Table of Contents
Introduction
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is an unforgettable experience, but the adventure doesn’t have to end there. After spending time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Volcanoes National Park, travelers can extend their journey to some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. These additional safaris allow visitors to witness diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences that perfectly complement the intensity and intimacy of gorilla trekking.
Combining gorilla trekking with a traditional savannah safari provides a well-rounded African wildlife experience. While Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional primate encounters, other destinations such as the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Victoria Falls provide opportunities to see the Big Five, witness the Great Migration, and explore Africa’s vast landscapes. This guide explores the best post-gorilla trekking safaris, including logistical details, cost considerations, and optimal travel times to help you plan a seamless and enriching journey.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Safari in Tanzania
One of the best safari combinations after gorilla trekking is a visit to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The Serengeti is renowned for its vast plains and the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the savannah in search of greener pastures. It offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, with high concentrations of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and elephants. The nearby Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a unique setting with a dense population of wildlife living in a collapsed volcanic caldera.
Traveling to Tanzania from Uganda or Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Flights operate from Entebbe or Kigali to Kilimanjaro International Airport, with connecting flights or road transfers to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The best time to visit is from June to October when wildlife viewing is at its peak. A mid-range safari in these parks typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 for a three-day tour, while luxury options can exceed $5,000.
Maasai Mara Safari in Kenya
For travelers seeking a premier safari experience immediately after gorilla trekking, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is an excellent choice. The Maasai Mara is world-famous for its vast open plains, dense predator populations, and the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration. It is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos—making it a top-tier destination for wildlife lovers.
Flights from Entebbe or Kigali to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport offer easy access to the Maasai Mara, with short domestic flights or a five-hour road transfer completing the journey. The best time to visit is from July to October during the Great Migration, but excellent wildlife viewing is possible year-round. Budget safaris start from $700 for a three-day package, while high-end lodges offer luxury safaris starting at $2,000.
Victoria Falls & Zambezi River Safari
For those who want a mix of adventure and scenic beauty, Victoria Falls offers a perfect post-gorilla trekking extension. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Visitors can take part in activities such as bungee jumping, white-water rafting, helicopter tours, and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, where they can observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Flights from Entebbe or Kigali to Victoria Falls Airport or Livingstone Airport provide convenient access to the falls. The best time to visit is from March to May when the waterfall is at its fullest, but the dry season from June to October offers better visibility for game drives in nearby national parks. A three-day stay, including accommodations and activities, costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the level of luxury chosen.
Queen Elizabeth National Park & Murchison Falls in Uganda
For travelers who wish to stay within Uganda while experiencing a different type of safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park offer excellent alternatives. Queen Elizabeth National Park, located just a few hours from Bwindi, is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species thrive.
Murchison Falls National Park, located in northern Uganda, features dramatic waterfalls where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging down into the Albertine Rift Valley. Game drives in the park provide sightings of elephants, giraffes, and antelope, while boat cruises on the Nile offer encounters with wildlife at close range.
Both parks are accessible via road transfers from Bwindi, with travel times ranging from five to eight hours. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from December to March and June to October. A three-day safari in either park typically costs between $500 and $1,500, making it an affordable extension to gorilla trekking.
Kidepo Valley National Park – Uganda’s Hidden Gem
For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda is an exceptional choice. Known for its rugged landscapes and remote location, Kidepo offers one of the most pristine wildlife experiences in Africa. The park is home to large herds of buffalo, cheetahs, lions, and rare species such as the ostrich and caracal.
Reaching Kidepo requires either a domestic flight from Entebbe or a long but scenic 10 to 12-hour road journey. The best time to visit is from June to September and December to February, when wildlife congregates around water sources. Mid-range safaris start at $800 for a three-day trip, while luxury tented camps provide high-end experiences for around $2,000.
Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five Safari
For those trekking gorillas in Rwanda, Akagera National Park offers a convenient and exciting post-trekking safari. Located just two and a half hours from Kigali, Akagera is home to the Big Five and offers game drives through rolling savannahs, wetlands, and scenic lakes. It is one of the best locations for self-drive safaris, making it a budget-friendly option.
Akagera can be visited year-round, with June to September and December to February being the best months for wildlife viewing. A two-day safari in Akagera costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on accommodation choices.
Final Thoughts About Combinations after Gorilla Trekking
Extending a gorilla trekking trip with a traditional African safari or scenic adventure adds immense value to the overall experience. Whether choosing the Serengeti for its legendary Great Migration, Victoria Falls for its awe-inspiring beauty, or Uganda’s savannah parks for a more intimate wildlife encounter, there are options to suit all budgets and interests. Combining these destinations ensures travelers make the most of their time in Africa, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
For customized gorilla trekking and safari combinations, contact Günstig Gorilla Reisen today to plan your perfect adventure.
