Top 10 Tips For Planning A Combined Tanzania Safari And Gorilla Trekking Trip : Coming across mountain gorillas is an unforgettable safari experience, as these endearing primates live in the mountainous terrain of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking adventure combines two incredible wildlife experiences into one: an action-packed safari through some of Tanzania’s legendary big game reserves and a trek to see mountain gorillas.
How to plan the best mountain gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari experience? Here are 10 quick tips for planning your Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking trip, from deciding on destinations to securing permits and the experience itself.
- Select your Tanzania safari destination(s).
To begin, choose which Tanzanian safari destination(s) you wish to visit. Perhaps you’d like to visit the Northern Circuit’s iconic national parks and reserves, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. Or if you’re visiting Tanzania for the second time you might want to explore the Southern Circuit, which includes the massive Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Consider the wildlife experiences you desire to see before deciding where you want to go on a Tanzania safari. Do you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, or would you rather see some of the lesser-known species away from the crowds? Flights to Rwanda and Uganda for Mountain gorilla trekking safari experience after your Tanzania Wildlife safari tour are available from both Kilimanjaro International Airport (the Northern Circuit’s entry point) and Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport (the Southern Circuit’s departure point).
- Decide on your preferred gorilla trekking destination.
Once you’ve decided on your Tanzania safari destination(s), it’s time to consider where you’d like to go gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the more easily accessible of the two, being only a couple of hours’ drive from the capital’s international airport. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 10-hour drive from Entebbe International Airport (the main entry point into Uganda), though a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro near Bwindi and continuing by road is possible.
When it comes to trekking, Volcanoes National Park is generally thought to be a bit easier, with less dense vegetation and easier sightings. However, you must pay for it, with Rwandan gorilla permits costing significantly more than Ugandan permits at the time of writing (USD 1,500 in Rwanda vs. USD 700 in Uganda).
- Determine your budget and accommodation options.
There are several lodges within a short distance of both parks for accommodations. Rwanda has an advantage when it comes to luxury lodges, with a few high-end establishments, including Singita Kwitonda, recently opening near Volcanoes National Park. Uganda, on the other hand, accommodates a broader range of budgets, with a few mid-range options alongside luxury lodges. Remember that trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda is not cheap, so be realistic when budgeting for your vacation.
- Secure a gorilla trekking permit.
Once you’ve decided your Wildlife safari destination and Mountain gorilla trekking destination, you should book your gorilla trekking permit as soon as possible. If you book through a local tour Operators such as Focus East Africa Tours in Tanzania, Achieve Global Safaris in Uganda and Explore Rwanda Tours in Rwanda, they will do the legwork for you and help you book your permit for the dates you want to travel. June to October is the peak tourist season, and permits are in high demand, so if you want to trek during this time, you should make your plans as soon as possible. If you’re willing to endure the arduous conditions of trekking during the low, rainy season (November to May), Rwanda significantly reduces the price of its permits. They will only cost you USD 1,050 if you also visit one of the country’s other wildlife parks such as Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park.
- Fly or drive Safari?
If you’re visiting Uganda and don’t want to deal with the long drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, consider booking an internal flight. Trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi has four trailheads: Buhoma and Ruhija in the north and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The closest airport to the Buhoma and Ruhija trailheads is Kihihi, while Kisoro is the closest to the Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads.
- Combine your gorilla trekking with other in-country activities.
Make the most of your time in Uganda or Rwanda by visiting some of their other attractions. As previously stated, you can combine your trek to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with a visit to Akagera or Nyungwe National Parks. Similarly, Uganda has outstanding wildlife reserves, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, which can be reached in as little as two hours from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s also a popular whitewater rafting destination, with adrenaline-fueled adventures departing from Jinja along the Blue Nile’s waters.
- Get in good trekking fitness.
Because the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda are wild and free to roam, you may only need to trek for an hour to see them. Alternatively, you could be on the trail for four or five hours. Trackers leave early each morning to locate the gorillas and radio their location to the guides. They will then brief you on the duration of your trek as well as the conditions, which may include trekking at altitude. This is why it’s critical that you’re in good health and prepared to handle the demands placed on your body. Instead of thinking of it as a walk in the park, prepare yourself by trekking regularly in the months leading up to your East Africa safari trip to keep your fitness in check.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks.
It’s also critical to bring enough water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout your East Africa safari tour/ journey. Even if the gorillas are nearby, bring enough supplies for a full day of trekking, just in case. You know how much water you consume and how much energy you require better than anyone else, so follow the advice of your guides and listen to your body.
- Respect the mountain gorillas’ space.
After reaching the gorillas, you have one hour with them and must keep a five-meter distance at all times. While they are habituated and non-aggressive, this is to ensure that no one is harmed if a silverback becomes suddenly alarmed. Your guides will brief you on the rules and any etiquette that should be followed, as well as possibly teach you how to make a low grunting sound that will relax the gorillas. The gorillas may approach you at times (they don’t always follow the five-meter rule!), but just follow the advice of your guides, who are highly trained and know how to handle these situations.
- Document your experience.
Being in the presence of wild mountain gorillas is an unforgettable safari experience that you will undoubtedly want to capture on camera. However, you must avoid using flash and, if possible, use your camera’s “silence” mode to avoid disturbing the gorillas. No matter how badly you want “that shot,” keep a safe distance from the gorillas and remember that your fellow trekkers are also trying to capture the moment. With only an hour to spend with these incredible creatures, don’t forget to put your camera away and simply enjoy the experience through your own eyes.
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Do you want to create unforgettable East Africa Safari comb that includes Tanzania wildlife safari and Uganda/Rwanda Mountain gorilla trekking adventure? Contact one of our safari experts today for assistance in planning your adventure. Accommodation in luxurious lodges and camps, meals, ground transportation, and assistance in obtaining all necessary permits are all included in our Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking itineraries.
