Can i Combine Rwanda Uganda and Congo Safari? The Virunga Massif is one of the most remarkable places on Earth. Eight volcanoes rise along the borders of three countries: Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mountain gorillas move freely across these borders, and the three countries’ national parks together protect one of Africa’s most important wildlife habitats. So travelers often ask us: can I combine a Rwanda, Uganda and Congo safari in one trip?

The short answer is that a three-country gorilla safari is geographically very easy, and for years it was one of the great adventures in African travel. In 2026, however, the Congo part of the trip depends on the security situation in eastern DRC, and at the time of writing the main Congolese gorilla park is closed to visitors.

At Kenlink Tours, we believe safari planning should start with honest, current information. This guide explains how the three-country safari works, what each country offers, the current Congo situation, what signs to watch for before booking, and how to get the closest experience to a “three-country” gorilla safari today, safely, through Uganda and Rwanda.

Why the Rwanda, Uganda and Congo Safari Is So Appealing

The idea is easy to understand. The three countries meet in one volcanic range, and each offers something the others don’t.

• Rwanda has Volcanoes National Park, with well-organized gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, Dian Fossey’s research site, Lake Kivu beaches and Kigali, one of Africa’s safest capitals.
• Uganda has Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, cheaper gorilla permits, chimpanzees in Kibale, and savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
• Congo (DRC) has Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, known for mountain gorillas and the night hike up Mount Nyiragongo to its glowing lava lake. Further south, Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects the Eastern Lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla, the largest gorilla subspecies, which is found nowhere else.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the chance to see two gorilla subspecies and trek in three countries on one trip is hard to resist. That is why the three-country safari became so popular before the most recent conflict.

How a Three-Country Gorilla Safari Worked

Before Congo’s parks closed, the classic route was simple because the borders are so close together:

1. Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda, and drive to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking.
2. Drive to Gisenyi (Rubavu) on Lake Kivu and cross the short border to Goma in the DRC.
3. Trek mountain gorillas in Virunga and/or hike Mount Nyiragongo to sleep on the crater rim above the lava lake.
4. Return to Rwanda and cross into Uganda at Cyanika, or cross directly from Congo to Uganda at Bunagana, near Kisoro.
5. Trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, then continue to Queen Elizabeth, Kibale or back to Kigali.

Some travelers also went south from Rwanda through Rusizi to Bukavu to see the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega.

The Rwanda and Uganda parts of this route still run every day. Our Uganda–Rwanda connecting safaris use the same roads and borders as the three-country route did.

The Current Situation in Eastern Congo (2026)

This is the most important section of the guide.

Virunga National Park has been closed to tourists for most of the time since 2020. It closed first during COVID-19, and the closure has continued because of armed conflict in North Kivu province. In 2025, the armed group M23 took control of Goma, the city through which all Virunga tourism operates. Fighting and instability have continued in the surrounding region, and at the time of writing Virunga’s gorilla treks and Nyiragongo hikes are not available to book.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park lies near Bukavu in South Kivu, which was also affected by the 2025 conflict. Some tour operators still advertise Kahuzi-Biega trips, but many governments advise against all travel to North and South Kivu. Travel insurance usually does not cover destinations under a “do not travel” advisory.

What this means for you:

• Do not book a Congo gorilla trip based on older blog posts or old itineraries. Many were written before 2025.
• Check official sources before you plan: the Virunga National Park website, your government’s travel advisory, and a trusted local operator.
• Check that your travel insurance covers the specific region you plan to visit.

We will update this guide as the situation changes. The good news is that you can still see mountain gorillas and the Virunga volcanoes safely today through Rwanda and Uganda.

Signs That Congo Is Reopening for Safaris

Many travelers want to know when a three-country safari will be possible again. Nobody can predict that precisely, but these are the signs we watch for:

1. An official reopening announcement from Virunga National Park, with trek bookings open again.
2. Updated government travel advisories that lift the highest warning levels for North Kivu.
3. The Goma border and airport running normally for tourists.
4. Lodges such as Mikeno Lodge reopening to international guests.
5. Travel insurers providing cover for the region again.

Until most of these signs appear, we recommend Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla safaris. If you would like us to let you know when Congo safaris become viable again, contact our team and we will keep you informed.

The Best Alternative: A Rwanda and Uganda Double Gorilla Safari

If you wanted Congo for the chance to trek gorillas in more than one country, a Rwanda–Uganda double gorilla safari gives you most of that experience without the risk.

Our 5 Days Uganda–Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari includes one trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and another in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The habitats are very different: bamboo and open volcanic slopes in Rwanda, dense ancient rainforest in Bwindi. You meet two gorilla families, in two countries, with two sets of rangers.

Mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi, so this itinerary covers the two main areas where they live. Congo’s Virunga is simply the third part of the same volcanic range.

