5 Thrilling Safari Experiences to do After Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is one of the activities that never miss on bucket lists of African safaris but you can’t travel miles upon miles to trek the endangered Giant Apes of Bwindi and Mgahinga alone. Therefore, we bring you the 5 most thrilling safari experiences to do after gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Spending time in the midst of the intimidatingly huge silverback who protectively looks after his gorilla group is undeniably magical but that’s not all you can do in Uganda. From the exceptional savannah-dwelling animals to the plethora of bird species and is a cultural melting pot, Uganda is just full of surprises that you will need to relish before boarding the plane out of the country

For this reason, the 5 most thrilling safari experiences to do after gorilla trekking in Uganda are;

Go on a wildlife safari

Crater Lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park

If you dream of relishing an African wilderness experience after undertaking your jungle adventure (gorilla trekking), then consider a wildlife trip to a number of selected places. A journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park increases chances of seeing four of the big five animals (Leopards, African bush elephants, lions, and Cape buffaloes), jackals, Uganda Kobs, Topis, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, mongoose, serval cats, Olive baboons and most interestingly the mysterious tree-climbing lions of Ishasha sector. Travelers that don’t enjoy crowds can take a trip to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park in the extreme north-East of the country where the rarest of Uganda’s animals such as ostriches, cheetahs, leopards, the side-striped and black-backed jackals, caracals, Aardvarks, Rothschild giraffes, Klipspringers, Roan antelopes, giant forest hogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes can be seen. Other places to enjoy wildlife safaris include Lake Mburo, Semliki, and Murchison Falls National Parks.

Watch the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park

chimpanzee trekking

Watching the chimpanzees is not only a primate lover’s dream come true, it is undoubtedly one of the unmissable safari experiences in Uganda. While these Great Apes can be watched throughout the year, the months of June to September are marked by drier hiking trails that make it less difficult to walk through the jungles while searching for them. Like gorilla trekking, visitors are advised to bring a good camera, binoculars, enough drinking water, energy-giving snacks, a waterproof backpack, hiking boots, warm sweater, sunglasses, rain jacket, insect repellant, safari hat, and many others.

Learn and appreciate Uganda’s cultural diversity

If you haven’t experienced the culture of any Ugandan tribe, then you haven’t lived because this is where mind-blowing traditions, finger-clicking local cuisines, unique cultural dress codes, stunning art, and craft symbols, as well as extraordinary architectural designs, are uncovered. After gorilla trekking tours, most travelers are offered the option of visiting the nearby Batwa Communities/Villages to learn about how these former hunter-gatherer people thrived in the forest for shelter, medicine, and food.

Watch unnumbered bird species

Birding Tour Uganda Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda can be mistaken for Paradise and everything beautiful you ever imagined about Paradise is found here. One of the many reasons why thousands of visitors flock to the Pearl of Africa is to explore the 33 Important Bird Areas where over 1080 species of feathered beauties can be encountered. Even as you search for the mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, you will be surprised to encounter up to 50 different bird species. Isn’t this magical? However, independent birding tours will take visitors to the protected wetlands/swamps, Rivers, savannah woodlands, dense forests, grasslands, and many other natural habitats.

Take on some of the jaw-dropping soaring Mountains

Maybe the most breathtaking treasure trove of Uganda’s sceneries aren’t even on the flat areas, they’re out on the towering mountains of Elgon, Rwenzori, or the Virunga massif. These three areas can be hiked after gorilla trekking and if you just feel like getting an adrenaline rush, then stop dragging your feet and book a climbing tour to any of the mentioned places. Travelers that opt for Rwenzori Mountains hiking should be prepared for 7-9 days of hiking climaxed by the awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks at 5109 meters above sea level.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is one of the greatest treasure troves of safari experiences but you can make your adventure complete by adding birding tours, cultural tours, mountain climbing, wildlife safaris, and chimpanzee treks.