Imagine the thrill of exploring the vast savannahs of Tanzania, witnessing the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, and gazing at the majestic Big Five. Now, picture ending this extraordinary experience with an exhilarating gorilla trekking adventure in the misty mountains of Uganda. Combining a classic Tanzania safari with a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness East Africa’s most diverse wildlife spectacles. This guide will help you seamlessly plan this incredible journey, from the Tanzanian plains to the lush Ugandan jungles.

Why Combine a Tanzania Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Tanzania is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. From the iconic Serengeti, where millions of wildebeests and zebras embark on their annual migration, to the Ngorongoro Crater, a haven for diverse species, Tanzania’s safaris are legendary. However, to truly experience the full spectrum of East Africa’s wonders, ending your Tanzanian adventure with a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is a must. Uganda offers a contrasting experience that complements the savannah safari — a trek into dense forests to observe the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The country’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. This unique combination offers an opportunity to explore different ecosystems, witness distinct wildlife, and create lasting memories.

Planning Your Journey from Tanzania to Uganda

To start this incredible adventure, plan your Tanzania safari first, focusing on major national parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. You can enjoy thrilling game drives, witness dramatic landscapes, and explore diverse wildlife. After completing your Tanzanian safari, the next step is transitioning to Uganda for the gorilla trekking tour.

Traveling from Tanzania to Uganda is straightforward, with several options available. Most travelers opt for a direct flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (near Arusha) or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. From Entebbe, you can take a domestic flight to the Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, which are the nearest airfields to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Alternatively, if you prefer an overland journey, you can travel by road through Kenya, providing an additional experience of East African landscapes.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas. The trekking adventure typically starts early in the morning, with a briefing from park rangers at the starting point. You will then be guided into the dense forest, navigating through mist-covered trails, thick vegetation, and steep slopes. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. While the journey can be challenging, the reward is immense. Standing a few meters away from a family of mountain gorillas, watching them interact, groom, and play in their natural habitat, is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

The best places for gorilla trekking in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting more than 20 habituated gorilla families. Mgahinga, though smaller, is part of the Virunga Mountains and offers a unique trekking experience with its scenic volcanic landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

Timing is essential when planning a combined Tanzania and Uganda safari. The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak due to the Great Migration. In Uganda, the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are ideal for gorilla trekking, as the trails are less muddy, and tracking conditions are favorable.

This overlap in dry seasons makes it convenient to plan your trip, allowing you to enjoy the best wildlife experiences in both countries without weather-related disruptions. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, visiting during the shoulder seasons (March to May and October to November) can offer a more private experience, though trekking may be slightly more challenging due to rain.

Accommodations and Logistics

When ending your Tanzania safari with a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, choosing the right accommodations is crucial for a seamless transition. In Tanzania, you can find a range of luxury lodges, tented camps, and mid-range accommodations that offer comfortable and authentic safari experiences. For your stay in Uganda, Bwindi and Mgahinga offer excellent lodging options that cater to different budgets and preferences.

Near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, luxury lodges such as Bwindi Lodge and Buhoma Lodge provide an exquisite experience with stunning views of the forest. For mid-range options, you can consider accommodations like Silverback Lodge and Haven Lodge Buhoma, which offer comfort and convenience at more affordable prices. In Mgahinga, Mount Gahinga Lodge provides a unique experience with its beautiful setting at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Logistics are also straightforward, with Exclusive Gorilla Journeys handling all aspects of your trip, including transfers, permits, and accommodation bookings. Gorilla trekking permits must be secured in advance due to high demand, especially during peak seasons. The permit costs $700 per person, and it includes guided trekking and an hour-long experience with the gorillas.

Why Choose Exclusive Gorilla Journeys for Your Combined Safari

Exclusive Gorilla Journeys specializes in crafting personalized safari experiences that cater to your preferences, ensuring a seamless journey from Tanzania to Uganda. With extensive knowledge of East African safaris, the team provides expert guides, luxury transportation, and carefully selected accommodations to enhance your experience.

Our guides are highly experienced in both the Tanzanian savannahs and the Ugandan forests, offering insightful commentary and exceptional wildlife spotting skills. We tailor every itinerary to your needs, whether you seek a luxury safari, a mid-range adventure, or a customized package that combines the best of Tanzania’s big game with Uganda’s rare primates.

Making the Most of Your Combined Safari Experience

Ending your Tanzania safari with a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda allows you to experience the full range of East Africa’s incredible biodiversity. You start with thrilling game drives across the iconic Serengeti, encountering lions, elephants, and cheetahs against a backdrop of endless plains. The contrast is stark yet beautifully complementary as you transition from the open savannahs to the lush, misty forests of Uganda, where you trek through dense vegetation to meet the gentle mountain gorillas.

To enhance your experience, consider adding other activities in Uganda, such as a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a chance to see tree-climbing lions, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, or a chimpanzee trekking tour in Kibale Forest National Park. Uganda’s diverse landscapes and wildlife offer numerous opportunities for exploration beyond gorilla trekking.

Book Your Unforgettable Safari Experience

Combining a classic Tanzania safari with a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda offers an unmatched experience for wildlife enthusiasts. From the spectacle of the Great Migration to the intimate encounter with mountain gorillas, this unique journey provides a comprehensive exploration of East Africa’s diverse ecosystems and incredible wildlife.

At Exclusive Gorilla Journeys, we take pride in curating the perfect safari experience tailored to your desires. Contact us today to start planning your ultimate East African adventure and end your Tanzania safari on a high note with an unforgettable gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.