Kruger safari and Uganda gorilla trekking
From the legendary Big Five plains of South Africa to the mist-covered forests of Uganda, this 9-day Africa safari combines two of the continent’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Start in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s iconic safari destinations, where days are spent searching for elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino across spectacular wilderness.
Then fly onward to Uganda for the experience that changes everything — tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This isn’t simply a wildlife holiday. It is a journey from open African savannah to dense rainforest, from classic game drives to an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas.
Uganda Wildlife Authority confirms that Bwindi is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, while gorilla trekking generally takes between 2 and 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Why Choose This Safari?
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
Two iconic African destinations in one journey
Explore the famous wildlife landscapes of Kruger National Park before experiencing Uganda’s extraordinary mountain gorillas.
Big Five safari in Kruger
Enjoy game drives searching for Africa’s most celebrated wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
The ultimate gorilla trekking experience
Enter Bwindi’s ancient rainforest with experienced trackers and UWA guides in search of a habituated gorilla family. Gorilla tracking is conducted under official UWA guidelines.
A unique Africa combination
Few safari itineraries allow you to experience the contrast between South Africa’s open savannah and Uganda’s lush mountain rainforest in the same trip.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences.
Unlike a traditional game drive where wildlife may be viewed from a vehicle, gorilla trekking takes you directly into the forest on foot.
You follow experienced trackers through the vegetation until you locate your assigned gorilla family.
Uganda Wildlife Authority states that visitors must have their permits validated and undergo briefing before tracking, with visitors accompanied by UWA guides and trackers.
For international visitors, the current UWA tariff lists gorilla tracking at US$800 for foreign non-residents in Bwindi under the July 2024–June 2026 tariff. Because tariffs can change, your final quotation should always use the applicable rate for your travel dates.
Best Time to Take This Safari
This safari can be arranged throughout the year, but the ideal timing depends on your priorities, budget and preferred wildlife conditions.
For gorilla trekking, Bwindi’s rainforest climate means rain is possible at any time. The forest remains a year-round destination.
For Kruger, many travelers particularly enjoy the drier months when vegetation is thinner and wildlife can be easier to spot around water sources.
Our safari specialists can recommend the best travel window based on your preferred experience and budget.
Plan Your Kruger & Bwindi Safari
Experience the ultimate 9-day African adventure combining a Big Five Kruger safari in South Africa with unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Explore two iconic destinations, two extraordinary ecosystems, and Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters in one unforgettable journey.
Head Office
Sarit Gorilla Safaris Limited. Boston St, Salaama Road, Kampala, Uganda
Transparent Pricing with Exceptional Value
Luxury doesn’t have to come with surprises. Our pricing is clear, competitive, and comprehensive, with no hidden fees.
You’ll always know exactly what’s included, allowing you to plan your safari with complete confidence.
Authentic Rainforest Experience
Bwindi’s ancient rainforest feels truly wild. Thick vegetation, mist-covered hills, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife create an unforgettable atmosphere unlike anywhere else
Plan Your 9 Day Kruger Safari & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Safari Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Kruger National Park game drives
- Professional safari guide
- Transportation during the safari
- Bwindi gorilla trekking
- Gorilla trekking permit And Park fees
- Meals as specified in the final itinerary
- Drinking water during safari
- Selected activities included in the itinerary
Safari Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities
- Items not specifically mentioned as included
Day 1: Arrival in South Africa & Transfer to Kruger
Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be welcomed by your driver for a scenic road transfer to the southern region of Kruger National Park. The journey takes you through the beautiful province of Mpumalanga, renowned for its rolling hills, panoramic landscapes, and charming rural scenery.
Arrive at your lodge in time to settle in before embarking on an exciting afternoon game drive. The southern section of Kruger National Park is famous for its exceptional concentration of wildlife, offering excellent opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and predators such as lions and leopards. As the African sun sets over the savannah, your Kruger safari and Bwindi gorilla trekking experience begins with unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Travel time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Destination: Kruger National Park
Overnight: Skukuza Rest Camp
Day 2: Full-Day Kruger Big Five Safari
Rise before sunrise for a rewarding full-day safari through one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The early morning hours are the best time to witness predators returning from the night’s hunt while herbivores begin their daily routines.
Your professional safari guide will navigate through diverse ecosystems, from open grasslands to riverine forests, stopping at strategic viewpoints and wildlife hotspots. Enjoy breakfast and a mid-morning break at one of Kruger’s scenic rest camps before continuing your wildlife adventure.
Lunch will be served at one of the park’s restaurants or designated picnic sites, followed by an afternoon game drive exploring new sections of the park.
As darkness falls, prepare for an exciting ranger-led night drive. Using powerful spotlights, you’ll search for elusive nocturnal species such as civets, genets, porcupines, bush babies, hyenas, and perhaps even a leopard on the hunt. This unique experience reveals a completely different side of Kruger National Park.
Destination: Kruger National Park
Overnight: Skukuza Rest Camp
Day 3: Kruger Wildlife Safari – Big Five & Scenic Wilderness
Another full day awaits in the magnificent wilderness of Kruger National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive when wildlife activity is at its peak and the cool temperatures create ideal conditions for animal viewing.
