A Safari in Masai Mara and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Experience the Best of East Africa: A Safari in Masai Mara and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Are you dreaming of a thrilling safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara combined with the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda? With Excursia Adventures, you can easily combine both these unforgettable experiences into one seamless trip! Whether you’re visiting the stunning plains of the Masai Mara or trekking through the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your ultimate East African adventure.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: An Experience You Can’t Miss

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most incredible wildlife encounters in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two places in Uganda where you can trek these endangered mountain gorillas. These parks are part of a small region shared with Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), which are home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in southwestern Uganda, offers a magical experience where you’ll track the gorillas through dense rainforest. Whether you’re trekking in the Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga sectors, each area offers unique experiences and different gorilla families to visit.

A Kenyan Safari: The Ultimate African Adventure

Kenya is renowned for its wildlife and stunning landscapes. A safari in Masai Mara is the perfect way to experience the iconic African savannah, home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Masai Mara is especially famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains in one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.

In addition to the game-filled savannahs, Kenya offers scenic beauty from its unspoiled beaches like Mombasa and Malindi to the majestic Rift Valley and its ancient Swahili cities. Whether you’re on a game drive in Masai Mara or relaxing on a pristine beach, a Kenyan safari is truly the epitome of an African holiday.

How to Combine a Masai Mara Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

There are multiple ways to combine a safari in Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can start with a visit to Uganda for gorilla trekking and then fly to Kenya for a safari, or vice versa. Flights between Kenya and Uganda are operated by several airlines, including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink, making it easy to hop between the two countries for your adventure.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can also opt for a road trip between the two countries. The drive from Kenya to Uganda takes approximately two days, crossing the border at Busia, and can be an exciting part of your adventure. However, if you’re short on time, flying is the most convenient option.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: What You Need to Know

Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience is unmatched, and it’s best to plan your visit to the park carefully. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is divided into four sectors:

• Buhoma and Ruhija: Located in the northern part, these areas are easily combined with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo: Located in the south, these sectors are close to Mgahinga National Park, home to both gorillas and golden monkeys.

Each sector has several habituated gorilla families, with Rushaga hosting the highest number of families, offering more options for your trekking experience.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them during your trek.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda requires securing a gorilla permit in advance. You can purchase your permit directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) either in Kampala (for travelers arriving through Entebbe) or in Kisoro (for those arriving through Kigali).

Excursia Adventures is happy to handle the entire process for you. Once you confirm your dates, we’ll reserve your gorilla permits online, send you an invoice, and once the payment is made, we’ll secure your permits and send you the details for your records.

The Best Time for a Safari in Masai Mara and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time to visit Masai Mara for a safari and go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season, from January to February and June to early September. During this period, the weather is perfect for trekking, with less rainfall, and visibility is clearer for both game viewing and gorilla encounters.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Packing for gorilla trekking can be tricky, but here’s what we recommend:

• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against scratches.
• Waterproof hiking boots for trekking through muddy forest paths.
• Gardening gloves for gripping tree branches during the hike.
• A raincoat (since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is frequent).
• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Cameras with long-lasting batteries (remember to turn off your flash).
• Binoculars for spotting birds and other wildlife.
• Mosquito repellent to protect from insects.
• Sunscreen for sun protection.

It’s best to wear neutral colors as bright colors can disturb the gorillas. Avoid black or blue, as they attract Tsetse flies.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

There are several accommodation options in Bwindi, depending on where you’re trekking:

• Rushaga: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge.
• Nkuringo: Stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi Lodge offer comfort close to the trekking start points.
• Ruhija: Choose from Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Why Book Your Masai Mara Safari and Gorilla Trekking Experience with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize tailor-made safaris that combine the best of Kenya and Uganda. Our professional team will help you plan every detail, ensuring your trip is smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From securing your gorilla permits to booking your safari accommodations and arranging flights, we handle everything for you.

Whether you’re visiting Masai Mara for the iconic safari experience or trekking the jungles of Bwindi to meet the mountain gorillas, we guarantee a trip of a lifetime. Contact us today to book your safari and gorilla trekking adventure!