How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?

How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?

How many days do you need for a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda? Is a frequently asked question by those embarking on a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda. gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure that brings you close to the world’s endangered species of apes—the mountain gorillas.

The answer to “How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?” is, it depends on your interests, budget, fitness levels, and whether you want to explore other attractions in Uganda or Rwanda besides mountain gorillas. Our expert Travel Consultants are here to help you plan the perfect trip; in this blog, we provide a breakdown in details.

Why Should Gorilla Trekking be on your Bucket List?

Before diving into “How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?”, it is important to understand why gorilla trekking is such a sought-after wildlife experience.

Mountain gorillas are only found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These endangered species live in high-altitude forests, and seeing them in the wild is an extraordinary encounter that requires trekking through the misty forest, guided by expert trackers and armed rangers.

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

As you plan for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and Rwanda, it is important to book your gorilla permit in advance (a gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD 800 and in Rwanda costs USD 1,500)

How Many Days Do You Need for a Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda? – The minimum number of days is 3 Days.

At the very least, you need 3 Days for a gorilla safari either in Uganda or Rwanda. Here is how you will spend your days.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Day 3: Departure

Domestic and chartered flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi and Kisoro Airstrips, which serve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, have a city tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Day 3: Departure

Ideal Duration for a Uganda or Rwanda Safari

Most travelers opt for a 4-5 day safari, which provides a much better balance between adventure and comfort and here is why

Travel Time

In Uganda, you can break up the long drive from Entebbe to Bwindi with an overnight stop at Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park. This reduces the road fatigue and also allows you to go on a game viewing safari to see other wildlife species like zebras, hippos and elephants, among others.

Buffer Day

It is wise to add an extra day in case of delays or bad weather or to simply relax before or after the trek. Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, and a rest day lets you recharge.

Second Gorilla 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 and Volcanoes National Park. Each gorilla trek is unique, and many travelers find a second visit even more rewarding.

Here are the 5 Days Safari Samples

5 Days Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, driver or fly to Bwindi

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

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

Day 4: Second gorilla trek or golden monkey trek

Day 5: Return to Entebbe

5 Days Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali at Kigali International Airport

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

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

Day 4: Second gorilla trek or golden monkey trek

Day 5: Return to Kigali International Airport

Factor That Influence How Many Days You Need for a Gorilla Trek?

The ideal length of your gorilla safari is influenced by several factors, including

• Fitness Level—If you are fit and used to hiking, you can handle back-to-back treks. If you are less active, adding rest days is highly recommended.
• Budget—Gorilla permits are pricey, and adding extra days means more accommodation and transport costs. Generally, Rwanda is more expensive than Uganda but offers easier access from Kigali.
• Travel Style—Are you the kind 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 environment?
• Season—The rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) can make trekking more challenging. In these months, adding buffer days is a smart choice.

Tips for Planning Your Gorilla Safari

Book permits early – Most 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 gorilla permits, transfers, guides and accommodations, ensuring a smooth experience.

Booking Gorilla Trekking Permit

Booking a gorilla trekking permit is the most important step in planning your gorilla trek in Uganda and Rwanda. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially in the high season, so it is best to secure yours at least 3-6 months in advance. In Uganda, permits cost about US$ 800, while in Rwanda they cost US$ 1,500 per person.

Note: You cannot trek mountain gorillas without it

At Salt Holidays, we make the process of acquiring a gorilla permit seamless by including your permits in your gorilla trekking 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 your safari with Salt Holidays, you are relievedfrom the stress of handling permits yourself and enjoy a smooth, expertly organized gorilla trekking adventure.