Combining safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combining safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

If you’re planning to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park and wish to combine this experience with a safari in Tanzania, this guide will walk you through how to make this possible. Through Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help you seamlessly plan and book this unforgettable combination of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a thrilling safari trip in Tanzania.

Gorilla trekking is one of the must-do activities when visiting Rwanda. This experience gives you the unique opportunity to see the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within Volcanoes National Park. Known for its stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna, Volcanoes National Park is the only location in Rwanda where gorilla trekking takes place.

Combining a Safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Tanzania, located in East Africa and bordered by Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, offers an exceptional safari experience. The country’s national parks are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the chance to climb the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Most safari activities in Tanzania are concentrated in the northern region, often referred to as the “Northern Circuit.” Here, you can visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, teeming with diverse wildlife and a rich natural ecosystem. Other highlights of this circuit include Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, known for their large elephant populations.

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

There are several ways to combine a safari in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You can start your journey in Rwanda with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and then fly to Tanzania for your safari adventure, or vice versa. Flights between Tanzania and Rwanda are operated by several airlines, including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, and Airlink, offering convenient options for travelers.

Can I Drive from Tanzania to Rwanda?

Yes, a road trip between Tanzania and Rwanda is entirely possible. If you begin your journey in Tanzania, the best route is to drive northward, crossing the border into Rwanda. Trek Africa Expeditions can provide you with expert guidance throughout your road trip, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of the country. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and features a rich variety of montane vegetation, including bamboo forests and open grasslands. Gorilla tracking at Volcanoes National Park is conducted once daily, with only eight visitors allowed to visit each gorilla group per day to ensure minimal disturbance to these gentle giants.

Visitors must arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices by 7:00 AM for a briefing on what to expect, including guidelines and etiquette for gorilla trekking. After the briefing, visitors are divided into groups and assigned to specific gorilla families. Accompanied by an armed ranger guide, you’ll then embark on your trek through the forest, which can range from a few minutes to up to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla group, you are allowed to spend one hour in their presence. It’s crucial to remember and follow the guidelines provided during the briefing to ensure both your safety and the safety of the gorillas.

Booking a Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Advance

Securing a gorilla permit is essential for booking your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist you in reserving your permit through the Rwanda Development Board. Once your travel dates are confirmed, contact us via email, and we will check the availability of gorilla permits for your desired dates. If permits are available, we will inform you and provide an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of payment, we will purchase your permits immediately and send you a scanned copy for your records. This process confirms your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is primarily determined by the price of the gorilla permit, which is a significant portion of the overall safari expenses. In addition to the permit, other costs include transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for East African citizens. This permit grants you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend one hour observing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Beyond the permit, you should also budget for other essential services, including transport to and from the park, lodging, and the guidance of experienced trekking guides. To give you an idea of the overall cost, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which includes permits, accommodation, transportation, and guiding, starts at USD 2,375 per person, based on double occupancy. For more details and personalized safari options in Rwanda, please feel free to contact us. We will assist you in planning a memorable gorilla trekking adventure tailored to your preferences.

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is relatively dry, with minimal rainfall, making the trekking trails in Volcanoes National Park more accessible. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer views of the mountain gorillas and creating excellent photographic opportunities.

The wet seasons, which occur in April, May, and November, present a different experience. Although the increased rainfall causes the vegetation to grow thicker, which can sometimes make gorilla sightings more challenging, the treks are often shorter. This is because gorillas do not have to move long distances in search of food, as it is more readily available. Regardless of the season, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a year-round activity, with a 99% success rate of encountering the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Accommodation options around Volcanoes National Park cater to a range of budgets, offering everything from luxury lodges to more affordable budget hotels and camping sites.

Luxury Lodges: For a high-end experience, options include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge. Prices for these luxury accommodations range from USD 300 to USD 1,000 per person per night, offering top-notch amenities and stunning views of the park.

Mid-Range Lodges: For travelers seeking comfort without the high price tag, mid-range accommodations such as Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, and Davinci Lodge offer a great balance of quality and affordability.

Budget Accommodations: If you are on a tighter budget, there are numerous options including basic hotels and campsites such as Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn. These budget-friendly accommodations provide a comfortable base for your gorilla trekking adventure without breaking the bank.

All lodges and hotels in Volcanoes National Park adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by Rwanda’s Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is most conveniently accessed by road. It is just a 2 to 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Your journey begins with a meeting with your driver-guide at your hotel in Kigali for a short briefing. From there, you will embark on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Along the way, there are opportunities to stop for photographs and take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and a Tanzania Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a reputable and experienced tour operator specializing in creating exceptional gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and wildlife safaris in Tanzania. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for our dedication to providing eco-friendly, high-end adventure, and wildlife safaris that support biodiversity conservation, wildlife preservation, and local community upliftment. Our carefully curated safari packages go beyond just gorilla trekking; they include other incredible experiences such as chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. These adventures span across Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Our commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that your safari not only delivers a memorable experience but also contributes positively to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and support of local communities. Contact us today to learn more about combining a safari in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and let us help you craft a personalized itinerary that captures the very best of African adventure.