Join an East African safari that will take you through hiking the tallest mountain in Africa with the highest peak also termed as the roof of Africa standing at 5895 meters in Tanzania. Meanwhile, gorilla trekking is one of the most rewarding experiences where people spend an average of an hour in the presence of gorillas.
Gorilla safaris in Africa involve trekking mountain gorillas within Uganda’s Bwindi national park and Virunga conservation area which is shared among 3 countries Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda. There are also rare eastern lowland gorillas – largest apes on planet Earth; these are located in Kahuzi-Biega national park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Visitors are taken to national parks like Mgahinga and Bwindi National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo to trek Mountain gorillas.
Combining gorilla trekking with Mount Kilimanjaro hiking safari may last approximately 9 to 12 days of adventure but requires those who are physically fit and energetic to be able to complete this lengthy adventure. This calls for some exercise and training for a few months or weeks before taking on this amazing safari.
The three main peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro that tourists discover during this safari include Kibo, Muwenzi and Shira peaks with different routes while the famous one is known as Marangu route also called Coca-Cola route.
For the love of outdoor adventures like camping, scenic views are covered with spectacular landscapes. Our Mount Kilimanjaro and gorilla trekking tours in Africa are tailor-made and you can choose any country of your choice for gorilla trekking but we can also give advice and recommendations since we have experience and expertise in organizing these Combo-African safaris. Also, we will choose the best hiking route to the peak of Kilimanjaro depending on your physical fitness, preference, and budget.
Best time to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro and trek gorillas in Africa.
Africa is crossed by the equator and therefore, all East African countries receive tropical to equatorial climate. You can decide to take this great safari during dry season because, it is in this period that trails are dry and easily accessible making hiking very easy and possible. This season starts in June up to early October and December to February.
Visitors are advised to carry strong hiking shoes, sun screen, rain gear because it can rain any time of the day, a camera to capture beautiful moments, binoculars to zoom distant species, insect repellants and hiking sticks.
This tour can start from any gorilla destination and end with hiking Kilimanjaro or vice versa. Visitors are always advised to begin with hiking Mt Kilimanjaro and then visit gorillas as they will have more leisure time at the lodge or visit the villages of Batwa pygmies in Uganda, Iby’iwacu cultural village in Rwanda or relax on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda. Because the two destinations are not located in the same country, this safari will involve domestic flights. These connecting flights are beautiful, scenic and complement the fun and beauty in Africa.
As you plan to take part in this combined gorilla trekking and mount Kilimanjaro climbing safari, you will need to book a gorilla trekking permit early enough since they are in high demand. Gorillas are only trekked by persons above the age of 15.
Every country has a set price for gorilla permits (Uganda at 700$, Rwanda at 1500$, and D.R. Congo at 400$ per permit). Gorilla trekking in all countries is carried out in the morning at 8:00 a.m. and only this shift is offered daily.
