How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Serengeti Safari?

If you want to see the best of Africa’s wildlife, why not do both gorilla trekking and a Serengeti safari in one trip? Trekking through the forests of Uganda or Rwanda to see mountain gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And nothing beats the excitement of spotting lions, cheetahs, zebras, jackals, hyenas, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and gazelles on the open plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti. Even though these places are in different countries, it’s easier than ever to visit both on the same adventure. We’ve put together the top tips to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable journey — so you can make the most of your time and see Africa’s amazing animals in their natural homes.

Best Time to Go

Picking the right time to travel is super important when planning both gorilla trekking and a Serengeti safari. The great news? The best times for both adventures match up really well!

Best Weather for Gorilla Trekking

In Uganda and Rwanda, the best times to see gorillas are:

December to February (short dry season)
June to September (long dry season)

Best Time for a Serengeti Safari

In Tanzania, the top safari seasons are:

June to October (dry season with great wildlife viewing)
December to March (perfect for seeing baby wildebeest in the southern Serengeti)

Top Tip:

June to September is the perfect time to do both! You’ll enjoy dry weather for easier gorilla trekking and catch the Serengeti at its best — including the amazing wildebeest migration and exciting river crossings between June and August. It’s a truly unforgettable time to visit!

Regional Climate Considerations

Uganda vs Rwanda: Uganda is generally a bit wetter than Rwanda, which means its forests—especially the thick and misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—are lusher and denser. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, sits at a higher altitude and tends to be cooler and slightly drier.

Tanzania’s Serengeti: Compared to the gorilla trekking regions, the Serengeti is much drier and more open. Its vast plains enjoy long dry seasons, which make wildlife spotting easier.

Planning & Booking: What You Need to Know

Gorilla Permits

To see mountain gorillas in the wild, you need a special permit. As of 2025:

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost $800 per person
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit $1,500 per person

These permits are limited and sell out quickly—especially in the busy travel season. So, it’s best to book your permit early, and check availability before booking your flights or accommodation.

Travel Documents & Health Tips

Visas: Most travellers will need a visa for Uganda and Tanzania. If you’re visiting more than one country (like Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya), the East African Tourist Visa is a great option. It lets you move between these countries easily.
Vaccines: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re traveling between these countries. You’ll need to show your Yellow Fever Card at the border, especially if you pass through Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Ethiopia.

It’s smart to visit a travel clinic before your trip. Other recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.

Malaria Precautions: Some areas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania have a risk of malaria. Talk to your doctor about malaria tablets and pack insect repellent to stay protected.

Transportation Between Countries

The fastest and easiest way to travel between gorilla trekking locations and Tanzania is by plane. There are direct flights that connect Rwanda and Uganda to Tanzania.

Popular flight routes include:

Kigali (Rwanda) → Kilimanjaro Airport
Entebbe (Uganda) → Kilimanjaro Airport
Some flights also go directly from Kigali to Serengeti airstrips, though these are limited and may not run every day.

Uganda vs Rwanda: Which is Better with a Serengeti Safari?

Both Uganda and Rwanda are amazing for gorilla trekking, but there are a few differences that might help you choose.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Why Choose Uganda:

Cheaper gorilla permits ($800 vs. Rwanda’s $1,500)
More gorilla families to visit in different parts of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
You can also do chimpanzee trekking in places like Kibale Forest National Park

Things to consider:

Treks are usually longer and relatively difficult, with thick forest
It’s not easy to get to Tanzania directly after gorilla trekking, and
You may need to spend a night in Entebbe before flying on

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Why Choose Rwanda:

Treks are easier and shorter in Volcanoes National Park
The park is close to Kigali, only 2–3 hours by car
Offers more luxury lodges and accommodation

Things to consider:

Gorilla permits are more expensive ($1,500)
The forest area is smaller, and can feel busier with tourists

The Great Wildebeest Migration vs Other Safari Experiences

The Magical Migration

Often called the “Greatest Show on Earth,” the Great Migration is one of the most amazing wildlife events in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel in a big circle every year across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.

