Uganda & Rwanda
- the country where jungle meets savannah
If you want an African adventure that feels powerful and deeply personal, Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the continent. Best known for gorilla trekking, these two remarkable destinations invite you into a very different side of Africa.
Uganda and Rwanda deliver something truly special, whether you’re drawn by the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of seeing mountain gorillas, the chance to track chimpanzees through the forest, or a journey that goes beyond the expected safari circuit.
One of the most moving and memorable wildlife experiences in the world.
Perfect for travellers looking for something more unusual and emotionally powerful.
Volcanoes, mountain scenery, lakes, rainforest, and rolling green hills.
These destinations are full of life, from gorillas and chimpanzees to rich birdlife and unique ecosystems.
A perfect fit for milestone trips, honeymoons, or travellers seeking something truly extraordinary.
Rather than ticking off the usual safari checklist, Uganda & Rwanda are about stepping into a completely different rhythm of travel – quieter, more intimate, and often far more emotional than people expect.
There is something incredibly humbling about locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the wild. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you forever. And while gorilla trekking may be the headline, both countries have so much more to offer when woven into a well-planned journey.
High season (typically June to August and December to February) is the most popular time to visit Uganda and Rwanda, especially if gorilla or chimpanzee trekking is the main focus of your trip. Forest trails in places like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes National Park, and Kibale Forest are usually drier and easier underfoot, making trekking conditions more comfortable overall.
This is also an excellent time to combine primate experiences with more traditional safari in areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park, where drier conditions can help with wildlife viewing. Because permits, lodges, and the best trekking bases can be in high demand, this is the time of year when planning well ahead matters most.
Low season (usually April to May and October to November) brings greener landscapes, fewer travellers, and a softer, more atmospheric feel across both Uganda and Rwanda. The forests are especially beautiful at this time, and for some travellers, that only adds to the magic of the experience.
The trade-off is that trekking can be muddier and more physically demanding, particularly in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, where steep, forested terrain becomes more slippery after rain. Some safari areas can also feel less predictable for wildlife viewing, but if you don’t mind a little more adventure, this can be a very rewarding time to travel, especially for those looking for fewer people and better value.
Shoulder season (often around March and September) can offer a very appealing balance of good trekking conditions, fewer visitors, and slightly more flexibility in both availability and pricing. It can also work well for travellers combining primates with Queen Elizabeth National Park or a more scenic, slower-paced itinerary through the region.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, as well as 120+ mammals (including 11 primates), 350+ birds, and various rare butterflies.
Rwanda’s famous gorilla trekking destination comprising 160 square km of rainforest. Home to over a third of the world’s mountain gorillas and five incredible volcanoes
Africa’s primate capital, with the continent’s highest diversity and density of primates, including around 1,500 chimpanzees.
A wonderful addition in Uganda for travellers wanting to combine primates with more traditional safari and beautiful scenery. Also well-known for its tree-climbing lions!
One of Africa’s Great Lakes (its sixth largest and third deepest), perfect for adding relaxation and a softer finish to a gorilla-focused itinerary.
Speak to our Africa experts and let’s create your gorilla trekking adventure.
