Combining game drive and gorilla trekking in Uganda. Are you looking for a life-changing adventure? Do you dream of standing just meters away from a family of majestic mountain gorillas deep in the rainforest? Or perhaps you’re eager to track playful chimpanzees as they swing through the treetops. How about witnessing Uganda’s iconic Big Five mammals — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — roaming free across golden savannahs? If you’re nodding yes, then let’s dive into how you can plan the ultimate Ugandan safari that combines thrilling game drives with unforgettable primate encounters.

Uganda offers an unmatched blend of wildlife adventures, making it one of Africa’s most diverse and rewarding safari destinations. Here, in one trip, you can traverse vast savannahs brimming with big game, glide along Nile riverbanks where hippos grunt and crocodiles sunbathe, and venture into misty mountain forests to lock eyes with endangered gorillas. This blog will guide you through the best ways to combine these iconic experiences, ensuring a journey that’s seamless, exciting, and truly unforgettable.

Where to Go for the Best Game Drives in Uganda

Uganda may be best known for its gorillas, but its savannah parks are teeming with wildlife and promise classic African safari thrills. Some of the best spots for game drives include:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Uganda’s most popular savannah park, known for its tree-climbing lions, vast herds of buffalo and elephants, and the spectacular Kazinga Channel, home to the highest concentration of hippos in Africa. The park’s Ishasha sector is especially famous for spotting lions lounging on fig trees.

• Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, Murchison Falls is where the mighty Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking waterfall. Game drives here offer sightings of giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, and large herds of Uganda kob, plus unforgettable boat safaris along the Nile.

• Kidepo Valley National Park: For those looking to venture off the beaten track, Kidepo in Uganda’s remote northeast is a hidden gem. Its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife — including cheetahs, ostriches, and massive buffalo herds — make it one of Africa’s most beautiful and untouched safari destinations.

Where to Do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of only three countries in the world where you can trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The two main trekking destinations are:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thick rainforest, mist-covered hills, and over 20 habituated gorilla families open to visitors. Treks range from moderate to challenging, but the reward — standing face-to-face with a silverback or watching baby gorillas tumble through the undergrowth — is beyond words.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga is smaller and less visited than Bwindi but offers an equally magical gorilla trekking experience. Here, you can also hike the scenic volcanoes or encounter golden monkeys, another rare primate species.

What About Chimpanzee Trekking?

If you want to meet our closest relatives — the intelligent, expressive chimpanzees — Uganda is one of the best places on earth. You can encounter chimps in several locations, but Kibale Forest National Park takes the crown. Known as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and offers excellent trekking opportunities. Other chimpanzee hotspots include Budongo Forest (near Murchison Falls) and Kyambura Gorge (inside Queen Elizabeth National Park), where you can combine game drives with a chimp trek.

How Do I Get Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits?

Because gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are strictly regulated to protect the animals and their habitats, you must obtain a permit in advance. As of now, gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 USD per person per trek for foreign tourists, while chimpanzee permits in Kibale cost $250 USD per person. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be booked directly through UWA or, more conveniently, through a trusted tour operator or safari company like Kenlink Tours who will handle the logistics for you. It’s highly recommended to book your permits several months in advance, especially if you’re traveling in peak season (June–September and December–February).

How Many Days Do I Need for a Combined Safari?

To fully enjoy both game drives and primate trekking, you should plan at least 8 to 10 days. Check our 8 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Here’s a suggested itinerary:

• Day 1–3: Game drives and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls.

• Day 4–5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.

• Day 6–8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga.

• Optional: Add 2–3 days for Kidepo Valley or to explore Lake Bunyonyi, Jinja (source of the Nile), or cultural experiences.

A good safari company will help tailor the itinerary to your interests, travel style, and budget, ensuring smooth transfers between parks and comfortable, eco-friendly lodges.

How Easy Is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is often described as one of the most rewarding — but also physically demanding — wildlife experiences in the world. Treks can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting. You’ll hike through dense jungle, over slippery slopes, and sometimes at high altitude, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. But don’t worry: porters are available to help carry your backpack, and your guides will pace the trek to suit the group. Remember, the moment you lock eyes with a wild gorilla, any effort you made to get there will fade away — replaced by sheer awe and wonder.

Why Uganda Should Be Your Next Safari Destination

Combining game drives and gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a safari experience like no other. It’s a journey of contrasts: from golden savannahs to misty forests, from tracking mighty lions to sitting quietly with gentle gorillas, from roaring waterfalls to tranquil crater lakes. Add in chimpanzees, rare birdlife, and the warmth of Uganda’s people, and you have the ingredients for a safari that’s truly life-changing.

So, are you ready to make your African dream come true? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime in the Pearl of Africa.