Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Classic Safari in Uganda?

Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, is a land of dramatic contrasts and endless beauty. From mist-covered mountains and lush tropical rainforests to wide open savannah plains teeming with wildlife, Uganda’s landscapes feel like a condensed version of the entire African continent. For many travelers, the dream of meeting mountain gorillas face-to-face in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the ultimate highlight. Yet, what makes Uganda even more exceptional is that you don’t have to choose between a primate adventure and a traditional big-game safari — you can easily combine both in one unforgettable journey.

In this post, we’ll explore how you can blend a gorilla trekking experience with a classic safari in Uganda, where to go, what to expect, how to plan your route, and why this unique combination has made Uganda one of the most rewarding safari destinations in Africa.

The Magic of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth. It’s not just about seeing the gorillas — it’s about the journey through ancient forests, the sound of tropical birds above, the rustling of branches, and finally locking eyes with a creature that shares more than 98% of our DNA. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the southwestern corner of the country.

Bwindi alone shelters over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four main trailheads: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each offers a different trekking experience — Buhoma is lush and accessible, Rushaga has steep, adventurous trails, Ruhija provides incredible birdlife, and Nkuringo offers some of the best views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 per person (as of 2025), and visitors must be at least 15 years old. The trek can take anywhere between 1 to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located. Once found, you spend a full hour observing these magnificent giants as they feed, groom, and interact — a moment so powerful that many describe it as life-changing.

The Thrill of a Classic Safari in Uganda

Beyond the misty forests, Uganda offers some of East Africa’s most exhilarating classic safari experiences. Its national parks are diverse, less crowded than those in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, and brimming with wildlife that thrives in untouched wilderness.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country’s most popular reserve, stretches from the Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Edward and is known for its incredible variety of habitats — from savannah grasslands and crater lakes to wetlands and tropical forest. This park is home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopards, and more than 600 bird species. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel is an iconic highlight, offering close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of colorful birds.

Further north lies Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into a thunderous pool below. The park’s vast savannah plains are ideal for game drives, where you might spot giraffes, elephants, hartebeests, lions, and the elusive leopard. Combine that with a boat trip to the base of the falls and a hike to the top, and you have one of Africa’s most scenic adventures.

For travelers seeking a unique twist, Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote northeast, is an untouched wilderness that rivals the Serengeti. With sweeping savannahs and rugged mountains, it offers sightings of cheetahs, ostriches, and large herds of buffalo — all with hardly another vehicle in sight.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking and a Classic Safari

Uganda’s compact geography makes it remarkably easy to combine gorilla trekking with a traditional safari. Most itineraries begin or end in Entebbe or Kampala, with a circular route that takes you through the country’s most scenic highlights.

A popular combination route looks like this:

• Start with Murchison Falls National Park for an introduction to Uganda’s wildlife. Enjoy boat cruises on the Nile, spot elephants and lions, and witness the power of the falls.

• Continue south to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in East Africa. Trekking chimps adds another layer of primate adventure.

• Move to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the savannah meets forest, and enjoy game drives and a Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

• Finish in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga, where your gorilla trekking adventure awaits. After days on the open plains, entering the mystical rainforest feels like stepping into another world.

This full circuit can take between 8 to 14 days, depending on your pace and interests. Many travelers choose to fly part of the way to reduce driving time, especially between Bwindi and Entebbe, thanks to domestic flights operated by Aerolink Uganda and Bar Aviation.

For shorter schedules, you can also combine just Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi, a perfect balance of savannah and forest within a manageable distance — roughly 4 to 6 hours by road between them.

The Experience: From Savannah to the Rainforest

What makes this combination so magical is the contrast. On one hand, the classic safari is open, sunlit, and filled with herds of large mammals moving gracefully across the plains. On the other hand, gorilla trekking takes you deep into a lush, misty world where silence reigns and every step is an act of discovery.

One morning, you could be watching elephants bathe in the Kazinga Channel or lions lounging under acacia trees. The next, you might be standing just a few meters from a silverback gorilla as he beats his chest in a display of power and dominance. These experiences complement each other beautifully — one highlighting the grand scale of Africa’s wildlife, the other revealing the intimate, emotional side of nature.

Moreover, Uganda’s warm hospitality, friendly people, and colorful cultural encounters in villages and trading centers along the way make the journey itself unforgettable. Whether it’s drumming with the Batwa community near Bwindi or sharing stories with local guides in Queen Elizabeth, every stop adds depth to your safari.

Best Time to Go

The best time to combine gorilla trekking and a classic safari in Uganda is during the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February. During these months, the forest trails are less slippery, and wildlife congregates around water sources in the savannah parks, making game viewing easier.

However, Uganda is a year-round destination. Even in the wetter months (March to May and October to November), rains are usually short and followed by sunshine, and the landscapes are breathtakingly green. Lodges offer discounts in the low season, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Uganda has a rich selection of lodges and camps to suit every style — from budget and mid-range options to ultra-luxury retreats. In Bwindi, luxury lodges like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Bwindi Lodge offer sweeping views and private cottages overlooking the forest canopy. For mid-range travelers, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Havens provide comfort and excellent access to trekking points.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can choose from scenic lodges like Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Buffalo Safari Lodge, all with panoramic views over the park’s plains and lakes. In Murchison Falls, Paraa Safari Lodge and Baker’s Lodge combine classic safari charm with modern luxury.

Most travelers prefer to stay in lodges close to their activity points — it saves travel time and allows more relaxation after each day’s adventure.

Travel Tips for a Seamless Combination

To make the most of your combined experience, plan well ahead — especially for gorilla trekking permits, which can sell out months in advance during peak seasons. Packing lightweight but durable gear is also important: sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers, and gloves for gorilla trekking, plus neutral-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat for the savannah.

If you’re flying between regions, pack light — internal flights have strict luggage limits. Lastly, don’t forget to carry cash in small denominations for local purchases and tips, as ATMs can be scarce in remote areas.

Why Uganda Is the Perfect Two-in-One Safari Destination

Few countries in Africa can rival Uganda’s ability to offer both big game and great apes in one trip. Rwanda may be famous for its gorillas, and Kenya and Tanzania for their savannahs, but only Uganda blends both worlds effortlessly. Here, the classic safari merges seamlessly with the mystical allure of the rainforest.

Uganda’s parks are also less crowded, creating a sense of authenticity and intimacy that’s hard to find elsewhere. You don’t just see wildlife — you feel connected to it. Add to that the friendliness of Ugandans, a growing network of boutique lodges, and smooth logistics between regions, and you have a destination designed for adventure seekers who want it all.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris

If you’re considering combining gorilla trekking with a classic safari in Uganda, Muhiga Safaris is your perfect companion. With years of experience organizing tailor-made journeys across Uganda, Muhiga Safaris specializes in crafting itineraries that blend adventure, comfort, and authentic cultural encounters. Their expert guides are not only passionate about wildlife but also deeply knowledgeable about Uganda’s landscapes and people.

Whether you dream of trekking gorillas in Bwindi, cruising along the Nile at Murchison Falls, or tracking tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Muhiga Safaris ensures that every detail of your journey is seamless and unforgettable. From luxury lodges to local experiences, they turn travel dreams into life-long memories.