Combining Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking
Expert Tips for Planning a Combined Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda
Combining a Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda offers an East African adventure that blends luxury with once in a lifetime wildlife encounters. Whether you are planning start in the open plains of the Masai Mara, tracking lions and elephants from the comfort of a luxury lodge, then flying into the heart of the rainforest of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat or vice versa, it’s a journey that takes you across dramatic landscapes and into some of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. Many travelers find it challenging to a plan a combined luxury Kenya safari and gorilla trekking adventure from choosing the best time to travel to finding the right balance between game drives and gorilla hikes to securing permits for activities and luxury accommodation, this guide, will walk you through how to plan a smooth and unforgettable luxury kenya and gorilla trekking adventure.
Our popular 7 Days Masai Mara and Uganda Gorilla Trekking package perfectly combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with the excitement of a wildlife safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of primate encounters and big game safaris ensuring a memorable African adventure.
Ready to go on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Let us help you create the perfect itinerary that combines two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one unforgettable journey. Our expert guides will ensure that you experience both destinations at their best with seamless transfers, expert guidance and personalized service every step of the journey.
How to combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a wildlife viewing safari in Kenya
You can easily combine gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a luxury safari in Kenya by starting your journey with a flight into either Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) or Entebbe International Airport (Uganda). After spending three to four nights for the gorilla trekking experience, you can then fly to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to begin your safari in Kenya’s renowned national parks and game reserves, before catching your international flight home from Nairobi.
Alternatively, you can begin your trip in Kenya by flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, enjoying several days of game drives and wildlife viewing, and then fly onward to either Kigali or Entebbe for the gorilla trekking portion. For those trekking in Uganda, arriving in Kigali can be a time-saving option since Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is just a four-hour drive from Kigali, compared to the longer ten-hour journey from Entebbe. There’s also the convenience of charter flights from the Masai Mara directly into Kigali or Entebbe using small aircraft, which makes this combined itinerary both flexible and efficient.
What should be done first between a Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking
Combining gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a Kenya safari offers one of the most complete wildlife experiences in Africa. You’ll witness the Big Five roaming the savannahs and stand just meters away from mountain gorillas in their misty forest home. But many travelers wonder should you start with the gorilla trek or the traditional safari?
It’s a fair question. Some people worry that doing the gorilla trek first could leave them too tired or at risk of injury before the safari. Others think tackling the Kenya safari first might lead to exhaustion, leaving little energy for the more physical trekking experience. In reality, either option works well. From what we’ve seen, the order doesn’t significantly affect the overall experience. You can start with either gorilla trekking or safari depending on which route offers better flight connections or suits your schedule best.
Despite the rugged setting, gorilla trekking is safe and well-organized. Treks are guided by experienced rangers who help navigate through the forest, and there are clear health and safety protocols in place. On the other hand, safaris are generally not physically demanding. You’ll spend most of your time seated in a 4×4 safari vehicle, with regular breaks and early evenings back at your lodge or camp.
What’s worth keeping in mind is that the two experiences are quite different. Gorilla trekking involves hiking for several hours through dense jungle and uneven terrain, while safari game drives offer wildlife viewing from the comfort of a vehicle. So rather than focusing on which to do first, plan your itinerary around comfort, convenience, and flight logistics either way, you’re in for something unforgettable.
Is it possible to do a road-trip from Kenya to Uganda or Rwanda and vice versa?
Yes, it’s possible to travel between Kenya and Uganda by road via the Busia border. If you’re planning to reach Rwanda from Kenya by land, you’ll need to pass through Uganda or consider flying directly. The drive from Nairobi to Kampala takes about 12 hours, but the journey can be made more manageable with stopovers in key towns like Nakuru and Kisumu in Kenya, and Jinja once you cross into Uganda.
When Is the Best Time to do a Combined Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour?
You can plan a combined Luxury Kenya safari and gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda at any time of the year. All three countries generally enjoy a comfortable climate, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C and cooler nights. That said, your ideal travel window really depends on what you want to experience most whether it’s gorilla trekking, general wildlife viewing, or catching the Great Migration in Kenya.
If your main goal is to see the Big Five before or after trekking gorillas, then you can comfortably travel any time of year. Kenya’s national parks, including the Masai Mara, are home to large resident populations of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos that are visible year-round. However, the rainy season especially March, April, and May can make some roads muddy and harder to navigate. The upside is that these months often come with lower rates at luxury lodges and camps, offering great value without the crowds.
If witnessing the wildebeest migration is high on your list, then August and September are the best months to plan your trip. This is when the herds push into Kenya’s Masai Mara from the Serengeti. By this time, the groups have split some remain in northern Tanzania, while others cross the Mara River and spread throughout the lush plains of the Masai Mara. It’s one of the most dramatic wildlife events in Africa, especially when timed around the river crossings, which attract predators and offer incredible photo opportunities.
Ultimately, there’s no single “best” month it comes down to your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you want to prioritize during your East African journey.
Where to stay during Combined Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour | Luxury Accommodation
A combined luxury Kenya safari and gorilla trekking adventure calls for exceptional accommodation, and East Africa offers some of the finest lodges and camps designed to immerse you in comfort while keeping you close to nature. From Nairobi’s elegant city hotels to exclusive safari camps in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Bwindi, and Volcanoes National Park, there’s no shortage of high-end options that match the experience.
