Uganda & Rwanda Safaris from the USA
Plan your gorilla safari with our office in Gurnee, Illinois, then travel with our own team on the ground in Kampala and Kigali.
Talk to our US office
Planning a trip to Africa raises a lot of questions, and it helps to ask them of someone in your own time zone. Patricia runs our US office in Gurnee, Illinois, in the Chicago area, and looks after American travellers from the first question to the day you fly.
Patricia, US Office
Gurnee, Illinois (Chicago area), Central Time
Phone and WhatsApp: +1 224 762 7183
Email: patricia@adventuresandhikes.com
Or send your dates and interests through our safari planner and we will come back to you with a tailor-made itinerary.
Why American travellers book with us
- A US contact, a local operator. You plan with our Gurnee office, and your safari is run by our own team from our headquarters in Kampala and our office in Kigali.
- Uganda and Rwanda specialists. Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and luxury lodges in the two countries where mountain gorillas can be visited most reliably.
- Licensed and accredited. Licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB/RTT/TO/2025/101696) and members of APTA and ESTOA Uganda.
- Tailor-made. Every itinerary is built around your dates, pace and budget, from a short gorilla trip to a full East Africa journey.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Mountain gorillas live only in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo, and an hour with a gorilla family is the reason most of our guests come.
- Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half of all mountain gorillas, and Uganda adds chimpanzees and classic savannah safaris. Permits cost USD $800 in 2026. See Uganda safaris and gorilla trekking.
- Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is about two to two and a half hours by road from Kigali, ideal for a shorter trip. Permits cost USD $1,500. See Rwanda gorilla trekking.
Comparing the two? Our gorilla trekking cost guide breaks down permits and safari prices in both countries.
Getting there from the US
- Airports. Entebbe (EBB) for Uganda, Kigali (KGL) for Rwanda. Most routes from the US connect through a hub in Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
- Time difference. Uganda is 8 to 9 hours ahead of Chicago depending on the time of year, and Rwanda one hour less.
- Visas and health. Entry requirements change, so we send you the current visa and vaccination requirements for your itinerary when you book.
- When to go. The drier months, June to September and December to February, are the most popular for gorilla trekking, and permits sell out first then.
New to Rwanda? Read our Kigali arrival guide.
Popular safaris for US travellers
- 4-Day Gorilla Signature Safari, Uganda
- 5-Day Gorilla Tour, Rwanda
- 13-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari Combo
Want the Big Five too? Add a Kenya or Tanzania safari and we will plan it as one East Africa itinerary. Browse all Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Frequently asked questions
Does Adventures & Hikes have an office in the United States?
Yes. Our US office is in Gurnee, Illinois, in the Chicago area. Patricia looks after American travellers and can be reached on +1 224 762 7183 (phone and WhatsApp) or at patricia@adventuresandhikes.com.
What is the time difference between Chicago and Uganda or Rwanda?
Uganda is 8 hours ahead of Chicago during US daylight saving time and 9 hours ahead in winter. Rwanda is one hour behind Uganda, so 7 or 8 hours ahead of Chicago. Our Gurnee office works on Central Time, so you can plan during your own day.
Which airport do I fly into from the US?
Fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for Uganda or Kigali International Airport (KGL) for Rwanda. Most flights from the US connect through a hub in Europe, the Middle East or Africa.
How far ahead should I book a gorilla trekking safari?
Gorilla permits are limited to 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, so book several months ahead, and earlier still for the June to September dry season. We secure the permits as part of your safari.
Can I combine Uganda or Rwanda with Kenya or Tanzania?
Yes. Many American travellers pair gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a Big Five safari in Kenya or Tanzania. We plan the whole East Africa itinerary as one trip.
