Mountain gorillas live in only three countries on earth, and this is the only itinerary on our list that visits all of them: Uganda’s Bwindi, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the Mikeno sector of DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and the site where mountain gorillas were first studied.
A note on the DR Congo leg: Virunga National Park sits in a region where security conditions can change, and the park itself periodically suspends gorilla trekking for safety reasons. We check official advisories and park status before confirming this leg, and can substitute a second Rwanda or Uganda trek if conditions don’t allow safe access at the time of your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Entebbe, Transfer to Bwindi
Arrival at Entebbe, then a road transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through Bwindi’s forest.
As above
Cross Border to Kinigi, Rwanda
A drive to the Cyanika border, continuing to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
A second gorilla trek on the Rwandan side of the Virungas.
As above
Cross Border to Goma, DR Congo
A border crossing at Grande Barriere into DR Congo, continuing to the Virunga National Park gate near Goma, subject to current park and border status.
Gorilla Trekking, Virunga National Park
A third gorilla trek in the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest protected area and the original site of Dian Fossey’s gorilla research.
As above
Cross Back to Kinigi, Rwanda
A return border crossing into Rwanda, with the afternoon free to relax at Kinigi.
As Day 3
Transfer to Kigali
A drive to Kigali, with time for an optional city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Departure from Kigali
Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Uganda gorilla permit | $800 per person |
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| DR Congo gorilla permit (Virunga NP) | $400 per person, seasonal rates available |
| Border transfers & visas | Arranged in advance; DRC visa required separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Committed gorilla enthusiasts and completionists who want the full picture across all three range countries, and who are comfortable with an itinerary that has a contingency built in.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Both cross-border transfers with paperwork handled
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- All three gorilla permits
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- DRC visa fee
- Visas (Uganda/Rwanda)
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance (a policy covering DRC is required)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit DR Congo for this trip?
We monitor official government and park advisories closely and only run this leg when conditions allow; if Virunga National Park is closed to tourism at the time of your trip, we substitute a second, different gorilla family trek in Rwanda at no change to the overall itinerary.
Do I need a separate visa for DR Congo?
Yes, a DRC visa is required in addition to any East Africa Tourist Visa; we provide guidance on the application process once your trip is confirmed.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm flights, lodges and current Virunga park status within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.