How to Combine Akagera with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Combining Akagera with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is very possible for travelers who love wildlife and adventure. You will enjoy two different but exciting experiences in one trip. One gives you Africa’s big game, and the other connects you with mountain gorillas. Akagera National Park in Rwanda offers the big five (Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopard) and Boat Safaris. Uganda offers mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
You can as well opt for Gorilla Habituation Experience to spend more hours with gorillas (4 hours) which only happens in Bwindi. You can choose to start in either country. You may fly or drive between Rwanda and Uganda. The choice depends on your time, budget, and travel style. Some people like to explore slowly by road, others move quickly by air. Either way works well. Both countries are close, so it makes planning easier. With the right guide, this combined safari becomes simple and smooth to arrange.
Option 1: Start with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Then Visit Akagera
Begin your journey in Uganda with a visit to Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These are the two places where mountain gorillas live in Uganda. You will need a gorilla permit before you trek. Permits are easier to get through Iconic Africa Safaris. After trekking, travel to Rwanda for wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park.
You can drive from Bwindi or Mgahinga to Kigali through the Cyanika or Katuna border. The drive gives scenic views of hills, farms, and villages. It takes about four hours depending on where you start. You can stay in Kigali for a night before continuing to Akagera. The road to Akagera from Kigali is smooth and takes around two and a half hours. A 4WD vehicle is good for the rougher park roads.
Option 2: Start with Akagera then Head to Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
Another option is to begin your trip with a wildlife safari in Akagera National Park. This park is in eastern Rwanda and sits near the border with Tanzania. It’s the only park in Rwanda with all the Big Five animals. These are lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. You will also see zebras, giraffes, hippos, and many birds.
After your time in Akagera, drive back to Kigali and cross into Uganda. The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes about four hours. You can enter Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna, depending on your route. From there, continue to your lodge near Bwindi or Mgahinga. It is better to use a guide who knows both countries well.
Cross-Border Safari Combining Uganda and Rwanda
If you want to experience both countries more deeply, plan a cross-border safari. This kind of trip gives you time in Rwanda and Uganda without backtracking. You may fly into Kigali and visit Akagera first, then cross into Uganda for gorilla trekking. Or you may begin with gorillas and then visit Akagera before flying out from Kigali.
This option saves time and works well for travelers with a fixed schedule. Some people also prefer flying between regions to skip long drives. Flights are available between Kisoro or Kihihi in Uganda and Kigali. Iconic Africa Safaris can help book these flights for a smooth connection. You will need to carry your passport for all border crossings.
Visiting Uganda and Rwanda Separately
You may also visit Uganda and Rwanda as two separate trips if time allows. Spend a few days on gorilla trekking in Uganda. Later, return for a wildlife safari in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. This works well for travelers who like to travel slowly and explore one area at a time.
You will plan flights and permits for each country. This approach gives you more rest between activities. It also helps you enjoy both countries without rushing. Some people even choose to visit during different seasons. For example, you may trek gorillas in December and return for Akagera in July.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: What You Should Know
Uganda is home to more than half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You will see them either in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Bwindi has several sectors like Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking requires a permit which allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla group. The trek can take from two to eight hours, depending on where the gorillas are. You must follow rules such as keeping seven meters away and not touching the animals. You should also avoid trekking when sick, as gorillas catch human diseases easily.
Most people who are in good health can complete the trek. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk uphill. Porters are available to carry bags and offer support during your walk. These porters are locals who benefit from tourism.
Wildlife Experience in Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park offers a great safari experience in Rwanda. It is located in the east of Rwanda near the border with Tanzania. The park is home to lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. It also has giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and hundreds of bird species.
You can go for morning or evening game drives inside the park. The best time to see animals is during the dry season. Boat rides on Lake Ihema are another fun activity. On the lake, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The park also offers birdwatching and cultural experiences near the community lodges.
Accommodations inside and around the park range from budget lodges to luxury options. Some lodges sit near water, offering great views of the wildlife.
When to Visit Both Destinations
The best time to visit both Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons. Dry seasons fall between June to September and December to February. During these months, trekking trails are drier and easier to walk on. Animal sightings also increase due to short grass and fewer water points.
Avoid rainy seasons if you dislike mud or slippery trails. Rain may also make game drives harder in Akagera. However, some travelers enjoy the green season because of fewer visitors and lower prices. Choose your travel dates based on your personal comfort and interest.
Budget and Permit Information
Gorilla trekking is not cheap, but it is worth the cost for most visitors. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs less than in Rwanda. Uganda’s permit is $800, while Rwanda charges $1,500. Akagera National Park charges a separate park entry fee based on nationality and number of days spent.
Transport, guides, and accommodation also add to the total cost. You will need a private vehicle for game drives in Akagera. Gorilla trekking requires a guide, porter, and sometimes a walking stick. Booking through Iconic Africa Safaris makes planning easier. They arrange transport, permits, and hotels in both countries.
Visa and Travel Insurance
Before traveling, check if you need visas for Uganda and Rwanda. Most tourists need a visa for each country. You may apply for the East African Tourist Visa. It allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on one visa. This visa saves money and reduces paperwork.
Travel insurance is also important. It covers you in case of delays, sickness, or lost items. Make sure the insurance covers outdoor activities like hiking and safaris. Also, carry a small first aid kit with personal medicines and insect repellent.
