Combining Wildebeest Migration and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
Wondering if it is possible to combine wildebeest migration (Kenya/Tanzania) and gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Combining wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking guarantees you unmatched wilderness experiences. Wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking are two unusual experiences each guaranteeing visitors great encounters of different species.
The Great Migration allows you to observe millions of wildebeest and the most significant moment of it is the Mara River crossing. During the Mara crossing, these mammals cross the crocodile-infested Mara River, and on the crossing, they encounter several predators –lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and others. Wildebeest move in millions of numbers and are accompanied by gazelles, and other grazers are observed as they move in search of water and pasture.
Where to go for wildebeest migration?
The Great Migration experience is enjoyable in Tanzania and Kenya. In Kenya, no Kenya safari goes without the Masai Mara National Reserve visit to witness the powerful wildebeest migration. The wildebeests cross from the vast plains of Serengeti to Masai Mara via the Mara River. The typical wildebeest migration occurs from July, August, to mid-September. The Great Migration involves dangerous crossing through the rich crocodile Mara River. Masai Mara is situated in Southwestern Kenya and features spectacularly gentle rolling savanna plains. Extending up to 1510 sq.km, Masai Mara National Reserve is an unusual wildlife conservation area. Not only is Masai Mara most popular for its huge concentration of wildebeest, but also protects a great population of other mammals. The diverse habitats of Masai Mara offer refuge to other wildlife such as cheetahs, lions, elephants, African buffaloes, zebras, rhinos, and giraffes.
How to get to Masai Mara?
Getting to Masai Mara is possible by road or air. By road, travel from Nairobi city in a 4×4 safari vehicle for about 5-6 hours’ drive and expect to make stopovers in key areas. The access gates around Narok include Oloolaimutia gate, Talek, and Sekenani gates. Gates around the western part of Masai Mara include Musiara/Oloololo. By air, you can conveniently fly from Nairobi to any of the airstrips. The key airstrips in and around Masai Mara include Olare Orok Airstrip, Ngerende Airstrip, Serena Airstrip, Keekorok Airstrip, Musiara Airstrip, Angama Airstrip, and Kichwa Tembo Airstrip.
Great Migration in Serengeti National Park
In the Northern circuit of Tanzania, lies the vast Serengeti National Park an iconic spot to witness the Great Migration. Serengeti is the best place to witness the Great Migration and also the Big 5 game. The park is about a 6 to 7-hour drive from the heart of Arusha.
Serengeti National Park is an extensive protected area in Northern Tanzania and stretches up to 14763 sq.km. It was created in 1940 and is most popular for its intense annual animal migration. Over 1.5 million blue wildebeest accompanied by thousands of zebras as well as elands and Thomson’s gazelles are some of the key highlights to observe during the Great Migration in Serengeti.
The Great Migration takes some pattern and different months/seasons define their movement to different areas. The major highlight of the Serengeti wildebeest migration experience is the Grumeti/Mara River crossing. The timing may not be guaranteed but most preferably around June to September/October.
Around December till May, the best areas to visit for wildebeest sightings are the Southeast and Ndutu. The herds move to the Western Corridor from May to July and from the Serengeti-Mara area around July to October. The Northern Serengeti and Lobo area –the herds arrive here in October and November.
Additional wildlife that roam in the different habitats in Serengeti include African bush elephants, African buffaloes, lions, leopards, African golden wolves, African civets, hyraxes, black-backed jackals, striped hyenas, olive baboons, African striped weasel, aardvark, African wildcats, Nile crocodiles, rainbow agama, Jackson’s chameleon, serrated hinged terrapin, and others.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
The Great Migration in Kenya/Tanzania can easily be combined with the gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda/Rwanda. After the Great Migration safari in Masai Mara or Serengeti, you can fly to Entebbe where you can connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see mountain gorillas in Uganda. In Uganda, you can choose to spend your gorilla safari holiday either in Bwindi or Mgahinga. It is in these two spectacular parks where over half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas all freely roam. Gorilla families in Bwindi National Park exist in four sectors; Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija. At Mgahinga, gorilla trekking adventures begin from the Ntebeko area where you can get briefed about gorilla trekking rules and also be assigned to a park ranger guide.
Where is gorilla trekking done in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, one of the oldest parks in Africa. Volcanoes National Park was created in 1925 and is situated in Northwestern Rwanda. This is a compact conservancy area with a land area coverage of 160sq.km and is where Dian Fossey began her conservation journey on mountain gorillas. The research base set up by Dian Fossey lies right in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park features about 13 families including Hirwa, Muhoza, Susa A, Kwitonda, Karisimbi, Agashya, Amahoro, and others. Trekking with Uganda or Rwanda gorillas takes good time, about 2-6 hours. You immerse yourself in the enriching Volcanoes National Park forest. The search may reward you with great sights of other species along the way.
But the most important thing to expect is to explore in depth the different behaviors of mountain gorillas in the wild. You spend quality time enjoying the body gestures displayed by these primates. Taking pictures of mountain gorillas immersed in the lush vegetation is the most spectacular bit about guided gorilla trekking adventures.
Gorilla trekking permits as per destinations
Valid gorilla permits are required for you to participate in a gorilla safari or trekking adventure. One gorilla permit is required for each trekker and costs USD 1500 per person per day. This applies to visitors who plan to combine wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued to visitors at USD 800 per visitor. This is for the category of foreign nonresidents. The foreign residents pay USD 700 per person then USD 500 for the newly launched category of the Rest of Africa. Ugandans and other visitors within the East Africa Community member states pay UGX 300,000.
Booking a gorilla permit or gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda is easier when dealing with a reliable tour operator on the ground. Talk to our team to book your gorilla permits and the entire trip. Note, that gorilla permits in Rwanda or Congo are issued to only persons above 15 years.
Packing list for gorilla trekking adventure can include waterproof hiking boots which should be lighter; a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, a rain jacket, a daypack, a sweater, a safari hat, and insect repellents. The best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda is during the peak dry months of the year. This is around June, July, August to September, or December, January to February.
How early should you book wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking?
The Great Migration and gorilla trekking should be booked early enough. Most preferably, have your trip booked 2-6 months early. These experiences are highly demanded and early booking can allow you to secure accommodation and means of transportation, etc.
Where to stay on a combined wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking tour?
Places to stay on Migration safaris in Masai Mara include Lalashe Mara Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp, Mara Bush Camp, Zebra Plains Mara, and Mara Ngeche Tented Camp. Accommodations in and around Bwindi include Mahogany Springs, Four Gorillas, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bweza Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, and others. Places to stay in and around Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
