Gorilla & Big Game Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda
Combine the intimacy of mountain gorilla trekking with the wide-open drama of an African savannah safari.
A gorilla and big game safari gives you the chance to spend time with mountain gorillas in the forest, then continue to national parks where you may see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, antelope and other classic African wildlife.
These journeys are ideal for first-time visitors to East Africa, couples, families and travellers who want more than one extraordinary wildlife experience.
What Can You Experience on a Gorilla & Big Game Safari?
Mountain Gorillas & Primates
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Golden monkeys
- Guided rainforest experiences
Classic African Wildlife
- Game drives
- Lions and elephants
- Buffalo and antelope
- Hippos and giraffes
- Boat safaris
Comfortable Safari Travel
- Private guides
- Luxury lodges
- Fly-in transfers
- Birding and crater landscapes
- Customized itineraries
Gorilla Trekking and Big Game at a Glance
| Experience | Uganda | Rwanda |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain gorillas | Bwindi & Mgahinga | Volcanoes National Park |
| Main big game parks | Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls & Lake Mburo | Akagera National Park |
| Lions | Yes, in selected parks | Yes, in Akagera |
| Elephants | Yes, in selected parks | Yes, in Akagera |
| Buffalo | Yes | Yes |
| Hippos | Yes | Yes |
| Boat safaris | Kazinga Channel, Nile & Lake Mburo | Lake Ihema |
| Best for | Longer, varied safari circuits | Compact gorilla and savannah combinations |
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda offers mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi is Uganda's principal gorilla destination, with four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi offers multiple gorilla trekking areas and accommodation options. It is especially useful for combining gorillas with chimpanzees and traditional wildlife safaris.
Your lodge should be selected according to the trekking sector assigned to your permit.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga offers gorilla trekking amid the remarkable volcanic scenery of the Virunga Mountains.
Golden monkey trekking can also be incorporated, making it attractive for primate enthusiasts.
Best Big Game Parks in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
One of the easiest wildlife parks to combine with Bwindi. Possible wildlife sightings include:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Hippos
- Antelope
- Leopards
A Kazinga Channel boat safari adds a rewarding water-based wildlife experience.
Murchison Falls National Park
One of Uganda's most dramatic safari destinations, where the Nile runs through a landscape rich in wildlife.
- Elephants and giraffes
- Lions and buffalo
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Antelope
- Nile boat safaris
Murchison generally suits a longer Uganda itinerary because it lies far north of Bwindi.
Lake Mburo National Park
A smaller park that can fit conveniently into some overland safari routes.
- Zebras
- Antelope
- Buffalo
- Giraffes
- Hippos
Lake Mburo is a useful wildlife stop before or after visiting Uganda's gorilla highlands.
Suggested Uganda route: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi, or Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth → Entebbe. The route can be reversed to suit permits, flights and lodge availability.
Gorilla Trekking & Big Game in Rwanda
Rwanda's mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park near Musanze. For a classic savannah wildlife experience, continue to Akagera National Park.
Volcanoes National Park
The principal gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda, accessible from Kigali.
This makes Rwanda attractive for travellers who want a shorter gorilla-focused itinerary combined with a wildlife extension.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's main savannah safari destination, with grasslands, wetlands and lakes.
- Lions and elephants
- Buffalo and giraffes
- Hippos and antelope
- Rhinos
- Boat safaris on Lake Ihema
Suggested Rwanda route: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Akagera National Park.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla & Big Game Safaris
| Question | Uganda | Rwanda |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Longer varied wildlife circuits | Shorter compact trips |
| Gorilla parks | Bwindi & Mgahinga | Volcanoes National Park |
| Big game parks | Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls & Lake Mburo | Akagera |
| Boat safaris | Kazinga Channel, Nile & Lake Mburo | Lake Ihema |
| Safari variety | Very high | More compact |
| Suggested trip length | 7–12+ days | 5–8 days |
| Chimpanzee combination | Kibale and other Uganda forests | Possible, often with longer or cross-border routing |
Which Country Is Better for Gorillas & Big Game?
Uganda is generally the stronger choice for travellers who want the broadest combination of gorillas, chimpanzees, big game and boat safaris in one country. Rwanda is ideal for a shorter, more compact gorilla and savannah wildlife itinerary, combining Volcanoes National Park with Akagera.
Why Combine Gorillas and Big Game?
Two Very Different Wildlife Experiences
Gorilla trekking is intimate, quiet and physically active. A game drive is more open and panoramic.
One day you might be trekking through dense rainforest to observe mountain gorillas.
More Variety in One Journey
A day or two later, you could be watching elephants cross a savannah road or hippos gather along a river.
This contrast makes gorilla and big game safaris particularly rewarding.
How Many Days Do You Need?
| Safari Length | What You Can Include |
|---|---|
| 4–5 Days | Gorillas plus one short wildlife extension |
| 6–7 Days | Gorillas plus Queen Elizabeth or Akagera |
| 8–10 Days | Gorillas, big game, boat safari and optional chimpanzees |
| 10–14 Days | Full primate and big game circuit |
| 14+ Days | Extended Uganda and Rwanda safari |
For travellers arriving from the United States or Europe, we generally recommend at least 7–10 days to enjoy both gorillas and traditional safari without rushing.
