How many days do you need for Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Embarking on a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that brings you face to face with one of the most majestic and endangered species on Earth: the mountain gorilla. But one of the most common questions travelers ask is, “How many days do I need for a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda?”

The short answer: it depends on your interests, budget, fitness level, and whether you want to explore other attractions besides gorillas. But to help you plan the perfect trip, let’s break it down in detail. But you can do a 2-5 days Gorilla safari from Rwanda to Uganda through Cyanika Boarder.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking?

Before we dive into the timeline, it’s important to understand why gorilla trekking is such a sought-after experience.

Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They live in high-altitude forests, and seeing them in the wild is an extraordinary encounter that requires hiking through dense jungle, guided by expert trackers and rangers.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer world-class gorilla trekking experiences. Uganda’s main trekking locations are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while Rwanda’s top destination is Volcanoes National Park.

Because trekking permits are expensive (about $800 in Uganda and $1,500 in Rwanda as of 2025) and the experience is physically demanding, it’s crucial to plan the right number of days to make your trip rewarding without feeling rushed or exhausted.

The Minimum: 3 Days

At the very least, you need 3 days for a gorilla safari in either Uganda or Rwanda. Here’s how that typically looks:

• Day 1: Arrive at the nearest town (Bwindi/Mgahinga in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda). This usually involves a long drive or a short domestic flight.

• Day 2: Gorilla trekking day! You’ll start early, join a briefing at the park headquarters, and then hike into the forest to find the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re tracking. You’ll spend one magical hour with the gorillas once you find them.

• Day 3: Return journey to your starting city (Kigali or Entebbe) or continue to your next destination.

While a 3-day trip covers the basics, it’s quite rushed, especially in Uganda where the road transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi can take 8–10 hours. If your schedule and budget allow, adding a few extra days makes a world of difference.

Ideal Duration: 4–5 Days

Most travelers opt for a 4- to 5-day safari, which provides a much better balance between adventure and comfort. Here’s why:

1. Travel Time: In Uganda, you can break up the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi with an overnight stop at Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park. This not only reduces road fatigue but also allows you to see other wildlife like zebras, hippos, and elephants.

2. Buffer Day: It’s smart to add an extra day in case of delays, bad weather, or to simply relax before or after the trek. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, and a rest day lets you recharge.

3. Second Trek or Golden Monkey Tracking: With an extra day, you can go on a second gorilla trek to visit a different family group or join a golden monkey tracking adventure in Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Each trek is unique, and many travelers find a second visit even more rewarding.

Sample 5-day Uganda itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, drive/fly to Bwindi

• Day 2: Gorilla trekking

• Day 3: Rest day or optional village walk/community tour

• Day 4: Second gorilla trek or golden monkey trek

• Day 5: Return to Entebbe

Sample 4-day Rwanda itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Day 2: Gorilla trekking

• Day 3: Optional second trek or golden monkey tracking

• Day 4: Return to Kigali, city tour, fly out

The Luxury Option: 6–7 Days or More

For travelers who want a luxury or extended safari experience, 6 to 7 days is perfect. This allows you to combine gorilla trekking with other incredible activities in the region.

In Uganda, you can add:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest

• Game drives and boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• A visit to Lake Bunyonyi for scenic relaxation

In Rwanda, you can combine:

• A cultural experience at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

• A visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial

• A scenic hike or visit to Dian Fossey’s research site

• Relaxing at luxury lodges with spa treatments and fine dining

This kind of itinerary gives you a fuller immersion into the country’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture, making your safari a more rounded and memorable adventure.

Factors That Influence How Many Days You Need

Several factors will shape the ideal length of your gorilla safari:

• Fitness Level: If you’re fit and used to hiking, you can handle back-to-back treks. If you’re less active, adding rest days is highly recommended.

• Budget: Gorilla permits are pricey, and adding extra days means more accommodation and transport costs. Rwanda is generally more expensive than Uganda but offers easier access from Kigali.

• Travel Style: Are you the type of traveler who wants to tick off the bucket-list item and move on, or do you prefer slow travel with time to soak in the atmosphere?

• Season: Rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) can make trekking more challenging. In these months, adding buffer days is a smart choice.

Uganda or Rwanda: Where Should You Spend More Time?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional gorilla trekking, but the logistics are slightly different.

• Rwanda is easier to access. Volcanoes National Park is just a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, so you can comfortably do a 3–4-day trip. Rwanda also focuses heavily on luxury and high-end lodges.

• Uganda requires more travel time, especially by road, but offers a wider variety of national parks and activities. If you have 5–7 days, Uganda is a fantastic choice for combining gorillas with other wildlife experiences.

Tips for Planning Your Gorilla Safari

• Book permits early: Especially in high season (June–September), gorilla permits sell out months in advance.

• Pack well: Good hiking boots, gloves, rain gear, and layered clothing are essential.

• Travel insurance: Make sure it covers high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.

• Work with a reputable operator: They will handle the permits, transfers, guides, and accommodations, ensuring a smooth experience.

So, how many days do you need for a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda?

• Minimum: 3 days (bare bones, rushed)

• Ideal: 4–5 days (comfortable, balanced, more rewarding)

• Luxury/Extended: 6–7 days or more (for a deep dive into wildlife and culture)

Booking  gorilla trekking permit.

Booking a gorilla trekking permit is the most important step in planning your safari to Uganda or Rwanda. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially in the high season, so it’s best to secure yours at least 3–6 months in advance. In Uganda, permits cost about $800, while in Rwanda they are $1,500 per person. You cannot trek without one!

At Kenlink Tours, we make the process seamless by arranging your permits, accommodations, and transport as part of a customized safari package. We work directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board to secure your permits and ensure all logistics are in place. By booking with Kenlink Tours, you avoid the stress of handling permits yourself and enjoy a smooth, expertly organized gorilla trekking adventure. Contact us for your safari planning. 

Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a privilege and a conservation success story — but with it comes great responsibility. To protect the endangered mountain gorillas and ensure visitor safety, strict rules and regulations are enforced in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Here’s what every trekker must follow:

✅ Before the Trek:

• Always book your gorilla permit in advance; only visitors with valid permits are allowed.

• Minimum trekking age is 15 years.

• Listen carefully to the briefing at the park headquarters.

✅ Health and Hygiene:

• Do not trek if you are sick with flu, cough, or diarrhea — gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases.

• Wash your hands before entering the forest.

✅ During the Trek:

• Keep a minimum distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the gorillas.

• Stay in your group, follow your guide, and avoid sudden movements.

• Speak in a low voice; avoid loud noises and shouting.

• Do not use flash photography.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the gorillas.

✅ When with the Gorillas:

• You are allowed only one hour with the gorillas to minimize disturbance.

• If you need to sneeze or cough, turn away and cover your mouth and nose.

• Do not touch the gorillas, even if they come close.

• Stay calm and do not run if a gorilla charges — follow your guide’s instructions.

✅ Conservation Respect:

• Do not litter; carry all waste out of the park.

• Respect local communities and their customs.

What can i pack on Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

For a gorilla safari in Uganda, pack long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots to handle the dense forest and changing weather. Bring a warm fleece for cool mornings, a hat, sunglasses, gloves for protection against nettles, and a small backpack for essentials like water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit. Don’t forget your gorilla permit, passport, camera (no flash), extra batteries, and any personal medications. Gaiters, walking sticks (often provided), and a power bank are also helpful. At Kenlink Tours, we guide our guests on packing and offer porter services to make your trek as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.