Combining a Safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combining a Safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

If you’re planning to visit Rwanda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park and are interested in combining it with a safari in Tanzania, we have just the right adventure for you. At Excursia Adventures, we organize seamless itineraries that allow you to experience both the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the stunning wildlife of Tanzania. Let us help you plan and book this incredible Tanzania and Rwanda safari combo.

Why Combine a Tanzania Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking is one of the must-do activities in Rwanda. It offers a rare chance to trek through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park and encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

After your gorilla trek, you can venture to Tanzania, an iconic safari destination in East Africa. Tanzania is home to some of the continent’s most spectacular national parks, including the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to this incredible caldera, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse birdlife, and Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephant herds. And for those seeking an extra thrill, there’s the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.

How to Combine a Safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

There are a few ways to seamlessly combine safari in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You can start with your gorilla trek in Rwanda, followed by a flight to Tanzania for a safari, or vice versa. Flights between Rwanda and Tanzania are operated by several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Uganda Airlines, and Airlink.

Can I Drive Between Tanzania and Rwanda?

Yes, it is possible to drive between Tanzania and Rwanda. The best route is to drive north through Tanzania, then cross the border into Rwanda. If you choose this option, Excursia Adventures is here to guide you along your road trip and ensure a smooth journey. We’ll assist you in planning and organizing all the logistics for your road trip between Tanzania and Rwanda.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of Rwanda. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and features lush bamboo forests and beautiful open grasslands.

Gorilla trekking is a daily activity, with a limit of 8 visitors per gorilla group. Visitors must arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) office by 7 am for a briefing on what to expect and the necessary dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Once the briefing is completed, visitors are divided into groups and assigned to their respective gorilla families.

Your trek, accompanied by an armed ranger guide, can last anywhere from a few minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located. Once you locate the gorillas, you will be able to spend one hour in their presence, capturing memories and enjoying the moment.

Booking a Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Advance

To book your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, you’ll need a gorilla permit. This can be arranged through Excursia Adventures with the Rwanda Development Board to guarantee your spot for the trek on your chosen date.

Once your travel dates are confirmed, simply contact us to check availability for the gorilla permits. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of payment, we’ll promptly secure your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda varies based on residency status:

• USD 1500 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 500 for Foreign Residents
• USD 200 for East African Citizens

This price grants you one hour of interaction with the gorillas. In addition to the permit, you’ll also pay for other services such as transport, accommodation, and guiding.

For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour includes all services and starts from USD 2,375 per person (sharing, based on a group of 2).

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to March. During these months, Rwanda experiences mild rainfall, making it easier to trek through Volcanoes National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. The vegetation is not as dense, which allows for clearer trails and better viewing opportunities. This time also offers ideal conditions for photography, as the lower vegetation provides stunning sightings of the gorillas.

While you can trek year-round, the wet season in April, May, and November brings higher rainfall, causing the vegetation to grow taller, which can sometimes make sightings more difficult. However, the advantage of trekking during the wet season is that the gorillas tend to stay in one area, as food is abundant. As a result, treks during these months are generally shorter.

Despite the weather, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an organized and well-managed activity, offering a 99% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park throughout the year.

Where to Stay for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

There’s a range of accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, catering to all budgets. For luxury stays, options include:

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Hotel
• Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge

Prices for luxury lodges range from USD 300 to USD 1000 per night per person.

For those seeking mid-range accommodations, options like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, and Davinci Lodge provide great comfort and affordability.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there are several affordable choices, ranging from basic hotels to camping, such as:

• Kinigi Hotel
• Hotel Muhabura
• Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Villa Gorilla
• Virunga Hotel
• Faraji Hotel
• La Palme Hotel
• Home Inn

All lodges are committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable stay for guests, with strict health and safety protocols in place in accordance with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and WHO guidelines.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

The easiest way to reach Volcanoes National Park is by road. It’s a scenic 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Your driver guide will meet you at your hotel for a short briefing before heading out to the park. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Rwanda’s iconic 1000 Hills, with opportunities for stops to capture the beautiful landscape and enjoy the journey.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and a Tanzania Safari

At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and incredible safari adventures in Tanzania. With years of experience, we are highly rated on TripAdvisor and dedicated to providing eco-friendly, high-end, and sustainable travel options.

Our safaris not only offer thrilling wildlife encounters, such as Big 5 safaris, chimpanzee trekking, and mountain hiking, but also include cultural encounters, boat cruises, and game viewing, all while contributing to the conservation of wildlife and uplifting local communities.

We can help you combine a safari in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in Rwanda for a truly exceptional and diverse African adventure. Feel free to contact us to book your trip and explore some of Africa’s most iconic destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Start planning your dream safari today with Excursia Adventures!