Uganda Gorillas Combining with Akagera Safari. Imagine spending one morning face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in the misty forests of south-western Uganda, and a few days later watching lions stretch out on the golden Kilala Plains while hippos grunt in the lake below. That is exactly what a Uganda gorillas combined with Akagera safari delivers: the world’s best primate encounter and a classic Big Five savannah safari, in a single, well-connected trip.

Uganda is famous for its gorillas, and its gorilla permits cost far less than Rwanda’s. Rwanda, meanwhile, is home to Akagera National Park, the country’s only savannah park and a remarkable conservation success story where lions and rhinos have returned after years of absence. Linked by good roads and an easy route through Kigali, the two make a natural pair for travellers who want forest and savannah, primates and predators, without long internal flights.

In this guide, the team at Kenlink Tours explains everything you need to plan this combination: what makes Akagera special, the best routes and border crossings, realistic drive times, sample itineraries, gorilla permits, visas, the best time to travel, where to stay and what it costs. We have been arranging Uganda and Rwanda safaris since 2010, and this pairing is one of the most rewarding trips we design.

Why Combine Uganda Gorillas with an Akagera Safari?

Most East African itineraries force a choice between forests and plains. This combination gives you both, and it does so efficiently.

• Primates and the Big Five in one trip. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga is an intimate, emotional forest experience. Akagera adds open-horizon game drives with lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.
• Excellent value. Trekking gorillas in Uganda rather than Rwanda saves a substantial amount on the permit alone, leaving more budget for extra nights in Akagera.
• Short, convenient distances. Kigali International Airport sits between the two. Akagera is around two and a half to three hours east of the capital, while Uganda’s southern gorilla parks are roughly four to five hours to the north-west.
• Two countries, two cultures. You experience Uganda’s wild, green south-west and Rwanda’s tidy hills, vibrant capital and welcoming communities.
• A conservation story you can see. Both gorilla tourism and Akagera’s recovery show how tourism revenue directly protects wildlife and supports local people.

If you are new to Rwanda’s wildlife, our guide on where to see the Big Five in Rwanda explains why Akagera is the only place in the country to complete the set.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This combination suits almost every type of traveller, but it is especially popular with:

• First-time safari-goers who want a complete African experience in one or two weeks
• Photographers who want both intimate gorilla portraits and classic savannah wildlife scenes
• Couples and honeymooners looking for adventure balanced with relaxing lodge time
• Families with teenagers aged 15 and over, who meet the minimum age for gorilla trekking
• Travellers on a budget who want the gorilla experience at Uganda’s lower permit price
• Return visitors to Africa who have done Kenya or Tanzania and want something quieter and less crowded

Akagera National Park at a Glance

Akagera lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Covering around 1,122 square kilometres, it is Rwanda’s largest protected area and its only savannah park, a mosaic of rolling grassland, acacia woodland, papyrus swamps and a chain of lakes fed by the Akagera River. You can read a detailed overview on Pick and Transfer Safaris’ Akagera National Park guide.

The park’s story is one of the most inspiring in African conservation. Decades of conflict, poaching and settlement left it badly depleted, and lions and rhinos disappeared entirely. Since 2010, Akagera has been managed by the conservation organisation African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. Under that partnership, seven lions were reintroduced in 2015, eighteen eastern black rhinos returned in 2017 with more added in 2019, and white rhinos were later translocated too. Today Akagera is once again a true Big Five park.

Wildlife You Can See in Akagera

• Lions – prides now roam the northern plains and woodlands, descended from the animals reintroduced in 2015.
• Rhinos – both black and white rhinos are present, with black rhinos usually found in thicker bush.
• Elephants – herds move between the woodland, plains and lakeshores.
• Buffalo – large herds graze the open grasslands.
• Leopards – present but elusive, most often seen at dusk or on night drives.
• Giraffes, zebras and antelope – Masai giraffe, plains zebra, impala, topi, waterbuck, eland and the tiny oribi are common sights.
• Hippos and crocodiles – Lake Ihema and the other lakes hold large populations of both.
• Birds – hundreds of species have been recorded, including fish eagles, herons and storks, and, with luck, the rare shoebill and papyrus gonolek in the swamps.

Top Things to Do in Akagera

Game drives. Morning and late-afternoon game drives across the Kilala Plains and the park’s northern grasslands offer the best chances of seeing lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. A full-day drive lets you cross the park from the southern lakes to the open northern savannah.

