Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Serengeti Safari?

Combining a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda with a safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is one of the most thrilling ways to experience East Africa’s wildlife. Both destinations offer world-renowned wildlife encounters, but they are unique in their own right. Uganda is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, while Tanzania is home to the Serengeti, a place where the Great Migration unfolds annually. If you’re wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with Serengeti Safari?, the answer is yes! This guide will walk you through how to combine these two incredible experiences, the logistics of traveling between the two, and other essential information to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

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Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti Safari?

The idea of combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti safari is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts. These two experiences are drastically different but complement each other beautifully, offering a unique blend of activities that few can match. Gorilla trekking allows you to get up close and personal with the world’s most endangered species, while a Serengeti safari immerses you in the epic landscapes and dramatic wildlife of one of the world’s most famous national parks.

By combining these two activities, you’re not only experiencing diverse wildlife habitats but also exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of East Africa. Whether it’s the lush forests of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or the sweeping plains of the Serengeti, this combination gives you a full spectrum of Africa’s wildlife.

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable experience. The trek takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are home to the majority of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This unique activity allows travelers to trek through the dense, misty forest in search of a family of mountain gorillas. When you find them, you’ll be able to observe these majestic creatures for an hour, watching them interact and play in their natural habitat.

As of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person. This permit grants you access to the gorillas for one hour, and it covers all necessary permits, park fees, and guides. For those who want a more intimate experience, gorilla habituation is available at a higher cost of US$1,500. This experience allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group that is in the process of being habituated to human presence. The price difference reflects the additional time and close interaction with the gorillas.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

If you’re planning to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, it’s essential to know how much a permit will cost. As mentioned earlier, the standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800. This price is valid for a one-hour trek, during which you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will ensure your safety and help you spot the gorillas in the dense forest.

For those looking for a deeper experience, gorilla habituation permits are available at US$1,500 per person. The additional time spent with the gorillas in this program makes it an attractive option for wildlife lovers seeking a more personal and enriching encounter with these incredible creatures.

Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Serengeti Safari

Now, let’s dive into how you can seamlessly combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti Safari. First, you’ll need to fly into Uganda, where you can either start your gorilla trekking adventure or choose to explore other parts of the country before heading to Bwindi. Once you’ve completed your gorilla trek, it’s time to head to Tanzania for the Serengeti Safari.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and Tanzania

Reaching both Uganda and Tanzania is relatively easy, with numerous international flight options. Here’s what you need to know:

Flights from the USA to Uganda

From the USA, travelers typically fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Uganda’s primary international gateway. Most flights from the USA to Uganda connect through Europe or the Middle East. Popular airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer routes that stop over in their respective hubs (Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul), before continuing to Entebbe.

Flights from the UK to Uganda

For travelers coming from the UK, British Airways offers direct flights to Entebbe from London Heathrow. Additionally, other international airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways provide connecting flights via their Middle Eastern hubs.

Flights from Uganda to Tanzania (Serengeti)

After your gorilla trekking adventure, you’ll need to fly to Tanzania for your Serengeti safari. The most common way to travel between Uganda and Tanzania is via a connecting flight through Nairobi, Kenya, as there are no direct flights from Uganda to Serengeti. From Nairobi, you can take a short, domestic flight to one of the major airstrips in the Serengeti, such as Seronera, or take a road transfer from the nearest airport.

Flights from the USA and UK to Tanzania

Both the USA and UK have direct flight options to Tanzania. Travelers from the USA can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha. From these major international airports, you can easily connect to a flight that will take you to the Serengeti.

Can You Experience the Great Migration in the Serengeti?

A visit to the Serengeti would be incomplete without witnessing the Great Migration, one of nature’s most incredible spectacles. The migration, which involves millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles moving in search of fresh grazing lands, typically occurs between June and October. During this period, the Serengeti’s ecosystem is at its most dynamic, with predators like lions and cheetahs following the herds.

If you’re traveling to the Serengeti during the migration season, you can expect to see the breathtaking river crossings, where wildebeests and other animals brave crocodile-infested waters to reach safer grounds. While the migration is a key highlight, the Serengeti is home to incredible wildlife year-round, making it a perfect addition to your trip even outside migration season.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Serengeti Safari?

Absolutely! It is possible to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti safari. While the two destinations are not adjacent, they are easily accessible through short flights and well-established road networks. After your time in Uganda, you can take a short flight to Tanzania and embark on your Serengeti safari. The logistics are straightforward, and tour operators like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help you craft the perfect itinerary that combines these two unforgettable experiences.

What to Expect from a Serengeti Safari

A Serengeti Safari offers an iconic African wildlife experience. The park is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) and an array of other wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. The vast open plains of the Serengeti make it one of the most stunning places to witness wildlife in their natural environment.

During your safari, you’ll explore the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems, from the central Seronera region to the wooded hills of the western corridor. Game drives will take you through the park’s most famous locations, where you can witness animal behavior up close, including predator-prey interactions and birdlife.

Conclusion: The Perfect East African Adventure

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a Serengeti Safari is an extraordinary way to experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife. From the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas in Uganda to the excitement of the Great Migration in Tanzania, this combination offers an unparalleled safari experience. With proper planning and the help of an experienced tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can ensure that your trip runs smoothly and is filled with unforgettable moments.

The logistics of traveling between Uganda and Tanzania are straightforward, and flights from the USA and UK to both countries are easily accessible. So, if you’re looking to combine two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences, don’t hesitate—combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with Serengeti Safari, and create the ultimate adventure in East Africa.