After breakfast at one of the park’s rest camps, continue exploring the park’s varied habitats, including riverbanks, woodlands, and expansive savannahs. Each area supports different wildlife species, making every game drive unique and rewarding.
Pause for a leisurely lunch at one of the park’s camp restaurants before heading out for an afternoon safari in search of more remarkable wildlife encounters.
In the evening, celebrate your final night in Kruger with a traditional South African braai (barbecue) prepared by your guide under the African stars. This memorable farewell dinner is included in your tour package. All other meals during your stay in Kruger can be enjoyed at the park’s restaurants at your own expense. Guests seeking a more exclusive dining experience may request the services of a private chef at an additional cost.
Destination: Kruger National Park
Overnight: Skukuza Rest Camp
Day 4: Kruger – Johannesburg – Flight to Uganda
Enjoy one final early morning game drive as dawn breaks over Kruger National Park. This peaceful safari offers another opportunity to encounter wildlife before departing the park.
After breakfast, transfer back to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your scheduled flight to Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Ugandan safari guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next chapter of your Kruger safari and Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure.
Destination: Entebbe Uganda
Overnight: Boma Hotel Entebbe
Day 5: Kampala/Entebbe – Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Kibale National Park, the primate capital of East Africa. The scenic drive takes you through picturesque countryside, bustling towns, lush tea plantations, and traditional villages, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Uganda.
Stop along the way for lunch before continuing to Kibale Forest, home to an impressive diversity of primates and tropical birdlife.
Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the rainforest.
Destination: Kibale National Park
Overnight: Turaco Treetops
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk
Following an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into Kibale Forest in search of habituated chimpanzees.
Guided by experienced rangers, trek through the lush rainforest while learning about the area’s rich biodiversity. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one magical hour observing their fascinating behaviors as they feed, groom, communicate, and interact within their family groups.
After lunch, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. This community-managed wetland is renowned for its incredible birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and unique plant species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Kibale National Park
Overnight: Boma Hotel Entebbe
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey to the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Travel through breathtaking landscapes featuring rolling hills, terraced farmlands, dense forests, and picturesque villages. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at your lodge nestled near the edge of the ancient rainforest.
Spend the evening relaxing while preparing for tomorrow’s extraordinary gorilla trekking experience.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overnight: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Day 8 : Bwindi Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
Today marks the highlight of your Kruger safari and Bwindi gorilla trekking journey.
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
The trek may take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. As you hike through dense rainforest, experienced guides will share fascinating insights into the forest ecosystem and the conservation efforts protecting these endangered primates.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact, feed, play, and care for their young is a truly life-changing wildlife experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural visit with the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi. Learn about their traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plants, music, dance, and ancient way of life before conservation initiatives relocated them from the forest.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Overnight: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Day 9: Fly to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Entebbe, offering spectacular aerial views of Uganda’s beautiful landscapes.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, connect with your international departure flight, bringing your unforgettable Kruger safari and Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure to a memorable conclusion.
Leave Africa with incredible photographs, unforgettable wildlife encounters, meaningful cultural experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
End of Tour
Destination: Entebbe Uganda
FAQS: Plan Your Kruger & Bwindi Safari
Have more questions? Contact us.
How many days do I need for Kruger and gorilla trekking?
A 9-day itinerary provides a compact combination of Kruger wildlife viewing and Bwindi gorilla trekking. Travelers with more time can extend the trip with additional safari days or cultural experiences.
Is it possible to combine a Kruger safari with Uganda gorilla trekking?
Yes. With well-planned international and regional flights, Kruger National Park and Bwindi can be combined into one Africa itinerary.
Can this safari be customized?
Absolutely. You can upgrade accommodation, add additional Kruger game-drive days, include cultural experiences or extend your stay in Uganda.
Best Time to Take This Safari
This safari can be arranged throughout the year, but the ideal timing depends on your priorities, budget and preferred wildlife conditions.
For gorilla trekking, Bwindi’s rainforest climate means rain is possible at any time. The forest remains a year-round destination.
For Kruger, many travelers particularly enjoy the drier months when vegetation is thinner and wildlife can be easier to spot around water sources.
Our safari specialists can recommend the best travel window based on your preferred experience and budget.
5. Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe?
Yes. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered very safe. Treks are conducted by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and armed guides who ensure visitor safety while protecting the gorillas and other wildlife.
6. Can I combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari?
Absolutely. Many travelers combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris.
And This isn’t simply a wildlife holiday. It is a journey from open African savannah to dense rainforest, from classic game drives to an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas.
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11 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Adventure
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3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Bwindi Gorilla Tour
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11 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Adventure
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3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Bwindi Gorilla Tour
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Why Choose This Safari?
Two iconic African destinations in one journey
Explore the famous wildlife landscapes of Kruger National Park before experiencing Uganda’s extraordinary mountain gorillas.
Big Five safari in Kruger
Enjoy game drives searching for Africa’s most celebrated wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
The ultimate gorilla trekking experience
Enter Bwindi’s ancient rainforest with experienced trackers and UWA guides in search of a habituated gorilla family. Gorilla tracking is conducted under official UWA guidelines.
A unique Africa combination
Few safari itineraries allow you to experience the contrast between South Africa’s open savannah and Uganda’s lush mountain rainforest in the same trip.