Boat safari on Lake Ihema. This is one of Akagera’s signature experiences. Cruising along papyrus-lined shores, you pass pods of hippos, basking Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds. A late-afternoon boat trip, when the light turns golden, is a perfect contrast to a morning game drive.

Night drives. Guests staying in or near the park can join guided night drives to look for leopards, hyenas, bush babies and other nocturnal animals rarely seen by day.

Guided walks and behind-the-scenes experiences. Walking safaris and conservation-focused activities offer a closer look at the park’s habitats and the work that brought its wildlife back.

Birdwatching. With wetlands, woodland and savannah side by side, Akagera is a rewarding destination for birders, especially in the green season.

Our 3-Day Akagera Game Drive Safari includes the classic combination of game drives and a Lake Ihema boat trip, and Pick and Transfer Safaris offers a similar 3 Days Akagera National Park Safari from Kigali.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga

Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, protected in two national parks in the far south-west.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a vast, ancient rainforest with many habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Bwindi is also the only place in Uganda offering the gorilla habituation experience, where you can spend up to four hours with a family still being habituated. Learn more in this Bwindi Impenetrable National Park overview.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes near Kisoro. It is smaller, with fewer gorilla families, but also offers golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes with stunning views across Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. See this Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guide.

A gorilla trek begins with an early ranger briefing, followed by a hike through the forest to find your assigned family. Treks can last from under an hour to most of the day depending on where the gorillas are. Once you find them, you spend one unforgettable hour watching them feed, play and interact, just metres away.

For a focused Uganda gorilla trip, see our 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari.

How to Get from Uganda’s Gorilla Parks to Akagera

Uganda’s gorilla parks are in the far south-west, while Akagera is in Rwanda’s far east. Kigali sits roughly in between, which makes it the natural hub for this trip.

Route 1: The Kigali Loop (Most Popular)

For most travellers, the easiest plan is to fly into Kigali International Airport and travel in a loop:

1. Kigali to Akagera: around two and a half to three hours east on good tarmac to the park’s southern gate near Kayonza.
2. Akagera to Kigali: return to the capital, ideally with an overnight stop to break up the journey and explore the city.
3. Kigali to Uganda’s gorilla parks: around four to five hours north-west, crossing at the Cyanika border for Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo), or at the Katuna (Gatuna) border for Bwindi’s northern Buhoma and eastern Ruhija sectors.
4. Uganda back to Kigali: return the same way for your flight home.

Driving directly from Akagera to Bwindi in one day is possible but long, often seven to eight hours plus border formalities. We usually recommend an overnight in Kigali or Musanze in between. A night in Kigali City is a pleasure in itself, with excellent restaurants, craft markets and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Why Kigali rather than Entebbe? The drive from Kigali to Uganda’s southern gorilla parks is far shorter than the drive from Entebbe or Kampala, which can take most of a day. That is why so many travellers now start their Uganda gorilla safaris from Kigali.

Route 2: Overland Through Northern Rwanda and Southern Uganda

For longer trips, you can cross between the two countries further east at the Mirama Hills (Kagitumba) border, one of the main road crossings between Uganda and Rwanda, which lies not far from Akagera’s northern section. From there, you can continue into southern Uganda to visit Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and then Bwindi. This route suits travellers who want a grand overland journey with more wildlife stops in Uganda. Ask our team about current road conditions and border hours when planning it.

Which Order Is Best: Gorillas First or Akagera First?

Both work well, but there are good reasons to consider each option:

• Akagera first: a gentle start after a long international flight, with comfortable game drives while you adjust to the time zone. You then build up to the physical challenge of gorilla trekking.
• Gorillas first: the trekking date is the most important fixed point, so starting with gorillas reduces the risk of delays affecting it. Ending with relaxed game drives and boat trips makes for a calm finish.

We usually plan the order around the date we can secure your gorilla permit.

Sample Itineraries: Uganda Gorillas and Akagera

Every trip we plan is tailored, but these sample itineraries show how the two experiences fit together.

5 Days: Uganda Gorilla Trek and Akagera Big Five

• Day 1 – Kigali to Akagera. Arrive in Kigali and drive east to Akagera. Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema.
• Day 2 – Akagera game drive, transfer to Kigali. Early morning game drive on the northern plains, then return to Kigali for the night.
• Day 3 – Kigali to Uganda. Drive north-west, cross at Cyanika and continue to your lodge near Rushaga or Mgahinga.
• Day 4 – Gorilla trekking. Spend your magical hour with a mountain gorilla family. Afternoon at leisure or a community walk.
• Day 5 – Return to Kigali. Drive back to Kigali for your departure flight.

