Combined Gorilla Safaris in East Africa – Explore Multi-Country Safari Tours
Searching for a reliable East African safari company to plan your safari? East Africa safaris, including Uganda Rwanda safaris, offer incredible adventures for tourists seeking to trek gorillas and experience game viewing in parks such as Masai Mara or Serengeti. Online debates about which African safari destination is best for gorilla trekking abound, with some arguing for Rwanda and others for Uganda.
Why not combine the two experiences by embarking on Uganda Rwanda gorilla tours and witnessing the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park or Masai Mara Reserve? By doing so, you’ll be able to compare the two trekking experiences. Browse our selection of Uganda Rwanda safaris and wildlife viewing tours below to plan your adventure.
If you’re up for a demanding trek, Uganda is recommended, while Rwanda may be a better choice for those who are older or less physically fit.
Alternatively, you can combine both destinations to experience the best of both worlds.
What you should be thinking right now is how you might need multiple air tickets to travel from Rwanda to Uganda.
However, this is absolutely wrong. When you are in Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just a four-hour drive away.
These two gorilla safari destinations are incredibly close to each other. In fact, many tourists nowadays start their journey in Kigali, trek in Uganda, and depart via Kigali.
This is due to the short distance, which is much less than the regular 9-hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi.
Why should you book a combined safari?
A combined gorilla tour will allow you to trek gorillas in two separate destinations: Bwindi and PNV.
Each trek will feel like a completely new experience and might even be better than the other.
Cost of Gorilla Safari Permits
Please also note that gorilla permits cost $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda, respectively.
Two gorilla treks in each country will already make your safari $2100 more expensive, exclusive of accommodation and transport costs, which can be budget or luxury, depending on your preference and budget.
Please remember that these permits are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis and should be booked several months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
You can purchase them either directly or through a local tours and travel operator (the most recommended option).
East Africa is located on the African continent and mainly comprises Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
However, when people think of a safari to East Africa, the countries that commonly come to mind are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
About East Africa
East Africa is renowned for its exotic wildlife, species endemic to the region, beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, pristine wilderness, and much more, making it a top tourist destination worldwide.
Three of Africa’s highest mountains are found in East Africa, along with the world’s longest river, the largest tropical lake, the longest mountain ranges, the largest caldera, and significant anthropological sites regarding human origins.
The people of East Africa are some of the friendliest in the world, very welcoming to visitors. East Africa is also considered very safe for tourists.
Why Visit East Africa
Exotic Wildlife
Most tourists visiting East Africa come to witness its exotic wildlife.
Uganda and Rwanda have the highest concentration of primates in the world, including the best places for trekking chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas, which are endemic to some parts of Africa.
Beautiful Scenery
The East African region is renowned for its stunning landscapes and scenery, ranging from mountain ranges to lake shores, valleys, hills, coastlines, swamps, Savannah grasslands, the Rift Valley, and forests.
The sunsets and sunrises here are breathtaking.
Rich Cultural Heritage
East Africa is a culturally diverse region, with Tanzania having over 120 tribes, Kenya 70, Uganda 56, and Rwanda 3.
Each has distinct cultural beliefs and traditions.
Most people are welcoming and hospitable to visitors, and discovering these unknown cultures can be one of the many reasons to visit East Africa.
Culinary Tourism in East Africa
With numerous tribes, the East African region offers a variety of cuisines, influenced by both indigenous traditions and colonial times.
Shopping for Crafts & other Souvenirs
East Africans are skilled at making handmade crafts such as the famous beaded Maasai crafts and woven Bantu baskets.
These unique African items are irresistible to buy for remembrance or as gifts.
Beautiful Beaches, Lakes, and Islands
The coastlines of Kenya and Tanzania boast some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and islands.
The warm, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean offer many water activities.
Uganda and Rwanda also have numerous beautiful lakes, and the coastlines are home to some marine national parks offering excellent marine life encounters.
Weather
The East African region has favorable weather for tourism, allowing for year-round visits, although some months are better than others.
Diverse Cultures
Each region in East Africa has its own unique and authentic cultures, which are fascinating to learn about.
What to Do in East Africa
Mountain Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wildlife Safaris in East Africa
East Africa is one of the world’s top destinations for game viewing, with Uganda having 10 national parks, Tanzania 22, Kenya 24, and Rwanda 3.
Each park offers unique wildlife watching experiences, with most parks being home to the “big five,” and Uganda and Rwanda being known for their endangered mountain gorilla habitats.
Mountain Climbing Tours in East Africa
East Africa is a mountaineer’s paradise.
Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, while Kenya and Uganda host the second and third highest mountains, respectively.
East Africa has become a renowned birding destination, with over 1,000 species of birds recorded in the region, including some migrants from North Africa and Europe.
Birding can be enjoyed in almost all conserved areas of the region.
When to Visit East Africa
East Africa has an equatorial climate, and almost all the countries share the same kind of weather.
The region can be visited all year round, but the most favorable times for game viewing and mountain climbing are during the dry seasons.
During these periods, parks are dry, roads leading to national parks are in good condition, hiking trails are not muddy and slippery, animals congregate around water points, and the vegetation is not very thick, making it easier to spot wildlife.
The two best dry seasons for visiting are from June to August and from December to February.
For bird enthusiasts, the best time to visit most birding destinations in East Africa is from November to April when migratory birds from other parts of Africa and Europe are present.
National Parks in Uganda
Murchison Falls, the strongest waterfalls in the world
Uganda is home to 10 national parks, namely: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.
Rwanda National Parks
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda
Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.
