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Combine a Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Planning a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking adventure? You can combine these two incredible experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, or Tanzania, and Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan and book this exciting safari combo! Whether you’re eager to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or explore Tanzania’s Serengeti, we’ll organize the perfect trip for you.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most memorable activities you can do in Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two of the few places in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is a prime destination for gorilla trekking due to its pristine forests and high concentration of gorillas. The other countries that also have mountain gorillas include Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Explore Tanzania’s Iconic National Parks

Tanzania, located in East Africa, offers a unique safari experience, especially in the northern region, known as the Northern Safari Circuit. Here, you can visit world-renowned parks like Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration, and Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Other highlights include Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its flamingos, and Tarangire National Park, renowned for its large herds of elephants.

How to Combine Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking

You can easily combine a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. There are flexible options to design your ideal trip:

Option 1: Start with gorilla trekking in Uganda, then fly to Tanzania for a safari in Serengeti National Park.
Option 2: Begin your adventure in Tanzania and head to Uganda afterward for an unforgettable trek to see mountain gorillas.

There are several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Uganda Airlines, and Airlink, that operate flights between Uganda and Tanzania, making it easy to hop between the two countries for the ultimate African adventure.

Is it Possible to Drive Between Tanzania and Uganda?

Yes, it is possible to drive from Tanzania to Uganda and vice versa! The journey typically involves driving north through Tanzania, crossing into Uganda via the Mutukula border. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you with detailed travel advice, ensuring a smooth and safe road trip across both countries.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: What to Know

Uganda is home to four main trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Buhoma – Located in the northern part of Bwindi, this area is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it ideal for combining game viewing and gorilla trekking.
Ruhija – Situated in the northeastern section, offering spectacular views of the forest and a diverse gorilla population.
Nkuringo – Located in the southern part of Bwindi, this sector is close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also do golden monkey tracking.
Rushaga – Known for having the highest number of habituated gorilla families, making it a prime trekking location.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Uganda

To trek gorillas in Uganda, a gorilla permit costs:

USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
USD 700 per person for East African Residents
USD 80 per person for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend an hour with the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park, where you’ll have the chance to observe their social behavior and take memorable photos.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda is easy! To secure a gorilla permit, you need to make the booking in advance. The permits can be purchased directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can either visit their headquarters in Kampala or the Kisoro branch for those traveling from Kigali, Rwanda.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can assist you in securing your gorilla permits. Once you confirm your travel dates, we will temporarily reserve your permits and send you an invoice. After receiving your payment, we will finalize the booking and send you your permit details, ensuring everything is in order before your trek.

Best Time to Visit for a Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking

The best time for a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking is during the dry months, specifically from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the weather is perfect for travel, and you’ll also enjoy clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense, making trekking easier and more enjoyable.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you’re planning gorilla trekking in Uganda, knowing what to wear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience. Here’s a list of recommended items to pack for your trek:

Long-sleeve shirt – The park can be chilly in the early morning, so bring a sweater or jacket.
Two pairs of long trousers – Protect your legs from the forest’s vegetation and possible insect bites.
Waterproof hiking boots – These will help keep your feet dry and comfortable on the muddy, slippery trails.
Hat and sunglasses – Optional, but these are useful for sun protection, depending on the weather.
Camera with extra batteries – Capture those unforgettable moments with the gorillas! Just remember to keep the flash off to avoid startling the animals.
Binoculars – A great way to spot birds and other wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gardening gloves – Useful for holding onto branches and trees as you trek through the dense forest.
Raincoat – Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain showers can be sudden and unpredictable. Always be prepared!
Mosquito repellent – The forest can have pesky insects, so it’s important to protect yourself.
Sunscreen – While it’s not always necessary, some areas of the forest can get quite sunny, so a sunscreen is a good option to avoid sunburn.

What to Avoid Wearing:

Bright colors: Bright clothing can startle the gorillas and disrupt their natural behavior.
Black and blue: These colors attract Tsetse flies, so neutral colors like khaki or brown are best.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers several lodging options near the trekking starting points. Depending on which sector you’re trekking in, here are some recommended accommodations:

Southern Sector (Rushaga & Nkuringo)

Northern Sector (Buhoma & Ruhija)

Buhoma Lodge
Bwindi Lodge
Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Broadbill Tented Camp

All of these lodges are conveniently located close to the start points for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation activities.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted, local tour operator that specializes in tailor-made gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and safaris in Tanzania. Our team is committed to providing you with an exceptional travel experience, from start to finish. Here’s why you should book with us:

Personalized itineraries: We customize your trip to include Serengeti safaris and gorilla trekking in Uganda, ensuring a unique and memorable adventure.
Quick and reliable customer service: Our professional team responds to inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring all your questions are answered promptly.
Experienced tour guides: Our knowledgeable guides are available in various languages and will ensure your trip is both educational and enjoyable.
Comprehensive service: From booking flights and accommodations to arranging park permits, we handle all logistics, ensuring you have a smooth, hassle-free experience.