For travelers seeking the ultimate African adventure, combining a traditional wildlife safari with a gorilla trekking experience offers the perfect blend of awe, excitement, and raw nature. These packages take you from the sweeping savannas of East Africa to the misty mountains where endangered gorillas roam free.
Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or standing face-to-face with a silverback in Uganda, here’s a guide to some of the best safari and gorilla trekking combinations.
1. Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking Combo
Uganda is one of the few places where you can track mountain gorillas and enjoy classic safari game drives—all in one trip.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Safari game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (famous for tree-climbing lions)
- Boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Ideal duration: 8–12 days
Best for: Wildlife lovers who want diverse ecosystems and fewer crowds
2. Rwanda & Serengeti Adventure
Pairing Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with the iconic Serengeti in Tanzania is a luxurious and unforgettable journey through East Africa’s top destinations.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking or a visit to Dian Fossey’s research site
- Safari drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater
- Optional cultural experiences with Maasai or Rwandan communities
Ideal duration: 10–14 days
Best for: Travelers seeking high-end lodges and top-tier wildlife experiences
3. Congo Adventure with Virunga & Nyiragongo
For the bold traveler, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers thrilling gorilla treks and the chance to climb an active volcano—plus some of the most off-the-beaten-path safaris on the continent.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
- Hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo to view the lava lake
- Boat trip on Lake Kivu
- Optional add-on safaris in nearby Uganda or Rwanda
Ideal duration: 7–10 days
Best for: Adventurous travelers with a passion for raw, rugged travel
4. Kenya & Uganda Cross-Border Safari
Combine Kenya’s big game with Uganda’s mountain gorillas for a diverse and exciting itinerary.
Highlights:
- Safari in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, or Amboseli
- Flight or overland trip into Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee trekking or cultural village visits
Ideal duration: 10–14 days
Best for: First-time visitors wanting both “Big Five” and primate encounters
5. All-in-One East Africa Grand Tour
This comprehensive journey covers Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda or Rwanda for a panoramic view of East Africa’s most spectacular wildlife and landscapes.
Highlights:
- Game drives in Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes
- Optional visits to Lake Victoria, Zanzibar, or the Great Rift Valley
Ideal duration: 14–21 days
Best for: Those with time to spare and a desire to see it all
Things to Look For in a Great Package
- Guaranteed gorilla permits included in the price
- Experienced, knowledgeable guides
- Safe, licensed operators with conservation ethics
- Small group sizes or private departures
- Options for luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodations
A Journey Like No Other
Combining safari and gorilla trekking offers a rare chance to experience two completely different sides of African wildlife—one roaring across the plains, the other whispering through the forest. It’s a journey that touches every sense and every emotion.
Whether you’re drawn to the drama of a lion hunt or the quiet moment when a baby gorilla clutches its mother’s fur, these packages promise something unforgettable.