Tanzania National Parks
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Tanzania boasts 22 national parks, including Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Nyerere National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Burigi Chato National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park, Kigosi National Park, Kitulo National Park, Mkomazi National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Rumanyika Karagwe National Park, Rubondo National Park, Saanane National Park, Saadani National Park, Ugalla River National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Kenya National Parks
Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Kenya prides itself on 24 national parks, including Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, Meru National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, Central Island National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park, Sibiloi National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, South Island National Park, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Kora National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, and Ruma National Park.
Getting a Visa
While traveling to East Africa, you can obtain a visa for a specific country you wish to visit.
However, if you are visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, you can apply for the East African Tourist Visa, which is valid for multiple entries for tourism purposes only and is not valid for employment.
The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days, is non-renewable, and the issuing country should be your starting point.
You will need a recent passport photo, a valid passport for up to six months, a yellow fever vaccination card, a national identity card, a travel itinerary, and a return ticket.
The visa fee is $100 per person, payable to the bank and non-refundable.
You can apply for this visa online and follow the procedures.
Most Popular East African Safari Parks
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world.
It is home to 70 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds.
The park hosts one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa and is among the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.
The park is renowned for its annual migration, where millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and gazelles move from the southern part of the park to the north, then cross into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya in search of fresh pastures.
It is also one of the places with the largest populations of lions in the world.
The name “Serengeti” is derived from a local Maasai word meaning “endless plains.”
The parks are divided by the A109 road and railway.
Both parks derive their names from the Tsavo River, an important water catchment area for their wildlife.
Tsavo West boasts beautiful scenery of mountainous rocks, swamps, and springs that attract a lot of birds and is also home to a successful black rhino sanctuary.
Tsavo East is semi-arid and mainly dominated by savannah plains with a rich diversity, hosting a vast array of wildlife species including the African Big Five.
The Tsavo River is home to archaeological sites from the Stone Age period.
Tsavo conservation is one of the most visited areas in Kenya, renowned for excellent wildlife viewing and birding.
The parks are also famous for rock climbing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most famous and visited national park in Uganda, situated in the western part of the country.
The park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, but the name was later changed to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s paradise with over 600 species of birds recorded, making it one of the top birding destinations in East Africa.
The park is home to over 95 species of mammals across the Ishasha and Kasenyi plains.
There are also several beautiful volcanic cones and craters in the park.
The park hosts half of the population of endangered mountain gorillas that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are several habituated mountain gorilla families that tourists can visit in Bwindi National Park on a daily basis, with 8 permits available per gorilla family visit.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also offers visitors an opportunity to participate in gorilla habituation, which involves tourists joining researchers and rangers in the process of habituating mountain gorillas for about four hours per day.
Gorilla habituation is the process of acclimating mountain gorillas over a period of about 3 years until they are ready to be visited by tourists.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are the only two national parks in East Africa where you can see tree-climbing lions.
The park is named after the great Lake Manyara found within the park, which attracts thousands of flamingos.
Lake Manyara hosts 670 species of flowering plants and 390 species of birds.
Lake Manyara National Park provides good wildlife viewing opportunities for travelers.
It’s the best option for a weekend getaway and for travelers who come to Kenya on a tight schedule but want to explore its pristine wilderness.
Nairobi is often dubbed “The world’s wildlife capital.”
Nairobi National Park was the first national park to be gazetted in Kenya in 1946.
Despite its proximity to the city, Nairobi offers unique wildlife viewing experiences, just like other Kenyan wilderness national parks, and is home to 400 species of birds recorded.
Nairobi is a major rhino sanctuary for breeding rhinos to be relocated to other national parks, and over 100 mammalian species reside in Nairobi National Park.
People often say that the views are in Kenya, but the mountain is in Tanzania.
Amboseli National Park is also famous for being the best place to view large herds of elephants up close.
Safety Guidelines
East Africa is considered a very safe region to visit, but some areas, such as the Kenyan-Somali borders, must be avoided.
Nevertheless, all travelers must take safety precautions, just as they would in their own countries.
It is very important and crucial to follow the park rules and regulations while in national parks.
Do not wander off walking tracks alone, get too close to wildlife, or come out of your car during a game drive because anything unexpected can happen in the wilderness.
Avoid walking alone, especially in isolated places, especially late at night.
Watch out for pickpockets, particularly in the capital cities. Take very good care of your personal belongings and don’t expose your valuables in public.
Before venturing out of your hotel alone, ask your hotel manager if the place you’re going to is safe. Avoid using unregistered taxis at night.
People and Culture
The Masai People
East Africa is an ethnically diverse region with 56 tribes found in Uganda, 70 in Kenya, and 120 in Tanzania.
The people of East Africa primarily speak English, Kiswahili, and French as official languages, in addition to their tribal languages.
The people of East Africa are known for their hospitality, making the region a safe destination for tourists.
Young people are expected to respect their elders in East Africa.
Most elderly people have the right to discipline a child if they are wrong because it is believed that children are raised not only by their parents but also by the entire community.
Most East Africans shake hands or hug when greeting each other, typically with the right hand.
In East Africa, men are traditionally considered the head of the family and make many decisions concerning family matters, while women are mainly responsible for domestic affairs.
When on a tour in East Africa, it is better to ask for permission before taking photos of people.
It is considered rude to take photos without the locals’ permission.
East Africa offers a variety and richness in cuisine, with many tribes having their own staple foods.
Most traditional costumes in East Africa express the identity of a specific ethnic group.
However, decency is encouraged in public areas, especially for women; it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting villages.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in East Africa.
Couples planning to visit the region for a safari are advised to be discreet and not show excessive affection, such as kissing, in public.
East Africans have a love for their traditional music, and experiencing this is one of the highlights you shouldn’t miss while on a trip to the region.
Each tribe has unique music and dances that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
