borders between Rwanda and southwestern Uganda. Which one you use depends on where your gorilla permit is booked.

Cyanika (Rwanda) / Kyanika (Uganda)

• About 119 kilometres from Kigali via Musanze, roughly 2.5–3 hours by road
• The best border for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi’s southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo
• The route passes the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes and Volcanoes National Park, so it is ideal if you are combining Rwanda and Uganda gorillas
• From Cyanika, Mgahinga is about 30 minutes away and Rushaga or Nkuringo about 1.5–2 hours

Gatuna (Rwanda) / Katuna (Uganda)

• About 80 kilometres north of Kigali, roughly 2 hours by road
• Rwanda’s main border with Uganda, open 24 hours
• The best border for Bwindi’s Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, via Kabale
• Also convenient if you plan to visit Lake Bunyonyi or continue north to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Border formalities usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Your Pick and Transfer Safaris driver-guide handles the vehicle paperwork and guides you through each step.

Visas for a Rwanda–Uganda Gorilla Tour

You will need permission to enter both countries. There are two main options.

Option 1: East Africa Tourist Visa (recommended)

• Costs US$100
• Valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya
• Apply through the country you will enter first — for this trip, usually Rwanda via its official online portal
• It lapses once you leave the three-country bloc, and it is for tourism only

This is the simplest and usually the cheapest option for anyone crossing back and forth.

Option 2: Separate visas

• Rwanda visa: about US$50, available online or on arrival for most nationalities
• Uganda tourist eVisa: about US$50, which must be obtained online before you arrive

If you cross into Uganda and then return to Rwanda, you may need a second Rwanda entry, which is why the East Africa Tourist Visa often works out better value.

Visa rules can change, so always check the latest requirements for your nationality with official immigration sources before travelling.

Other Documents

• A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is required for Uganda
• Printed copies of your gorilla permit and visa
• Travel insurance details

Which Park and Sector Should You Choose?

Uganda’s gorillas live in two parks, and Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors. When starting from Kigali, the southern options are usually the most convenient.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Closest to Kigali

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lies on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, just across the border from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is the closest Ugandan gorilla park to Kigali — roughly three hours by road. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, and it also offers golden monkey tracking and hikes up Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga or Muhavura.

Best for: shortest drive from Kigali, combining gorillas with golden monkeys, volcano hiking.

Bwindi – Rushaga Sector: Most Gorilla Families

Rushaga, in southern Bwindi, has the largest number of habituated gorilla families of any sector, which makes permits easier to find. It is also the only place in Uganda offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where up to four visitors spend about four hours with a family still being habituated. Rushaga is about four hours from Kigali via Cyanika and Kisoro.

Best for: permit availability, the habituation experience, travellers starting from Kigali.

Bwindi – Nkuringo Sector: The Most Dramatic Views

Nkuringo sits on a ridge with spectacular views across the forest to the Virunga volcanoes. Treks here can be steep and challenging, so it suits fit hikers. It is about four to five hours from Kigali.

Best for: scenery, photography, fit and adventurous trekkers.

Bwindi – Ruhija Sector: Cool and Quiet

Ruhija, in eastern Bwindi, is the highest sector and a favourite with birdwatchers. It is reached via the Katuna border and Kabale, roughly five to six hours from Kigali.

Best for: birders, quieter lodges, travellers continuing to Queen Elizabeth.

Bwindi – Buhoma Sector: The Classic Choice

Buhoma, in the north, was the first sector opened for gorilla trekking and has a good range of lodges. It is the furthest from Kigali (six to seven hours via Katuna) but the closest to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Best for: combining gorillas with Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife.

Learn more about the park in our guide to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For golden monkeys plus gorillas across both countries, see Kenlink Tours’ 4-Day Rwanda–Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking.

Uganda Gorilla Tour Packages Starting From Kigali

We offer gorilla trips from Kigali for every schedule, from a single long day to a two-week adventure.

1 Day: Gorilla Trek and Back

For travellers with only one day, we leave Kigali before dawn, cross at Cyanika, trek gorillas in Mgahinga or southern Bwindi and return to Kigali the same night. It is a very long day, but it works for business travellers and conference visitors. See our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

2 Days: The Most Popular Short Trip

Drive from Kigali to your lodge on Day 1, trek gorillas on Day 2 and return to Kigali in the evening. This gives you a relaxed night near the park and a fresh start on trekking day. Our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali is our bestseller. Kenlink Tours offers similar trips: 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali and 2 Days Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.