Stand in Three Countries at Once: Mount Sabyinyo in Mgahinga

Here is one of East Africa’s lesser-known experiences. You can still stand in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo at the same moment, without entering eastern DRC.

Mount Sabyinyo in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park rises to about 3,669 metres. Its third peak is the point where the three borders meet. The guided hike from the Ugandan side is steep and involves wooden ladders, but reaching the summit means literally standing in three countries at once. On clear days you can see across the Virunga volcanoes, including peaks on the Congolese side.

Mgahinga also offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and the Batwa Trail, so it is a strong base for a “three-country” experience. For accommodation, see our guide to lodges near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga is only about 30 to 40 minutes from Kisoro. Pick and Transfer Safaris’ guide to Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro describes Kisoro as a town within reach of both the Rwanda and DRC borders, which makes it one of the region’s best-placed bases.

Golden Monkeys: A Virunga Species You Can Still See

Golden monkeys live only in the Virunga volcanoes and a few nearby forests. They are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga, and parts of eastern Congo. Tracking them in Rwanda and Uganda lets you see this Virunga-only primate without crossing into the DRC.

Our 4-Day Rwanda–Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking safari combines golden monkeys in Volcanoes with gorillas in Uganda. It is an efficient way to see the Virunga region’s best primates in a short time.

Volcano Hiking Alternatives to Nyiragongo

Many travelers were drawn to Congo by Mount Nyiragongo’s lava lake. That experience cannot currently be replaced, but Rwanda and Uganda offer rewarding volcano hikes of their own:

• Mount Bisoke (Rwanda): a day hike to a crater lake on the Rwanda–Congo border.
• Mount Karisimbi (Rwanda): the highest of the Virunga volcanoes, usually a two-day hike with a night on the mountain.
• Mount Muhavura (Uganda): a demanding climb to a small crater lake, with views across Lake Mutanda and into Rwanda.
• Mount Gahinga (Uganda): a gentler climb through bamboo forest to a swampy crater.
• Mount Sabyinyo (Uganda): the three-country summit described above.

These hikes are best added to a trip of a week or more. Our 3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park can easily be extended with a Bisoke hike.

Lake Kivu: See Congo from the Rwandan Shore

Lake Kivu is shared by Rwanda and Congo and forms part of their border. From Rwanda’s lakeside towns of Gisenyi (Rubavu), Kibuye (Karongi) and Cyangugu (Rusizi), you can look across the water toward the Congolese hills. Gisenyi is directly next to Goma, and on clear nights before the conflict, the glow of Nyiragongo could sometimes be seen from the Rwandan side.

Lake Kivu is a good place to rest after gorilla trekking. You can take boat trips to islands, kayak, visit coffee farms, watch the fishermen’s evening songs, or relax on sandy beaches. Our 6-Day Rwanda Adventure with the Great Apes and Lake Kivu combines primates and the lake in one relaxed itinerary.

Chimpanzees Without Congo: Nyungwe and Kibale

Congo’s forests are rich in primates, and Rwanda and Uganda offer excellent chimpanzee tracking too:

• Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda): an ancient montane rainforest with chimpanzees, large troops of colobus monkeys and a canopy walkway. See our 3-Day Nyungwe Forest National Park Tour.
• Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda): one of Africa’s best places to see chimpanzees, with 13 primate species. Our 3-Day Chimpanzee Tracking Safari is an easy add-on.
• Kalinzu Forest (Uganda): a quieter, more affordable option. Compare them in our guide to Kibale Forest vs Kalinzu Forest.

What About Lowland Gorillas?

The Eastern Lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla lives only in eastern DRC, so there is no Rwanda or Uganda alternative for that subspecies. Travelers who specifically want to see it will need to wait until Kahuzi-Biega is safely accessible and supported by official advisories.

There is a separate option for Western Lowland gorillas. They live in Central African countries such as the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville, a different country from the DRC) and the Central African Republic. Trips there are usually expensive fly-in safaris, logistically separate from East Africa, and not a road extension from Rwanda or Uganda. They are worth knowing about for serious gorilla enthusiasts, but they are a separate journey.

Sample Itinerary: The “Three-Country Virunga” Experience from Rwanda and Uganda

This 8-day itinerary captures the spirit of a three-country Virunga safari while staying in safe, open destinations:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali; city tour and Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Day 2: Drive to Volcanoes National Park; Iby’Iwacu cultural village.
• Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
• Day 4: Golden monkey tracking, then cross at Cyanika to Kisoro, Uganda.
• Day 5: Mount Sabyinyo hike, standing in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC at once.
• Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi (Rushaga).
• Day 7: Relax at Lake Mutanda or Lake Bunyonyi; canoeing and a village walk.
• Day 8: Return to Kigali for your flight.

You can add Queen Elizabeth National Park for big game, or Lake Kivu for beach time. For more combination ideas, see our 10 Days Uganda–Rwanda Combining Safari and the 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Tour.

