Uganda Safaris Through Kigali

Uganda Safaris Through Kigali have become one of the most popular ways to visit East Africa, and for good reason. Kigali International Airport in Rwanda sits far closer to Uganda’s famous gorilla parks than Uganda’s own international airport in Entebbe. By flying into Kigali and crossing the border by road, you save hours of driving, reach the mountain gorillas faster and often pay less for your entire trip.

Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa. It is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, thousands of chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, the mighty Nile and some of the most beautiful scenery on the continent. Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is a safe, clean and well-connected gateway. Together, they make a perfect pair.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, Uganda safaris through Kigali are the heart of what we do. Our base is in Kisoro, just minutes from the Rwanda–Uganda border, and we run cross-border safaris every week. This guide explains why starting in Kigali makes sense, how the border crossings work, which safari lengths suit different travellers, what it costs and how to plan your trip.

What Are Uganda Safaris Through Kigali?

A Uganda safari through Kigali is any Uganda tour that begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, instead of Entebbe or Kampala. You land at Kigali International Airport, meet your driver-guide, and travel by road into southwestern Uganda through one of the land borders. At the end of your trip, you return to Kigali for your flight home.

These safaris can be as short as one day or as long as two weeks. Short trips focus on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Longer trips add chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, boat cruises, lakes and cultural experiences.

All our cross-border trips are listed under our Uganda gorilla safaris starting from Kigali. For an outside comparison, Kenlink Tours also offers several Uganda–Rwanda trips such as the 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

Who Should Choose a Uganda Safari Through Kigali?

Starting in Kigali is ideal for:

• Travellers whose main goal is gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Visitors on a short holiday who want to minimise driving time
• People combining Uganda and Rwanda in one trip
• Travellers flying with airlines that offer better routes or fares to Kigali
• Business travellers and conference visitors already in Kigali
• Safari-goers coming from Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar who want to add gorillas

If your trip focuses on northern Uganda, such as Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley, starting in Entebbe is usually better. For the southwest, Kigali is hard to beat.

7 Benefits of Starting Your Uganda Safari in Kigali

1. Much shorter drives to the gorillas. The drive from Kigali to Kisoro and the southern sectors of Bwindi takes about four hours. From Entebbe, the same journey takes nine to ten hours. That difference alone can save you a full day on a short safari.

2. Cheaper gorilla permits than Rwanda. A Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, compared with USD 1,500 in Rwanda. By flying into Kigali but trekking in Uganda, you enjoy Rwanda’s convenience and Uganda’s lower permit price.

3. Excellent flight connections. Kigali International Airport is served by RwandAir and several major international airlines, with direct or one-stop connections to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and across Africa.

4. A safe, welcoming start. Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. It is easy to spend a relaxed day there before or after your safari.

5. Two countries in one trip. A Kigali start makes it easy to add Rwanda’s highlights, such as golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimps in Nyungwe Forest National Park or a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park.

6. Beautiful scenery from the first hour. The road from Kigali to the border passes terraced hills, tea estates and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes. Your safari starts the moment you leave the airport.

7. Flexible for any budget. Whether you want a one-day express trek or a ten-day grand tour, routes through Kigali can be adapted to every budget, from simple guesthouses to luxury lodges.

Border Crossings Between Rwanda and Uganda

There are three main border crossings used on Uganda safaris through Kigali. Your driver-guide chooses the best one for your itinerary.

Border crossing	Rwanda side	Uganda side	Best for
Cyanika	Near Musanze	Near Kisoro	Mgahinga, Bwindi Rushaga and Nkuringo
Gatuna / Katuna	Gatuna	Katuna, near Kabale	Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Ruhija and Buhoma, Queen Elizabeth
Kagitumba / Mirama Hills	Kagitumba, near Akagera	Mirama Hills, near Ntungamo	Lake Mburo, Mbarara and routes north to Kibale

Border formalities usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Your guide helps you complete Rwandan exit and Ugandan entry procedures, and the vehicle crossing is handled by our team. Borders are open daily, though opening hours can change, so we always plan crossings during daytime.

Driving Times from Kigali to Uganda’s Top Parks

The table below shows approximate road travel times from Kigali compared with Entebbe. Times can vary with weather, road works and border queues.

