Why plan a Rwanda gorilla trek and Uganda safari with Encounter Africa Safaris.

A Rwanda gorilla trek and Uganda safari with Encounter Africa Safaris offer a truly wonderful unforgettable East African adventure that is combining the unique primate encounters of both countries with the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Uganda. This combination is very highly recommended for the travelers looking for a more rewarding and then varied safari experience, and Encounter Africa Safaris is the best choice for the several reasons, which are explored in this article.

Most Popular Safaris

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari through Kigali

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5 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

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4 Day Uganda Safari via Kigali

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3 Day Bwindi Double trek via Kigali

One of the most major reasons to choose a combined Rwanda and Uganda itinerary is the opportunity for the various that is two different gorilla trekking safari experience. While both countries are home to the magnificent mountain gorillas, the trekking safari experiences themselves are impressive. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is usually praised for its accessibility and then luxury. The park is relatively close to Kigali and the terrain is generally considered as less challenging by the tourists during the gorilla trekking safari and thus making it a great option for the older travelers or for the tourists with the lower fitness level.

On the other hand, in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and then Mgahinga Gorilla national park offer a more rugged and then physically demand trek through the dense, ancient rainforests. This provide a sense of a true adventure and it is a fantastic challenge for the tourists who are physically fit. By combining both the gorilla trekking destinations, you can experience the best of the both worlds; the high-end, well-developed infrastructure of Rwanda and then the raw, and adventurous spirit of Uganda.

Encounter Africa Safaris is experienced at designing the itineraries that link these two safari experiences, and then the closeness of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to Rwanda’s capital city Kigali, to reduce on the travel time and then increase your trekking safari opportunities. The company’s expertise in handling and then arranging transport, and then from securing gorilla trekking permits in all the safari destinations to arranging the cross-border travel, it ensures a perfect and the stress-free journey, that allows you to focus entirely on meeting these gentle giants.

Furthermore, a combined safari with Encounter Africa Safari allows you to tap into the incredible biodiversity that Uganda has to offer beyond gorilla trekking. While Rwanda is majorly known for its gorillas, Uganda is a true safari powerhouse with the variety of the wildlife and then sunning landscapes. A well planned safari with Encounter Africa Safaris will likely take you to the main Ugandan national parks that is Queen Elizabeth national park that is famous for its tree-climbing lions and then a diverse population of the elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs and then large numbers of the beautiful bird species like African fish eagle, Pied Crow, Black kite, Hammer kops, Marabou stock, Hadada Ibis, Northern grey headed sparrow, Black headed gonolek, red eyed dove, Ring necked dove and among many others.

In the park there is Kazinga Channel boat cruise is a highlight during the safari, this offers you to up-close views of these animals along the waterway. On a Uganda safari you can as well visit Kibale Forest National Park, which is considered as the best place in the entire world for chimpanzee trekking hence named as the ‘’Primate capital’’ as well the park offers the chimpanzee habituation experience. A safari to Kibale forest national park adds another captivating primate encounter to your safari.

Other possible additions include the powerful Murchison falls, the source of the Nile and then to Uganda’s smaller national park Lake Mburo national park for the unique sightings of the zebras, impalas and safari activities like back horse riding safaris, boat cruise, sport fishing and among others. By going on these national parks and then add them into your safari itinerary, Encounter Africa Safaris ensures that your safari is not just about gorillas but is a rich and then varied exploration of East Africa’s wildlife, scenery and then culture. At Encounter Africa Safaris we create your best safari itineraries that makes your safari to be unique to include all the destinations and then activities that interest you most, and thus providing a unique and then stunning safari experience.

Planning your safari with Encounter Africa Safaris is a choice based on their existing expertise professionalism, and then commitment to ensure out client’s satisfaction. With over years of experience in organizing and then planning gorilla and wildlife safaris, the company has understanding of the gorilla trekking experience. They are known for employing the professional and then knowledgeable guides that are passionate about their work and then dedicated to proving an enriching and safe safari experience during your safari. These guides are just drivers; they are experts and have knowledge about the different animal species and bird species, primates, history and culture and they often go above and beyond to make your safari so special one.

Basing on the past and various numerous client’s reviews highlight the company’s excellent communication, responsiveness and ability to handle unexpected challenged with grace and efficiency, such as assisting in creating all your itineraries. The company is also committed to responsible and then nature-friendly tourism, thus ensuring that your travel has a positive impact on the local communities and then conservation as well. By entrusting your dream safari with Encounter Africa Safaris, you are choosing a company that prioritizes your safety, comfort and satisfaction, high-quality and memorable journey from start to the end.

When considering your safari options and then duration, a combined trip that is planned by Encounter Africa Safaris takes you at least one week to ten days to properly enjoy the highlights of both countries. Though there are shorter itineraries, like a three-day gorilla trek, are more common in Rwanda, where you can fly into Kigali and then transfer at Volcanoes National Park within a few hours. For a longer, and then regarding safari, a 7 to 14 day itinerary is recommended. This allows you to combine gorilla trekking in either Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Volcanoes national park with other activities.

A combined itinerary might begin in Rwanda with a gorilla trek and then visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, then continue overland to Uganda. In Uganda, you can add game drives in Queen Elizabeth National park to search for the famous tree-climbing lions, or with Kibale forest national park. The safari between the two countries can be a scenic road trip, often taking you through beautiful landscapes and offering into local life with Encounter Africa Safaris.

Encounter Africa Safaris advises you packing for a gorilla trek and safari require careful consideration to ensure you are comfortable and prepared for the varying conditions. The most important items and the essentials for gorilla trekking are the sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, as the trails can be steep, muddy ad slippery. It’s also essential to have a waterproof rain jacket or poncho, as rain can occur at any time in these rainforests. Long-sleeved shirts and the trousers are crucial to protect your skin from the insects, thorns and then stinging nettles.

Other key items to pack on the safari includes a hat with a brim, gardening gloves to grip onto the branches, insect repellent, and a small, waterproof backpack to carry your packed lunch, water and a camera gear. For the safari portion of your trip, lightweight, then breathable clothing in the neutral colours like khaki or green is the best among others such as to avoid startling the animals. Bright colours and camouflage patterns should not be advisable used, as well it’s advisable to bring binoculars, a good camera with the extra batteries and a reusable water bottle.

Gorilla trekking permits are very important part of the total cost and must be booked well in advance with Encounter Africa Safaris especially during the dry or the peak season. The cost of the trekking permits is a major differentiator between the two countries. In Rwanda a gorilla trekking permit costs 1500 USD per person per trek in Volcanoes National Park, a price point that reflects the county’s strategy of attracting high-end tourism. In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permit is more affordable that is 800 USD per person per trek for the foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person per trek for the foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person per trek for the East African residents.

On the other side, in Uganda also offers a unique ‘’gorilla habituation safari experience’’ and that takes place in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Rushaga sector instead of one hour gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation allows for four hours with a gorilla family for a price that is 1500 USD per person. A portion of the permit fees in both of the countries goes directly toward the conservation of the gorillas and then welfare of the local communities surrounding the national parks. Due to the limited number of the permits available each day to reduce the impact on the gorillas, its crucial to secure your permit several months before your desired travel date to avoid disappointment.

The best time to plan a gorilla trek and safari in Rwanda and Uganda is during the dry seasons. The long dry seasons runs from June to September and a shorter dry season occurs from December to February. During these periods, the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery, making the hike more manageable. The weather is generally sunny and then clear, which also offers the better opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing on game drives. The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so parks can be more crowded and the gorilla trekking permits sell out quickly.

Alternatively, the wet season or rainy season that take place from March to May and then October to November offers a different safari experience but also rewarding. While the trails can be more challenging and the rain more frequent, the landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer crowds. This is also an excellent time for birdwatching, and some lodges may offer lower rates. Ultimately, the choice of when to travel depends on your personal preference for the weather conditions, crowd levels and budget with Encounter Africa Safaris.

Where to do gorilla trekking experience in Uganda with Encounter Africa Safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only safari destination to where you can see more than half of the world's gorillas. It is home to more than 468 gorillas. On the other hand, there are only about 80 mountain gorillas in Mgahinga gorilla national park. This also means that Bwindi has more gorilla families about 40 in total than Mgahinga. Because of this, Bwindi is a popular safari place to see gorillas in Uganda and the surrounding area. When considering gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, it is important to think about how many gorillas live in each park and how many families there are.

At the moment, there are 23 fully habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, which tourists can visit on a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Mgahinga on the other hand, has a single habituated gorilla family that travelers may see while on a trekking safari in the park.

Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi brings in many visitors due to the big number of gorilla permits available per day which leaves the destination overcrowded with plenty of activity going on whereas gorilla trekking in Mgahinga which brings in smaller gorilla trekkers is a peaceful spot providing travelers an opportunity of everlasting safari memories.

It is also only in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda to where you can as well go for the golden monkey trekking; that is it’s very easy to combine gorilla trekking safari and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park that offers you unforgettable safari memories.

Where to do gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda with Encounter Africa Safari.

Rwanda is known as the "land of a thousand hills" and is home to Volcanoes National Park, where tourists can go gorilla trekking safari. Rwanda is the most popular safari destination to see gorillas in East Africa because trekking there is easier than in other gorilla trekking destinations. The trek usually takes 30 minutes to five hours, and the terrain is easier than in Uganda. Rwanda's gorilla trekking safari is also more organized and regulated. Each day, no more than eight people can meet a gorilla family. This makes sure that the experience is more personal and close. The park also has the "Kwita Izina" event, which is a traditional way to name a baby gorilla and has become a big draw in the country.

For more information about Rwanda and Uganda safari do not hesitate, immediately contact us at Encounter Africa Safaris we shall plan for you the incredible, amazing safari with all your preferences that will make your safari excellent with unforgettable safari memories.