Best safari for first time Africa visitors

What Are the Most Photogenic Spots in Tanzania for Wildlife Photography

February 6, 2025

Do I Need a Permit for Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda?

March 11, 2025

Published by Jackal Adventures Ltd

Can I Combine Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda or Rwanda?

For many safari enthusiasts, combining the iconic Serengeti Safari with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda or Rwanda sounds like the ultimate East African adventure. Imagine witnessing the breathtaking wildlife of the Serengeti, followed by a thrilling trek through the misty forests of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The idea of merging these two extraordinary experiences has become increasingly popular among travelers, and with Jackal Adventures, you can seamlessly plan and execute this once-in-a-lifetime journey. This ultimate guide will explore the logistics, benefits, and top reasons why combining a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda is a truly exceptional experience.

The Perfect Combination: Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

The Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its spectacular wildlife and vast landscapes, offering some of the best safari experiences in the world. The park is famed for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains, making it one of the most photogenic and action-packed safari destinations. For wildlife lovers, the Serengeti offers an unforgettable safari experience with opportunities to see the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes), cheetahs, giraffes, and much more, all in their natural environment.

On the other hand, gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda offer an entirely different but equally exhilarating experience. The thrill of trekking through dense, misty forests in search of the elusive mountain gorillas is a rare and profound wildlife experience. Both Uganda and Rwanda are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda serving as the primary destinations for this adventure. The opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close, while learning about their conservation efforts, offers a unique and profound experience that complements a traditional safari.

Combining these two incredible experiences — the wild, vast Serengeti with the intimate and unique experience of gorilla trekking — creates the perfect East African wildlife adventure. With Jackal Adventures, this dual safari experience becomes effortlessly accessible, allowing you to immerse yourself in some of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

How to Combine a Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

While the combination of a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda sounds fantastic, planning such a trip can seem daunting due to the distance between the two regions and the differences in terrain and travel logistics. However, with the expertise of Jackal Adventures, these challenges are easily overcome.

First, it’s important to note that both Tanzania (where Serengeti is located) and Uganda or Rwanda are connected by several daily flights, making travel between them convenient and efficient. Jackal Adventures will work with you to arrange the perfect itinerary, ensuring your travel between these countries is smooth and hassle-free. Private charter flights can also be arranged, allowing for quicker transfers between the Serengeti and the gorilla trekking destinations, giving you more time to enjoy your safari and less time spent traveling.

You can start your journey in Tanzania, with a safari in the Serengeti, where you can experience a variety of wildlife and dramatic landscapes. After exploring the Serengeti’s grasslands and witnessing the Great Migration, you can then catch a flight to either Uganda or Rwanda. In Rwanda, you’ll land at Kigali International Airport, from where it’s a short drive to Volcanoes National Park, the famous gorilla trekking site. In Uganda, you’ll typically fly into Entebbe and continue by road to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where the trekking experience awaits.

With such efficient flight connections and carefully planned itineraries, Jackal Adventures ensures that you can enjoy a seamless safari experience, combining the Serengeti with gorilla trekking without the stress of long travel times or logistical complications.

What to Expect: Serengeti Safari Highlights for Wildlife Photography and Exploration

The Serengeti offers an unparalleled safari experience, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife photography and exploration. This iconic park is famous for its diverse habitats, from the open savannah to the riverine forests, and of course, the annual Great Migration. As a guest of Jackal Adventures, you’ll be taken to the best spots in the Serengeti to capture exceptional moments on camera, such as lions hunting in the golden light of sunrise, elephants silhouetted against the setting sun, or wildebeests crossing the Mara River during the migration.

Beyond the migration, the Serengeti boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. The opportunity to witness predator-prey interactions is one of the most thrilling aspects of a Serengeti safari, and Jackal Adventures’ expert guides will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to capture these captivating moments. Whether you’re taking close-up shots of a leopard lounging in a tree or capturing the majestic expanse of the Serengeti’s plains, this park will provide endless opportunities for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda: A Life-Changing Experience

While the Serengeti provides a classic African safari experience, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda offers an intimate and life-changing encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species. Trekking through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Volcanoes National Park brings you face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a privilege that only a few hundred people each year get to experience.

During a gorilla trek, you’ll hike through misty, lush forests, with local trackers helping guide you to the gorillas’ nests. Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll spend up to an hour observing these gentle creatures as they go about their daily activities — from grooming each other to playing and interacting with the group. The sense of connection and awe you’ll feel when standing just meters away from a silverback or a baby gorilla is unparalleled. With Jackal Adventures, you’ll have expert guides who know the best times to visit and will ensure you get the most out of this unforgettable experience.

Both Uganda and Rwanda have strong conservation programs for mountain gorillas, and the revenue from gorilla trekking permits goes directly toward protecting their habitats and supporting local communities. By combining this experience with a Serengeti safari, you not only experience Africa’s incredible wildlife but also support the ongoing efforts to protect endangered species.

Best Time to Combine Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking

The timing of your Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking adventure will depend on your preferences and the seasonality of the regions you’re visiting. The Serengeti is a year-round destination, with the Great Migration occurring from July to October, but wildlife can be seen throughout the year. For those interested in witnessing the migration, it’s best to plan your Serengeti visit during these months.

As for gorilla trekking, the best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which typically run from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best trekking conditions, as the trails are easier to navigate, and the gorillas are more likely to be active and visible. Jackal Adventures can help you plan your trip during the optimal time for both the Serengeti and gorilla trekking experiences, ensuring that you get the most out of your journey.

Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

What to Pack for a Combined Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Packing for a trip that includes both a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking requires careful consideration of the varied environments you’ll encounter. For the Serengeti, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal, along with a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a long lens to capture wildlife from a distance. In contrast, gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda requires sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, and pants to protect against dense vegetation and possible thorny bushes. A rain jacket is also essential, as the weather in the forests can be unpredictable.

Jackal Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list to ensure you’re prepared for both safari and trekking, allowing you to enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

Conclusion: Experience the Best of East Africa with Jackal Adventures

Combining a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is an extraordinary way to experience the very best of East Africa. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the misty forests where mountain gorillas roam, this combination offers a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and cultural richness.

With Jackal Adventures as your trusted tour operator, you can rest assured that every detail of your trip will be expertly planned, from seamless flights between Tanzania and Rwanda or Uganda to expert-guided safaris and treks. Ready to embark on the ultimate East African journey? Let Jackal Adventures turn your dream safari into a reality.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking