Uganda offers an unforgettable combination: mountain gorilla trekking in mist-covered forests followed by immersive walking safaris across open savannahs. Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Walking Safari in Uganda. This unique pairing blends two of East Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Where to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
The only two national parks housing habituated mountain gorilla families are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining gorillas. It features four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo each offering different terrain, lodging options, and gorilla groups.
Mgahinga is smaller and less crowded, located in the scenic Virunga Mountains, with a single habituated family known as the Nyakagezi gorillas, offering a quieter and more intimate experience.
What to Expect During a Gorilla Trek
Gorilla trekking begins with a pre-dawn briefing before setting out into dense rainforest. Treks can last from one to several hours depending on terrain and gorilla movements. Once you locate a habituated group, you can spend precisely one hour observing the gorillas at a regulated distance. This immersive moment allows you to witness feeding, grooming, and social interaction in close-up detail.
Combining with a Walking Safari
After trekking, continue your journey with a walking safari in parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, or the remote Kidepo Valley National Park.
Walking safaris offer a slower, more sensory-rich way to experience wildlife. Guided by experienced rangers, you walk through savannah and woodland habitats, tracking elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope by their footprints and behaviors.
In Kidepo, the stark beauty of desert-like terrain and rarely seen species such as cheetahs and ostriches makes walking safaris especially thrilling.
How to Plan the Two-Part Safari
Begin by booking gorilla permits early preferably 6–12 months ahead—to secure trekking rights. Choose your trekking sector and confirm accommodation nearby.
After gorilla trekking, transfer by road or charter flight to your walking safari park. In each destination, guided walks typically run between 2 to 5 hours, timed for early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Lodges and operators arrange transport, gear storage, and route planning for a seamless experience.
Why This Combination Works
Combining gorilla trekking and walking safari in Uganda delivers:
- Contrast: Misty forest primate tracking juxtaposed with dry Savannah landscapes
- Immersion: On-foot experiences heighten sensory awareness—smelling earth, hearing wildlife, seeing details missed from a vehicle
- Conservation Impact: Your gorilla permit funds habitat protection, and walking safaris support ranger-led, low-impact wildlife encounters
- Diversity: From gorillas to elephants, primates to birds, Uganda’s biomes offer tremendous ecological variety in one trip
Best Time to Go
The dry seasons of June to September and December to February are ideal. Trails are drier, wildlife gathers near water, and sky conditions favor clear views. The wet seasons still offer lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and better rates, but muddy trails may challenge trekking and walking.
What to Pack
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing for insect protection and sun, rain gear, gloves for trekking in vegetation, binoculars, a hydration pack, camera with zoom, and light snacks. Hiring a porter for the gorilla climb is wise—they carry your pack and support trails.
Why This Itinerary Stands Out
Pairing mountain gorilla trekking with a walking safari offers one of the most authentic and impactful wildlife itineraries Uganda has to offer. You’ll trek through pristine rainforest to meet one of the planet’s most endangered species, then walk with elephants and antelope across wide-open savannah. This journey enriches your wildlife connection, supports conservation, and leaves a deep, lasting impression. Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Walking Safari in Uganda
With thoughtful planning, experienced guides, and quality lodges, your Uganda adventure will deliver both awe and meaning. Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Walking Safari in Uganda