3 Days: Gorillas Plus Golden Monkeys or Lake Bunyonyi

A third day lets you add golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga, a Batwa cultural experience, a canoe trip on Lake Bunyonyi or a second gorilla trek. See our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda, or compare Kenlink Tours’ 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

5 Days: Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife

With five days, you can trek gorillas in Bwindi, continue north to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a Kazinga Channel cruise and tree-climbing lions, and track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge or Kibale. Our 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari Starting from Rwanda covers this route, and Kenlink Tours’ 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda is another option.

7–10 Days: Uganda and Rwanda Combined

For the ultimate cross-border adventure, trek gorillas in both countries, add golden monkeys in Volcanoes, chimps in Nyungwe or Kibale, and relax at Lake Kivu or Lake Bunyonyi. Explore our 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari and 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari, or Kenlink Tours’ 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari.

Adding Rwanda’s Gorillas

If you want to trek in Volcanoes too, see our 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali or the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking and Cultural Tour.

Browse all our gorilla safaris for more options.

Gorilla Permits and Tour Costs for 2026 and 2027

Uganda Gorilla Permit Prices

Uganda’s gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Prices for foreign non-residents are:

Permit	Standard price	Low season (April, May, November)	Notes
Gorilla trekking (Bwindi or Mgahinga)	US$800	US$600	One hour with a gorilla family; includes park entry
Gorilla Habituation Experience (Rushaga)	US$1,500; US$1,800 from 1 January 2027	—	About four hours; maximum four visitors
Golden monkey tracking (Mgahinga)	US$60 + US$40 park entry	—	Confirm current rate when booking

Foreign residents pay US$700 for standard gorilla trekking.

Important: Since March 2026, UWA requires permits to be paid in full at the time of booking, and low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. We recommend booking three to six months ahead for peak months.

How Uganda Compares to Rwanda on Cost

For two people trekking once, the permit difference alone is significant:

Item	Uganda via Kigali	Rwanda (Volcanoes)
Gorilla permits for two	US$1,600 (US$1,200 low season)	US$3,000
Extra drive time from Kigali	About 1–2 hours more	—
Visa	East Africa Tourist Visa US$100 each, or separate visas	Rwanda visa about US$50 each

Even after adding the extra transport and visa, most travellers save well over US$1,000 per couple by trekking in Uganda.

What Does a Uganda Gorilla Tour From Kigali Cost?

Typical per-person prices for two travellers sharing a private vehicle and room, including the gorilla permit:

Tour	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
2 days from Kigali	US$1,200–US$1,450	US$1,450–US$1,900	US$2,200+
3 days from Kigali	US$1,450–US$1,800	US$1,800–US$2,400	US$2,800+
5 days with chimps and wildlife	US$2,200–US$2,800	US$2,800–US$3,600	US$4,500+

Prices normally include the gorilla permit, private 4×4 transport with driver-guide and fuel, accommodation, meals and park fees. They exclude visas, international flights, travel insurance, drinks and tips. Groups of three or more pay less per person.

Ways to Save

• Travel in April, May or November for the US$600 low-season permit.
• Choose Mgahinga or Rushaga to keep driving time and fuel costs down.
• Stay at good-value lodges in Kisoro rather than inside the park.
• Travel in a small group to share vehicle costs.
• Consider a self-drive trip with our sister company, Self Drive Safaris Uganda.

Where to Stay and When to Go

Accommodation Near the Gorillas

Because gorilla treks start at around 8am, it is important to stay close to the sector where your permit is booked.

• Kisoro town: A convenient, affordable base for Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors. Our own Ikoro Hotel sits opposite Nyakabande airstrip at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, about 15 kilometres from Mgahinga and 36 kilometres from Bwindi. It is a comfortable, good-value choice for gorilla trekkers, with gardens, Ugandan hospitality and easy access to the Cyanika border.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo: Lodges and community camps close to the trailheads, from simple bandas to luxury eco-lodges with forest views.
• Mgahinga: A small selection of lodges near the park gate, ideal for golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes.
• Lake Bunyonyi: A beautiful lakeside base about two hours from Rushaga, perfect for a relaxing day before or after trekking.
• Buhoma and Ruhija: A wider range of mid-range and luxury lodges, best if your permit is booked in northern or eastern Bwindi.

Best Time to Go

Gorilla trekking runs every day of the year.

• June to September and December to February: The dry seasons offer firmer trails and easier hiking. These months are the busiest, so permits sell out early.
• March to May and October to November: The wet seasons bring lush forest, fewer visitors and, in April, May and November, discounted US$600 permits. Trails are muddier, but the gorillas are often found closer to the trailheads when food is plentiful.

Because Bwindi and Mgahinga are mountain rainforests, rain can fall at any time, so always pack a rain jacket. Temperatures are cool, typically 10°C to 23°C, with chilly mornings and evenings.

