Can I Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara Safari?

Combine Two Iconic Adventures: Lake Manyara and Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas. If you’re asking, “Can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara safari?”, the answer is a definite yes. This combination is an increasingly popular choice among travelers looking to experience East Africa’s most diverse wildlife adventures in a single trip. Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant populations, and vibrant birdlife along the Rift Valley escarpment. It provides a picturesque introduction to Tanzania’s beauty.

Following a safari in Lake Manyara, you can transition to Uganda’s lush mountain forests, where a different kind of wildlife encounter awaits — trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can track mountain gorillas in the wild, and it offers incredible opportunities for conservation tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

With expert coordination from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can enjoy a seamless itinerary that connects savannah game drives and intimate gorilla encounters, making your East African safari truly extraordinary.

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Can I Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara Safari

Getting to Uganda from Lake Manyara: Flight Routes and Travel Options

Convenient Regional Connections Make It Possible

To get from Lake Manyara National Park to Uganda, travelers typically start by returning to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From there, it’s easy to catch a regional flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s main aviation hub. Below are common options:

Lake Manyara to Arusha – A short drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours.
From Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Entebbe – Airlines offering convenient connections:
- Uganda Airlines – Direct or connecting flights via Nairobi or Kilimanjaro.
- Kenya Airways – Routes through Nairobi to Entebbe.
- RwandAir – Options via Kigali to Entebbe.
- Air Tanzania – Some regional connections are available seasonally.

Once in Entebbe, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd arranges either a road transfer (8–10 hours) or a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, which are closest to Uganda’s gorilla trekking regions.

With reliable flights and knowledgeable operators, this cross-border experience is both safe and efficient, allowing you to explore two contrasting landscapes within a few hours.

What’s It Like to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

A Magical Encounter in the Heart of the Rainforest

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a life-changing wildlife experience. It takes you deep into the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park, where mountain gorillas live freely among the thick vines and towering trees. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places for this activity.

After a short briefing by park rangers, you’ll begin a guided hike through the forest to track a habituated gorilla family. The trek can last from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location that day. Once found, you get one full hour to observe them from a close but respectful distance. This hour is truly unforgettable — watching the silverback lead, juveniles play, or mothers care for their babies in silence is deeply emotional.

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?

This is a question we get often: “How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?”
As of 2024, the cost is:

US$800 for a standard trekking permit (1 hour with gorillas)
US$1,500 for a habituation permit (4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group)

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd helps you secure these permits in advance, as they are limited to only 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day, making early booking essential.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration?

Yes – A Perfect East African Wildlife Combo

Many travelers also ask: “Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?” The answer is absolutely yes. In fact, this combination is one of the most powerful safari itineraries in Africa — offering both rare primate encounters and the mass movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.

Here’s how you can do it:

Start with a Tanzanian safari in parks like Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Time your trip between June and October for the best migration views.
Fly to Uganda to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, usually needing 3 to 4 extra days.
You can also combine this with chimpanzee tracking, a Lake Bunyonyi experience, or a cultural visit to nearby communities.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd designs custom itineraries that fit your interests, budget, and schedule, allowing you to enjoy both savannah spectacle and rainforest intimacy in one well-curated package.

Why Book with Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Your Gorilla & Wildlife Safari?

Trusted Experts in Multi-Country East African Tours

Organizing a safari that crosses from Tanzania into Uganda may sound complex, but it becomes simple and seamless with the support of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a registered and reputable Uganda tour operator. With years of experience in East African travel, we offer:

Permit Handling: Gorilla and chimpanzee permits booked and secured in advance.
Flight Arrangements: From Kilimanjaro or Arusha to Entebbe and onward to Bwindi.
Accommodation Planning: Lodges close to gorilla trekking start points, chosen for comfort and service.
Custom Itineraries: Tailor-made trips that include Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Bwindi, and more.
On-the-Ground Support: Friendly, experienced safari guides and 24/7 assistance during your trip.

Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, group, or family, we take care of every detail so that you can focus on enjoying the experience, from photographing tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara to standing face-to-face with a wild silverback gorilla in Uganda.

Final Thoughts: Can I Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara Safari?

Yes – And It Might Just Be the Best Safari You’ll Ever Take

So, back to the key question: Can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara safari? The answer is a big yes, and it’s highly recommended for those who want to experience the best of both worlds — Tanzania’s breathtaking savannahs and Uganda’s unforgettable gorilla encounters.

This route offers a unique wildlife contrast. On one side, you have Lake Manyara’s pink flamingos, dense woodlands, and open grasslands. On the other, you’ll trek through ancient mountain forests where gorillas roam freely. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that few people take, but those who do never forget it.

Let Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd guide you every step of the way. From the moment you land in Tanzania to your emotional farewell in Uganda, we ensure a smooth, safe, and deeply enriching safari experience that combines the best of East Africa.

Book Your Gorilla and Lake Manyara Safari with Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +256 762 204670
📧 Email: trips@dekstours.com
🌍 Website: www.dekstours.com
📍 Location: Kampala, Uganda

Let us help you turn your question — “Can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda from a Lake Manyara Safari?” — into a life-changing African adventure.

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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.