Destination in Uganda	From Kigali	From Entebbe
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park	About 3.5 hours	9 – 10 hours
Bwindi, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors	About 4 – 4.5 hours	9 – 10 hours
Lake Bunyonyi	About 3 hours	7 – 8 hours
Bwindi, Ruhija sector	About 5 hours	8 – 9 hours
Bwindi, Buhoma sector	About 6 – 7 hours	9 – 10 hours
Lake Mburo National Park	About 5 hours	4 – 5 hours
Queen Elizabeth National Park	About 7 – 8 hours	6 – 7 hours
Kibale Forest National Park	About 9 hours	5 – 6 hours

The pattern is clear. For the southwest, especially the gorilla parks, Kigali is the best gateway. For a longer circuit including Kibale or Murchison, many travellers fly into Entebbe and fly out of Kigali, or the other way round. We call this an open-jaw safari, and it avoids driving the same road twice.

The Classic Uganda Safari Route from Kigali

Most Uganda safaris through Kigali follow one of three routes:

• The gorilla express: Kigali – Cyanika – Kisoro – Mgahinga or Bwindi (south) – back to Kigali. Perfect for one to three days.
• The southwest loop: Kigali – Katuna – Lake Bunyonyi – Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth – Lake Mburo – Mirama Hills – Kigali. Ideal for five to seven days.
• The grand circuit: Kigali – Bwindi – Queen Elizabeth – Kibale – Fort Portal – Murchison Falls – Entebbe (or back to Kigali). Best for ten days or more.

You can learn more about the wider country in the Kenlink Tours Uganda overview and their Rwanda safaris guide.

Popular Uganda Safaris Through Kigali by Length

Whether you have one day or two weeks, there is a Uganda safari through Kigali that fits your schedule. Here are the most popular options.

Duration	Main highlights	Best for
1 day	Gorilla trek in Mgahinga, same-day return	Very tight schedules
2 days	Gorilla trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga with one night near the park	Weekend trips, business travellers
3 days	Gorilla trek plus Lake Bunyonyi or culture	Relaxed short trips
5 days	Gorillas, chimps and Queen Elizabeth wildlife	Primate lovers
7 days	Uganda and Rwanda highlights combined	First-time visitors
10 – 15 days	Full primate and wildlife circuit in both countries	In-depth explorers

1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali

The one-day gorilla safari is the ultimate express adventure. You leave Kigali very early in the morning, cross the Cyanika border, trek the Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga and return to Kigali the same night. It is a long day, often 18 hours or more, but it is possible because Mgahinga is so close to the border.

This option suits travellers with only one free day, such as conference delegates or people on a stopover. See our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali for full details.

2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour from Kigali

The two-day trip is our most popular short safari. On day one, you drive from Kigali to a lodge near Bwindi’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sector, or to Kisoro for Mgahinga, and spend a relaxed afternoon in the mountains. On day two, you trek the gorillas in the morning and return to Kigali by evening.

Sleeping near the park means you start the trek fresh and do not have to rush. Our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali starts from USD 1,200 per person, including the permit. Kenlink Tours’ 2 Days Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari follows a similar route.

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda

A three-day safari adds breathing room and variety. After your gorilla trek, you can spend a day canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most beautiful lakes, visit a Batwa community, hike a Virunga volcano or track golden monkeys in Mgahinga.

This is a great choice for travellers who want gorillas plus a taste of Ugandan culture and landscapes. See our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda, or compare it with Kenlink Tours’ 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari from Rwanda

With five days, you can see both of Africa’s great apes. A typical route runs from Kigali to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, then north through Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and on to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking. You can then return to Kigali or end in Entebbe.

Our 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari Starting from Rwanda covers this route. Kenlink Tours’ 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda and 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari are interesting alternatives, the latter letting you trek gorillas in both countries.

7 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari

A one-week safari lets you combine the best of both countries. A popular plan includes a Kigali city tour, gorilla trekking in Uganda, golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a day at Lake Bunyonyi and a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth or Akagera.

Our 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure is designed for exactly this. If you prefer a Uganda-only week, our 7 Days Uganda Safari – One Week Tour is a classic choice.

10 to 15 Days Uganda and Rwanda Safari

For travellers with more time, a ten-day or longer safari delivers the complete East African experience: gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, tree-climbing lions, the Big Five, waterfalls, lakes and rich cultures.

