Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Masai Mara Kenya Safari?

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Masai Mara Kenya Safari? When planning an African safari adventure, it’s natural to want to experience the best of both worlds: the thrilling gorilla trekking in Uganda and the spectacular wildlife of the Masai Mara in Kenya. This combination provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife and landscapes of East Africa. But can you combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Masai Mara Kenya safari? Absolutely! In this guide, we’ll explore how these two unforgettable experiences can be seamlessly combined into one trip, along with everything you need to know about planning such an adventure.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages

Exploring the Best of Both Worlds: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and the Masai Mara in Kenya

Uganda and Kenya offer two of the most sought-after safari experiences in Africa. On one hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering one of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences: gorilla trekking. On the other hand, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is famous for its extraordinary wildlife, including the Big Five, and for being one of the best places to witness the Great Migration.

While these two locations are geographically separate—Uganda being to the west and Kenya to the east—it is absolutely possible to combine both activities into a single journey. The proximity of the two countries, along with well-established flight connections and road routes, allows travelers to experience both the awe of trekking mountain gorillas and the excitement of a traditional African safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter

Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience is unmatched. The country is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park being the primary habitats for these incredible animals. Trekking through dense forest to encounter a family of gorillas in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.

In 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This price covers a guided trek, where a trained guide leads visitors through the forest in search of the gorillas. Visitors are allowed one hour with the gorillas once they are located. For those seeking an even more intimate experience, the cost of a gorilla habituation permit is US$1,500. This allows tourists to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group that is still in the habituation process, offering an immersive and extraordinary wildlife encounter.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, as of 2024, is US$800. This fee grants access to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll embark on a guided trek to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trekking experience usually lasts around 2-8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, and the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable part of any safari.

For those interested in a more extended and personal encounter, Uganda offers gorilla habituation, which costs US$1,500 per permit. This experience allows you to spend more time with the gorillas—up to four hours—and witness the process of habituating these wild animals to human presence, which is essential for their conservation.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands. This migration occurs from July to October, and it’s during this time that the Masai Mara is at its most vibrant, teeming with wildlife.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania are experiences that complement each other perfectly. You can easily combine these two thrilling activities by organizing a well-planned itinerary. After completing your gorilla trek in Uganda, you can travel to Kenya or Tanzania for a safari in the Masai Mara or Serengeti, which is just a short flight away.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and Kenya

Flying into Uganda or Kenya is relatively straightforward. Major international airlines operate flights from the USA and the UK to both countries, making it easy to travel between them.

Flights from the USA to Uganda:

From the USA, you can fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda via connecting flights in Europe or the Middle East. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer routes that connect through their hubs in Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul, respectively.

Flights from the UK to Uganda:

From the UK, British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Entebbe. Additionally, other airlines such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates provide connecting flights to Entebbe through their respective hubs.

Flights to Kenya (Masai Mara):

To reach the Masai Mara from either Uganda or the USA/UK, you can take a flight to Nairobi (NBO), Kenya’s capital, and then connect to the Masai Mara by a short domestic flight or a scenic road journey. Major airlines, including Kenya Airways, British Airways, and Emirates, operate flights to Nairobi from both the USA and the UK.

What is the Best Time to Combine Gorilla Trekking and a Masai Mara Safari?

The best time to combine these two activities depends on the timing of the Great Migration and the weather conditions. Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity in Uganda, but the dry season from June to September, as well as December to February, is ideal. This is because the trekking trails are less muddy, and the weather conditions are more favorable for hiking.

For the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, the peak season is between July and October. This is when the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River, drawing predators like lions and crocodiles. If you’re aiming to witness the full spectacle of the migration, it’s best to plan your safari during this time.

By combining both activities during these months, you can maximize your time in Africa and ensure the best wildlife experiences.

Questions You Might Have About Gorilla Trekking and Safari Combinations

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

As mentioned earlier, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800. This fee grants you access to the gorillas for one hour. For a more immersive experience, you can opt for gorilla habituation, which costs US$1,500.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Yes, it is absolutely possible! You can combine a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda with a safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti. There are plenty of flight connections between Uganda and Kenya/Tanzania, and a well-planned itinerary will allow you to experience both.

Conclusion: Why You Should Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and a Masai Mara Kenya Safari

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a safari in the Masai Mara is an unbeatable way to experience East Africa’s unparalleled wildlife. Whether you’re trekking through the lush forests of Bwindi to see the endangered mountain gorillas or witnessing the drama of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, this combination promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, is ready to help you plan this unforgettable journey and ensure a seamless and thrilling safari experience across both Uganda and Kenya.

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Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.