Gorilla Trekking Safaris or Wildlife Viewing Safaris?

Gorilla Trekking Safaris or Wildlife Viewing Safaris?

It’s time to decide which of the two African safari experiences—Gorilla trekking safaris or Wildlife Viewing Safaris—is the perfect choice for your African holiday.

Once you’ve decided to go on an African safari, you’ll face the tough decision of what to do in Africa. This vast continent is packed with stunning countries, diverse landscapes, national parks, reserves, and endless activities.

Gorilla trekking safaris and Wildlife viewing safaris are two of the most popular activities for an unforgettable African safari. Choosing between them can be tough, especially when time doesn’t allow you to do both. What do you think?

To help you decide, we’ve created a complete guide comparing both safaris. We’ll look at which provides a more authentic experience, where to go, what to expect, costs, and ease. Keep reading to find out more.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Mountain Gorillas live in misty volcanoes and dense tropical forests. These primates are endangered and share 95-99% of their DNA with humans. With a population of over 880, they can be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Gorilla trekking safaris are one of the ultimate lifetime experiences. Tourists can see the Gorillas up close, gaze into their big eyes, and sometimes even sit next to them in the forest. It’s a dream adventure for many.

You can find these Gorillas in National Parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks (DRC). Keep in mind, the price of a Gorilla trekking permit differs in each country. For example, Uganda charges $700, Rwanda $1500, and DRC $400. Prices depend on the country’s policies.

What is the best country for Gorilla Trekking?

Your choice depends on budget, safety, and ease of trekking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is easier, safer, and more accessible. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is close and easy to reach, making it a great choice for tourists.

Join Our Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda

If you’re on a moderate budget, Bwindi National Park in Uganda offers a more affordable Gorilla trekking experience. You can also try Gorilla Habituation in Uganda at a lower price.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-hour drive from Kigali, making it more accessible than Uganda’s Bwindi, which is about 9 hours from Kampala. However, Rwanda and Uganda are close. You can drive from Rwanda to Uganda for Gorilla trekking in just 4 hours. You can also fly from Entebbe to Bwindi in less than an hour.

Our combined Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris, such as the 2-day Rwanda-Uganda Gorilla Safari or the 4-day Uganda Gorilla trekking from Rwanda, offer magical experiences at affordable prices.

Check Out Rwanda – Uganda Gorilla Safaris

Gorilla trekking safaris offer more than just a close encounter with Gorillas. You can also enjoy chimpanzee trekking, cultural encounters, bird watching, and amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda provides a stunning backdrop.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Gorilla trekking is possible all year, but the rainy season (March to May) makes trekking challenging. Trails become slippery and difficult. The best time is during the dry season (June to September). While you can see Gorillas in all seasons, the dry season offers the most enjoyable experience.

Wildlife Viewing Safaris

Wildlife Viewing Safaris are among the most popular activities in Africa. Countries like Tanzania (Serengeti), South Africa (Kruger), Kenya (Maasai Mara), and Botswana offer incredible experiences. Uganda, Namibia, Malawi, and Rwanda also offer exciting safaris.

Tanzania and Kenya are famous for the wildebeest migration, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Millions of wildebeests migrate between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Park from July to September each year. If you’re after an extraordinary safari, both Tanzania and Kenya are excellent choices.

Other notable parks include Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo, and Tarangire National Park. These parks offer great opportunities to see the big five, big cats, and more.

Spot Wildlife on Our Tanzania and Kenya Safaris

Zanzibar and Mombasa

Both Tanzania and Kenya have Indian Ocean coastlines with stunning white sandy beaches. Zanzibar in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya offer relaxing beach experiences. You can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach relaxation, making it the perfect bush-to-beach combination.

Hiking Adventures (Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Kenya)

If you’re looking for adventure, combine your wildlife safari with a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya. These are Africa’s highest and second-highest mountains, respectively, and offer unforgettable trekking experiences.

Join Our Kilimanjaro Tours

Weather

The savannah parks in Kenya and Tanzania have moderate climates. The dry season (June to October) is the high season, while the wet season (March to May) is the low season. High season sees more tourists, so we recommend early booking for accommodation.

East Africa is easy to explore. With an East African Tourist Visa, you can visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Many tourists prefer combined East African safaris to enjoy different activities across the region. It’s the ideal way to experience an African holiday.

Check Out Our Combined Safaris in East Africa

Now that you know the best African safari experiences, whether you choose Gorilla trekking or Wildlife Viewing Safaris, both offer incredible adventures. Our safari destinations let you explore diverse cultures, wildlife, primates, and natural wonders for the perfect African holiday.

Join us on a journey across East Africa, including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Check out our carefully crafted itineraries on www.rwandaecocompany.com or email us at info@rwandaecocompany.com for a personalized itinerary and quote based on your interests and budget.