The journey is all about following the rains, which bring fresh grass. While the route stays the same each year, the exact timing can change depending on when the rains come. Here’s a simple guide to where the herds usually are:

December to March: The herds gather in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro area. This is calving season, when thousands of baby wildebeest are born.
April to June: The animals move toward the central and western parts of the Serengeti.
July to October: The herds reach the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River — this is the most exciting part, with dramatic river crossings and predators waiting nearby.
November: The herds start heading back south as the short rains begin.

Whether you follow the migration or explore other parts of the Serengeti, every season offers something incredible to see!

Tanzania’s Other Safari Destinations

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous safari spot, but there are many other amazing places to explore. Here are some of the top ones:

Ngorongoro Crater: A huge volcanic crater filled with wildlife. It’s like a natural zoo where you can see lions, elephants, rhinos, and more—all in one place.
Lake Manyara National Park: A small but beautiful park with tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and lots of birdlife. It’s great for a quick, scenic safari.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest mountain and a world-famous hiking destination. Even if you don’t climb it, the views are unforgettable.
Tarangire National Park: Known for its huge herds of elephants and giant baobab trees. The best time to visit is during the dry season when animals gather near the river.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Africa’s biggest game reserve. It’s great for boat safaris along the Rufiji River and offers a peaceful, uncrowded safari experience.
Ruaha National Park: One of the wildest and quietest parks in Tanzania, with amazing predator sightings like lions and leopards—and hardly any crowds.

How to Travel Between the Countries

Flying – The Easiest Way

If you’re planning to see mountain gorillas and then go on a Serengeti safari, flying is the best way to get around. Many airlines—both regular and small charter flights—connect the main cities in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.

What About Driving?

You can drive, but it’s really not recommended. The roads are long and rough, and you’ll cross borders that can take time. For example, driving from Kigali to the Serengeti takes more than 16 hours!

Which Should You Do First – Gorillas or Safari?

Do gorilla trekking first, then the safari.

Here’s why:

Gorilla trekking is physically demanding, so it’s better to do it when you’re feeling fresh.
After that, a relaxing safari in the Serengeti is a perfect way to unwind.
You can even end your trip with a few days on Zanzibar’s beaches if you like.

Suggested schedule:

3 to 4 days for gorilla trekking
4–5 days for safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Lake Manyara
If you can, add a rest day between the two adventures.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Your visit does more than give you amazing memories—it helps protect wildlife and support local communities.

Gorilla Trekking Supports Conservation

In Uganda and Rwanda, the money from gorilla permits goes to:

Protecting gorillas and their forests
Stopping poachers
Helping nearby communities with schools, healthcare, and jobs

Breakdown of each permit:

75% – conservation work
10% – local communities
15% – government and park operations

Tanzania Safaris Help Too

In the Serengeti and other parks, your safari fees help:

Keep migration routes open
Support local conservation projects
Restore wild habitats
Fund anti-poaching efforts

Be a Responsible Traveller

Here’s how you can help:

Book with reputable tour operators and lodges with strong conservation credentials
Follow the wildlife viewing guidelines (especially gorilla trekking rules!)
Support locally owned lodges or tour companies
Reduce waste and respect nature

Budgeting for Your Adventure

This kind of trip isn’t cheap—but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you can manage the costs with smart planning.

Main Costs to Expect

1. Gorilla Permits

Uganda: $800 per person
Rwanda: $1,500 per person

2. Safari Costs

Park fees: $50–80 per day
Lodging: $150–$1,000+ per night
Transport (flights, transfers, safari car)
Expert guides

3. Flights

International flight to East Africa
Regional flights between countries
Small bush flights into Serengeti

4. Extras

Visas: $50–$100 per country
Travel insurance
Tips: $10–$20/day for guides, $5–$10 for hotel staff
Porter fees for gorilla trekking: $15–$20

Tips to Save Money

Travel in the shoulder season (April–May or November)
Choose Uganda over Rwanda for cheaper permits
Book mid-range lodges instead of luxury ones
Limit your domestic flights
Stay at Orugano Bwindi Lodge for discounted price

Final Thoughts

A trip that combines gorilla trekking with a Serengeti safari is one of the most amazing adventures you can have in Africa. It may take extra planning, but seeing gorillas up close and watching the wildlife roam the plains is simply unforgettable.

Ready to go? Let our expert team help you design your perfect East African experience!