Gorilla & Big Game Safari Options
Choose an existing safari itinerary or request a customised journey around your travel dates, destinations and interests.
Sample 7-Day Uganda Gorilla & Big Game Safari
Day 1 – Arrive in Uganda
Arrive through Entebbe and prepare for your safari.
Day 2 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth and settle into your lodge, with a possible game drive depending on arrival time.
Day 3 – Game Drive & Boat Safari
Look for lions, elephants, buffalo and other wildlife, followed by a Kazinga Channel boat safari.
Day 4 – Travel to Bwindi
Continue south into the mountain gorilla highlands.
Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking
Trek through Bwindi with authorized rangers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Day 6 – Relax or Add Another Experience
Optional community visits, forest walks or another primate experience, depending on your interests.
Day 7 – Return to Entebbe
Travel by road or take a scheduled domestic flight, depending on your chosen itinerary.
Sample 5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Big Game Safari
Day 1 – Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Travel north to the Musanze area and settle into your lodge.
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking
Track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3 – Transfer to Akagera
Travel across Rwanda toward its eastern savannah and lake landscapes.
Day 4 – Game Drive & Boat Safari
Look for lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and hippos, and enjoy a boat experience where arranged.
Day 5 – Return to Kigali
Complete your safari or connect with another East African destination.
Can You Add Chimpanzee Trekking?
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi
Uganda is especially well suited to adding chimpanzees to a gorilla and big game safari.
A strong route is: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi.
Three Wildlife Experiences
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Savannah game drives
- Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking
Can You Fly Between Safari Areas?
Yes. Fly-in options can make a gorilla and big game safari more comfortable, especially when you want to reduce long road transfers.
Who Benefits From Flying?
- Seniors
- Luxury travellers
- Honeymooners
- Travellers with limited time
- Guests visiting several parks
Flights to Gorilla Country
Kihihi and Kisoro are important domestic airstrips serving the Bwindi region.
Longer safari circuits may benefit from additional scheduled flights or charter arrangements.
Explore Fly-In Gorilla SafarisIs a Gorilla & Big Game Safari Good for Seniors?
Yes, with the right planning. Game drives and boat safaris are generally less physically demanding than gorilla trekking, which can create a more balanced safari itinerary.
Comfortable Safari Planning
- Slower travel pace
- Shorter road transfers
- Fly-in options
- Suitable lodge locations
- Rest days
Gorilla Trekking Support
Porter assistance and itinerary planning can help make the overall journey more manageable.
The trek itself must still be considered according to individual mobility and fitness.
Gorilla Trekking for SeniorsBest Time for Gorilla & Big Game Safaris
Uganda and Rwanda can both be visited year-round. The best dates depend on gorilla permit availability, road conditions, wildlife movements, preferred weather and your desired safari pace.
Drier Periods
Drier conditions can make forest trekking and some road journeys easier, although rain remains possible throughout the year.
Wetter Periods
Wetter months can bring greener landscapes, atmospheric forests and dramatic scenery.
Gorilla permits should be checked early, especially when travel dates are fixed.
Why Choose Buutu Safaris?
Buutu Safaris is a family-owned Ugandan safari operator with more than 30 years of East African safari experience.
Our aim is to build a safari that gives you enough time in each destination without making the trip feel rushed.
Gorilla Expertise
We help coordinate gorilla permits, suitable trekking sectors and lodging.
Wildlife Safari Planning
We plan game drives, boat safaris, lodge selection and practical park routing.
Private, Tailored Journeys
We can combine road and fly-in transfers, chimpanzees and cross-border journeys around your travel style.
Gorilla & Big Game Safari FAQs
Can I see gorillas and lions on the same safari?
Yes. Bwindi gorilla trekking can be combined with lion viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, while Rwanda combines Volcanoes National Park with big game in Akagera.
Which country is better for gorillas and big game?
Uganda generally offers a broader wildlife circuit, while Rwanda is well suited to a shorter and more compact gorilla and savannah safari.
Can I add chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Uganda is particularly strong for combining chimpanzees in Kibale, big game in Queen Elizabeth and mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
Can I include a boat safari?
Yes. Popular options include the Kazinga Channel and Nile in Uganda, and Lake Ihema in Rwanda.
How many days should I allow?
Seven to ten days is a useful starting point for travellers who want gorillas and traditional big game without rushing.
Can I fly between national parks?
Domestic scheduled or charter flights can be included where routes, schedules and landing facilities make them practical.
Is this safari suitable for seniors?
Yes, with careful planning. Comfortable transport, suitable lodges, rest days and porter support can help, although gorilla trekking still requires consideration of individual fitness and mobility.
Can I combine Uganda with Kenya or Tanzania?
Yes. Uganda’s gorilla trekking can be followed by a Maasai Mara or Serengeti extension, with transport and accommodation arranged around the available travel time.
Plan Your Gorilla & Big Game Safari
Tell us your travel dates, number of travellers, preferred safari length and whether you would like Uganda, Rwanda or a combination of East African destinations.
Our local safari specialists can help combine mountain gorilla trekking with game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzees and carefully selected accommodation.
Permit enquiries are handled by the Buutu Safaris team; the button does not display live permit inventory.
Gorilla & Big Game Safaris
Combine mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, game drives and boat safaris for the best of primates and classic African wildlife.
Explore Gorilla & Big Game Safaris