Getting From the Airport

When you land at Kigali International Airport, your Pick and Transfer Safaris driver-guide will meet you in arrivals with a name board. If you arrive late, we can arrange a night in Kigali before setting off for the border early the next morning. We can also include a Kigali city tour at the start or end of your safari.

Packing List, Trekking Rules and Practical Tips

What to Pack

• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, already worn in
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours
• A breathable rain jacket and a warm fleece
• Garden gloves for gripping vines and stinging nettles
• Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into
• A small waterproof daypack with water and snacks
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• A camera with spare batteries (flash is not allowed)
• Face masks for the gorilla encounter
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and printed gorilla permit
• Some US dollars printed after 2013 for tips and porters

Gorilla Trekking Rules

• The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
• Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other infectious illness.
• Keep at least seven metres from the gorillas and wear your mask when near them.
• Speak quietly, move slowly and never use flash photography.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas.
• If a gorilla approaches or charges, stay still, crouch and look away — follow your ranger.
• Your visit is limited to one hour with the gorillas.

Tips From Our Kisoro-Based Team

1. Book your permit first. Lodges and transport are easy to arrange; permits are the limiting factor.
2. Match your border to your sector. Cyanika for Mgahinga, Rushaga and Nkuringo; Gatuna/Katuna for Buhoma and Ruhija.
3. Get the East Africa Tourist Visa if you plan to cross back into Rwanda.
4. Leave Kigali early to avoid arriving after dark on mountain roads.
5. Hire a porter. For a modest fee, porters carry your bag, help you on slippery slopes and earn vital income for local families.
6. Be honest about your fitness at the briefing, so rangers can assign you a suitable gorilla family.
7. Carry your yellow fever card in your hand luggage, as border officials may ask to see it.
8. Exchange a little money into Ugandan shillings at the border for snacks and souvenirs.
9. Allow extra time in case of queues at the border during busy holiday periods.
10. Enjoy the drive. The views over the Virunga volcanoes and terraced hills are part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really trek gorillas in Uganda starting from Kigali?

Yes. It is one of the most popular ways to see Uganda’s gorillas. Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors are only three to five hours from Kigali by road, including the border crossing.

Is it safe to cross the border from Rwanda into Uganda?

Yes. The Cyanika and Gatuna/Katuna borders are busy, well-organised crossings used by tourists every day. Your driver-guide accompanies you throughout and helps with the formalities.

Do I need two visas?

You need permission to enter both countries. The easiest option is the US$100 East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with multiple entries for 90 days. Alternatively, you can buy separate Rwanda and Uganda tourist visas.

Can I do a gorilla trek in one day from Kigali?

Yes, but it is a very long day of 16 hours or more. Two days is far more comfortable and gives you a better trekking experience.

Which is closer to Kigali, Bwindi or Mgahinga?

Mgahinga is closer, about three hours from Kigali. Bwindi’s Rushaga sector is about four hours away.

Can I see gorillas in both Rwanda and Uganda on the same trip?

Yes. The Cyanika route passes Volcanoes National Park, so it is easy to trek in Rwanda one day and Uganda the next. Learn about Rwanda’s safaris on Kenlink Tours’ Rwanda safaris page or their 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari.

Can I add chimpanzees or wildlife?

Yes. From Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kyambura Gorge are a few hours north, and Kibale is a little further. Browse Kenlink Tours’ Uganda safaris or all our destinations for ideas.

What happens if I miss my trek because of a delay at the border?

We plan arrival the afternoon before your trek so there is always a buffer. Permits are non-refundable, which is why we never schedule a crossing on the morning of a trek, except on our special one-day trips.

Book Your Uganda Gorilla Tour Through Rwanda

Uganda gorilla tours through Rwanda combine the best of both countries: Kigali’s convenient international airport and Uganda’s affordable gorilla permits, diverse gorilla families and spectacular rainforests. In as little as two days, you can fly into Kigali, cross the border and sit quietly in the forest with a family of mountain gorillas — for around half the permit price of trekking in Rwanda.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, this is what we do best. We are based in Kisoro, minutes from the Cyanika border and between Bwindi and Mgahinga. We secure your permits, meet you at Kigali airport, guide you across the border, host you at our Ikoro Hotel or your chosen lodge, and make sure every detail runs smoothly. Part of our profits also supports orphaned children through the Kigezi Foundation.

Ready to meet the gorillas? Contact our team with your travel dates, group size and preferred trip length, and we will send you a tailor-made gorilla itinerary and quote.

Call or WhatsApp: +256 200 921 002 / +256 793 194 703 | Email: info@pickandtransfersafaris.com