Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Botswana Safari?

If you’re seeking the ultimate African adventure, you may be wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Botswana safari? The answer is a resounding yes! Combining the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda with a safari in Botswana offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience two of Africa’s most iconic and diverse wildlife encounters. While Uganda’s lush jungles provide an intimate gorilla trekking experience, Botswana’s vast landscapes promise some of the best wildlife safaris in the world, including unique ecosystems such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

In this article, we will explore how you can combine these unforgettable adventures, the practical aspects of such a trip, and answer common questions like How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with great wildlife migration in Kenya or Tanzania? As of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800, and gorilla habituation is available for US$1,500. Understanding the logistics, travel options, and best time to visit will ensure that you have the perfect African experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first African adventure, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a trusted Uganda tour operator, is here to help you plan and execute the trip of a lifetime. So let’s dive into what makes combining gorilla trekking in Uganda and a Botswana safari such an incredible experience.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages

What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Uganda So Special?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a life-changing experience that takes you deep into the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking allows you to track these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, offering you the chance to observe their social behavior up close. The trek itself can be physically demanding, with rugged terrain and steep climbs, but the reward of standing face-to-face with a silverback gorilla is truly priceless.

Uganda is one of the only places in the world where you can have this unique experience, and it’s incredibly well-organized, with experienced guides and strict conservation measures in place to protect the gorillas. Each trek is carefully planned to minimize human impact and ensure the well-being of the gorillas, making this an ethical wildlife encounter.

As of 2024, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost US$800. This price includes a permit to trek the habituated gorillas, along with the services of a guide and park rangers. For a more in-depth experience, gorilla habituation is available for US$1,500, allowing you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, compared to the one-hour limit for standard trekking.

How Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Botswana Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Botswana safari allows you to experience both intimate wildlife encounters and expansive safaris. After your trek in Uganda, you can easily fly to Botswana, where you’ll find an array of safari experiences. From the water-based safaris in the Okavango Delta to the dry, game-filled plains of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana offers diverse and stunning landscapes to explore.

Botswana is home to some of Africa’s best wildlife destinations, such as Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Okavango Delta. Each of these locations offers a unique safari experience, allowing you to witness an impressive variety of animals, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos) and hundreds of bird species. The Okavango Delta is particularly famous for its water-based safaris, where you can take a mokoro (dugout canoe) to silently glide past elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

To combine these two experiences seamlessly, you will need to plan your itinerary to allow enough time for both adventures, while considering travel logistics and flight schedules.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda with Botswana Safari

Habituated Gorilla Families in Bwindi

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

A key question that travelers often ask when considering a trip to Uganda is, How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This fee is paid directly to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and includes the cost of park entry, the services of a trained guide, and the conservation efforts that help protect the gorillas and their habitat.

The fee is valid for one hour of viewing time with the gorillas, which is more than enough to observe them in their natural habitat and capture unforgettable memories. For those who want to experience the gorillas in more depth, gorilla habituation offers an extended experience. For US$1,500, travelers can spend up to four hours with the gorillas, engaging with them in a way that provides a deeper understanding of their behavior and social structure.

Gorilla trekking permits are highly sought after, and there are only a limited number of permits available each day, so booking well in advance is crucial to securing your spot.

What Makes Botswana a Perfect Safari Destination?

Botswana stands out as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing. Chobe National Park, located in the north of Botswana, is renowned for its large populations of elephants and is considered one of the best places in Africa to see these majestic animals. The park is also home to a variety of other species, including lions, hippos, buffalo, and crocodiles.

Another highlight of a Botswana safari is the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with wildlife, and its water-based safaris give you the chance to see animals from a completely different perspective. Whether you’re cruising along the waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe or enjoying a more traditional 4×4 safari, the Okavango Delta offers one of the most scenic and diverse safari experiences in Africa.

Additionally, Botswana’s safari industry is known for its high-quality lodges and exclusive experiences. Many lodges offer all-inclusive packages that include game drives, meals, and even activities like walking safaris and birdwatching.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and Botswana

Flights from the USA to Uganda and Botswana

Traveling from the USA to Uganda and Botswana involves connecting flights, as there are no direct flights between these two destinations. Major international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines offer convenient connections via their respective hubs in Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. Flights from the USA to Entebbe (EBB) in Uganda typically take 18-22 hours, depending on your departure city and layovers. To travel to Botswana, you can fly into Maun (the gateway to the Okavango Delta) or Gaborone, and flights from Entebbe to Maun take around 4-5 hours, with connecting flights available through airlines like Air Botswana.

Flights from the UK to Uganda and Botswana

From the UK, British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Entebbe in Uganda. The flight time is about 8-9 hours. Once in Uganda, you can easily take connecting flights to Botswana, with direct flights from Entebbe to Maun or Gaborone offered by airlines like Kenya Airways and Air Botswana.

Cycling Safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Is It Possible to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Another common question travelers ask is whether they can combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. While combining these experiences is possible, the distances between Uganda and the migration regions in Kenya and Tanzania are considerable. However, with proper planning and guidance, it’s certainly achievable, and Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help you design a customized itinerary that includes both the gorillas and the Great Migration.

Tips for Combining Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Botswana Safari

Allow Enough Time: Plan at least 10-12 days for this combination. A typical itinerary would include 3-4 days for gorilla trekking and 6-7 days for a safari in Botswana.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so ensure that you’re prepared for the trek’s conditions, including steep terrain and dense vegetation.
Seasonal Considerations: The best time for both activities is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. This is also the peak season for safaris in Botswana.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable African Adventure

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Botswana safari offers the ultimate African adventure. The rare opportunity to trek with mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Uganda, followed by a thrilling safari in Botswana’s diverse landscapes, makes for a trip of a lifetime. With expert guidance from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, your dream African journey can come to life, offering a seamless and unforgettable experience. Book your adventure today and get ready for an unparalleled wildlife journey through Uganda and Botswana.

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.