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

If you’re looking to create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines two of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences, then the answer to “Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania safari?” is a resounding yes. Uganda, known for its exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, and Tanzania, famous for its stunning wildlife safaris, offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds. Imagine tracking gorillas through lush jungles and then exploring the vast savannahs of Tanzania, home to the Big Five, the Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

In this article, we will guide you through the exciting prospect of combining a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda with a safari in Tanzania. We’ll discuss practical details, including flights, the cost of permits, and essential tips for travelers. We’ll also answer some important 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?

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, this combination promises to create unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into how you can blend these two exhilarating experiences into one amazing trip.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania safari provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience both Africa’s unique primate and big game wildlife. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where travelers can get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas. On the other hand, Tanzania offers the chance to witness vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards across its renowned national parks.

Uganda and Tanzania are neighboring countries, making it relatively easy to combine both adventures. Gorilla trekking provides a more intimate experience with wildlife, where you can spend up to one hour with the gorillas, while a Tanzania safari offers a grander, more expansive view of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. Whether you want to track gorillas in Uganda and then observe the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or venture into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive, these two destinations complement each other perfectly for a comprehensive wildlife adventure.

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an extraordinary experience that takes place in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it the most popular destination for this activity. The trek can be physically demanding, as visitors must navigate through steep terrain and dense forest. However, the reward of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat makes the effort worth it.

Once you reach a gorilla group, you will spend up to one hour observing the gorillas. This time is spent observing the gorillas’ behavior and taking photos, while learning from the expert guides and trackers who accompany you. The experience is both thrilling and emotional, as visitors often have a chance to witness the gentle and familial nature of these endangered creatures.

As of 2024, the cost for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This includes one hour of interaction with the gorillas, guided by expert rangers. If you desire a more immersive experience, you can opt for gorilla habituation, which allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas for a fee of US$1,500.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

One of the most frequently asked questions when planning a gorilla trekking trip in 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 permit allows you to trek one of the habituated gorilla families for a one-hour interaction. This permit includes park entry fees, ranger guide services, and the maintenance of the trekking experience.

For travelers seeking a more in-depth experience, Uganda also offers gorilla habituation, which costs US$1,500 per person. This experience offers travelers up to four hours with a gorilla group, providing a more personal and intimate encounter with these fascinating creatures. It’s important to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance as permits are limited, and the demand is high, especially during peak seasons.

Both the standard trekking permit and the habituation experience contribute to the conservation of the mountain gorillas, helping to fund ongoing efforts to protect their habitat and ensure their survival.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda with Tanzania Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Exploring Tanzania’s Wildlife Safari

After your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you can head to Tanzania for a completely different yet equally incredible wildlife adventure. Tanzania is home to some of the most famous safari destinations in Africa, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. The Serengeti, known for its vast plains, is particularly famous for the annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events.

A Tanzania safari also provides opportunities to view the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—in their natural environment. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly renowned for offering excellent game viewing year-round, making them perfect destinations for a safari adventure. Whether you’re interested in game drives, hot air balloon safaris, or cultural experiences with the Maasai, Tanzania offers a rich and diverse range of activities for wildlife lovers.

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

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania safari. These two experiences complement each other perfectly, allowing you to enjoy both the intimate experience of seeing mountain gorillas up close and the expansive excitement of a traditional African safari.

After trekking the gorillas in Uganda, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Tanzania. There are daily flights between Entebbe and Dar es Salaam, or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), with major airlines such as Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offering convenient connections.

From Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, you can easily travel to Tanzania’s premier safari destinations, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The seamless flight connections make it possible to enjoy both of these unforgettable experiences in one trip.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and Tanzania

Flights from the USA to Uganda and Tanzania

Traveling from the USA to Uganda and Tanzania requires a connecting flight. There are no direct flights, but major airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines provide connections through their hubs in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. The flight time from the USA to Uganda or Tanzania generally ranges from 18 to 22 hours, depending on your layovers.

Flights from the UK to Uganda and Tanzania

From the UK, British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda. For Tanzania, KLM and Tanzania Airways offer flights to Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) from London Heathrow (LHR). Both destinations are easily accessible from the UK with layovers in European or Middle Eastern hubs.

Flights Between Uganda and Tanzania

Once in Uganda, you can take a short flight to Tanzania. Flights between Entebbe (EBB) and Dar es Salaam (DAR), or Kilimanjaro (JRO), are available with airlines such as Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airlines, and typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Arusha Tanzania

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

One of the most common questions travelers ask is, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Tanzania? The answer is a definite yes! The Great Migration, which takes place in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, is one of the most incredible wildlife events on earth. This annual migration involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they travel across the plains, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs. If you time your visit to the Serengeti during the migration, you’ll witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles, all after your incredible experience with mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Tips for Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking and a Tanzania Safari

Plan Well: Ensure that you allow sufficient time for both activities. A typical itinerary can span 7-10 days, giving you enough time to enjoy both experiences without feeling rushed.
Pack for Different Climates: Uganda’s climate can be cooler and wetter, especially during the rainy season, while Tanzania is generally warmer and drier, especially during the safari months. Be sure to pack accordingly.
Travel Light: Moving between different destinations can be easier with lightweight luggage, so pack efficiently for both activities.

Conclusion: The Ultimate African Adventure

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Tanzania safari offers an incredible opportunity to experience some of the best wildlife Africa has to offer. Whether you’re trekking through Uganda’s lush forests to observe mountain gorillas or exploring Tanzania’s vast savannahs to witness the Great Migration, this combination promises an unforgettable journey. With expert guidance from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a trusted Uganda tour operator, you can seamlessly combine these two remarkable adventures into one extraordinary trip. Start planning your African adventure today and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

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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.