Routing Your Trip: Kigali, Entebbe or Both?

For Virunga-focused trips, Kigali is usually the best airport. Volcanoes National Park is about 2.5 hours away, and Uganda’s southern gorilla parks are 4 to 5 hours away.

For longer trips that include Queen Elizabeth, Kibale or Murchison Falls, many travelers fly into Kigali and out of Entebbe. Pick and Transfer Safaris explains this one-way routing in its guide on whether you can begin your tour at Kigali Airport and end at Entebbe Airport. It avoids backtracking and makes good use of your time.

For ground transport between the two countries, you can use our car hire service or a specialist cross-border transfer company such as Pick and Transfer Safaris. Our guide to companies that do transfers from Rwanda to Bwindi, Uganda explains your options.

Visas for a Rwanda, Uganda and Congo Safari

For Rwanda and Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (about US$100) covers both countries, plus Kenya, with multiple entries for 90 days. Our page on whether you need a visa to travel to Uganda has full details.

The DRC is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa. When Virunga was operating, the park arranged special tourist visas for its visitors. If Congo reopens for tourism, you will need a separate DRC visa. Leaving and re-entering Rwanda or Uganda can also affect a single-entry visa, so plan carefully with your operator.

Costs: How the Three Countries Compare

Current permit prices for the countries you can visit today (confirm before booking):

• Rwanda gorilla permit: US$1,500 per person
• Uganda gorilla permit: US$800 per person
• Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience: US$1,500 per person

Before the closures, Congo’s gorilla permits were the cheapest of the three, which was one reason budget travelers were drawn to Virunga. That price difference no longer matters while the parks are closed and advisories remain at the highest levels. For value today, Uganda is the most affordable place to trek mountain gorillas, and many travelers trek there while enjoying Rwanda’s other highlights.

Best Time to Visit the Virunga Region

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda runs all year:

• June to September and December to February: drier trails, easier hiking and better photography. Book permits several months ahead.
• March to May and October to November: a greener landscape, fewer visitors and some lodge discounts, but muddier trails.

Volcano hikes such as Sabyinyo, Muhavura and Bisoke are more enjoyable in the drier months, when trails are firmer and views are clearer.

Making the Most of Your Time After Trekking

Gorilla treks usually finish by early afternoon, so you’ll have time for more. Options include a Batwa cultural experience, a community walk, a waterfall hike, or canoeing on a highland lake. Pick and Transfer Safaris’ guide on what to do after a gorilla tour in Bwindi lists good post-trek activities, from half-day excursions to longer extensions across Uganda and Rwanda.

Why Plan Your Virunga Safari with Kenlink Tours?

• Honest, current advice. We tell you what is safe and bookable now, not what was possible years ago.
• Local expertise in Uganda and Rwanda. Our guides know the Virunga borders, parks and gorilla families well.
• Permit handling for gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees.
• Flexible, tailor-made itineraries, including volcano hikes and lake extensions.
• Updates on Congo. Ask us to let you know when Congolese parks reopen safely.

Browse our gorilla trekking adventures or our Uganda safaris to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine Rwanda, Uganda and Congo on one safari right now?

Not the Congo gorilla section at the time of writing. Virunga’s gorilla treks and Nyiragongo hikes are closed, and eastern DRC is under strict travel advisories. Rwanda and Uganda are fully open and safe for gorilla safaris.

Is Virunga National Park open in 2026?

At the time of writing, no. Check the official Virunga National Park website for updates before planning.

Can I still see the Congo side of the Virunga volcanoes?

Yes. From Mount Sabyinyo in Uganda you can stand in all three countries at once, and the Rwanda and Uganda parks have views across the volcanic range.

Is it safe to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Yes. Both countries run well-managed, secure gorilla tourism programs and welcome thousands of trekkers every year.

Where can I see lowland gorillas?

Eastern Lowland gorillas live only in eastern DRC, which is currently subject to serious travel advisories. Western Lowland gorillas can be seen on separate fly-in safaris to countries such as the Republic of Congo.

Will Congo safaris reopen?

Virunga’s staff and conservation partners hope to reopen when conditions allow, but no reliable date exists. Follow official announcements and advisories.

Plan the Best Virunga Safari Available Today

So, can you combine a Rwanda, Uganda and Congo safari? Geographically it is one of the easiest three-country trips in Africa, and it may become possible again. For now, the smart and safe choice is a Rwanda–Uganda Virunga safari. You can trek gorillas in two countries, track golden monkeys, stand on the three-country summit of Mount Sabyinyo, and relax on Lake Kivu or Lake Mutanda.

Contact Kenlink Tours today for a free, tailor-made quote, and ask us to notify you when Congo reopens. For cross-border transfers and routing support, see our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris.