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

When it comes to planning an unforgettable African adventure, the idea of combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration Safari is one of the most exciting options. These two experiences offer distinct yet equally awe-inspiring encounters with nature, and combining them into one trip gives travelers the best of both worlds. From the dense forests of Uganda where you’ll come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas, to the vast plains of East Africa where millions of animals participate in the Great Migration, this journey promises unparalleled wildlife experiences.

In this article, we will explore how you can seamlessly combine these two extraordinary experiences, provide insights into the logistics of traveling between the two destinations, and answer some of the most common questions, such as: How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania? By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to plan the ultimate African adventure.

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Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania offers an exceptional blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. These experiences are some of Africa’s most sought-after activities, but they provide very different kinds of excitement. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a personal, intimate wildlife experience where you will be trekking through dense, misty forests to observe the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It is a rare and life-changing encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species.

On the other hand, the Great Migration safari takes place in the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya), where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel in search of water and fresh grazing lands. This epic wildlife event is a spectacle that takes place every year and offers incredible opportunities to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles in action.

These two activities complement each other perfectly. While one focuses on a close-up wildlife experience in the forest, the other offers the thrill of observing large herds and dramatic wildlife interactions across vast open plains. Both are unmissable, and combining them in one trip allows you to experience the full spectrum of Africa’s diverse wildlife.

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What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. The trek takes place in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are home to more than half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. The trek itself involves hiking through dense, sometimes muddy terrain as you follow experienced trackers to find a family of gorillas. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have the rare opportunity to spend an hour observing them in their natural environment, watching them eat, play, or interact with one another.

As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This fee includes the permit to trek, the services of a guide, and the park entry fees. If you wish to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for gorilla habituation, which is priced at US$1,500 per person. Gorilla habituation allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla group, giving you an even more immersive experience and a deeper connection with these incredible animals.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

The price of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 as of 2024. This fee grants you access to one of Uganda’s gorilla groups and allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas. The price includes park entry, the services of a guide, and a contribution toward conservation efforts that help protect the gorillas and their habitats.

For those interested in a more personalized and extended experience, the gorilla habituation option is available at a cost of US$1,500. With gorilla habituation, you’ll spend up to four hours with a group of gorillas being prepared for tourism interactions. This experience allows for a more intimate and educational encounter, making it a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts who want to make the most of their visit.

The Great Migration Safari: An Unforgettable Wildlife Experience

The Great Migration is one of the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world. Every year, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles make a long journey across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands. This massive migration is not only a feast for predators but also offers some of the most dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities, including river crossings where herds of wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters to reach safer grounds.

The Great Migration occurs primarily in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The migration follows a predictable route, so you can time your visit to coincide with the peak of the event. The migration typically occurs from July to October, when the herds move toward the Maasai Mara for better grazing. However, wildlife viewing in the Serengeti is spectacular year-round, as the park is also home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.

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

Yes, you can absolutely combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration safari. While Uganda and the migration areas in Kenya and Tanzania are in different countries, they are easily accessible by flight. After completing your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you can take a flight from Entebbe to Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania), from where you can transfer to the Maasai Mara or Serengeti.

The combination of gorilla trekking and the Great Migration safari creates the perfect East African wildlife experience. After your intimate encounter with the gorillas in Uganda, you can explore the vast plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara and witness the migration up close. This blend of experiences allows you to appreciate the full diversity of African wildlife, from the dense forests to the sweeping savannahs.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and Tanzania

Getting to Uganda and Tanzania is relatively easy, with many international flights available from the USA and UK. Here’s an overview of your options:

Flights from the USA to Uganda

Most travelers from the USA fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda, with stopovers in Europe or the Middle East. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer connecting flights through their hubs (Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul). From these hubs, you can catch a direct flight to Entebbe.

Flights from the UK to Uganda

British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Entebbe. Additionally, there are connecting flights through airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airways for those looking for more flexibility in their travel plans.

Flights from Uganda to Tanzania

After your gorilla trek, you can fly to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) from Entebbe. The most common way to travel is through a short layover in Nairobi, Kenya, where you can catch a flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. From these airports, it’s easy to access both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.

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

If you’re interested in more wildlife experiences, you might also ask, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania? Absolutely! Whether you want to visit the Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration or explore Tanzania’s Serengeti, adding a safari after your gorilla trekking experience is a seamless and rewarding way to enhance your trip. A safari in Kenya or Tanzania allows you to see Africa’s iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and more, all while taking in stunning landscapes.

Tips for Combining Gorilla Trekking and the Great Migration Safari

When combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration safari, here are a few helpful tips:

Plan Your Itinerary Carefully: Be sure to allow enough time between your gorilla trek and migration safari, as travel between Uganda and Tanzania or Kenya requires flights and transfers. A well-planned itinerary will ensure you make the most of both experiences.
Choose the Right Time: The Great Migration is best experienced between July and October. Try to align your migration safari with this period for the best wildlife viewing.
Prepare for Different Climates: Gorilla trekking involves hiking through rainforests, while the Great Migration takes place on the savannah. Pack clothing suitable for both activities and prepare for changing weather conditions.
Physical Preparation: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, and so can a safari. Be sure you’re prepared for both, especially the longer days spent in the field.

Conclusion: The Ultimate African Adventure

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Migration safari is one of the best ways to experience East Africa’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes. Both of these adventures offer incredible opportunities for wildlife encounters, and combining them creates a well-rounded and thrilling itinerary. Whether you’re trekking through Uganda’s rainforests to meet the gorillas or witnessing the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, this trip will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

With expert guidance from a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can seamlessly combine these two iconic experiences into one unforgettable African adventure. Don’t wait—start planning your trip today and get ready to explore the wonders of Uganda and East Africa!

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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.