Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania Safari?

East Africa offers an exceptional array of travel experiences that combine wildlife, adventure, and culture. If you’ve ever wondered, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari?, the answer is a resounding yes! This combination provides an unforgettable adventure, allowing you to trek through lush forests in search of the rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and then experience the beauty of Tanzania’s famous national parks, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, for a classic African safari.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari, covering travel logistics, possible flight options, and the best time to visit both destinations. We’ll also address common questions such as, How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Tanzania? This guide will help you plan a seamless and unforgettable East African adventure, with everything you need to know to make it happen.

What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Unique Wildlife Encounter in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an extraordinary wildlife experience. Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country, is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the park’s misty rainforests, visitors are guided by expert rangers to find these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can be physically demanding, with steep terrain and sometimes slippery paths, but the reward is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be given an hour to observe and interact with them in their natural environment. Watching these incredible creatures, who share over 98% of our DNA, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The gorillas often exhibit playful behavior, feed on bamboo, and interact with each other in ways that feel deeply human. The trek and encounter are an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years.

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How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you’ll need to purchase a permit, which is a key part of the experience. As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person. This price includes park entry fees, the services of a professional guide, and the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas.

While this may seem like a significant investment, the funds from these permits go directly to conservation efforts for the mountain gorillas, helping ensure their protection and survival. It also contributes to local communities by providing jobs and supporting infrastructure. Because permits are limited and highly sought after, it’s advisable to book your gorilla trekking permit well in advance, particularly during the peak seasons, from June to September.

What is a Tanzania Safari Like?

Explore Tanzania’s Famous National Parks

Tanzania is renowned for its vast savannahs, abundant wildlife, and iconic national parks, making it a dream destination for safari lovers. Tanzania is home to some of the most famous wildlife areas in Africa, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. These parks offer incredible game viewing opportunities, where you can spot Africa’s Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and much more.

The Serengeti is particularly famous for its annual Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. This dramatic event, where animals cross rivers filled with crocodiles, is one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the world. The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” is another highlight, known for its high concentration of wildlife within a volcanic caldera.

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari

The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences. The dry season, from June to October, is the peak time to visit as it offers excellent game viewing. The animals congregate around waterholes, making it easier to spot them. If you’re looking to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the best time to visit is between June and August when the migration is at its most dramatic. For birdwatching, the rainy season from November to April is ideal, as many migratory bird species arrive in Tanzania during this time.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania Safari?

A Perfect Combination for Wildlife Lovers

If you’re wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari?, the good news is that it’s a fantastic idea and definitely possible! The combination of gorilla trekking in the lush rainforests of Rwanda followed by a safari in the world-renowned parks of Tanzania offers the ultimate East African experience. You can explore Rwanda’s serene mountain landscapes and then head to Tanzania’s vast savannas for thrilling wildlife encounters.

The two destinations are not only geographically close but also offer entirely different experiences, making it the perfect way to immerse yourself in both Africa’s unique wildlife and diverse landscapes. You’ll get the rare opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and then witness the grandeur of Africa’s most iconic safaris, all in one trip.

How to Travel Between Rwanda and Tanzania

Traveling between Rwanda and Tanzania is straightforward, with several flight options available. From Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, you can fly to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located near the Serengeti. The flight time between Kigali and Dar es Salaam is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, while flights to Kilimanjaro take about 2 hours.

The most common airlines offering these flights include RwandAir, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. From Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro, you can easily connect to other safari destinations, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, via domestic flights. These domestic flights are typically short and convenient, making it easy to get from one destination to the other without losing much time.

Combining Gorilla Trekking with the Great Migration Safari in Tanzania

A Dream Adventure for Wildlife Enthusiasts

For many travelers, the idea of combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Tanzania is a dream come true. The Great Migration is one of nature’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring events, and witnessing it while also trekking to see the rare mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Great Migration occurs between July and October, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the Serengeti in search of food and water. The migration is a spectacular sight, and it’s a major highlight of any Tanzania safari. Combining this with the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda allows you to enjoy two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife events in one trip.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Rwanda and Tanzania?

A typical gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda takes about 3 to 4 days, including time for the trek itself, relaxation, and sightseeing around Volcanoes National Park. After your gorilla trek, you can travel to Tanzania for a safari, with 5 to 7 days typically being enough time to explore some of Tanzania’s top safari destinations, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

For the perfect blend of wildlife and relaxation, consider spending 10 to 12 days for your trip—allowing time for both the trek in Rwanda and the safari in Tanzania. This itinerary will give you ample time to explore both destinations without feeling rushed.

Flights from Rwanda to Tanzania

Convenient Flight Options

Flying between Rwanda and Tanzania is easy, with multiple options available for travelers. The most common route is from Kigali to Dar es Salaam, with a flight duration of around 2.5 hours. From Dar es Salaam, you can take domestic flights to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or other safari parks. Domestic flight durations typically range from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your final destination.

Several airlines offer flights between Kigali and Tanzania, including RwandAir, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Booking these flights in advance is essential, especially during peak travel seasons.

Costs and Budgeting for the Trip

What to Consider When Planning Your Budget

When planning a combined gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari trip, it’s important to consider the costs involved. The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person, and Tanzania safari costs vary depending on the type of safari you choose. A luxury safari in Tanzania can range from $500 to $1,000 per day, while a more budget-friendly option might cost $300 to $500 per day.

In addition to these costs, you’ll need to budget for international flights, domestic flights, accommodation, and meals. Working with a reputable tour operator, such as Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, can help streamline your trip and ensure you get the best value for your money.

Conclusion: Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Your Trip?

If you’ve been asking, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari?, the answer is yes, and Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help make it happen. As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that combine the best of Rwanda and Tanzania, creating the ultimate African adventure.

Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that every detail of your trip is taken care of. From securing your gorilla trekking permits to organizing seamless transfers between destinations, we handle all aspects of your journey, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Contact us today to start planning your dream East African safari, combining the thrill of gorilla trekking with the awe-inspiring wildlife of Tanzania!

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Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.