Can I Do Gorilla Trekking and Serengeti in One Trip?

For many safari lovers, the dream African adventure includes two of the continent’s most iconic wildlife experiences — standing face to face with a mountain gorilla in the misty jungles of Uganda or Rwanda, and witnessing the vast herds of the Great Migration thundering across the plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti. Each on its own is extraordinary, but together they form the ultimate East African journey — a perfect blend of raw wilderness, close encounters, and sweeping landscapes. But can you really do gorilla trekking and the Serengeti in one trip? The answer is a definite yes — and it’s one of the most rewarding combinations you can plan.

By combining gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a classic Serengeti safari, travelers experience the best of both worlds: the intimate and emotional encounter with endangered primates and the grandeur of Africa’s greatest savannah ecosystem. While it requires careful planning due to distances, logistics, and timing, modern flight connections and well-coordinated safari packages make this dream itinerary both feasible and unforgettable.

Let’s explore how to make it happen, what routes to take, the best time to go, and why this combination defines the very essence of an African safari.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking with the Serengeti?

Gorilla trekking and Serengeti safaris offer two completely different — yet beautifully complementary — experiences. Gorilla trekking immerses you in a dense, humid rainforest where you walk in silence, guided by trackers, to meet a family of mountain gorillas. It’s deeply personal and spiritual, allowing you to share an hour with creatures that share 98% of our DNA.

On the other hand, the Serengeti is all about the grandeur of scale. It’s the vastness of the plains, the movement of millions of wildebeest and zebras, and the excitement of predators stalking their prey. Where gorilla trekking gives you intimacy, the Serengeti gives you spectacle — together creating a safari that touches both heart and soul.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking

You have two main options for gorilla trekking: Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries are easily connected to Tanzania, making them ideal starting or ending points for your safari.

1. Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the smaller Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi’s dense forests, rolling hills, and misty atmosphere make the experience feel almost mystical.

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits are more affordable than Rwanda’s, priced at about $800 per person, compared to Rwanda’s $1,500. The trek can be moderately strenuous, taking anywhere from two to six hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, but the reward — that moment when you lock eyes with a silverback — is beyond words.

2. Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Mountains, offers a slightly easier and more accessible trekking experience. The park is located just a two-hour drive from Kigali, making it ideal for travelers with limited time.

The trekking experience here is well-organized and less logistically demanding than Uganda, but the higher permit cost contributes to Rwanda’s focus on high-end, low-impact tourism. For travelers combining Rwanda with Tanzania, the proximity to Kilimanjaro International Airport and the Serengeti makes this route very convenient.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking and the Serengeti

The key to combining gorilla trekking and a Serengeti safari is understanding the routes and flight connections that make the journey smooth. There are two main ways to plan your itinerary, depending on whether you start in Uganda/Rwanda or in Tanzania.

Option 1: Start with Gorilla Trekking, End with the Serengeti

This is the most popular route because gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. It’s best to start with the challenging rainforest hikes and finish with the more relaxed game drives across the plains.

A typical itinerary would look like this:

Day 1–2: Arrive in Entebbe or Kigali and rest after your flight.
Day 3–4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
Day 5: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania) via Nairobi or direct charter connections.
Day 6–9: Safari in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 10: Departure or optional relaxation in Zanzibar.

This route allows you to experience the forests and savannahs in a logical flow — from misty jungles to open plains — mirroring the diversity of East Africa itself.

Option 2: Start with the Serengeti, End with Gorilla Trekking

If your priority is the Great Migration or you’re flying into Tanzania first, this option works perfectly. After several days of exciting wildlife drives, you can end your trip with the serene, emotional experience of meeting gorillas.

A sample itinerary could be:

Day 1–5: Safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 6: Fly to Kigali, Rwanda (or Entebbe, Uganda).
Day 7–9: Gorilla trekking and cultural visits in Rwanda or Uganda.
Day 10: Departure from Kigali or Entebbe.

