One border crossing, two countries’ worth of wildlife: gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and open savannah, all in a single, seamlessly planned trip.
Rwanda and Uganda share a border, a mountain range, and some of the last mountain gorillas on Earth, which makes combining them one of the smartest ways to safari in East Africa. Fly into Kigali, trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, cross overland into Uganda in a few hours, and add Bwindi’s second gorilla population, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and the open plains of Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, all without a second long-haul flight.
At All Rwanda Safaris, we build these cross-border trips end to end: permits in both countries, a guide who knows the route, comfortable lodges on each side, and a smooth border crossing so you spend your time watching wildlife, not queuing in transit.
Why Combine Rwanda and Uganda
More Primates, One Trip
Track mountain gorillas in both Volcanoes and Bwindi, add golden monkeys and chimpanzees, and see far more primate species than a single-country safari allows.
An Easy Overland Border
The drive from Volcanoes National Park to Uganda’s parks takes a few hours through scenic highlands, no extra flights or long layovers needed.
Rainforest and Savannah
Pair Rwanda’s misty volcanoes with Uganda’s open savannah parks for game drives and boat cruises, a variety no single country offers on its own.
Our Rwanda Uganda Safari Package
Our signature cross-border itinerary covers both countries in depth. Prefer a shorter trip or a different mix of parks? We tailor every Rwanda Uganda safari to your dates and interests.
15 Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari
Our flagship two-country journey: gorilla trekking in both Bwindi and Volcanoes, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, golden monkeys, game drives in Queen Elizabeth, and a Kigali city tour.
Tailor-Made Rwanda-Uganda Safaris
Have less time or a specific wish list, gorillas on one side only, a beach extension, a family-friendly pace? Tell us your dates and we’ll design a custom cross-border itinerary.
Crossing the Border: Rwanda to Uganda
Most Rwanda Uganda safaris cross overland between Musanze (the gateway town for Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda’s southwestern parks, a scenic drive of roughly 3 to 5 hours depending on the route and border post used. Your guide and vehicle handle the paperwork at the border, so the crossing itself is straightforward: you’ll want a valid passport, any required visas arranged in advance, and gorilla permits for each country booked ahead of time, since permits are limited and sell out in high season.
What You’ll See in Rwanda
Every Rwanda Uganda safari with us starts (or ends) in Rwanda, usually with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to Dian Fossey’s original research site and more than a dozen habituated gorilla families. While you’re there, it’s easy to add golden monkey trekking in the same park, or a stop at the Dian Fossey research site. For a broader look at the country’s parks, see our guide to Rwanda’s national parks.
What You’ll See in Uganda
Crossing into Uganda opens up a second gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and the open savannah of parks like Queen Elizabeth, where game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel bring hippos, elephants, and buffalo into view. It’s a different landscape from Rwanda’s volcanoes, and pairing the two countries is the easiest way to see both in one trip.
Ready to Plan Your Rwanda-Uganda Safari?
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and which parks matter most to you, and we’ll build a cross-border itinerary with permits, transport, lodges, and a guide, all handled in one booking.
Call or WhatsApp: +256 777 906879