Gorilla Trekking Safari

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Possible from Kruger National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an incredible adventure that attracts travelers from all over the world. If you’re currently exploring the wonders of Kruger National Park in South Africa, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to combine this African safari experience with the iconic gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. The answer is yes! Gorilla trekking in Uganda is indeed possible from Kruger National Park.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to travel from Kruger National Park to Uganda for your gorilla trekking adventure, the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, and whether you can combine gorilla trekking with other major safari experiences like the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. Let’s dive in!

Travel Routes: How to Get from Kruger National Park to Uganda

If you’re based in Kruger National Park, the good news is that traveling to Uganda for gorilla trekking is entirely feasible, though it involves a few travel steps. Here’s how you can plan your trip:

Flights from Kruger National Park to Uganda

Kruger National Park is located in northeastern South Africa, and there are several ways to get from there to Uganda for your gorilla trekking adventure. Although there are no direct flights from Kruger National Park to Uganda, you can easily connect through major airports in South Africa. The most convenient option is as follows:

1. Kruger to Johannesburg – You’ll first need to fly or drive from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg, which is about a 1-hour flight away. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. Several domestic flights run from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, with airlines such as South African Airways and Airlink.
2. Johannesburg to Entebbe – Once you’re in Johannesburg, you can catch a direct flight to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Airlines such as South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines operate regular flights from Johannesburg to Entebbe. The flight duration is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Upon arrival at Entebbe, you will be able to travel to popular gorilla trekking destinations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Travel options to these locations include private transfers, scheduled flights to regional airports, or road trips, with travel times ranging from 7 to 9 hours depending on your destination.

The Best Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda

Once you’ve reached Uganda, you’ll find some of the most scenic and thrilling gorilla trekking experiences available in the world. Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a top destination for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

One of the most famous gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southwest of the country. Known for its lush, misty forests and steep hills, Bwindi is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, making it the largest population in Uganda.

Visitors to Bwindi embark on a thrilling trek through the dense forest in search of one of the park’s many habituated gorilla families. With several gorilla families available for trekking, visitors are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For a more tranquil and off-the-beaten-path option, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers an equally incredible gorilla trekking experience. This park is located just a few kilometers away from Bwindi, and it offers a stunning landscape of volcanic mountains and diverse flora and fauna. Mgahinga is home to the Golden Monkeys, as well as a few gorilla families, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are easily accessible from Entebbe by air and road, and a visit to either park offers a spectacular opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

When planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, the cost of the gorilla trekking permit is an essential consideration. As of 2024, the cost of a standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This permit grants you access to the gorilla trekking experience and covers your park entry fees, the services of a guide, and the opportunity to spend up to one hour with a gorilla family.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

For those looking for a more exclusive and immersive experience, Uganda also offers a gorilla habituation program, where you can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family. This is a unique opportunity to see the gorillas in a more natural state as they are gradually becoming accustomed to human presence. The cost for the gorilla habituation experience is US$1,500 per person, which is significantly higher than the standard trekking permit, but the experience is well worth the investment.

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

One of the incredible advantages of traveling through East Africa is the ability to combine multiple iconic wildlife experiences in one trip. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania are two experiences that can easily be combined for an unforgettable African adventure.

Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Safari

After your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you can easily travel to Kenya or Tanzania to witness the Great Migration. The Great Migration occurs between June and September each year, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. This spectacle is one of nature’s most extraordinary events and is a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast.

Traveling Between Uganda and Kenya/Tanzania

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to travel between Uganda and either Kenya or Tanzania. You can catch a short flight from Entebbe to Nairobi or Arusha, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, you can either go on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, or head to the Masai Mara or Serengeti to witness the migration. Many tour operators offer combined packages that include both gorilla trekking and a safari to see the Great Migration.

Health and Safety Considerations for Gorilla Trekking

Before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure, it’s important to take a few health and safety considerations into account:

Health Requirements

You will need to be vaccinated for Yellow Fever before entering Uganda. It’s also advisable to take anti-malaria medication to protect yourself from the disease, as malaria is present in Uganda, particularly in lower-altitude areas. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider for the latest vaccinations and health precautions before your trip.

Physical Fitness

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through steep, dense forest terrain, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. If you have any concerns about your ability to trek, speak with your tour operator about the possibility of selecting a less physically demanding route.

Conclusion: Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Possible from Kruger National Park?

In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible from Kruger National Park and can be a seamless and rewarding extension of your South African safari. With relatively easy flight connections from Kruger to Uganda, you can quickly travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800, with the gorilla habituation experience costing US$1,500. You can also combine gorilla trekking with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania to witness the Great Migration, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime African adventure.

With Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we can help you organize the perfect combination of gorilla trekking and a safari in East Africa. Start planning your dream trip today!

FAQs

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?

As of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800, while the gorilla habituation experience is priced at US$1,500.

Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a safari to see the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. We offer packages that allow you to experience both.