This version provides a wonderful balance — beginning with the thrill of the open plains and concluding with the peace of the forest.

Flight Connections Between the Two Regions

Traveling between gorilla trekking destinations and the Serengeti is simpler than many expect. Several airlines and routes connect East Africa’s safari capitals efficiently:

• From Kigali (Rwanda) to Tanzania: RwandAir and Precision Air operate direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport and Dar es Salaam, both of which give easy access to the Serengeti.

• From Entebbe (Uganda) to Tanzania: Uganda Airlines and Precision Air have direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. You can also fly via Nairobi using Kenya Airways or Airlink connections.

• Charter Flights: For luxury travelers, private charters between Entebbe or Kigali and the Serengeti offer seamless connections, saving valuable time.

Once in Tanzania, you can access the Serengeti either by road or by short domestic flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar to airstrips inside the park such as Seronera, Kogatende, or Ndutu.

The Best Time to Go

Both gorilla trekking and Serengeti safaris can be enjoyed year-round, but certain seasons offer optimal conditions:

For Gorilla Trekking:

• Dry Seasons (June–September and December–February): Best trekking conditions, as trails are less muddy and visibility is good.

• Rainy Seasons (March–May and October–November): The forest is lusher, fewer tourists visit, and photography is spectacular, though treks can be slippery.

For the Serengeti:

• June to October: Dry season, excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration and river crossings (July–September).

• December to March: The calving season in the southern Serengeti when thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators.

To combine both experiences smoothly, June to October or December to February are ideal months, offering favorable weather in both regions and outstanding wildlife activity.

What Makes This Combination So Special

Combining gorilla trekking and the Serengeti isn’t just about visiting two destinations — it’s about experiencing the full spectrum of Africa’s wild beauty. You begin in the shadowed jungles, surrounded by ancient trees and mist, where time feels slow and primal. The encounter with the gorillas leaves you introspective, connecting you deeply with nature.

Then, you step into the Serengeti, where life unfolds on a grand, cinematic scale. Herds stretch to the horizon, predators move with silent grace, and every sunrise and sunset feels larger than life. Together, these two worlds form a single story — one of connection, awe, and discovery.

Practical Tips for Planning

• Book Early: Gorilla trekking permits are limited (only 8 visitors per gorilla group per day), so secure yours several months in advance.

• Health Precautions: Yellow fever vaccination is required for travel between countries. Carry anti-malarial medication and insect repellent.

• Packing: For gorilla trekking, pack waterproof boots, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and a rain jacket. For Serengeti safaris, bring light, neutral-colored clothes, sunscreen, and binoculars.

• Visas: Both Uganda/Rwanda and Tanzania require separate entry visas. You can apply online before travel.

• Travel Insurance: Choose a policy that covers medical evacuation and trekking activities.

Sample 10-Day Combined Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali or Entebbe.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes or Bwindi for trekking preparations.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking experience.
Day 4: Scenic drive or flight back to Kigali/Entebbe.
Day 5: Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport; transfer to Arusha.
Day 6–7: Serengeti National Park game drives and optional hot-air balloon safari.
Day 8: Explore the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 9: Visit Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Park.
Day 10: Return to Arusha for departure or relax in Zanzibar.

Experience It with Muhiga Safaris

A combined gorilla trekking and Serengeti safari is the ultimate East African journey — an adventure that brings together the quiet majesty of the forests and the sweeping drama of the plains. It’s a trip that demands expert coordination, local knowledge, and seamless logistics to make every moment count.

With Muhiga Safaris, you can leave all the planning in trusted hands. Their experienced team crafts tailor-made itineraries that combine Uganda or Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with Tanzania’s premier wildlife reserves. From securing permits to arranging flights, transfers, and luxury accommodations, Muhiga Safaris ensures your journey is effortless and unforgettable.

Book your gorilla trekking and Serengeti safari with Muhiga Safaris today, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that lets you walk through the forests of giants and stand amidst the endless plains — the true soul of Africa awaits.