Our 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari and 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari cover both countries in depth. Kenlink Tours offers the 10-Days Tour in Rwanda and Uganda and the 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate and Big-Five Safari Adventure for comparison.

If you want to go even further, our 18 Days Kenya Rwanda Uganda Safari adds the Masai Mara and Kenya’s wildlife spectacle.

Visa Requirements for Uganda Safaris Through Kigali

Because you will be crossing between Rwanda and Uganda, you need permission to enter both countries. The easiest solution for most travellers is the East Africa Tourist Visa.

• East Africa Tourist Visa: Costs USD 100, is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. It is ideal for cross-border safaris. Apply online before travel and enter first through the country that issued it.
• Separate visas: You can also get a Rwanda visa (many nationalities receive it on arrival or visa-free) and a Uganda e-visa (USD 50) separately. Make sure your Uganda visa allows the entry date and border you plan to use.
• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months with blank pages.
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Uganda and may be checked at the border.

Visa rules change, so always check official government sources before you travel. We share up-to-date guidance with every booking.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits

Permits are the most important part of any primate safari. In Uganda, they are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and booked through licensed operators.

Permit	Foreign non-resident price
Uganda gorilla trekking (Bwindi or Mgahinga)	USD 800
Uganda gorilla habituation (Rushaga, Bwindi)	USD 1,500
Uganda chimpanzee tracking (Kibale)	USD 250
Rwanda gorilla trekking (Volcanoes)	USD 1,500

In 2026, UWA introduced discounted low-season permits for April, May and November. Because prices and rules can change, contact us for the latest rates. Gorilla permits are limited to eight visitors per family per day, so we recommend booking three to six months ahead, especially for June to September and December to February.

How Much Do Uganda Safaris Through Kigali Cost?

The cost depends on trip length, accommodation and group size. Here are typical starting prices per person for two people sharing, including permits:

Safari	Estimated starting price per person
1 day gorilla safari	From about USD 1,000
2 days gorilla tour	From USD 1,200
3 days gorilla safari	From about USD 1,400
5 days gorillas and chimps	From about USD 2,200
7 days Uganda and Rwanda	From about USD 2,800
10+ days	From about USD 3,800

Prices usually include permits, park fees, private 4×4 transport, an English-speaking driver-guide, accommodation, meals and drinking water. Flights, visas, insurance, tips and drinks are not included. Larger groups pay less per person.

Self-Drive Uganda Safaris from Kigali

Confident drivers can explore Uganda independently in a rented 4×4. Cross-border self-drive requires the right paperwork, including a COMESA insurance certificate and vehicle authorisation for the border, which a good rental company arranges for you. Pick and Transfer Safaris offers self-drive options through our partner site, and Kenlink Tours provides 4×4 car hire with or without a driver. If you are new to African roads, we recommend a driver-guide, at least for the gorilla parks where roads are steep and unpaved.

Best Time for Uganda Safaris Through Kigali

Uganda safaris run all year, but the seasons affect your experience:

• Dry seasons (June to September, December to February): Best for hiking, wildlife viewing and photography. Busy months, so book early.
• Wet seasons (March to May, October to November): Greener landscapes, fewer visitors and lower lodge rates, with discounted permits in April, May and November. Trails are muddier.

The southwestern highlands around Kisoro and Bwindi are cool all year. Pack warm layers for evenings and a rain jacket for the forest.

Practical Tips for Crossing from Kigali into Uganda

• Money: Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc and Uganda uses the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, but bring notes printed after 2013 in good condition. Mobile money and ATMs are available in larger towns.
• Plastic bag ban: Rwanda has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Pack your items in reusable or cloth bags.
• SIM cards: Buy a local SIM in each country, or use an East Africa roaming plan. Network coverage near the gorilla parks can be patchy.
• Time zone: Uganda is one hour ahead of Rwanda. Keep this in mind for border opening hours and flights.
• Driving side: Rwanda drives on the right and Uganda on the left. Your driver-guide manages the switch at the border.
• Luggage: Light aircraft and small safari vehicles have limited space. Soft bags are best, and you can leave excess luggage at your Kigali hotel on short trips.
• Health: Take malaria prevention, drink bottled water and bring a small first-aid kit.

