Safari in Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking

Safari in Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking: An Unforgettable African Adventure

Are you dreaming of an epic safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or DR Congo’s Virunga National Park? Combining a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking is possible, and Excursia Adventures is here to help you plan and book this once-in-a-lifetime adventure seamlessly.

Why Combine Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an extraordinary opportunity to visit and trek the endangered mountain gorillas in the lush rainforests of Bwindi and Mgahinga. These parks, located in southwestern Uganda, are among the last remaining habitats of these magnificent primates. Similar trekking experiences are also available in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Tanzania, on the other hand, is home to the iconic Serengeti National Park, where the Great Migration and breathtaking landscapes await. It’s a quintessential African safari destination offering sightings of big game, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes, as well as cultural experiences with the Maasai people. Tanzania’s northern circuit also includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the world’s largest volcanic caldera, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, known for their rich biodiversity.

How to Combine a Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking

There are several ways to combine these two incredible experiences:

• Fly Between Destinations: Begin your adventure with gorilla trekking in Uganda and then fly to Tanzania for your Serengeti safari, or vice versa. Flights between Uganda and Tanzania are available via airlines such as Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, and Airlink.
• Overland Journey: You can opt for a scenic road trip between Uganda and Tanzania. The best route involves driving north from Tanzania and crossing the border at Mutukula into Uganda. Our team at Excursia Adventures will guide you through planning this overland journey for a hassle-free experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

• Buhoma Sector: Located in northern Bwindi, near Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game drives.
• Ruhija Sector: Situated in northeastern Bwindi, also close to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors: Found in southern Bwindi, near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These sectors are perfect for combining gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking.

Each sector is home to habituated mountain gorilla families, with Rushaga hosting the largest number of gorilla families.

Gorilla Trekking 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 grants you one magical hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Booking Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

To secure your spot for gorilla trekking, it’s essential to book your permit in advance. Gorilla permits can be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro.

If you’re flying into Uganda through Entebbe, permits can be purchased in Kampala, while tourists arriving via Kigali, Rwanda, can obtain permits from the UWA office in Kisoro, which is only a 1-2 hour drive from Bwindi.

Excursia Adventures can handle all the logistics for you. Once you confirm your travel dates, we’ll tentatively reserve your permits online, send you an invoice for payment, and purchase the permits immediately after receiving payment. We’ll provide you with scanned copies of your permits for your records, ensuring everything is confirmed and ready for your trek.

When is the Best Time for a Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking?

The best time for combining a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons of January, February, and June to early September. These months provide ideal conditions for travel, wildlife viewing, and trekking. In the Serengeti, the dry months coincide with the famous Great Migration, while in Uganda and Rwanda, the reduced vegetation makes it easier to spot gorillas in their natural habitat. The drier trails also ensure a more comfortable trekking experience.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you’re gearing up for your gorilla trekking adventure, here’s a practical packing list to help you prepare for the forest terrain and unpredictable weather:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater or Shirt: It can get chilly in the forest, especially early in the morning.
2. Two Pairs of Long Trousers: These provide protection against stinging plants and insects.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Essential for tackling muddy or uneven trails.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: Useful for sunny days but optional based on the weather.
5. Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands while grabbing branches or trekking through dense vegetation.
6. Raincoat: The rainforest is unpredictable, so always be prepared for sudden downpours.
7. Mosquito Repellent: Helps protect against insects in the forest.
8. Sunscreen: Ideal for avoiding sunburn if the weather gets hot.
9. Camera and Spare Batteries: Capture your memories, but always turn off your camera’s flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
10. Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and other wildlife.
11. Neutral-Colored Clothing: Avoid bright colors that can scare away the gorillas or attract insects. Also, avoid black or blue clothing, as these can attract tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Accommodation options during your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park vary depending on the sector you’ll be trekking in:

Southern Sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo):

• Rushaga Lodges: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Karungi Camp.
• Nkuringo Lodges: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort.

Northern Sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija):

• Buhoma Lodges: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman.
• Ruhija Lodges: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp.

These accommodations are conveniently located near the starting points for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences.

Why Book a Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in creating tailored travel experiences that combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti safari in Tanzania. As a trusted local tour operator, we are committed to providing seamless, customized itineraries designed to meet your needs.

Here’s why you should book with us:

• Quick Response: Our team of professional tour consultants responds to inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring all your questions are answered promptly.
• Customized Itineraries: We tailor your travel plans to suit your preferences, from accommodations to activities.
• Efficient Bookings: All your services, including gorilla permits, park fees, and transportation, are booked in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
• Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable safari guides ensure a smooth and informative journey, catering to your language preferences.

Contact us today to start planning your combined Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking adventure. Let us help you create unforgettable memories!