Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking with Game Drives?

For many travelers, visiting Uganda or Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a journey into the heart of Africa where jungle meets savannah and nature’s raw beauty unfolds in every direction. One of the most common questions visitors ask while planning their African safari is: “Can I combine gorilla trekking with game drives?” The answer is a definite yes. In fact, combining gorilla trekking and game drives is one of the best ways to experience the diversity of East Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and adventure.

Uganda, in particular, is the only country in Africa where you can easily combine the misty rainforests of gorilla territory with the open savannah plains teeming with elephants, lions, and giraffes — all within a single safari itinerary. This perfect blend of primate encounters and classic wildlife viewing gives travelers the best of both worlds and a complete picture of what makes East Africa so extraordinary.

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can combine gorilla trekking with game drives, the best parks and routes to include, and what to expect from each part of your journey.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking and Game Drives?

Gorilla trekking and game drives offer completely different but equally thrilling safari experiences. Gorilla trekking immerses you in the dense, ancient forests of the Albertine Rift, where you walk on foot through lush vegetation to meet one of the world’s most endangered species — the mountain gorilla. It’s intimate, emotional, and deeply humbling.

Game drives, on the other hand, take you across wide open savannahs, where you can watch herds of elephants, lions on the prowl, and leopards resting in acacia trees. These experiences showcase Africa’s grandeur and freedom — the wild in its vastness.

Combining the two allows you to witness the full spectrum of Africa’s wildlife, from the ground-dwelling giants of the forest to the predators and grazers of the plains. Few destinations in the world offer such variety in one country, but Uganda and Rwanda do it beautifully.

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking

The best gorilla trekking destinations in Africa are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These parks protect the misty, mountainous forests that are home to the rare mountain gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Bwindi is Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the country’s southwest, it is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — about 480 individuals spread across several habituated families.

Trekking in Bwindi is a soul-stirring experience. You’ll hike through thick jungle, climb over roots and vines, and cross streams while listening to the distant calls of birds and primates. The moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family, all fatigue disappears. Watching a silverback rest under a tree or seeing a playful baby cling to its mother is nothing short of magical.

Bwindi is divided into four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Each offers its own charm, unique landscapes, and habituated families to visit. The park also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group, providing more time for observation and photography.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest park but just as captivating. It lies in the Virunga Mountains and shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s single habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, roams freely within the volcanic terrain.

The trek here is scenic, with trails winding through bamboo forests and offering views of the towering volcanic peaks — Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. Mgahinga also gives travelers a chance to see golden monkeys, another rare and enchanting primate species.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Across the border in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park offers one of the most accessible and organized gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. The park is part of the same Virunga Massif ecosystem and is home to several habituated gorilla families.

While Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permits are more expensive than Uganda’s, the proximity to Kigali (just a two-and-a-half-hour drive) makes it convenient for short itineraries or travelers pressed for time.

Where to Go for Game Drives

Once you’ve had your gorilla encounter, it’s time to experience Uganda’s open plains and wildlife-filled savannahs. The country’s national parks are diverse, scenic, and rich in game, offering everything from elephants and lions to hippos, giraffes, and birds in their thousands.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

After trekking in Bwindi, most travelers naturally head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which lies just a few hours away. This park is one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations, offering classic game drives in a landscape of sweeping plains, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel.

During your game drives in Queen Elizabeth, you can spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, and even the park’s famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel provide incredible views of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds — an excellent complement to your gorilla trekking experience.

The drive between Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth is an adventure in itself, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. The two parks together create a perfect combination of rainforest and savannah ecosystems.

Murchison Falls National Park

For travelers with more time, Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda offers a magnificent extension to your safari. It’s Uganda’s largest park and home to the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge before flowing into Lake Albert.

The park is teeming with wildlife, including lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, leopards, and buffaloes. Game drives on the Buligi Peninsula are especially rewarding, and a boat trip to the base of the falls reveals crocodiles, waterbirds, and hippos up close.

Adding Murchison Falls to your itinerary gives you a broader picture of Uganda’s landscapes and allows you to experience both the Nile and the savannah in one trip.

Lake Mburo National Park

If your time is limited, Lake Mburo National Park is a great addition to a gorilla trekking trip. It’s conveniently located along the route between Bwindi and Kampala or Entebbe. Though smaller than other parks, Lake Mburo offers intimate wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery with rolling hills and five lakes.

The park is home to zebras, impalas, topis, elands, and hippos, as well as more than 350 bird species. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boat rides, and even horseback safaris — experiences that make it ideal for travelers seeking a short but rewarding wildlife stop after gorilla trekking.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking and Game Drives in One Trip

Combining these two experiences is easier than many travelers think. The logistics are well-developed, and several safari routes connect Uganda’s gorilla parks with its savannah reserves. Here are a few popular itinerary options:

Option 1: 6-Day Uganda Safari (Classic Combination)

• Start in Entebbe or Kampala.
• Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
• Continue to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
• Return via Lake Mburo for a final game drive before heading back to Kampala or Entebbe.

Option 2: 8-Day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Adventure

• Start in Kampala.
• Head north to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives and a boat trip to the falls.
• Drive south to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
• Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game viewing.
• End with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Option 3: 5-Day Short Safari

• Fly or drive from Entebbe to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat safari.
• Return to Entebbe.

Each of these itineraries can be customized depending on your time, budget, and interests. Domestic flights are available between some parks, making travel faster and more comfortable for those who prefer to avoid long drives.

Best Time to Combine Gorilla Trekking and Game Drives

Uganda’s national parks can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons — from December to February and June to September — are the most favorable. During these months, trekking trails are less slippery, wildlife is easier to spot, and roads are in better condition.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) also have their charm, with lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but conditions can be more challenging due to rain.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Combined Safari

• Book gorilla permits early. Permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
• Carry proper clothing. For gorilla trekking, pack long trousers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a rain jacket. For game drives, light, breathable clothing works best.
• Use a 4×4 safari vehicle. Some roads between the parks are rough, and a good vehicle ensures comfort and safety.
• Plan with an experienced operator. Coordinating permits, park entry fees, and transfers can be complex, so it’s best handled by professionals familiar with Uganda’s safari circuits.

Why Uganda Is the Perfect Destination for Both Experiences

Uganda’s unique geography allows travelers to experience both the rainforest primate world and savannah wildlife without long distances or border crossings. Within a few hours’ drive, you can go from trekking gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi to watching lions and elephants roam freely in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The diversity of landscapes — mountains, lakes, grasslands, and rivers — ensures that every day feels new and exciting.

Unlike many African countries where safaris focus primarily on big game, Uganda offers a more balanced adventure, combining wildlife, culture, and natural beauty in a compact and accessible package.

Recommended Safari Operator: Experiya Tour Company

To get the best out of your combined gorilla trekking and game drive adventure, it’s important to travel with a reliable and experienced safari company. Experiya Tour Company specializes in creating personalized itineraries that seamlessly connect Uganda’s top destinations — from the gorilla forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga to the game-filled plains of Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo.

Their professional guides know the parks intimately and provide valuable insights into Uganda’s wildlife, culture, and conservation. Experiya handles all logistics — from gorilla permits and park entries to accommodation and transport — allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Experiya Tour Company ensures that your experience is comfortable, safe, and unforgettable. With them, combining gorilla trekking and game drives isn’t just possible — it’s the ultimate way to experience Uganda’s natural wonders.