10 quick tips for planning a combined Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking trip
Coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas is an experience like no other, with these endearing primates inhabiting the mountainous terrain of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking adventure is the ideal way to combine two incredible wildlife experiences in one - an action-packed safari through some of Tanzania’s legendary big game reserves and a trek to see the mountain gorillas.
From deciding on destinations to securing permits and the experience itself, here are 10 quick tips for planning your Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking trip.
Firstly, decide which Tanzanian safari destination(s) you want to visit. Perhaps you want to explore the iconic national parks and reserves of the Northern Circuit - Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. If you’re a return safari visitor to Tanzania, maybe you want to get off-the-beaten-track along the Southern Circuit, which includes the immense Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Before deciding where you want to go on safari, take a moment to consider the wildlife experiences you’re craving. Do you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in action or do you prefer to spot some of the lesser-known species far from the crowds? There are flight connections to Rwanda and Uganda from both Kilimanjaro International Airport (the gateway to the Northern Circuit) and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (the launching point for the Southern Circuit).
Once you’ve decided on your Tanzania safari destination(s), it’s time to think about where you want to go for your gorilla trekking experience. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most easily accessible of the two, being just a couple of hours’ drive from the international airport in the capital, Kigali. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 10-hour drive from Entebbe International Airport (the main entry point into Uganda), although it is possible to book a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro near Bwindi and continue by road from there.
When it comes to the trekking experience, Volcanoes National Park is generally considered a bit easier, with the vegetation not quite as dense and sightings more accessible. However, you do have to pay for it, with gorilla permits in Rwanda significantly more than in Uganda at the time of writing (USD 1,500 in Rwanda vs USD 700 in Uganda).
When it comes to accommodation, there are several lodges within a short distance of both parks. Rwanda has the edge when it comes to luxury lodges, with a few high-end establishments recently opening near Volcanoes National Park, including Singita Kwitonda. Uganda, on the other hand, caters to a broader range of budgets, with a few mid-range options in addition to luxury lodges. Remember, trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda is not a cheap experience, so be realistic when it comes to budgeting for your holiday.
Once you’ve decided where you want to go, it’s important to secure your gorilla trekking permit as early as possible. If you’re booking through an agency, such as Vencha Travel, they’ll do the hard work for you and help you book your permit for your selected travel dates. June to October is the peak tourist season when permits are in high demand, so it’s particularly important that you finalize your travel plans early if you want to trek during this period. If you’re willing to take on the arduous conditions of trekking during the low, rainy season (November to May), Rwanda drops the price of its permits significantly. They will cost you just USD 1,050, provided you’re also visiting one of the country’s other wildlife destinations - Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park.
If you’re heading to Uganda and don’t want to endure the long drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you may want to book an internal flight. There are four trailheads for trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi- Buhoma and Ruhija in the north and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Kihihi is the closest airport for the Buhoma and Ruhija trailheads while Kisoro is the access point for the Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads.
Why not make the most of your time in Uganda or Rwanda by exploring some of their other highlights. As mentioned earlier, you can combine your trek to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda with a visit to Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park. Likewise, Uganda has exceptional wildlife reserves, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, which can be reached from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in as little as two hours. It’s also an incredibly popular whitewater rafting destination, with adrenalin-fuelled adventures departing from the town of Jinja along the waters of the Blue Nile.
As the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda are wild and free to move around as they please, you may need to trek for just an hour to see them…or you may be on the trail for four or five hours. Each morning, trackers head out early to check where the gorillas are and radio their location to the guides. They will then brief you on how long you can expect to be trekking and the conditions, which include trekking at altitude. This is why it’s essential that you’re in good health and ready to handle the demands that will be put on your body. So rather than considering it a walk in the park, prepare yourself by trekking regularly in the lead up to your East Africa trip and get your fitness in check.
It’s also essential that you carry enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized throughout your trek. Even if the gorillas are in close proximity, carry enough supplies for a full day’s trek, just in case. You know better than anyone else how much water you consume and your energy requirements, so heed the advice of your guides and listen to your body.
After reaching the gorillas, you are allowed one hour with them and must remain at a distance of five metres at all times. While they are habituated and non-aggressive, this is to ensure that no one gets hurt if a silverback suddenly feels threatened. Your guides will brief you on the rules and any etiquette that should be observed, as well as perhaps teach you how to make a low grunting sound that will put the gorillas at ease. Sometimes the gorillas may approach you (they don’t always observe the five-metre rule!) but just listen to the advice of your guides who are highly trained and know how to manage these situations.
Being in the presence of wild mountain gorillas is an unforgettable experience and one that you’ll surely want to document through photography. But it’s important that you don’t use flash and, if possible, utilize your camera’s “silence” mode so that you don’t disrupt the gorillas. No matter how much you want to get “that shot”, always maintain a safe distance from the gorillas and respect that your fellow trekkers are also trying to capture the moment too. With only one hour to spend with these incredible creatures, don’t forget to put your camera away for a while and just soak up the experience through your own eyes.
Want to plan a customized Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking experience? Get in touch with one of our safari experts today for help in organizing your adventure. Our Tanzania safari and gorilla trekking itineraries include accommodation at luxurious lodges and camps, meals, ground transportation and assistance in securing all the necessary permits.
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