Combining Kenya Safari with Gorilla Trekking

Combining a Kenya safari with Gorilla trekking is one of the best wildlife trips you can take in Africa. This combined East African safari lets you see famous safari animals like lions and elephants, and also meet the rare Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Kenya offers open savannahs and classic safaris, while Uganda or Rwanda offers rainforests and rare Gorillas. Together, they create a truly unforgettable experience. This trip works best if you have at least 7 – 12 days or even more.

How easy is it to combine safari in Kenya with Gorilla trekking?

Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are relatively close, with good flight connections. It makes it quite easy to combine a safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. The short flights connecting Kenya with Uganda or Rwanda are usually 1 – 2 hours. From Nairobi in Kenya, you can book flight to Entebbe, Uganda or Kigali, Rwanda. Also from Kenya, it is possible to take a drive to Uganda and even up to Rwanda but quite longer than the flight.

Visa Processing for the combined Gorilla trekking and safari in Kenya

Visas are straightforward, and East African countries work well together for tourism. To travel easily between these East African countries, it is advisable to get an East African Tourist Visa. The East African Tourist Visa is cheaper and time saving than applying for individual country’s visa separately. The trip can start in either country.

What to keep in mind when planning to combine Gorilla trekking with safari in Kenya

Gorilla trekking can be done in either Uganda or Rwanda and requires a permit, which must be booked early. There are Gorillas in Congo but it’s not safe at the moment. You need to be reasonably fit for the Gorilla walk. Safaris are mostly vehicle-based and relaxing. Gorilla trekking is more active, hiking with guides through dense mountainous forests.

Brief itinerary for the combined Safari in Kenya and Gorilla Trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya. Overnight at hotel in Nairobi.

Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi. Game drive.

Day 3: Whole day game drives in Masai Mara.

Day 4: Optional Masai community visit, drive back to Nairobi.

Day 5: Fly to Entebbe in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda.

Day 6:  Transfer to Kibale Chimpanzee Forest. Bigodi Swamp walk.

Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking, transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Gorillas Park, chance to see the tree climbing lions.

Day 9: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi/Lake Mutanda.

Day 10: Transfer to Entebbe/Kigali airport for flight departure.

Price for the Combined Safari in Kenya and Gorilla Trekking, Mid-range Lodges

Prices include everything; accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, Gorilla permits, Chimpanzees permits, one way flight fares between Nairobi and Entebbe. Excludes visa fees, international flight fares, personal use items, laundry services, alcoholic drinks and tips.

Further note that the 10 days itinerary above can be adjusted to less or more days. When you fly into Rwanda, we transfer to Uganda for affordable Gorilla trekking plus Chimpanzee tracking.

In Uganda and Rwanda too, there exists savannah parks where apart from animals, you can explore unique sites and experiences like strong water falls, water cruise safaris, Chimpanzees, tree climbing lions, among others. These and others can not be seen in Kenya so you may even opt for a longer safari like the 20 Days Uganda and Kenya Safari for an immersive experience.

Trips combining Gorilla trekking and Safari in Kenya or Tanzania

• 5 Days Kenya Masai Mara and Uganda Gorillas
• Kenya and Uganda Safari, 20 Days
• Best of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania Safari