Uganda & Rwanda, the Pearl of Africa.
Where the rainforest is still misty, the Nile starts its journey, and you can sit one metre from a mountain gorilla. Six real itineraries, from a five-day Rwanda safari to thirteen days across Uganda and Rwanda.
Six ways to meet East Africa.
Park entries, guiding, transport, meals and accommodation are all included. Prices are per person, all-inclusive, and vary with group size.
5 days / 4 nights
$2,526
Rwanda, and the gorillas
Five days for travellers who want Rwanda properly but briefly: the Big Five on the Akagera savannah and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, then a gorilla trek in the Bwindi forest across the border.
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10 days / 9 nights
$3,215
Ten days, the whole Pearl
The full Ugandan circuit: chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and the Kazinga Channel, tree-climbing lions, gorillas in Bwindi, golden monkeys in Mgahinga, Lake Mburo and the Equator on the way home.
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7 days / 6 nights
$2,445
Wildlife, chimps and gorillas.
Seven days across Uganda's great parks: chimpanzees in Kibale, the savannah and Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth, tree-climbing lions at Ishasha, a full gorilla trek in Bwindi, and Lake Mburo on the way home.
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5 days / 4 nights
$1,218
The Nile, the falls, the Big Five.
Five days built around the two great waters of Uganda: white-water rafting on the Nile at Jinja, then the Big Five on the savannah of Murchison Falls, with rhinos at Ziwa on the way.
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12 days / 11 nights
$2,951
Two countries, one great trek.
Twelve days from the Nile to the volcanoes: rafting at Jinja, Murchison Falls, the chimps of Kibale, tree-climbing lions, gorillas in Bwindi, and the grave of Dian Fossey in Rwanda's Virunga mountains.
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13 days / 12 nights
$4,599
From the shoebill to the volcanoes.
The full Pearl of Africa: the shoebill of the Mabamba swamp, rhinos at Ziwa, Murchison Falls, the chimps of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, gorillas in Bwindi, Dian Fossey's grave and Lake Kivu in Rwanda.
See the itinerary →Half the world's gorillas.
The gorillas
Roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas live in Bwindi. One hour with them, one metre away, is the greatest wildlife encounter on earth.
The Nile
The longest river on earth starts in Uganda. Watch it crash through Murchison Falls, or ride its white water at Jinja.
The Big Five
Elephants, lions, buffalo, leopard and rhino - all in one small country, plus the shoebill and half of the world's chimpanzee diversity.
Scenes from the Pearl.
Questions we get every week.
Are the gorilla permits included?
Yes, on every itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, the permit is part of the price. A Ugandan permit costs USD 800 and a Rwandan permit more, which is why the gorilla trips start at a higher price than a pure safari.
What is the difference between the five and the seven day trip?
The five day trip is built around the Nile and Murchison Falls with rhinos at Ziwa, so it is a classic Big Five safari with rafting. The seven day trip adds the chimpanzees of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth with the Kazinga Channel, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the gorillas of Bwindi. From ten days you also get the golden monkeys of Mgahinga and Lake Mburo.
When is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
The drier months, June to September and December to February, give easier forest trails. The rainforest is open all year, but the permits sell out months ahead in the high season, so book early.
How fit do I need to be for the gorilla trek?
You need to be comfortable walking two to six hours on uneven forest ground, sometimes steep and muddy. Porters are available at the trailhead for a small tip and they carry your bag. Tell us about any mobility issue and we will request a closer gorilla family.
Do I need vaccinations or a yellow fever certificate?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from an endemic country, and it is generally recommended for Uganda and Rwanda. Malaria prophylaxis is advised. Check with your travel clinic at least six weeks before departure; your own doctor is the authority here.
How big are the groups and how do I hold a place?
Groups are capped at 12 travellers, and most run with 4 to 8. A 10% deposit paid online holds your place, the balance is paid in cash on arrival, and you can also settle the full amount online.
Not sure which one? Talk to us.
Tell us how many days you have and we will point you to the right tour, or build a private version of it.
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