7 Days: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys and Akagera

This version adds golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and gives you a full extra day in Akagera for game drives, a night drive and the boat safari. It balances action and relaxation beautifully. Our 5-Day Gorillas & Wildlife Rwanda Safari, which combines gorillas with Akagera, can be adapted to trek in Uganda instead.

9–10 Days: The Classic Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari

With nine or ten days, you can add Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest or Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our 9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari and 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari are excellent starting points. Pick and Transfer Safaris also offers a well-paced 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari.

Two Weeks or More: The Ultimate East Africa Primate and Big Five Journey

For the complete experience, combine chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest, game drives and boat trips in Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorillas in Bwindi, then Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Akagera in Rwanda. See our 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate & Big-Five Safari Adventure, Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari, or our 20-Day East Africa Safari Itinerary for even more inspiration.

Uganda Gorilla Permits Explained

Your gorilla permit is the cornerstone of the trip, so book it first and plan the rest around it.

• Issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for both Bwindi and Mgahinga, and booked by foreign visitors through licensed tour operators.
• Price: Uganda’s standard permit for foreign non-residents has been USD 800, with discounted low-season permits reported for April, May and November. UWA has announced an increase to USD 1,000, which operators report will apply from 2027. Rwanda’s permit costs USD 1,500, so trekking in Uganda offers real savings. Always confirm the current rate when booking.
• What it covers: park entry, the guided trek with UWA rangers and one hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Availability: permits are limited per family per day and sell out early for June to September and the Christmas period. Book three to six months ahead where possible.
• Minimum age: 15 years.

Akagera Park Fees and Activities

Akagera’s park entry, game drive, boat safari and night drive fees are charged separately from gorilla permits and accommodation. Operators list foreign-visitor park entry at around USD 100, but fees are set by the park and can change, so we confirm the latest rates in your quote. A 4×4 vehicle is required for self-drive visitors, and many travellers prefer to include a guided game drive with a park guide who knows where the lions and rhinos have recently been seen.

Visas and Border Tips

• East Africa Tourist Visa: covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with multiple entries for up to 90 days, perfect for crossing between the gorilla parks and Akagera. Check the latest fees and apply through the official immigration portal of your first country of entry.
• Passport: valid for at least six months beyond travel, with blank pages.
• Yellow fever certificate: carry it, as it may be checked at the border.
• Plastic bags: single-use plastic bags are banned in Rwanda, and Akagera has gone further by banning single-use plastics in the park. Pack reusable alternatives.
• Driving sides: Uganda drives on the left, Rwanda on the right.
• Currency: US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, but carry some Uganda shillings and Rwandan francs for small purchases.

Best Time for a Uganda Gorillas and Akagera Safari

• Dry seasons (June to September and mid-December to February): the best overall time. Gorilla trails are drier and easier, while Akagera’s vegetation thins and animals gather around the lakes, making game viewing excellent. This is peak season, so book early.
• Wet seasons (March to May and October to mid-December): the landscapes are lush and green, birdwatching is superb, lodges are quieter and some offer lower rates. Gorilla trails are muddier and some Akagera roads become more challenging.

Whatever the season, pack waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long sleeves and gardening gloves for the gorilla trek, then a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and neutral-coloured clothing for Akagera.

Where to Stay

Near Uganda’s gorillas: Lodges around Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija and Mgahinga range from simple budget guesthouses to luxury eco-lodges. Staying close to your trekking sector avoids a long drive before dawn. Kisoro and Lake Mutanda are excellent bases for Mgahinga and southern Bwindi.

In Akagera: The park offers options for every budget. Magashi Camp in the private northern concession is the most exclusive luxury choice. Ruzizi Tented Lodge sits on the shore of Lake Ihema and is ideal for combining boat trips and game drives. Akagera Rhino Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp offer good-value stays. We recommend at least two nights in Akagera to enjoy a game drive, a boat safari and ideally a night drive without rushing.

In Kigali: A wide choice of hotels makes an easy overnight between the two halves of the trip.

How Much Does a Uganda Gorillas and Akagera Safari Cost?

The total depends on trip length, season, comfort level and group size. The main components are:

• The Uganda gorilla permit
• Akagera park entry and activity fees
• Accommodation near the gorillas, in Akagera and in Kigali
• A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide, including fuel
• Optional activities such as golden monkey tracking, night drives or a Kigali city tour
• Visas and travel insurance

As a guide to accommodation costs in Akagera, operator listings put budget camps at roughly USD 60–150 per person per night, mid-range lodges at around USD 150–350, and the most exclusive luxury camps from about USD 500 to over USD 1,200 per person per night. Sharing a vehicle with more travellers lowers the per-person price of transport.

