How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Safari in Tanzania

June 11, 2025
Our Gorilla Trekking Rwanda - Tips, Stories, Travel Info, Rwanda

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Safari in Tanzania

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Tanzania Safari

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Tanzania is one of the most exhilarating African adventures. It allows travelers to experience the thrill of meeting endangered mountain gorillas face-to-face in Rwanda’s misty jungles, followed by the awe of watching herds of wildebeest and predators on the vast savannahs of Tanzania. This detailed guide explores how to merge these experiences into a smooth, seamless itinerary.

Why Combine Rwanda and Tanzania?

Rwanda and Tanzania offer distinct but complementary wildlife experiences. In Rwanda, visitors trek through lush volcanic forests to encounter gorilla families in their natural habitat. Tanzania, on the other hand, offers sweeping plains, the Big Five, and the Great Migration, making it a top-tier safari destination.

Unique Wildlife: Gorillas in Rwanda, lions and elephants in Tanzania
Scenic Diversity: Volcanoes, forests, savannahs, craters, and lakes
Efficient Logistics: Good regional flight connectivity
Bucket List Worthy: A comprehensive East African wildlife experience

Part I: Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park: The Heart of Gorilla Trekking

Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area. It is home to around 12 habituated gorilla families.

Why Trek Here?

Quick access from Kigali (2.5 hours by road)
Professional guides and strict conservation protocols
Safe and politically stable environment

How to Book Your Gorilla Trek

Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and cost $1,500 USD per person. Permits should be booked several months in advance due to limited availability.

Permit Includes:

One-hour visit with a habituated gorilla family
Ranger guide and park entry fees

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

Ideal Itinerary: 4-Day Gorilla Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, optional city tour and Genocide Memorial
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Gorilla trekking and afternoon relaxation
Day 4: Optional second trek or cultural visit (Iby’Iwacu Village), return to Kigali

Optional Add-on: Golden monkey trekking or hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb

Part II: Travel from Rwanda to Tanzania

Regional Flight Options

Traveling from Rwanda to Tanzania is convenient. Flights operate between Kigali International Airport (KGL) and either:

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Closest to Arusha and Northern Circuit
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – For southern Tanzania
Arusha Airport (ARK) – Short domestic hops

Airlines to consider:

RwandAir
Precision Air
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)

Travel Logistics

Most travelers fly from Kigali to Kilimanjaro to access Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara.
Direct private charters also available for luxury travelers
Tour operators like Gorilla Rwanda Safaris can arrange all flights and transfers

Part III: Safari in Tanzania

Northern Safari Circuit Overview

Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit is world-renowned and includes

Serengeti National Park

Best Time: June–October (dry season), December–March (calving season)
Home to the Great Migration
Big cats, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and more

Ngorongoro Crater

Massive caldera filled with dense animal populations
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Rhinos, hippos, lions, and flamingos

Tarangire National Park

Famous for giant baobabs and elephant herds
Ideal in the dry season when animals gather at the river

Lake Manyara National Park

Great for birding and spotting tree-climbing lions

Suggested Itinerary: 6–7 Day Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
Day 3–5: Serengeti National Park
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 7: Return to Arusha and depart

Add-On Option: Zanzibar beach retreat

Part IV: Planning Your Combined Trip

Best Travel Seasons

Month	Rwanda Gorilla Trekking	Tanzania Safari
Jan–Feb	Dry, great for trekking	Calving season in South Serengeti
Mar–May	Rainy, slippery trails	Wet, fewer crowds, discounted rates
Jun–Oct	Best overall season	Peak safari season, Great Migration
Nov–Dec	Short rains	Start of calving migration

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Yellow fever (if transiting endemic countries)
Malaria: Antimalarials recommended
Travel Insurance: Essential for medical evacuation and trip protection

Visas and Border Crossing

Rwanda: e-Visa or East Africa Tourist Visa
Tanzania: e-Visa or visa on arrival
Confirm visa validity for multi-country travel

[#Rwanda Immigration Services] [#Tanzania Immigration Authority]

Packing Tips for Both Regions

Trekking: Waterproof boots, gaiters, gloves, rain jacket
Safari: Neutral clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, binoculars
Tech: Camera with zoom lens, power bank, extra SD cards
Documents: Printed permits, passports, vaccination card

Sample Combined Itinerary (12 Days)

Day	Location	Activity
1	Kigali	Arrival, city tour
2	Volcanoes NP	Transfer to the park, relax
3	Volcanoes NP	Gorilla trekking
4	Kigali	Return, fly to Tanzania
5	Arusha	Arrival, overnight
6	Tarangire NP	Full-day game drive
7-8	Serengeti NP	Game drives and wildlife watching
9	Ngorongoro Crater	Full-day crater tour
10	Lake Manyara NP	Birdwatching, light safari
11	Arusha	Rest day or cultural visit
12	Depart	Fly home or extend to Zanzibar

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Booking a multi-country trip is complex. A reputable tour operator ensures:

All permits and accommodations are secured
Border logistics are smooth
Guides are certified and experienced

Consider Gorilla Rwanda Safaris for custom itineraries covering Rwanda and Tanzania.

Final Thoughts

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari is the ultimate East African experience. You’ll traverse ancient rainforests, trek to see mountain gorillas, then journey across open plains teeming with wildlife. With proper planning, regional flights, and expert guidance, this dream itinerary is well within reach.

Start planning today, and let Gorilla Rwanda Safaris craft your unforgettable African journey.