In Nairobi, you’ll find luxury hotels that serve as the perfect starting or ending point for your safari. Giraffe Manor stands out as an iconic boutique hotel where giraffes literally greet you at breakfast. Hemingways Nairobi is another top-tier option, known for its elegant rooms, personalized service, and tranquil location at the foot of the Ngong Hills as well as Serena Hotel Nairobi and JW Marriott.
Once you’re out in the bush, Masai Mara offers some of Africa’s most luxurious safari stays. Angama Mara, perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offers sweeping views and unmatched exclusivity. Mara Bushtops, &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tended, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, Elephant Pepper and Elewana Sand River Camps are also excellent choices, combining world-class service with unforgettable wildlife experiences right outside your tent.
In Lake Nakuru National Park, consider staying at The Cliff, a boutique camp set on a cliff overlooking the lake. It offers uninterrupted views, private decks, and chic interiors, making it one of the most luxurious stays in this area. Alternatively, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge delivers both comfort and convenience with its location inside the park.
For the gorilla trekking portion, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda offers luxury lodges like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, known for its location inside the park and occasional gorilla visits right at the lodge. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is another standout set at a high altitude with panoramic views and cozy stone cottages that offer a peaceful, intimate retreat as well as Four Gorillas Lodge.
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find some of Africa’s most exclusive lodges. Bisate Lodge combines eco-conscious design with stunning views of the volcanic peaks, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge sets a new standard with its bold architecture, top-tier cuisine, and direct access to the park. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest also offers a rare blend of ultra-luxury and proximity to the starting point of your trek.
These properties not only offer incredible comfort but also make logistics smoother, often providing in-house guides, packed lunches for trekking, and private transport options. Whether you’re watching elephants from your tent in the Mara or sipping a sundowner after a day in the rainforest, every stay enhances the journey with thoughtful details and unforgettable settings.
Why book your Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Engabi Tours and Travel?
Booking your safari with Engabi Tours and Travel means partnering with a trusted, experienced East African tour operator that understands the region intimately. With deep local knowledge of gorilla trekking and luxury safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, we craft seamless journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Our team is passionate about delivering personalized, high-end experiences from private game drives in Kenya’s top reserves to exclusive gorilla treks in remote rainforest lodges. We’re proud of our consistent high ratings and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, which reflect our commitment to quality, service, and unforgettable luxury travel moments.
Here are some of our popular Luxury Kenya Safaris combined with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda offering the ultimate East African experience.
More Questions About Combining a Luxury Kenya Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
What Else Can I Add to a Combined Luxury Kenya Safari and Gorilla Trekking Trip?
A Kenya safari and gorilla trekking adventure already offers an incredible mix of landscapes and wildlife, but there’s still plenty more you can include to make your trip even more memorable. Before or after your main itinerary, you could add chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s Kibale Forest or Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, both offering a unique glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives in the wild.
For more wildlife, consider expanding your safari to include Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks, or Rwanda’s Akagera National Park for a classic savannah experience. Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park is another active and engaging add-on that pairs well with gorilla trekking.
If you’re looking to slow things down, a boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda or a scenic cruise in Akagera offers peaceful moments in beautiful settings. For those craving more relaxation after days of adventure, the white-sand beaches of Mombasa or Zanzibar are perfect for a luxury beach extension.
You can also take your safari further by heading into Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. Explore the Serengeti, marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater, and visit Lake Manyara or Tarangire for diverse wildlife encounters. And if you’re feeling ambitious, consider a multi-day trek up Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak in Africa for a truly unforgettable ending to your East African journey.
Can I Do Gorilla Trekking in Both Uganda and Rwanda Before or After a Luxury Kenya Safari?
Yes, you can do gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip, either before or after your Kenya safari. One option is to fly into Kigali, spend 4 to 6 days trekking in both Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks, then fly out from Kigali.
Alternatively, you can fly into Entebbe, explore Uganda with activities like chimpanzee trekking or game drives, then cross into Rwanda for a second gorilla trek before flying out of Kigali. It’s a seamless way to experience two gorilla habitats alongside a luxury safari in Kenya.
Where can I do a Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Rwanda?
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest, known for its bamboo forests and mountain views. In Uganda, it takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in the southwest about 10 hours from Kampala or 4 hours from Kigali.
Trekking is available year-round, but the dry months from June to October offer the best conditions. Gorilla permits must be booked in advance often up to two years ahead. In Rwanda, permits cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. In Uganda, the cost is $800, $700, and UGX 300,000 respectively.
Where can I go for a Luxury Safari in Kenya?
For a luxury safari in Kenya,
- The Masai Mara is the top choice, especially during the wildebeest migration from July to October. Lodges like Mara Kempinski, Mara Serena, and &Beyond Bateleur Camp offer private game drives, fine dining, and sweeping views of the plains.
- Amboseli National Park is known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Luxury stays like Tawi Lodge and Elewana Tortilis Camp deliver comfort with unbeatable scenery.
- In Laikipia, you’ll find private conservancies and exclusive camps like Ol Malo, Loisaba Tented Camp, and Segera Retreat perfect for off-the-beaten-path safaris with added privacy and conservation focus.
- Samburu National Reserve offers rare wildlife and dramatic landscapes, with high-end options like Saruni Samburu and Sasaab Lodge perched above the savannah.
- For a more relaxed setting, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha offer luxury lodges such as The Cliff and Chui Lodge, where you can enjoy scenic views and great birdlife alongside traditional game viewing.
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