The Wildebeest Great Migration and Gorilla Trekking

The Wildebeest Great Migration and Gorilla Trekking: A Perfect African Safari Combo

If you’re planning to visit Africa and want to experience both the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and gorilla trekking in Uganda, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Combining these two iconic wildlife experiences is possible, and Excursia Adventures is here to help you plan and book a seamless safari combo.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the top bucket-list experiences in Uganda, offering a chance to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This adventure takes place in two national parks:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

These parks are among only four in the world that are home to mountain gorillas, the others being Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Trekking through the lush, misty forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga provides a unique opportunity to spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants up close.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking:

1. Buhoma (Northern Bwindi)
2. Ruhija (Northeastern Bwindi)
3. Rushaga (Southern Bwindi)
4. Nkuringo (Southern Bwindi)

Each sector offers a different trekking experience with varying levels of difficulty and scenery. The Rushaga sector has the highest number of gorilla families, while the Buhoma sector is known for its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it ideal for combining gorilla trekking with game drives.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is:

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

This fee grants you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas once you find them during your trek.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras migrate across the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and back again.

This epic migration is driven by the search for fresh grazing grounds and water. It spans approximately 3,000 kilometers in a clockwise journey and involves dramatic river crossings, including the famous Mara River, where predators like crocodiles await their prey.

Why It’s Called the Great Migration

Unlike other migrations, this event is unique due to its sheer scale and the challenges faced by the animals. The migration happens annually, typically during the dry season, and is a highlight for travelers seeking an authentic African safari experience.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania safari to witness the Great Migration is easier than you think. Here are two main ways to plan your trip:

1. Start with Uganda (Gorilla Trekking) and Then Head to Tanzania
   Begin your adventure in Uganda with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga, and then fly to Tanzania for the safari portion.
2. Start with Tanzania (Great Migration) and Then Fly to Uganda
   Experience the Great Migration first, and then fly to Uganda to trek gorillas.

Flight Options

Several airlines operate flights between Uganda and Tanzania, making it easy to connect the two destinations. Popular airlines include:

• Kenya Airways
• RwandAir
• Uganda Airlines
• Airlink

Road Trip Between Tanzania and Uganda

For those who prefer a road trip, driving between Tanzania and Uganda is possible. The most common route is from northern Tanzania, crossing the border via the Mutukula Border Post into Uganda. Excursia Adventures can provide guidance and assistance to make your road trip smooth and hassle-free.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda requires securing a gorilla permit in advance. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased either in Kampala or Kisoro, depending on your arrival point.

How Excursia Adventures Can Help

Excursia Adventures specializes in booking gorilla trekking permits and organizing safaris. Here’s how we simplify the process:

1. Once you share your travel dates with us via email or WhatsApp, we tentatively reserve your permits online.
2. We provide you with an invoice to make the payment.
3. After payment, we immediately purchase your permits and send you scanned copies for your records.

This ensures your gorilla trekking experience is secured, even on short notice.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration?

Combining these two experiences offers the ultimate African safari adventure. From the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas in the dense rainforests of Uganda to witnessing the raw drama of the Great Migration in Tanzania, this combo delivers unmatched wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

Plan Your Adventure with Excursia Adventures

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in creating tailor-made safari packages that combine gorilla trekking and the Great Migration. Our dedicated team ensures every detail is taken care of, from securing permits to arranging flights and accommodations.

Contact us today to start planning your dream African adventure!