Published by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd on April 11, 2025

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari?

East Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife experiences, and two of the most famous activities are gorilla trekking in Rwanda and witnessing the Great Migration Safari. If you’ve ever wondered, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari? the answer is yes! Combining these two adventures offers you a unique opportunity to experience both the rare mountain gorillas of Rwanda and one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events — the Great Migration. Whether you’re an avid wildlife enthusiast, an adventurous traveler, or a nature lover, this trip will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can combine these two experiences into one unforgettable East African adventure. From flight options to understanding the best times to visit, we’ll cover everything you need to know about combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari. This guide is designed to help you plan your trip efficiently while ensuring you get the most out of both experiences.

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What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

An Intimate Encounter with Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world. Located in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This trek takes you deep into the mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat.

During the trek, you’ll be guided by a park ranger, who will help you track and locate the gorilla families. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to watch the gorillas interact, feed, and move through the forest. It’s a truly mesmerizing experience, where you get to witness the intelligence, beauty, and gentle nature of these magnificent animals up close. The trek itself can be physically demanding, with steep climbs and rugged terrain, but the reward is absolutely worth it.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

When planning your gorilla trekking experience, one important consideration is the cost of the trekking permit. As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person. This fee includes park entry, a guide, and the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas once located. It’s essential to book your permit well in advance, as the permits are limited, and they sell out quickly, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

While the price may seem steep, it’s important to note that the money from these permits goes directly toward the conservation of the gorillas and the park. Additionally, the revenue helps support local communities by providing jobs and encouraging sustainable tourism. The experience itself is truly priceless, offering an unparalleled connection with one of the most endangered species on the planet.

What is the Great Migration Safari?

A Natural Wonder in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara

The Great Migration Safari is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles in the world. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores travel across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in search of fresh grazing grounds. The migration is a natural event driven by the need for food and water, and it’s a sight to behold.

The journey is not without its dangers. As the herds move across the plains, they face numerous predators, including lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, making for dramatic scenes of survival. The most famous part of the migration occurs when the herds cross the Mara River, often encountering crocodiles lying in wait. Witnessing this event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that draws wildlife enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Timing Your Great Migration Safari

The timing of the Great Migration is one of the most important factors when planning your safari. The migration typically begins in the southern Serengeti during the calving season (January to March), where thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young. By June, the herds begin moving northward, and by July to October, the migration reaches the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This period is considered the best time to witness the iconic river crossings, where herds brave crocodile-infested waters.

If you’re planning to combine gorilla trekking with the Great Migration Safari, you’ll want to visit the Serengeti and Maasai Mara during the dry season (June to October), as this is when the migration is at its peak. This is also the best time to see abundant wildlife in both parks.

Gorilla Trekking Tours to Africa

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari?

A Perfect Combination of Two Iconic Wildlife Experiences

If you’ve been asking, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari? you’ll be pleased to know that it’s absolutely possible. The two destinations, while located in different countries, are relatively close to each other and can be combined into one unforgettable East African adventure. By combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari, you get to experience the lush, mountainous rainforests of Rwanda and the vast, sun-drenched plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, providing a diverse and exciting trip.

There are a few options for combining these two activities. The most common route is to fly from Kigali, Rwanda, to Nairobi, Kenya, or Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Flights between Kigali and both Nairobi and Kilimanjaro are available daily and typically take around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Nairobi or Kilimanjaro, you can easily connect to the Serengeti or Maasai Mara via short domestic flights, which take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Travel Time and Logistics

While the distance between Rwanda and the Great Migration areas in Kenya and Tanzania isn’t far, there is still some travel time to consider. It’s essential to allow for enough time to travel from Rwanda to Kenya or Tanzania, as well as to factor in the time for rest before embarking on your migration safari or trekking adventure.

When planning this trip, it’s recommended to give yourself at least a day or two in between the two activities to ensure you don’t rush through the experiences. This will allow you to rest after your gorilla trek and fully immerse yourself in the wildlife experience of the Great Migration. A well-paced itinerary will help you get the most out of both adventures, and working with a reputable tour operator, such as Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, will ensure that the logistics run smoothly.

Flights from Rwanda to Kenya and Tanzania

Convenient Flight Options for Your East African Adventure

There are several airlines that offer convenient flights from Rwanda to the Great Migration safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. From Kigali International Airport (KGL), you can fly to Nairobi (NBO) or Kilimanjaro (JRO). Airlines like RwandAir, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines offer direct flights, with flight times of about 2 to 2.5 hours.

From Nairobi or Kilimanjaro, you can easily connect to the Serengeti or Maasai Mara by taking a short domestic flight with airlines like Safarilink, Air Kenya, or Coastal Aviation. These flights typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, making it quick and easy to reach your safari destination.

How Much Does a Great Migration Safari Cost?

The cost of a Great Migration Safari varies depending on the time of year, the specific park or reserve you visit, and the type of accommodations you choose. For a mid-range safari, expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $600 per day, including transportation, meals, and game drives. During peak migration season (July to October), prices may be higher due to increased demand.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda with Great Migration

Big Game Safari in Kenya

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

The Ultimate East African Adventure

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Great Migration safari is one of the best ways to experience the diversity and beauty of East Africa. You’ll get to witness the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, then head to Kenya or Tanzania to experience the world-renowned migration. Both activities offer unmatched wildlife encounters that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, specializes in crafting tailor-made itineraries that combine these two extraordinary experiences. With years of experience, we ensure that your trip is seamless, enjoyable, and fully customized to your preferences. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas in Rwanda or witnessing the Great Migration, we’ll handle all the details to ensure you have an unforgettable journey.

Conclusion: Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari?

If you’re asking, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration Safari?, the answer is yes, and Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can make it happen. Our team is here to help you plan the ultimate East African adventure, combining these two unforgettable wildlife experiences. Reach out today to start planning your trip and experience the wonders of Rwanda and the Great Migration with expert guidance from a trusted tour operator.

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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.