Gorilla Trekking Safari Combined with Wildlife Safaris

A gorilla trekking safari combined with classic wildlife safaris is the ultimate African adventure — a journey that captures the best of both worlds: the raw intimacy of meeting mountain gorillas in misty rainforests and the thrill of game drives across sunlit savannahs filled with lions, elephants, and giraffes.

This unique blend of primate encounters and traditional safari experiences can only be found in a few destinations, and Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya or Tanzania together make the perfect combination. Whether you dream of locking eyes with a silverback gorilla in Bwindi or watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti, a combined gorilla-and-wildlife safari offers a life-changing journey through Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking with Wildlife Safaris?

1. A Complete African Experience

Gorilla trekking gives you an intimate connection with nature’s gentlest giants, while savannah safaris reveal Africa’s legendary “Big Five.” Together, they offer a fuller, richer adventure — one that balances forest mystery with open-plains grandeur.

2. Diversity of Landscapes and Species

From the misty jungles of Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park to the golden plains of Maasai Mara or the crater floor of Ngorongoro, each ecosystem feels like stepping into a different world — yet they all weave together seamlessly in one itinerary.

3. Efficient Regional Connections

East Africa’s modern infrastructure allows smooth travel between Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Short flights and scenic drives make it easy to connect gorilla trekking parks with game reserves like Serengeti, Amboseli, or Queen Elizabeth.

Where to Go for a Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

1. Uganda – The Ultimate Primate and Wildlife Destination

Uganda is the best country in Africa to combine gorilla trekking with classic game drives and chimpanzee tracking. It offers everything — from rainforest adventures to savannah safaris and river cruises.

Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Quieter and scenic, with golden monkey tracking.

Wildlife Safaris

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions, elephants, hippos, and over 600 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest park, with the Nile River plunging through a narrow gorge — and excellent sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards.
Lake Mburo National Park: Perfect for walking safaris, zebras, and antelopes.
Kidepo Valley National Park: Remote and wild, offering authentic game drives with lions, cheetahs, and ostriches.

Popular Uganda Safari Combination (8–12 Days)

Day 1–2: Arrive in Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Day 3–5: Game drives and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 6–8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Optional: Extend to Lake Bunyonyi or Murchison Falls.

Uganda’s diversity makes it ideal for travelers who want a single-country safari that combines gorillas, chimpanzees, and big game.

2. Rwanda – Gorillas and Savannah in Luxury

Rwanda is compact, luxurious, and efficient — perfect for travelers short on time but seeking high-end experiences.

Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park: The world-famous gorilla trekking hub, only a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali.

Wildlife Safaris

Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five — lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. It offers classic game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and luxurious lodges like Magashi Camp and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Popular Rwanda Safari Combination (5–7 Days)

Day 1–2: Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.
Day 3–4: Golden monkey tracking or cultural visit in Musanze.
Day 5–7: Fly or drive to Akagera National Park for wildlife safaris.

Rwanda’s clean roads, short distances, and conservation success make it the ideal luxury primate and wildlife destination.

3. Kenya or Tanzania – Combine Classic Safari Icons with Gorilla Trekking

For travelers seeking the ultimate East African circuit, combining Kenya or Tanzania with Uganda or Rwanda delivers the best of both worlds.

Step 1: Start in Uganda or Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park.
Optional chimpanzee trekking in Kibale or Nyungwe.

Step 2: Fly to Kenya or Tanzania for Wildlife Safaris

Kenya: Explore Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo National Park.
Tanzania: Discover Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.

Highlights:

Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (June–October in Kenya or December–March in Tanzania).
Spot the Big Five in world-famous parks.
Enjoy hot air balloon safaris, Maasai village visits, and luxurious lodges.

Sample Multi-Country Safari (10–14 Days)

Days 1–3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) or Volcanoes (Rwanda).
Days 4–7: Fly to Nairobi – Safari in Maasai Mara.
Days 8–11: Continue to Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater (optional).
Days 12–14: Relax at Lake Victoria or Zanzibar for a beach finale.

This combination creates a breathtaking narrative — from mountain forests to endless plains, and from close-up primate encounters to thundering wildebeest herds.

Best Time for a Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

East Africa’s dry seasons offer the best trekking and wildlife conditions:

June – October: Ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris (dry, clear skies).
December – February: Short dry season with fewer crowds and excellent visibility.
March – May & November: Wet but lush; perfect for photographers and birdwatchers seeking fewer tourists.

If you want to witness the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania, aim for July to October.

What to Pack

Hiking boots & gloves (for gorilla trekking)
Lightweight long trousers & shirts
Rain jacket & warm layer (especially for forest treks)
Insect repellent & sunscreen
Binoculars & camera (no flash)
Reusable water bottle & snacks
Safari hat & sunglasses

Responsible Travel and Conservation

Both gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris directly support conservation and community development. Gorilla permit fees fund anti-poaching patrols and local healthcare and education programs. Many lodges and operators now run eco-conscious safaris, ensuring your visit leaves a positive impact.

By choosing reputable tour companies and sustainable lodges, you become part of East Africa’s remarkable story — one where tourism protects wildlife and empowers local communities.

A gorilla trekking safari combined with wildlife safaris is more than a holiday — it’s a journey through Africa’s heart, from the quiet whispers of Bwindi’s rainforests to the roaring plains of the Serengeti.

You’ll stand inches away from a silverback gorilla one day and watch lions stalk zebras the next. It’s a journey of contrasts and connections — a reminder of how vast, diverse, and extraordinary our planet truly is.

Whether you choose Uganda’s all-in-one wilderness, Rwanda’s luxurious efficiency, or a cross-border adventure with Kenya or Tanzania, this experience will forever redefine your idea of an African safari.