How to Combine a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda with a Tanzanian Safari

Looking to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a classic Tanzanian safari? Discover how to plan the ultimate East African adventure, from the jungle to the savannah.

Why Combine Rwanda and Tanzania in One Trip?

For travelers seeking the ultimate African adventure, combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Tanzania offers the best of both worlds. You’ll experience the dense jungles of Volcanoes National Park, face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas, and then head to Tanzania’s wide-open plains for unforgettable wildlife encounters, including the Big Five and the Great Migration.

This unique combo brings together pristine nature, rare wildlife, and two distinctly different—but equally spectacular—ecosystems.

Benson Safaris | Intense gaze of a gorilla captured up close, a poignant moment of silent strength and deep thought
Benson Safaris | Lion lying down in the grass in the Serengeti reserve

Start with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Begin your journey in Rwanda, known for its well-organized gorilla trekking tours and breathtaking scenery.

Highlights of Gorilla Trekking:

  • Track endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
  • Spend a magical hour observing gorilla families in their natural habitat.
  • Learn about Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy.
  • Enjoy Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.

Best Time to Trek: June to September and December to February (dry seasons).

Permits: Gorilla trekking permits cost around $1,500 per person — it’s worth every penny for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Benson Safaris | Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Fly from Kigali to Tanzania

After your gorilla trekking experience, it’s time to head to Tanzania for the safari portion of your journey.

Travel Tips:

  • The quickest route: Fly from Kigali (Rwanda) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania) via connecting flights through Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
  • Some regional airlines offer charter or connecting options directly to Arusha (the safari capital of Tanzania).

Step 3: Explore Tanzania’s Top Safari Parks

Now you’re in safari country! Depending on your time and interests, choose one or more of the following:

Serengeti National Park

  • Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal).
  • Incredible sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and more.
  • Ideal for classic game drives and hot air balloon safaris.

Ngorongoro Crater

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Big Five.
  • A natural wonder with stunning landscapes and dense wildlife populations.

Tarangire & Lake Manyara

  • Perfect for a shorter safari experience.
  • Known for elephants, tree-climbing lions, and birdlife.
Benson Safaris | Side of a jeep parked at sunset, looking over the horizon.

Optional Add-On: Zanzibar Beach Extension

After trekking and game drives, you might want to relax. Zanzibar is a dreamy Indian Ocean island just a short flight from the mainland.

Why Add Zanzibar?

  • White-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
  • Romantic resorts, spice farms, and rich Swahili culture.
  • Ideal for honeymooners or anyone looking to unwind.
Benson Safaris | Aerial view of sandy beach of Indian Ocean at sunset.

Sample 12-Day Itinerary: Jungle to Savannah Adventure

Day 1–3: Arrival in Kigali, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 4: Fly from Kigali to Kilimanjaro or Arusha
Day 5–9: Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire
Day 10–12: Fly to Zanzibar and relax on the beach

Customizations available based on budget, season, and interests.

Essential Travel Tips for Rwanda-Tanzania Combo Tours

  • Visas: Check visa requirements for both countries (East African Tourist Visa is available).
  • Health: Yellow fever vaccination may be required. Carry malaria prophylaxis and insect repellent.
  • Packing: Pack layers — you’ll go from humid jungle to cool mornings on the savannah.
  • Fitness: Gorilla trekking is moderately strenuous — be sure you’re prepared.

Plan with a Trusted Tour Operator

Combining Rwanda and Tanzania involves careful coordination of flights, permits, guides, and accommodations. A trusted safari company will help you:

  • Secure gorilla permits in advance
  • Arrange seamless regional flights
  • Customize a private or group safari experience
  • Add romantic or luxury upgrades, if desired

Ready to Begin Your East African Adventure?

From the mystical forests of Rwanda to the vast plains of Tanzania, this is a journey you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, honeymooner, or adventure seeker, combining gorilla trekking with a Tanzanian safari will leave you in awe.

Contact us today to start planning your customized Rwanda–Tanzania itinerary. Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime.

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