Can I do a Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is, “Is it possible to combine a safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda?” As you prepare for a safari in Uganda, you may have several common inquiries. The answer is affirmative; travelers can indeed partake in both gorilla trekking and safari experiences in Uganda. A safari in Uganda offers an opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife inhabiting the country’s savannah parks. This adventure allows you to explore various national parks teeming with wildlife.
Best places for a combined gorilla and wildlife safari in Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Among the notable parks where travelers can enjoy a safari is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Located in western Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second-largest savannah park. It is one of the most frequented destinations in Uganda. The park features a mix of savannah vegetation, woodlands, and tropical forests. Visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park can encounter a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, kobs, warthogs, chimpanzees, hippos, and many more.
There are numerous activities available for travelers, such as game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, boat cruises, experiential activities, and chimpanzee trekking, among others. Queen Elizabeth National Park also offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, for travelers during their safari. Some of the available facilities include Mweya Safari Lodge, Pumba Cottages, Acacia Wilderness, Kasenyi Safari Lodge, River Station Lodge, Elephant Hub, Buffalo Lodge, and many others.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is the most renowned national park in Uganda, located in the northwestern region of the country. It derives its name from Murchison Falls, which are recognized as some of the most powerful waterfalls globally. As the largest national park in Uganda, it was established in 1952 under the name Kabalega National Park before being renamed Murchison Falls National Park. The park is also bisected by the River Nile, which flows through its expanse.
This park serves as a habitat for a variety of savannah wildlife, which can be observed during safaris and gorilla trekking in Uganda. Notable wildlife species include lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, waterbucks, hippos, warthogs, and many others. Visitors to Murchison Falls can partake in numerous activities, such as game drives, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, boat cruises, hiking to the top of the falls, sport fishing, and more.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is another destination for travelers seeking safari experiences in Uganda, particularly during gorilla trekking. It is located in the northeastern part of Uganda, within the Karamoja region. This park is situated at a considerable distance from the northeastern border of Uganda and South Sudan and is divided into two main areas: Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley. Kidepo Valley National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, zebras, warthogs, giraffes, kobs, and many others. While visiting this park, guests can engage in various activities, such as community visits, game drives, nature walks, birdwatching, and numerous other pursuits.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is situated in western Uganda and is the closest national park to Kampala, requiring approximately 4 to 5 hours of travel to reach. It holds the distinction of being the smallest savannah park in the country. The park is encircled by various communities of Ankole cattle herders, which visitors can experience during cultural community visits. Additional activities available in the park include game drives, nature walks, cycling, horseback riding, and boat cruises, among others. As a savannah park, it is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, buffaloes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, among others.
Best places for gorilla tours in Uganda
While in Uganda, visitors often partake in safari experiences and gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking involves observing gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are large, powerful primates that share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. The gorillas that are tracked have undergone a habituation process, allowing them to acclimate to human presence, which typically takes about two years in the wild. Uganda is recognized as home to nearly half of the global population of mountain gorillas, primarily located in the southwestern region of the country. There are two main destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the largest protected area for mountain gorillas worldwide. This park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija. Each sector hosts several gorilla families that can be tracked during gorilla trekking excursions. In total, there are about 20 gorilla families available for tracking in this park. Each family is visited by a group of up to 8 individuals. Additionally, visitors can participate in gorilla habituation experiences in the Rushaga sector, which allows for extended interactions with the gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern region of Uganda, at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the Virunga area. It is the smallest national park in Uganda, encompassing several ranges of the Virunga Mountains, including Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga.
For those wishing to participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda, it is necessary to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. A permit serves as a legal authorization for travelers to observe the mountain gorillas. The price of the permit is 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents.