Want to see mountain gorillas and the Great Migration—two of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences?
This is one of those rare occasions where you truly can’t get enough of a good thing!
You might think ticking off both the awe-inspiring gorilla trek in Uganda and a luxury safari in Tanzania would take two trips—but with a little clever planning, it’s entirely possible to do it all in one unforgettable adventure.
Imagine trekking through Uganda’s misty forests to meet mountain gorillas up close, then flying to Tanzania’s Serengeti to witness the thundering herds of the Great Migration and the iconic Big Five.
It’s the ultimate African bucket-list combination, and I’ve got the perfect plan to make it seamless.
Here’s how to do it—with some handpicked luxury lodges to elevate every moment.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
The Experience
In southwestern Uganda lies the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to around half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
Trekking here to observe these gentle giants is, in my opinion, one of the most extraordinary and life-changing experiences possible.
Trekking through Bwindi’s dense, misty forest feels like stepping back in time, with trails surrounded by towering trees and lush foliage. Uganda’s trained guides will lead you through the forest, sharing knowledge of the ecosystem and tracking gorilla families with remarkable skill.
The trek can be really challenging, on steep and sometimes slippery trails in dense vegetation. It can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
But when you finally reach a gorilla family, the journey is instantly worth it. Watching gorillas interact—playfully grooming, parenting, foraging, or resting—offers a unique window into their world.
You’ll spend one precious hour observing, while keeping a respectful and safe distance of 7 metres, yet feeling fully immersed in this powerful, primal encounter.
I would personally book 2 days of treks to fully immerse yourself and ensure that the experience is not over in a flash!
This is a tiring trip, with up to 6 hours of trekking each day but the reward of seeing these magnificent animals is priceless.
The Luxury Lodge: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
I would always recommend staying as close to the start of the trekking site as possible, to shorten your journey on the day.
For an exceptional stay in the heart of the forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp provides an intimate, luxurious base for your gorilla adventure.
This exclusive camp, one of the few situated within Bwindi National Park, has eight luxury tents with private decks and forest views, blending comfort with natural beauty.
Spacious tubs in each tent, elegant decor, and a communal campfire area add to the atmosphere.
Spa treatments are available to soothe tired muscles, and the lodge’s friendly staff ensure every detail is covered, from personalized dining to guided nature walks.
A slightly more wallet friendly but excellent lodge would be Buhoma Lodge, which is ideally situated just a five-minute walk from the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park headquarters, the starting point for your gorilla trekking adventure.
The lodge’s eight charming cottages are spread along a hillside, each offering stunning forest views.
You will find spacious rooms with simple furnishings, en-suite bathrooms and private balconies, perfect for unwinding with a coffee as you take in the lush surroundings.
Many guests book massages at the end of each day to unwind and relax tired muscles.
Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania
After the pinch me moments of gorilla trekking, I would fly to Tanzania for an iconic safari experience in the Serengeti.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Serengeti is famous for its diverse ecosystems, home to the Great Migration and a stunning array of wildlife, including Africa’s “Big Five”: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo.
The Experience
The Serengeti’s open plains and endless horizons provide prime game-viewing opportunities, especially if you visit during the Great Migration (if you haven’t read my Great Migration article, you can find it here.)
From June to October, over a million wildebeest and zebras travel across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing.
The dramatic river crossings, where animals risk crocodile-infested waters, are a sight to behold.
Game drives in the Serengeti offer a chance to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos and elusive predators like cheetahs and leopards.
Sunrise and sunset drives reveal the Serengeti’s beauty in every light, from the golden glow of dawn to the vibrant reds and purples of dusk. Guided by expert rangers, each drive is filled with insights into animal behaviour, tracking, and the Serengeti’s unique ecosystems.
The Luxury Lodge: Singita Sasakwa Lodge
To fully experience the Serengeti’s splendour, Singita Sasakwa Lodge is a top choice for luxury accommodation.
This Edwardian-style lodge sits on a hill in the private Grumeti Reserve, offering sweeping views of the plains below.
Each spacious suite features an elegant, safari-inspired interior with high ceilings, a private infinity pool, and a veranda overlooking the Serengeti—a perfect place for a quiet evening of wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room.
The lodge also boasts exceptional amenities, including a spa, wine cellar and multiple dining options featuring gourmet cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients.
Between game drives, guests can enjoy horseback riding, hot-air balloon safaris and cultural visits to nearby communities.
Singita Sasakwa’s attentive staff and luxurious surroundings make it a truly exclusive safari experience.
How to Combine Them: My Suggested Itinerary
Day 1–3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, then fly to Bwindi National Park.
- Check into Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp.
- Spend the next day trekking through Bwindi to see the mountain gorillas. Return to camp for relaxation, spa treatments and fireside dining.
Day 4–7: Serengeti, Tanzania
- Fly from Uganda to Tanzania, arriving in the Serengeti.
- Settle into Singita Sasakwa Lodge and enjoy a sundowner on your private veranda.
- Explore the Serengeti on morning and evening game drives, watch the Great Migration (seasonal), or take a hot-air balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views.
- Return each evening to the luxurious comfort of Singita Sasakwa, where you can enjoy a gourmet meal and unwind with a glass of wine from the lodge’s extensive collection.
Day 8: Departure
- Depart Serengeti for your onward journey, carrying memories of close gorilla encounters and thrilling safari experiences.
- Your onward journey could of course include unwinding on an Indian ocean beach such as Mauritius or Zanzibar.
How to Plan Your Ultimate Gorilla Trekking and Safari Adventure
If you’re dreaming of gorilla trekking in Uganda paired with an iconic safari in Tanzania (and perhaps even a relaxing beach break), I’d love to help you plan it.
I’ll tailor your itinerary to match your exact preferences, whether it’s spending more time with the gorillas, chasing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, or finishing your adventure on a stunning Indian Ocean beach.
And I’ll handle all the tricky logistics—flights, transfers, permits—so you can simply enjoy the experience without the stress.
We’ll chat about how to bring your dream trip to life—combining the magic of gorilla trekking, the thrill of a safari and the perfect beach to unwind after your adventure.
Book a free consultation today. There’s no obligation to book, but you’ll walk away with invaluable advice to start planning your trip of a lifetime.
Call me on 01372 677999 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a time that works for you.
