Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a South Africa Safari?

If you’re an avid traveler looking for an unforgettable African adventure, you’re likely wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a South Africa safari? The good news is, absolutely! This combination offers a spectacular mix of intimate wildlife experiences in Uganda and exhilarating safaris in South Africa, making it the perfect trip for anyone looking to experience the diversity and beauty of Africa.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most unique and life-changing wildlife experiences, while South Africa is home to some of the most famous safari destinations in the world, including Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape. This article will help you understand how you can combine the two, offering a seamless and enriching African experience.

In the following sections, we will delve into details like the cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, how long it takes to complete both activities, the logistics of flights, and answer key questions like How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with great wildlife migration in Kenya or Tanzania? We will also highlight how you can easily organize your trip with the help of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a trusted tour operator based in Uganda.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with a South Africa Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a South Africa safari is a unique way to experience two of the most famous wildlife encounters Africa has to offer. Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to see them is an intimate and awe-inspiring experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The journey typically takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which offer lush, green, and stunning landscapes filled with diverse wildlife.

On the other hand, South Africa is renowned for its expansive national parks, especially Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The park is known for its excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses), as well as diverse landscapes ranging from dense bush to wide-open savannahs. Combining the two experiences gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy both intimate wildlife encounters with gorillas and expansive safaris with Africa’s most iconic animals.

This combination also allows you to experience two different sides of Africa’s wildlife. Gorilla trekking offers an opportunity to get up close with endangered species in dense forests, while South Africa’s safaris provide a more traditional view of Africa’s wildlife on the open plains. The contrast between these two activities ensures a diverse and memorable trip.

What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Like?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you can have. The trek typically takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is also known for its mountainous terrain. These parks are home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

The process starts with a briefing by a ranger, followed by a guided trek into the forest. The terrain is often steep and challenging, making the trek a physically demanding experience. However, the reward is incredible: once you find the gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these magnificent creatures interact with each other and their environment is an experience that’s hard to match.

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda as of 2024 is US$800 per person. This fee covers the park entry, ranger guide, and the conservation of the gorilla population. There is also an option for gorilla habituation, which costs US$1,500 per person and allows you to spend more time with the gorillas, up to four hours.

It’s important to note that the permits are limited, so booking well in advance is highly recommended. Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary experience that attracts wildlife lovers from all over the world, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Uganda.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

One of the most common questions we receive is: How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda? As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is US$800 per person. This permit gives you access to trek one of the habituated gorilla families in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, gorilla habituation is an option that allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas. This comes at a higher cost of US$1,500 per person. The additional time spent with the gorillas provides a deeper understanding of their behavior, and it’s ideal for those who wish to experience the animals more intimately.

The revenue from these permits directly supports the conservation efforts of the mountain gorillas and their natural habitat, ensuring that future generations will also have the chance to experience these incredible creatures.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda with South Africa Safari

Habituated Gorilla Families in Bwindi

Exploring South Africa’s Safari Options

Once you’ve completed your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, your next destination is South Africa. South Africa is home to several world-class safari destinations, including Kruger National Park, which is renowned for its diverse wildlife and excellent opportunities for spotting the Big Five. The park is vast, offering a variety of safari experiences, from traditional game drives to walking safaris and even safari tours in the comfort of luxury lodges.

Another notable safari destination in South Africa is the Eastern Cape, which offers a more relaxed safari experience compared to Kruger, with opportunities to view the Big Five in a private reserve. The Garden Route also offers scenic drives and wildlife spotting opportunities, including marine life like whales and dolphins.

South Africa is also known for its top-tier eco-lodges and luxury safari accommodations, making it ideal for those looking to blend adventure with comfort. Whether you prefer the excitement of a game drive in Kruger or the quiet of a private reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa offers a wide range of options to suit every traveler.

Flights from the USA and UK to Uganda and South Africa

Flights from the USA to Uganda and South Africa

Flying from the USA to Uganda and South Africa typically requires at least one stopover. There are no direct flights from the USA to Uganda, but major airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines offer convenient connections via their hubs in Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. The flight from the USA to Uganda typically takes around 18 to 22 hours, depending on your departure city and layovers.

For South Africa, South African Airways offers direct flights from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB). Alternatively, connecting flights are available through Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways.

Flights from the UK to Uganda and South Africa

From the UK, British Airways offers direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda, while flights to Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) in South Africa are available with airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and KLM. The flight from London to Johannesburg takes approximately 11 hours, while the flight to Uganda is slightly longer, around 8-9 hours.

Flights Between Uganda and South Africa

Once in Uganda, you can catch a flight to South Africa with ease. There are daily flights connecting Entebbe (EBB) and Johannesburg (JNB), typically with airlines like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Ethiopian Airlines. The flight duration is around 4-5 hours, making it easy to travel between the two countries for a seamless experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from South Africa

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Many travelers often ask if they can combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with other famous African wildlife experiences, such as the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. While combining these experiences is possible, the logistics are more involved due to the travel distances. However, with the right planning and expert guidance from a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, it’s absolutely feasible.

Tips for Combining Uganda Gorilla Trekking and South Africa Safari

Plan Your Time Well: A typical trip combining gorilla trekking in Uganda and a safari in South Africa will take around 10-12 days, depending on the destinations and experiences you choose.
Consider Your Fitness Level: Gorilla trekking involves hiking through challenging terrain, so ensure you’re physically prepared.
Pack Accordingly: Both Uganda and South Africa can have diverse climates. Uganda’s weather can be cooler and rainy, while South Africa is generally warmer, especially in the safari regions.

Conclusion: The Ultimate African Experience

In conclusion, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with a South Africa safari provides the ultimate African adventure, offering both intimate wildlife encounters and expansive safaris. Whether you’re trekking through the dense jungles of Uganda to observe the majestic mountain gorillas or exploring South Africa’s vast plains in search of the Big Five, this combination promises an unforgettable journey.

With the expert guidance of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can easily combine these two incredible experiences into one seamless trip, making memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your dream African adventure today!

Share Your Deks Safaris Experience

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.