Combining a gorilla trek with a traditional safari offers an extraordinary African wildlife adventure. We are here to help you plan and understand what to expect from such an intrepid experience.
Uganda
Uganda offers gorilla trekking in both the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both are in southwestern Uganda and are renowned for their mountain gorilla populations. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and as a critical habitat for endangered mountain gorillas. The park’s dense forests, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences make it a premier destination for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts. Its challenging terrain and lush vegetation offer a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is known for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park’s volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural experiences offer a range of activities for visitors seeking adventure and nature encounters. The combination of gorilla trekking, volcanic hikes, and cultural experiences makes Mgahinga a unique and rewarding destination.
Uganda also offers “big five” safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. (The “big five” refers to the five most iconic and sought-after animals in African safaris: the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.) Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife, and unique tree-climbing lions. Murchison Falls National Park offers dramatic landscapes centered around the powerful Murchison Falls and a wide array of wildlife. Kidepo Valley National Park is celebrated for its remote, untouched wilderness, diverse fauna, and cultural encounters with local tribes.
Rwanda
Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Its dense forests, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity offer a range of activities centered around its most famous residents, the mountain gorillas. The park also provides opportunities for trekking, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences, making it a multifaceted destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Travelers can combine a safari in Akagera National Park with gorilla trekking, offering a classic safari experience with the opportunity to see the big five, enjoy boat safaris on its scenic lakes, and explore its diverse ecosystems. The park’s restoration efforts and rich biodiversity make it a significant destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Tanzania and Kenya
While these countries don’t have gorillas, you can combine a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda with a safari in the Serengeti (Tanzania) or Maasai Mara (Kenya).
Serengeti National Park is a world-renowned wildlife destination known for its expansive savannahs, rich biodiversity, and the dramatic Great Migration. The park offers exceptional opportunities for game viewing, scenic experiences, and cultural encounters, making it a quintessential destination for safari enthusiasts.
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most famous wildlife destinations, known for its expansive savannahs, the Great Migration, and abundant wildlife. The reserve offers exceptional safari experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to engage with the Maasai culture, making it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.