Safari Extensions: Combine Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania

When most travelers think of Uganda, gorilla trekking is the first thing that comes to mind. And rightly so — sitting face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most moving wildlife encounters on Earth. But what many travelers don’t realize is that Uganda also makes a perfect gateway to explore the rest of East Africa.

With its central location, Uganda allows you to seamlessly extend your safari into Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania — each offering unique wildlife experiences that complement what you’ll find in the “Pearl of Africa.” Whether you want to add a luxury gorilla trek in Rwanda, witness the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara, or explore Tanzania’s vast Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, combining destinations gives you the best of East Africa in a single journey.

There are a few reasons travelers choose a multi-country safari:

Diversity of experiences – Uganda shines with primates, waterfalls, and birdlife. Pairing it with Kenya or Tanzania adds vast savannahs and world-famous migrations.
Efficient travel connections – Short flights connect Entebbe with Kigali, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and beyond.
Maximize your airfare – If you’re flying halfway across the world, combining countries ensures you get the most out of your trip.
Luxury circuit opportunities – Top lodges and camps across borders allow for seamless, high-end safari routes.

For travelers drawn to primates, this is the ultimate pairing. Uganda is home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, plus 13 other primate species, while Rwanda adds another layer with luxury gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights:
- - Gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga (Uganda).
  - Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes (Rwanda).
  - Kigali’s cultural and historical sites.
Logistics:
- - Drive from Bwindi to Volcanoes in about 4–5 hours.
  - Or fly into Kigali, trek in Rwanda, then cross into Uganda for a second gorilla trek.
Lodges: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Uganda), Bisate Lodge (Rwanda).
Best for: Short, high-end primate safaris (7–10 days).

Travel Tip: Gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda vs $1,500 in Rwanda. Many travelers trek in Uganda, then cross to Rwanda for luxury lodges and an easy flight out of Kigali.

If you want to combine primates with classic Big Five game viewing, Uganda + Kenya is unbeatable.

Highlights:
- - Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
  - Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  - The Great Migration in the Masai Mara (July–October).
Logistics:
- - 1-hour flight from Entebbe to Nairobi.
  - Easy connections to Masai Mara or Amboseli.
Lodges: Kyaninga Lodge (Uganda), Angama Mara or Mahali Mzuri (Kenya).
Best for: Travelers who want a mix of primates and savannah wildlife in 12–14 days.

Time your trip between August and September to trek gorillas in Uganda, then fly to Kenya for the dramatic river crossings of the wildebeest migration

For travelers who dream of ticking everything off in one trip, Uganda + Tanzania delivers the ultimate. Imagine trekking gorillas in Bwindi, then flying into the endless plains of the Serengeti.

Highlights:
- - Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
  - Ngorongoro Crater (a natural wonder packed with wildlife).
  - Serengeti safari + balloon ride.
Logistics:
- - Flights connect Entebbe to Kilimanjaro or directly into Serengeti airstrips.
Lodges: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (Uganda), Four Seasons Serengeti or Mwiba Lodge (Tanzania).
Best for: Longer luxury safaris (12–16 days).

If you visit in February, combine gorilla trekking with the Serengeti calving season — when thousands of wildebeest give birth and predators lurk nearby.

Gorilla trekking: Year-round, but best June–Sept and Dec–Feb.
Great Migration (Kenya/Tanzania):
- - July–Oct in Masai Mara (river crossings).
  - Dec–March in Serengeti (calving season).
Dry season safaris: June–October = prime for wildlife viewing across East Africa.

Visa: The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tanzania requires a separate visa.
Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
Transport: Fly whenever possible — it saves time compared to long overland drives.
Packing: Lightweight clothing, good hiking boots for gorilla treks, and layers for cool mornings.

10 Days Kenya + Rwanda
- - Amboseli → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali city & Volcanoes gorillas.
12 Days Kenya + Tanzania
- - Samburu National Park → Lake Nakuru → Masai Mara migration safari → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro crater → Amboseli National Park
9 days Kenya and Tanzania Signature Safari Experience
- - Lake Nakuru →Masai Mara → Serengeti National Park → Ngorongoro Crater → Lake Manyara

Uganda is a treasure on its own — but when paired with Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania, it transforms into an unforgettable multi-country safari adventure. From the misty gorilla forests to the open plains of the Serengeti, every extension unlocks a different side of East Africa.

At Katella Uganda Safaris, we specialize in crafting seamless cross-border safaris that fit your travel style — whether you want a short primate add-on or a luxury 2-week East African circuit.

Ready to design your dream safari extension? Get in touch with us today and let’s start planning