Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Botswana Safari

Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Botswana Safari

If you’re planning to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and want to take your adventure further with a Botswana safari, Trek Africa Gorillas is here to help! We’ll guide you through how you can easily combine these two unforgettable experiences into one seamless journey.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Safari in Botswana?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an experience of a lifetime. Trek through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. These parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making Uganda one of the best destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. You can also explore nearby Rwanda and the DR Congo, both of which have mountain gorillas.

On the other hand, Botswana offers one of the most exclusive and serene safari experiences in Africa. The Okavango Delta, Chobe and Moremi Game Reserve are prime destinations for seeing big game in their natural habitat. A Botswana safari promises exceptional wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants and leopards, while staying in some of Africa’s finest luxury camps.

By combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Botswana safari, you’ll experience the best of both worlds—from the breathtaking mountain gorillas in Uganda to the majestic African wildlife in Botswana.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Botswana Safari

There are multiple ways to combine these two incredible experiences. You can start by trekking gorillas in Uganda and then fly to Botswana for your safari or you can reverse the order. Flights between Uganda and Botswana are operated by Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Airlink and other carriers, making it easy to travel between the two destinations.

Top Uganda Gorilla Safari Itineraries

If you’re looking for the perfect Uganda itinerary, here are a few options:

• 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 5-Day Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Uganda Gorillas and Game Safari
• 8-Day Best Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
• 8-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place across four main sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

• Buhoma Sector (North)
• Ruhija Sector (Northeast)
• Rushaga Sector (South)
• Nkuringo Sector (South)

Each sector offers different habituated gorilla families, with Rushaga having the largest number of families available for trekking. Buhoma and Ruhija sectors are located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine your gorilla trek with a game drive for an all-around wildlife experience.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is spread across four sectors: Buhoma and Ruhija in the north and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each sector offers various lodging options, all within easy reach of the trekking starting points:

• In Rushaga: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge and Gorilla Safari Lodge.
• In Nkuringo: Book your stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort. These lodges are close to the Gorilla Habituation and trekking points.
• In Buhoma (Northern Bwindi): Lodging options include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp and Ride 4 a Woman.
• In Ruhija: Stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge and Broadbill Tented Camp.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

A gorilla permit for foreign non-residents costs USD 800 per person per trek. For East African residents, it’s USD 700 and for East African citizens, it’s UGX 300,000. The permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them during your trek. It’s an exclusive experience you won’t forget.

Best Time of Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The ideal time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months, typically from January to February and June to early September. These months offer the best trekking conditions as the weather is more favorable, making travel to the parks easier and the trails less muddy. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, which improves your chances of spotting the mountain gorillas in the wild.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Wondering what to wear for your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? Here’s a handy list of essentials to make your trek comfortable and enjoyable:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The temperatures can drop, especially in the morning, so a sweater is a good idea to stay warm.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Protect your legs from thorns, bushes and insects during the trek.
• Waterproof hiking boots: The terrain can be slippery and muddy, so sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for a safe trek.
• Hat and sunglasses: While optional, these will help shield you from the sun, especially if you’re trekking in the warmer months.
• Camera and long-lasting batteries: Photography is one of the highlights of gorilla trekking, so ensure your camera is ready (don’t forget to keep the flash off).
• Binoculars: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to numerous bird species and other primates. Binoculars will help you spot them.
• Gardening gloves: These are useful when holding onto branches and trees as you navigate through the forest.
• Raincoat: As Bwindi is a rainforest, rain can be unpredictable. A raincoat is a must-have to stay dry.
• Mosquito repellent: The forest is home to various insects, so be sure to use repellent to protect yourself.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, the weather can get quite hot, so apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• Neutral colors: Avoid bright colors, as they can disturb the gorillas. Black and blue should also be avoided as they attract tsetse flies. Opt for neutral, earthy tones like brown, green or beige.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking permit in Uganda should be done well in advance to secure your spot. Gorilla permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can purchase permits in Kampala for those arriving through Entebbe or Kisoro for those coming via Kigali.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we handle the entire booking process for you. After confirming your dates with us via email or WhatsApp, we’ll reserve your permits and send you an invoice. Once payment is received, we’ll immediately purchase your permits and send you scanned copies to confirm your booking. This ensures you have your permits secured for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we specialize in creating customized safari experiences. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda or a thrilling safari in Botswana, we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for you.

We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and support. Our team of professional consultants is always ready to assist and we aim to respond to all inquiries within 20 minutes. We ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, from securing your gorilla permits to booking luxury accommodations and arranging for expert guides tailored to your language preferences.

Ready to book your dream adventure? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to start planning your unforgettable Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Botswana Safari combo!