Where to Stay Before and During Your Safari

In Kigali: Most international flights land in the evening or at night, so we recommend one night in Kigali before your safari. The city offers everything from budget guesthouses to international hotels. If you have spare time, explore Kigali City with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, local art galleries and coffee shops.

In Kisoro: Our own Ikoro Hotel sits opposite Nyakabande Airstrip at the foot of the Virunga Mountains, about 15 km from Mgahinga and 36 km from Bwindi. It is a comfortable, friendly base just 15 minutes from the Cyanika border, ideal for gorilla treks in Mgahinga and southern Bwindi.

Near Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth: We work with carefully selected lodges in every price range, from community-run guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. We always book lodges close to your activity starting points to cut early-morning travel.

Combining Uganda with Rwanda’s Highlights

One of the greatest advantages of Uganda safaris through Kigali is how easily you can add Rwanda’s attractions:

• Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, best combined with a Uganda gorilla trek. See Kenlink Tours’ 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking.
• A second gorilla trek in Rwanda with our 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali.
• Chimpanzees and canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest on our 2 Days Nyungwe Chimps Tracking Trip.
• Big Five game drives in Akagera with our 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali.
• Relaxation on Lake Kivu, with beaches, boat trips and coffee tours around Gisenyi and Kibuye.

Browse all our safari packages and destinations to build your perfect combination. Solo travellers can also look at Kenlink Tours’ group tours to share costs.

Why Book Uganda Safaris Through Kigali with Pick and Transfer Safaris

We created Pick and Transfer Safaris after seeing how many travellers struggled with long drives from Entebbe to the gorilla parks. Starting from Kigali was the answer, and it has become our speciality.

• Cross-border experts: Our office is on the Kabale–Kisoro road near the Cyanika border. We know every border post, road and timing.
• Our own hotel near the gorillas: Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro gives our guests a reliable, welcoming base.
• Affordable by design: Our safaris are built for budget and mid-range travellers, with honest pricing and no hidden costs.
• Permits secured: As a licensed operator, we book gorilla and chimp permits directly with UWA.
• Airport pick-up included: We meet you at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, at a time that suits your flight.
• Tailor-made trips: Every safari can be adjusted to your dates, interests and budget.
• Community impact: Part of our profits supports orphans and community projects through the Kigezi Foundation.

Learn more about us and our team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Safaris Through Kigali

Is it better to fly into Kigali or Entebbe for gorilla trekking in Uganda? For Bwindi and Mgahinga, Kigali is usually better. The drive is about four hours compared with nine to ten hours from Entebbe. For northern Uganda, Entebbe is the better gateway.

Is it safe to cross the border between Rwanda and Uganda? Yes. The Cyanika, Gatuna/Katuna and Kagitumba/Mirama Hills borders are busy, well-managed crossings used by tourists every day. Your guide accompanies you through all formalities.

Can I do a Uganda gorilla trek and return to Kigali in one day? Yes, by trekking in Mgahinga, which is closest to the border. It is a very long day, so we recommend two days if your schedule allows.

Do I need a Ugandan driver once I cross the border? No. Our driver-guides are licensed to operate in both countries and stay with you for the whole trip.

Can I start in Kigali and end in Entebbe? Yes. Open-jaw safaris that start in Kigali and end in Entebbe, or the reverse, are a great way to see more without retracing your route.

How far in advance should I book? Book at least three to six months ahead for peak seasons, and even earlier for Mgahinga, which has only eight gorilla permits per day.

What currency should I bring? US dollars are best for tourism payments. Bring clean notes printed after 2013. Local currency is useful for small purchases and tips.

Start Planning Your Uganda Safari Through Kigali

Uganda safaris through Kigali combine the best of two remarkable countries: Rwanda’s easy access and Uganda’s incredible wildlife and lower permit prices. Whether you have one day for a gorilla trek or two weeks for the complete primate and wildlife circuit, starting in Kigali saves time, reduces travel fatigue and gives you more hours to enjoy the experiences that matter.

Tell us your travel dates, group size, interests and budget, and our team will design a tailored itinerary with a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. Gorilla permits are limited, so the earlier you plan, the better your choice of dates and lodges.

Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris today and let us take you from Kigali to the heart of Uganda. We plan, you explore.