Gorilla Trekking with a Safari

Gorilla Trekking with a Safari. For wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, combining gorilla trekking with a classic safari offers the perfect balance between heart-pounding primate encounters and thrilling game drives across the African savannah. This unique combination gives travelers the opportunity to see two vastly different ecosystems, from the dense, misty rainforests where mountain gorillas live, to the open plains that are home to Africa’s “Big Five.“

Uganda and Rwanda, two of the top destinations for gorilla trekking, also offer world-class safari experiences, making them ideal for travelers looking to combine both activities into one epic adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to combine gorilla trekking with a safari, including suggested itineraries, key destinations, and tips for planning your trip.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Safari?

Diverse Wildlife Encounters: Gorilla trekking immerses you in the rainforests, where you’ll come face-to-face with mountain gorillas and other primates, while a safari lets you spot iconic African animals like elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos in wide, open landscapes.
Rich Landscapes and Ecosystems: Trekking and safaris take you through dramatically different environments—from the lush, dense jungles of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks to the rolling savannahs of Queen Elizabeth or Akagera National Park.
Unforgettable Adventure: Each experience offers its own type of adventure. Trekking for hours through rugged terrain to find elusive gorilla families contrasts with the excitement of game drives or boat safaris as you scan the plains for lions or leopards.

Top Destinations for Gorilla Trekking and Safari Combinations

1. Uganda: Gorilla Trekking and Safari

Uganda is one of the best countries to combine gorilla trekking and a classic safari. The country’s diverse ecosystems allow for easy access to both activities within relatively short travel times.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Where: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Trekking here takes you through rugged, dense forest in search of one of the park’s 22 habituated gorilla families.
- Experience: The trek is challenging but rewarding, with the chance to spend an hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Where: Located just a few hours’ drive from Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s top safari destinations, known for its diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty.
- Wildlife: On safari, you can expect to see elephants, buffalo, hippos, lions (including the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha), leopards, and a wide variety of bird species.
- Additional Activities: Take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants by the water’s edge.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Arrive in Uganda and travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking.
- Day 4-6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
- Day 7: Return to Entebbe or continue exploring Uganda’s other parks (such as Murchison Falls or Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking).

2. Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking and Safari

Rwanda offers a more luxurious gorilla trekking experience combined with the opportunity to explore the scenic Akagera National Park, which is home to all of the Big Five.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Where: Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda is home to several habituated gorilla families. The park’s proximity to Kigali makes it an accessible destination for travelers on tight schedules.
- Experience: Trekking through the Virunga Mountains’ mist-covered slopes, you’ll track mountain gorillas as they feed, play, and interact in their natural environment.
Safari in Akagera National Park
- Where: Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park, offering classic African safaris with a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species.
- Wildlife: Akagera is now home to the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos), making it a complete safari destination.
- Additional Activities: You can also take boat safaris on Lake Ihema to see crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife up close.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1-3: Arrive in Rwanda and travel to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.
- Day 4-6: Transfer to Akagera National Park for game drives and boat safaris.
- Day 7: Return to Kigali or extend your trip with a cultural tour or visit to the Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking.

3. Uganda & Rwanda Combination

For seasoned travelers who want the best of both worlds, you can combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a safari in Rwanda. This is ideal for travelers who want to experience two different national parks and cross into another country during their trip.

Start with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi (Uganda)
- Trek in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, known for its challenging terrain and high number of gorilla families.
Then Safari in Akagera (Rwanda)
- Cross the border into Rwanda for a classic safari in Akagera National Park, where you can see lions, giraffes, and other iconic wildlife.

Practical Tips for Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Safari

1. Best Time to Travel

The best time to combine gorilla trekking with a safari is during the dry seasons:

June to September: The long dry season, with the best weather for trekking and safaris.
December to February: Another dry season, ideal for both activities.

While gorilla trekking can be done year-round, the dry season offers easier trekking conditions and better wildlife viewing during safaris, as animals tend to congregate around water sources.

2. Booking Permits and Safaris

Gorilla Permits: Book your permits well in advance (up to 6 months before), especially for peak season. Uganda’s permits are $800 USD per person, while Rwanda’s are $1,500 USD per person.
Safari Lodges: Choose accommodation that suits your style, whether it’s a luxury lodge or more affordable eco-lodges. Many safari lodges in Uganda and Rwanda offer packages that include game drives, boat safaris, and cultural experiences.

3. Getting Around

Private Vehicle Hire: Hiring a private driver or tour operator for the duration of your trip ensures smooth transfers between national parks.
Internal Flights: To save time, especially if traveling between Uganda and Rwanda, consider taking internal flights. Aerolink and RwandAir offer domestic flights to national parks.

4. Packing for Both Activities

Pack strategically to accommodate the diverse environments of gorilla trekking and safaris:

For Trekking: Wear long-sleeved, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, and bring rain gear, insect repellent, and gardening gloves for grip.
For Safari: Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors, binoculars, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a good camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.

Conclusion: The Ultimate African Experience

Combining gorilla trekking with a safari offers the ultimate African wildlife experience, with both adrenaline-pumping adventure and the peaceful awe of observing animals in their natural habitats. Uganda and Rwanda provide excellent opportunities for travelers to see mountain gorillas and the iconic Big Five in a single trip, making it a dream itinerary for avid wildlife lovers and explorers.

Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the luxury of trekking in Volcanoes National Park, or the diverse wildlife of Akagera and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, this combination is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s rich wildlife and landscapes.