Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking Combo. An African safari reaches its highest expression when it combines two of the continent’s most iconic wildlife experiences: the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti and mountain gorilla trekking in the rainforests of Uganda or Rwanda. This powerful combination brings together the raw drama of Africa’s open savannahs with the intimate, emotional encounter of meeting gorillas in dense tropical forests.

A Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking combo safari is designed for travelers seeking the best of East Africa in one unforgettable journey. It blends classic Big Five game drives, vast wildlife spectacles, breathtaking scenery, and once-in-a-lifetime primate encounters into a single, seamless adventure.

Why Combine the Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking?

Africa is vast and diverse, and no single destination can showcase its full magic. Combining the Serengeti Migration with gorilla trekking allows travelers to experience two completely different ecosystems and wildlife encounters in one trip.

This safari combination offers:

• Witnessing millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles on the move

• Close encounters with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles

• Trekking deep into ancient rainforests to meet endangered mountain gorillas

• Experiencing both classic safari landscapes and lush jungle environments

• Maximizing travel value by visiting multiple iconic destinations

The contrast between the endless plains of Tanzania and the misty forests of Uganda or Rwanda creates a safari journey that is rich, emotional, and deeply rewarding.

Understanding the Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest movement of land mammals on Earth. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, travel in a continuous circular journey across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Driven by rainfall and fresh grazing grounds, the migration is a year-round phenomenon, though different stages occur in different locations at different times of the year.

Key Migration Highlights in the Serengeti

• Calving Season (January–March): Short grass plains of southern Serengeti

• Grumeti River Crossings (May–June): Dramatic predator encounters

• Mara River Crossings (July–October): Crocodile-filled waters and high drama

• Return South (November–December): Herds move back into Tanzania

Each phase offers extraordinary wildlife viewing, making the Serengeti an essential part of this safari combo.

Serengeti National Park: Africa’s Most Famous Safari Destination

Serengeti National Park is the heart of Tanzania’s safari circuit and the main stage for the Great Migration. Covering vast open plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, the park supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa.

Visitors on a Serengeti safari can expect to see:

• Large prides of lions

• Leopards resting in acacia trees

• Cheetahs hunting across open plains

• Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos

• Thousands of plains game species

The Serengeti delivers classic game drives, spectacular sunsets, and photographic opportunities that define the African safari dream.

Gorilla Trekking: A Deeply Moving Wildlife Encounter

While the Serengeti offers scale and spectacle, gorilla trekking offers intimacy and emotion. Trekking mountain gorillas is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on the planet.

Gorilla trekking takes place in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda

• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant silverback. Trekking involves hiking through forested terrain with experienced guides and trackers until the gorillas are found. Once located, visitors are allowed one hour in their presence.

That single hour—watching gorillas feed, groom, play, and interact—is often described as life-changing.

The Beauty of Nature in This Safari Combo

The Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking combo offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience Africa’s most contrasting natural landscapes.

In Tanzania, the Serengeti stretches endlessly, its golden grasses rippling beneath expansive skies. Herds move like rivers across the plains while predators stalk silently in the distance. Sunrises ignite the horizon, and dusk brings the calls of lions echoing across the savannah.

In contrast, gorilla trekking takes place in cool, mist-covered rainforests. Towering trees, thick vines, moss-covered trunks, and birdsong surround you as you hike deeper into the jungle. The air is rich with the scent of earth and vegetation. When gorillas finally appear, the forest seems to pause—creating a moment of pure connection between humans and nature.

This blend of open wilderness and dense forest makes the journey profoundly immersive.

Uganda or Rwanda: Where to Do Gorilla Trekking?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, and each pairs well with a Serengeti safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is known for offering excellent value and diverse safari options. Gorilla trekking occurs mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Advantages of Uganda include:

• Lower gorilla permit cost compared to Rwanda

• Dense, ancient rainforest experience

• Option for gorilla habituation (up to 4 hours with gorillas)

• Ability to combine with chimpanzee tracking and savannah safaris

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers a more luxury-oriented and easily accessible gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.

Advantages of Rwanda include:

• Short driving time from Kigali to the park

• Open bamboo forests and volcanic scenery

• High-end lodges and excellent infrastructure

Both destinations deliver unforgettable gorilla encounters, and the choice depends on travel style, budget, and itinerary preferences.

How the Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Combo Works

This safari combo typically begins in Tanzania and ends in Uganda or Rwanda, or vice versa. Travelers usually fly between countries to maximize comfort and minimize travel time.

A typical flow may include:

1. Arrival in Arusha or Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

2. Serengeti National Park safari focusing on the migration

3. Optional Ngorongoro Crater visit

4. Flight to Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda)

5. Transfer to gorilla trekking park

6. Gorilla trekking experience

7. Departure from Entebbe or Kigali

Kenlink Tours handles all flights, transfers, border logistics, permits, and accommodations for a seamless journey.

Best Time for the Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking Combo

This safari can be done year-round, but timing is key depending on migration stages.

Best Months

• June to September: Mara River crossings and ideal gorilla trekking conditions

• December to February: Calving season and good forest trekking weather

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year, while the Serengeti migration shifts locations seasonally. Careful planning ensures you experience the migration at its peak.

Accommodation Options on This Combo Safari

Accommodation varies from luxury lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti to eco-lodges and forest retreats near gorilla parks.

In the Serengeti:

• Mobile migration camps

• Luxury lodges overlooking plains

• Mid-range tented camps close to wildlife

Near gorilla parks:

• Forest lodges with volcano or jungle views

• Eco-friendly camps near park gates

• Luxury lodges offering comfort after treks

Kenlink Tours carefully selects lodges that balance comfort, location, and authentic safari atmosphere.

Cultural Encounters Along the Journey

Beyond wildlife, this combo safari offers rich cultural experiences. Travelers may visit:

• Maasai communities near the Serengeti

• Local villages near Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park

• Craft markets and cultural centers

These encounters provide insight into traditional lifestyles and conservation-focused tourism.

Why Choose Kenlink Tours for This Safari Combo?

Kenlink Tours specializes in tailor-made, multi-country safaris across East Africa. Our Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking combo safaris are crafted with precision, care, and deep regional knowledge.

We offer:

• Guaranteed gorilla permits

• Professional safari guides

• Seamless cross-border logistics

• Customizable itineraries

• Responsible tourism practices

With Kenlink Tours, every detail is handled so you can focus on the experience.

Who Is This Safari Best For?

This safari is ideal for:

• Wildlife lovers seeking Africa’s greatest spectacles

• First-time safari travelers wanting a complete experience

• Honeymooners and photographers

• Adventure travelers seeking depth and contrast

It is physically manageable for most travelers with moderate fitness and offers unmatched rewards.

One Safari, Two Icons of Africa

The Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking combo represents the pinnacle of African safari travel. It unites the thunder of millions of hooves on open plains with the quiet, emotional power of standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas.

This journey delivers scale, intimacy, adventure, and connection—capturing the true spirit of Africa in one unforgettable experience.