Can I See the Big Five and Mountain Gorillas on One African Safari?

Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Safari in Africa

Two Extraordinary Wildlife Experiences in One Journey

Imagine watching a lion resting in the golden grasslands of the African savannah, seeing elephants moving across the plains, and later entering a misty rainforest to encounter a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

It may sound like two completely different holidays, but you can experience both on one carefully planned African safari.

Yes, you can see the Big Five and mountain gorillas on one African safari. The key is to combine the right wildlife destinations with a realistic itinerary that allows enough time for game drives, gorilla trekking and travel between parks.

The Big Five are the lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo and rhinoceros. The term originated in hunting and is now widely used in wildlife tourism. Mountain gorillas are a separate wildlife highlight, found in the montane forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kenya and Tanzania are excellent choices for traditional savannah safaris, with famous destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Uganda and Rwanda offer opportunities to trek mountain gorillas, with Uganda also providing extensive wildlife and primate experiences.

Some travellers can combine these experiences in two countries, while others prefer a longer journey through Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

At gorillatrips.net, the aim is to help travellers choose a safari that balances memorable wildlife encounters, comfortable accommodation, practical travel arrangements and time to appreciate every destination.

Why Combine the Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Trekking?

1. Search for the Big Five

Explore African savannahs on guided game drives and look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Each species has different habits, and sightings depend on the park, season and conditions.

2. Encounter mountain gorillas

Trek through protected rainforest with authorised guides and trackers to find a habituated mountain gorilla family. The experience is very different from observing animals from a safari vehicle.

3. Experience the Great Migration

Depending on the season, you can include the movement of wildebeest and zebras through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems.

4. Discover more of East Africa

Add chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises, scenic lakes, cultural visits or additional wildlife parks if your schedule allows.

The appeal of this safari is the contrast between two habitats. Savannah game drives provide broad views of wildlife across open landscapes, while gorilla trekking takes you into dense forest on foot.

You do not have to visit all four East African countries to enjoy both experiences. In many cases, a two-country itinerary is more practical and leaves more time for wildlife viewing.

Where Can You See the Big Five and Mountain Gorillas?

The best destinations depend on whether you want to maximise your chances of seeing all five savannah species, experience the Great Migration or spend more time with mountain gorillas.

1. Kenya: Maasai Mara and Laikipia

Kenya is one of East Africa’s best-known safari destinations. The Maasai Mara is famous for its lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and seasonal wildebeest migration.

For travellers particularly interested in rhinos, combining the Mara with a suitable conservation area in Laikipia can improve the overall Big Five experience. Rhino sightings in the Mara itself are less predictable than sightings of some of the other large mammals.

Africa Geographic

Kenya does not have wild mountain gorillas, so you must continue to Uganda or Rwanda for that experience.

Recommended stay: Three to four nights in the main wildlife region, depending on your itinerary and budget.

2. Tanzania: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

Tanzania is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine the Great Migration with a strong Big Five safari.

The Serengeti offers extensive wildlife viewing, especially for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly useful for travellers hoping to see a wide range of species in a concentrated area, including the black rhino. Even here, sightings of all five species are not guaranteed.

Africa Geographic

After Tanzania, you can fly to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking, depending on your preferred route and available connections.

Recommended stay: Four to five nights across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro region.

3. Uganda: Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda is especially appealing because you can combine mountain gorilla trekking with classic savannah wildlife viewing within the same country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are Uganda’s mountain gorilla trekking destinations. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers game drives, elephants, buffaloes, lions and opportunities to look for leopards. You can also take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for its concentrations of hippos and other wildlife.

However, Uganda’s main savannah parks do not offer the same straightforward Big Five combination as some specialist rhino destinations. To include the rhinoceros, you can consider a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary alongside a suitable northern Uganda itinerary, subject to current access and conservation arrangements.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority states that gorilla treks may take approximately two to seven hours and include one hour observing a habituated gorilla family.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

Recommended stay: Four to six nights for a combination of gorillas and savannah wildlife, with additional time if you include more distant parks.

4. Rwanda: Akagera and Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda offers a particularly convenient way to combine a Big Five safari with mountain gorilla trekking.

Akagera National Park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinos. Volcanoes National Park, in the northwestern part of the country, is the destination for mountain gorilla trekking.

This pairing allows travellers to experience savannah wildlife and rainforest primates without adding another country. Akagera is also a valuable conservation success story, with restoration efforts helping to re-establish important wildlife populations.

Recommended stay: Five to seven nights for a more relaxed combination of Akagera and Volcanoes National Park, depending on the activities selected.

Which Safari Route Is Best?

You do not need to visit all four countries to see the Big Five and mountain gorillas. These are three practical ways to plan the trip.

Safari route	Main advantage	Best for
Rwanda only	Akagera Big Five safari plus Volcanoes gorilla trekking	Travellers who prefer fewer border crossings
Uganda only	Gorilla trekking, savannah wildlife and an optional rhino sanctuary visit	Travellers wanting a broad Ugandan adventure
Kenya or Tanzania plus Uganda or Rwanda	Classic savannah safari combined with mountain gorillas	Travellers seeking iconic wildlife destinations
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda	A wide-ranging East African wildlife experience	Travellers with more time and a flexible budget

Our recommendation: If you have around two weeks, consider Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater followed by gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. If you want to explore all four countries, allow closer to 16–18 days and plan regional flights carefully.

The Best Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Safari Packages: 14, 15, 16 and 18 Days

The following itineraries are sample routes for gorillatrips.net. They can be adjusted to suit travel dates, accommodation preferences, wildlife priorities and gorilla permit availability. Actual flight schedules and transfer times must be confirmed before booking.

Package	Suggested route	Key experiences	Best suited to
14 Days	Tanzania and Uganda	Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	Travellers wanting a strong wildlife combination
15 Days	Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda	Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Akagera and gorilla trekking	Travellers wanting Kenya and Tanzania plus Rwanda
16 Days	Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda	Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi	Travellers wanting a classic safari and Uganda’s gorillas
18 Days	Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda	Extended savannah wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking and additional cultural experiences	Travellers seeking a comprehensive East African safari

14-Day Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Safari in Tanzania and Uganda

This package is ideal for travellers who want a traditional wildlife safari followed by mountain gorilla trekking. It avoids the need to cover all four countries.

Day	Destination	Main activity
1	Arusha, Tanzania	Arrival and safari briefing
2–4	Serengeti National Park	Game drives and seasonal wildlife viewing
5	Ngorongoro area	Transfer and crater-region exploration
6	Ngorongoro Crater	Game drive and search for the Big Five
7	Arusha	Transfer and rest
8	Entebbe, Uganda	Regional flight and overnight stay
9–10	Queen Elizabeth National Park	Game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
11	Bwindi region	Transfer to the selected trekking sector
12	Bwindi Impenetrable National Park	Guided gorilla trekking
13	Bwindi or Lake Bunyonyi	Relaxation and scenic activities
14	Entebbe	Return transfer and departure

This route prioritises the Serengeti and Ngorongoro for Big Five viewing, followed by Uganda’s gorillas. Flight connections and travel times should be confirmed before the itinerary is finalised.

15-Day Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda Big Five and Gorilla Safari

This itinerary combines two famous savannah destinations with Rwanda’s Big Five park and mountain gorilla trekking.

Day	Destination	Main activity
1	Nairobi, Kenya	Arrival
2–3	Maasai Mara	Game drives and wildlife viewing
4	Nairobi or onward connection	Transfer towards Tanzania
5–7	Serengeti	Search for wildlife and seasonal migration activity
8	Ngorongoro area	Scenic transfer
9	Ngorongoro Crater	Game drive and rhino search
10	Arusha	Rest and onward travel
11	Kigali, Rwanda	Arrival
12–13	Akagera National Park	Game drives and Big Five viewing
14	Volcanoes National Park	Gorilla trekking
15	Kigali	Departure

This is an ambitious itinerary, so the final routing may need to change according to flights. Travellers who prefer fewer transfers can omit either the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti and spend more time in the remaining wildlife areas.

16-Day Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Big Five and Gorilla Safari

This package combines Kenya’s wildlife plains, Tanzania’s major safari destinations and Uganda’s forest and savannah landscapes.

Day	Destination	Main activity
1	Nairobi, Kenya	Arrival
2–3	Maasai Mara	Wildlife viewing and game drives
4	Nairobi	Transfer and onward travel
5–7	Serengeti, Tanzania	Extended wildlife viewing
8	Ngorongoro area	Transfer and overnight stay
9	Ngorongoro Crater	Big Five game drive
10	Arusha	Rest and flight preparations
11	Entebbe, Uganda	Arrival
12–13	Queen Elizabeth National Park	Game drives and boat cruise
14	Bwindi region	Transfer to the trekking sector
15	Bwindi	Mountain gorilla trekking
16	Entebbe	Return transfer and departure

This option suits travellers who want the classic safari landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania alongside Uganda’s primate experience. If the main goal is to see every member of the Big Five, discuss adding a suitable rhino-focused stop or adjusting the wildlife route.

18-Day Ultimate Big Five and Mountain Gorilla Safari

For travellers who want a broader experience, the 18-day option allows time for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. It can include two gorilla trekking destinations, although this adds permit costs and extra transfers.

Day	Destination	Main activity
1	Nairobi, Kenya	Arrival
2–3	Maasai Mara	Game drives and wildlife viewing
4	Nairobi	Transfer and onward connection
5–7	Serengeti, Tanzania	Explore the main wildlife areas
8	Ngorongoro area	Transfer
9	Ngorongoro Crater	Big Five wildlife viewing
10	Arusha	Rest and onward flight
11	Entebbe, Uganda	Arrival
12	Queen Elizabeth National Park	Wildlife viewing
13	Bwindi region	Transfer to the gorilla trekking sector
14	Bwindi	Mountain gorilla trekking
15	Kigali, Rwanda	Transfer or suitable scheduled flight
16	Volcanoes National Park	Gorilla trekking or another booked forest activity
17	Kigali	Cultural visit and relaxation
18	Departure	Airport transfer

This is a flexible framework rather than a fixed route. Depending on flight availability and the trekking dates, the order of destinations may need to change. If a second gorilla trek is not a priority, the additional time can be used for a more relaxed safari in Uganda or Tanzania.

When Is the Best Time to See the Big Five and Mountain Gorillas?

You can plan this safari throughout the year, but the best travel period depends on your preferred wildlife experiences.

Period	Big Five safari opportunities	Gorilla trekking
January–March	Good opportunities in Tanzania, including the southern Serengeti calving season	Available in Uganda and Rwanda, subject to permits
April–May	Green landscapes and wildlife viewing; rain can affect some roads	Trekking continues, but trails may be muddy
June	A potentially rewarding period for wildlife viewing as drier conditions develop	A popular time to combine forest trekking and savannah safaris
July–September	Popular dry-season period and possible Great Migration river crossings	High demand; book permits and accommodation early
October	Wildlife viewing in Kenya and Tanzania, depending on location and conditions	Suitable for combined safaris
November–December	Greener scenery and changing migration movements	Trekking continues, with weather-dependent trail conditions

These are general seasonal patterns rather than guarantees. The Great Migration changes with rainfall and grazing conditions, while gorilla trekking is available year-round, subject to permit availability and park regulations.

Is July to September the Best Time?

July to September is popular for travellers who want to combine savannah wildlife viewing with gorilla trekking. It can offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania, although the location of the migration varies.

For a quieter experience, consider other months and choose your destinations according to the wildlife you most want to see.

How Much Does a Big Five and Gorilla Safari Cost?

The cost depends on the number of countries, accommodation category, season, transport arrangements and gorilla permits.

A safari that combines Tanzania with Uganda may involve fewer destinations and transfers than a four-country trip. A Rwanda-only combination of Akagera and Volcanoes National Park may also simplify logistics.

Your quotation should clearly explain the cost of:

• Accommodation and meals.
• Private safari vehicles and professional guides.
• National park fees and conservation charges.
• Gorilla trekking permits.
• Domestic and regional flights.
• Airport transfers and border arrangements.
• Optional activities, tips and travel insurance.

For the best value, decide which experiences are essential before choosing your accommodation. Spending an extra night in a major wildlife destination may be more rewarding than rushing between several parks.

Gorilla permits should be confirmed through the relevant wildlife authority or a reputable tour operator. Uganda’s official wildlife authority provides information about gorilla tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

What Should You Pack?

Because this safari combines savannah game drives with rainforest trekking, pack for both warm, sunny weather and cool, wet conditions.

For game drives

Lightweight clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars for spotting wildlife at a distance.

For gorilla trekking

Sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, a waterproof jacket, gardening-style gloves and a comfortable daypack.

For travel between countries

Passport, required visas, confirmed permits, travel insurance documents, camera equipment and any necessary medication.

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. Uganda Wildlife Authority advises that treks may last two to seven hours, so discuss fitness requirements and any mobility concerns with your tour operator before booking.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see all the Big Five and mountain gorillas on one safari?

Yes. You can combine a Big Five safari in Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda with mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. However, seeing all five savannah species is never guaranteed, and gorillas require a separate trekking excursion.

Which country is best for combining the Big Five and gorillas?

Rwanda is a convenient option because Akagera National Park offers Big Five wildlife viewing and Volcanoes National Park offers mountain gorilla trekking. Uganda is another excellent choice, combining gorillas with savannah parks and an optional rhino sanctuary visit.

Can I see the Big Five in Uganda?

Uganda offers lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes in its savannah parks. To include rhinos, travellers can consider a separate visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, subject to current arrangements. For a more concentrated Big Five experience, consider adding Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater or Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

How many days do I need?

Fourteen days can be enough for a well-planned safari combining a major savannah destination with one gorilla trekking destination. Sixteen to eighteen days is more suitable if you want to visit several countries or include two gorilla trekking experiences.

Is the Big Five the same as mountain gorillas?

No. The Big Five are lions, leopards, elephants, African buffaloes and rhinoceroses. Mountain gorillas are a separate species and are not part of the Big Five list.

Can I combine the Great Migration with gorilla trekking?

Yes. You can include the Serengeti or Maasai Mara during the relevant migration season and then travel to Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. The route should be planned around seasonal herd movements, available permits and regional flights.

Can I see the Big Five and gorillas on a luxury safari?

Yes. Luxury options include high-end safari lodges, premium tented camps, private guides and selected regional flights. The best itinerary depends on your budget and how much time you want to spend in each destination.

Final Thoughts: One Safari, Two Unforgettable Wildlife Experiences

Seeing the Big Five and mountain gorillas on one African safari is entirely possible, and it offers a remarkable way to discover East Africa’s wildlife diversity.

Kenya and Tanzania provide outstanding savannah landscapes, famous national parks and opportunities to search for the Big Five. Uganda and Rwanda offer the rare experience of trekking through montane forests to encounter mountain gorillas.

For travellers with limited time, a 14-day safari combining Tanzania and Uganda or Rwanda can provide an excellent introduction. If you want to explore more destinations, the 16-day and 18-day packages offer greater flexibility, provided that travel time is managed carefully.

At gorillatrips.net, the best safari is not simply the one with the longest list of destinations. It is the one that gives you meaningful wildlife encounters, responsible guiding, comfortable travel and enough time to enjoy each place.

Whether you choose the 14-day Big Five and gorilla safari, the 15-day Kenya and Rwanda adventure, the 16-day East African wildlife circuit or the 18-day four-country expedition, start with your priorities and build the route around them.

Plan your Big Five and mountain gorilla safari with gorillatrips.net and discover the extraordinary contrast between Africa’s open savannahs and its ancient mountain forests.