Combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda with a safari in Tanzania

Combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda with a safari in Tanzania. If you are a safari enthusiast, then this is your chance to enjoy a primate trekking safari in Uganda and Tanzania safari at the same time. This can be done at any time of the year, and because it seems like a difficult safari to plan, we are here to help you decide on the destinations to visit first and plan your entire safari for you.

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We have an experienced staff that is ready to help you the moment you contact us, and speaking from experience, we can tell you that any destination you decide to start with, either Uganda or Tanzania, you will still have a good time on your combined gorilla and chimpanzee trek in Uganda safari with a Tanzania safari.

How to combine gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda with a safari in Tanzania

You can decide to start with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, and this means that you have first to book the gorilla and chimpanzee permits to be able to trek the respective primates. Fly into Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, and from here, you will have to use the mode of transport that you have previously planned. For example, you either fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip or drive the rest of the way to either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking.

From trekking the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, you get to drive to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking before proceeding to the airport to fly to Tanzania for the safari. For tourists who have time and love adventure, a road trip between the two countries is very possible.

It is possible to have a road trip between Uganda and Tanzania through the Mutukula border, and the journey can take about two days or more, depending on the traffic or the type of vehicle used. For one to be able to cross into each of the countries, you need to have all the necessary documentation through proper channels.

Where gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is carried out in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is done in two national parks in the country: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Park, all in the southwestern part of Uganda. Mgahinga and Bwindi are home to the endangered species, and it takes about 8 to hours' drive from Kampala and an hour and a half to fly from either Entebbe or Kajjansi to the nearby airstrips: Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip.

You can also drive from Rwanda in Kigali through the Cyanika or Gatuna border to Uganda for gorilla trekking, and this journey is much shorter, taking about 3 to 4 hours.

Bwindi has half the world's population of gorillas and 19 habituated gorilla families. These can be trekked in four sectors, including Rushaga, where the habituation process is done, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma sectors. The habituation process can only be carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, which is the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is done in different national parks, but mainly Kibale National Park, home to the highest number of chimpanzees in East Africa, amounting to over 1500 chimps. Other chimpanzee trekking destinations in the country include Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Where to go on a safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a hub for tourists when it comes to safaris, with a wide variety of safari destinations, each offering a unique experience for each individual visiting the country. Tanzania has many safari destinations, sometimes making it hard to choose where to go for the safari. However, below are some of the top safari destinations to choose from in Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Crater: Located in Northern Tanzania and part of the Northern Circuit, Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem that is home to over 30,000 wildlife species. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also home to the Olduvai Gorge, where the oldest fossils were discovered. The Ndutu region in the Conservation Area sees the start of the wildebeest migration as this is where the animals gather and calve before they start moving towards Serengeti National Park and cross the Grumeti River and Mara River into Kenya and then back following weather patterns. Some of the wildlife that you get to see while on a safari to Ngorongoro Crater include hippos, giraffes, lions, wildebeests, lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, hyenas, rhinos, zebras, antelopes and hartebeests among others.

Serengeti National Park: Serengeti National Park is also part of the northern safari circuit and the most visited national park in the country. Known for wildebeest migration that takes place annually. The wildebeest migration is a pattern where animals move from one place following the weather pattern and are best seen during the dry season. January sees the start of the migration as the animals move to Ngorongoro crater in the Ndutu area, and this is where the calving takes place. This stays on till around April, when the first signs of migration. 

The wildebeests start moving from Ndutu to Mbalagweti River as they prepare to cross the Grumeti River. June and July are the best times to enjoy the wildebeest migration. Around July, the animals move to the even more dangerous Mara River before crossing into Masai Mara. Some of the wildlife to spot in Serengeti include wildebeests, zebras, lions, warthogs, lions, leopards, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, African buffaloes, and giraffes, among others.

Nyerere National Park: Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve, is one of the places you can visit on your safari to Tanzania. This is a UNESCO Heritage site with over 400 registered bird species, both endemic and migratory birds, and some of the wildlife species include elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, buffaloes, primates like vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and crocodiles among others. Activities done in Nyerere include bird watching, game drives, boat rides, cultural trips, and boat rides.

