Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

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Family Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

April 29, 2025

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari — Experience two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters in one unforgettable journey: witness the dramatic Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara and trek through Uganda’s misty rainforests to meet endangered mountain gorillas face to face. This combined safari is ideal for travelers looking to blend big game action with intimate primate encounters.

What to Expect on This Combined Safari Adventure

1. The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, best known for the Great Migration. Every year, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles thunder across the plains, moving between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of greener pastures.

Best Time to Visit:

July to October is the prime season for migration sightings—especially the famous Mara River crossings, where herds brave crocodile-infested waters while predators like lions and leopards wait on the banks.

Safari Highlights:

Spectacular river crossings filled with high drama and predator action
Open savannahs teeming with wildlife, from elephants to cheetahs
Classic African landscapes and golden sunsets perfect for photography

2. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Rainforests

After the excitement of the Masai Mara, head to Uganda for a completely different kind of safari—one that brings you up close to wild mountain gorillas in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. With the guidance of expert trackers, you’ll hike through lush jungle to spend one magical hour with a gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking:

Uganda’s dry seasons—December to February and June to September—offer the most comfortable trekking conditions.

Trekking Highlights:

Immersive rainforest hikes in Bwindi or Mgahinga
Rare and emotional encounters with mountain gorillas
Opportunities to support conservation and community tourism

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with the Wildebeest Migration

Planning a multi-country safari is easier than you think. You can start in Uganda with gorilla trekking, then fly to Kenya for the migration safari—or do it in reverse. Trek Africa Expeditions will coordinate every detail, from permits to flights, making the experience smooth and stress-free.

Travel Options Between Uganda and Kenya:

By Air: The fastest and most comfortable way. Daily flights are available between Entebbe (Uganda) and Nairobi (Kenya), operated by Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and others.
By Road: Adventurous travelers can drive across the border via the Busia or Malaba border posts. However, the journey takes time (2+ days) and is better suited for overlanders or those on extended trips.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in two main parks:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with four trekking sectors:
- Buhoma (north): Accessible and close to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Ruhija (northeast): Quiet and scenic, great for birdwatchers
- Rushaga and Nkuringo (south): Near Mgahinga and perfect for those interested in both gorillas and golden monkeys
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – A less-visited gem near the Rwanda and Congo borders, also home to golden monkeys and volcano hikes.

Each sector offers unique trekking experiences with varying terrain, altitudes, and gorilla families. The Rushaga sector has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups, making it ideal for those seeking more availability.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—and it’s important to plan for it properly, including the cost of permits. As of now, a gorilla trekking permit costs:

USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
USD 700 for Foreign Residents
UGX 300,000 (approx. USD 80) for East African Citizens

This permit allows you one full hour with a habituated family of endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, deep within the forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you secure your permits quickly and easily.

Here’s how we make the process simple for you:

You choose your preferred travel dates.
We tentatively reserve the permits online.
After we receive your payment, we immediately purchase your permits.
You’ll receive a scanned copy of your permit for your records—your trek is confirmed!

If you’re entering Uganda via Entebbe International Airport, permits can be arranged through UWA headquarters in Kampala. If arriving through Kigali, Rwanda, it’s easier to get them via UWA’s regional office in Kisoro, just 1–2 hours from Bwindi.

When Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking and Masai Mara Safari?

For the best wildlife viewing and ease of travel, plan your gorilla trekking and Masai Mara safari during the dry seasons:

June to September
December to February

These months offer better trekking conditions, clearer trails, and excellent wildlife visibility. In the Masai Mara, this also coincides with the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration, especially from July to October.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense rainforest terrain, so the right gear is essential. Here’s what to bring:

Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for chilly mornings
Lightweight, long trousers for trekking
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain jacket (Bwindi is a rainforest—rain is always possible!)
Gardening gloves for grabbing branches and vines
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors, black, or blue)
Hat and sunglasses (optional, based on the weather)
Binoculars for spotting birds and other forest wildlife
Camera with extra batteries (remember to disable the flash)

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is done in four key sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a variety of accommodation options near the trekking start points.

Southern Bwindi (Rushaga & Nkuringo):

Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Four Gorillas Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Bwindi (Buhoma & Ruhija):

Buhoma Lodge
Bwindi Lodge
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Trekkers Tavern Cottages
Agandi Eco Lodge
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

Why Combine Masai Mara Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Pairing a Masai Mara safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda gives you the best of East Africa—iconic savannah wildlife and rare mountain gorillas in one unforgettable trip.

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in crafting seamless itineraries that combine these two bucket-list experiences. You can start in Uganda for gorilla trekking and then fly to Kenya, or begin with a Masai Mara safari and continue to Bwindi or Mgahinga.

Flights between Uganda and Kenya are frequent and operated by airlines like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink. While it is possible to drive between the countries, we recommend flying if you’re short on time, as overland travel can take up to two days.