For a personalised quote, contact Kenlink Tours with your travel dates, group size and preferred comfort level, and we will put together a tailored itinerary and price.

Short on Time? Quick Ways to Build Your Trip

If you only have a few days, start with a short Kigali-based gorilla package and add Akagera on either side. Good building blocks include our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali, the 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali and the 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda. Pick and Transfer Safaris offers a similar 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali.

On the Rwanda side, Pick and Transfer Safaris’ 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorillas pairs Akagera with gorillas, while its 4 Days Rwanda Wildlife and City Tour combines Akagera with Kigali, an easy add-on before or after a Uganda gorilla trek.

Extend Your Safari Further

Once you have gorillas and Akagera in place, it is easy to add more:

• Double gorilla trek: trek in both Uganda and Rwanda with our 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari.
• Lake Kivu: relax on Rwanda’s beautiful lakeshore with our 6-Day Rwanda Adventures – Great Apes and Lake Kivu.
• Chimpanzees in Nyungwe: add our 3-Day Nyungwe Forest National Park Tour for chimp tracking and the canopy walk.
• Self-drive: experienced travellers can explore independently with a 4×4 from our car hire service.

Tips for a Smooth Gorillas and Akagera Safari

• Secure your gorilla permit first, then build the itinerary around your trekking date.
• Spend at least two nights in Akagera to enjoy game drives, a boat safari and a night drive without rushing.
• Break up long drives with an overnight in Kigali or Musanze rather than going straight from Akagera to Bwindi.
• Stay close to your gorilla sector to avoid a very early, long drive on trekking day.
• Hire a porter for the gorilla trek. Porters carry your bag, help on steep sections and support local families.
• Bring good binoculars and a zoom lens for Akagera’s wildlife and birds.
• Follow gorilla rules: keep your distance, wear a mask if asked, and do not trek if you feel unwell.
• Book with a licensed operator that handles permits, border logistics and lodge bookings. Read our terms and conditions for booking details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine Uganda gorilla trekking with an Akagera safari? Yes. With Kigali as a central hub, you can trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga and enjoy a Big Five safari in Akagera in as little as five days.

How far is Akagera from Uganda’s gorilla parks? Akagera is around two and a half to three hours east of Kigali, while Uganda’s southern gorilla parks are about four to five hours north-west of Kigali. Most itineraries include an overnight in Kigali between the two.

Can I see the Big Five in Akagera? Yes. Following the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and rhinos from 2017, Akagera is Rwanda’s only Big Five park, with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.

Is it cheaper to trek gorillas in Uganda than in Rwanda? Yes. Uganda’s gorilla permit costs considerably less than Rwanda’s USD 1,500 permit, which is why many travellers trek in Uganda and spend the savings on Akagera.

How many days do I need? Five days is the minimum for one gorilla trek and a short Akagera visit. Seven to ten days allows a relaxed pace with extra activities such as golden monkey tracking, Lake Kivu or Nyungwe.

Should I fly into Kigali or Entebbe? Kigali is the most convenient gateway because it sits between Uganda’s southern gorilla parks and Akagera.

What is the best time to visit? The dry seasons, June to September and mid-December to February, offer the easiest gorilla treks and the best game viewing in Akagera. The green seasons are quieter, lusher and excellent for birding.

Can children join this safari? Children under 15 cannot trek gorillas, but families with younger children can still enjoy Akagera’s game drives and boat safari, with alternative activities arranged on gorilla trekking day.

Conclusion: Forest Giants and Savannah Kings in One Journey

A Uganda gorillas combined with Akagera safari gives you the best of both worlds: an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s ancient forests and classic Big Five game drives and boat safaris in Rwanda’s restored savannah. With Kigali as your hub, the logistics are simple, the distances manageable and the rewards enormous.

At Kenlink Tours, we have been crafting tailor-made safaris across Uganda and Rwanda since 2010. Explore our Uganda destinations and Rwanda safaris, and learn more about our team on our About Us page. You can also browse Pick and Transfer Safaris’ contact page for short Kigali-based gorilla trips.

Ready to plan your adventure? Call or WhatsApp +256 789 210 067, email info@kenlinktours.com, or send us an enquiry. A travel expert will reply within 24 hours with a tailored Uganda gorillas and Akagera itinerary.