Tarangire National Park: Best known for the large elephant population in the country, Tarangire is part of the Northern circuit found between Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Tarangire National Park is home to several wildlife species, including elephants, Hyenas, wildebeests, buffaloes, zebras, cheetahs, although rare, hippos, Leopards, lions, and giraffes, among others. It is also a birding spot, and activities done in Tarangire National Park include a visit to the poacher's hide, baobab trees, game drives, guided cultural walks, and bird watching.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Commonly known as Mount Kili, Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African continent and is considered to be the best climb for tourists who love heights and adventure. Mount Kili can be climbed all year round, but the best time is during the dry season when the different hike routes can be used. Several hike routes lead up to the snow-capped peak, and depending on your physique, you can climb, get to see the beautiful surrounding areas from the top, and take photos. You need to be [physically fit and pack correctly to be able to enjoy the Kili climb. If you are a first time hiker, this is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn't pass. Mount Kili forms part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and has five different climatic zones that you experience the higher you go making Kili a must go to safari destination in the country.

Arusha and Dar-es-salaam: A trip to the two cities is one of the best ways in which you can learn more about the people of Tanzania and their unique culture. It might not be the obvious destination for a safari, but the two cities are worth visiting, each with a unique thing to offer tourists. Arusha is a good place for tourists to visit Mount Meru, explore the Chemka Hot Springs, visit the coffee plantations, and take a guided walk. Dar-es-salaam also has several tourist attractions to visit including the National Museum of Tanzania; visit the Kariakoo market, where you will be able to shop for anything you want and explore the markets, craft shops, and food stalls for personal shopping.

Lake Natron: Lake Natron is home to almost 75% of the world's flamingo population, which includes both the lesser and greater flamingos that can be spotted along the Lake throughout the year. The flamingo population along Lake Natron had reduced but is now on the increase, and during the dry season, these alkaline waters attract lots of flamingos. Other Lakes in the country that you can visit include Lake Magadi, Lake Tarangire in the Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and the Momella Lakes among others.

Zanzibar: Zanzibar is famous for honeymooners and tourists looking to have a good time as they relax. It is a well-preserved town that was once shared by Europeans, Indians, Africans, and Arabs, and the architecture still found on the Island is a testament to the beautiful scenery around Stone Town. Explore the pristine beaches and spice gardens, go food tasting along the streets, visit the small Islands around Zanzibar, and explore the unique architecture around Stone Town. Some of the activities to do while in Zanzibar include snorkeling, swimming, sundowners, relaxing at the beach, and kite surfing.

The cost of the combined gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari in Uganda and Tanzania safari

The cost of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is affected by several factors and these include trekking permits, the season of travel, and the type of accommodation chosen for safari. The same factors affect the Tanzania safari apart from the permit.

Trekking permits:

Gorilla trekking permit: A gorilla trek permit is a document issued to all tourists planning on gorilla trekking in the country and available at a cost. Gorilla permits are extremely essential because you will only be allowed to trek gorillas with them. There are few gorilla permits printed per day, and tourists are advised to book the permits in advance whether they are trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 300,000 UX for East African residents (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan), $800 for foreign non-residents, and $700 for foreign residents. There are no discounts when it comes to booking the permits, and a full payment has to be made before any booking is done. 

Chimpanzee trekking permit: Chimpanzee trek permits are also issued to tourists planning on trekking chimpanzees in the different national parks. The permits have to be booked in advance, and unlike gorilla permits, where the cost is constant and uniform, the cost of the chimpanzee permit depends on the trek destination chosen. The chimp trek permit in Kibale is $300 per person, $50 in Kaniyo Pabidi, $40 in Kalinzu Forest, and $100 in Kyambura Gorge.

The permits can be purchased through a trusted local tour operator or online directly on the Uganda Wildlife Authority website. The best way is to get in touch with the operator who will help you purchase the permit on your behalf.

The season of travel:

Uganda and Tanzania have two seasons, including the wet and dry seasons, and these determine the best time one is to go for a safari in both countries and the activities carried out in each season. The dry season is also known as the peak season and is the best time to go for a gorilla, chimpanzee, and Tanzania safari, it is, however, an expensive time to travel with increased prices on everything especially accommodation due to the many tourists visiting the country during this time. Many service providers see this as an opportunity to earn more profits from tourists. Remember that if you wish to gorilla and chimpanzee trek and also go for a Tanzania safari during the peak season, everything needs to be booked as early as possible.

The wet season, sometimes referred to as the low season, receives few visitors due to the rains that make it hard to spot the wildlife and go for a gorilla and chimpanzee trek. And because there are few visitors during this period, some accommodation facilities offer discounts to attract more tourists. This is the best time to travel if you prefer less crowds and are on a budget.

Type of accommodation:

The type of accommodation you choose greatly affects the cost of your combined safari. Safari accommodation is divided into three categories, including luxury, mid-range, and basic accommodation facilities. You will have a lot of options to choose from fitting into your needs, and the choice you decide on will either increase or reduce the cost of the combined safari.

Contact us for more information, a detailed itinerary, and a quote for the combined gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda combined with a Tanzania safari.