Rwanda & Tanzania Safari: Gorillas & Serengeti

A Rwanda and Tanzania safari offers an extraordinary combination of primate trekking in Rwanda’s lush Virunga mountains with classic Big Five savanna safaris in Tanzania’s world-renowned wildlife reserves. This itinerary provides a comprehensive East African adventure for those seeking diverse wildlife encounters.

Why Combine Rwanda & Tanzania?

Gorilla Trekking vs. Classic Safari: This combo provides the best of both worlds – the intimate, challenging experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s rainforests, contrasted with the vast open plains, immense herds, and abundant predators of Tanzania’s iconic savanna parks.
Complementary Wildlife: You get to see two completely different sets of wildlife – the rare and endangered mountain gorillas, and the iconic “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) alongside vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and many more.
Diverse Landscapes: From Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” (volcanic mountains, rainforests, and tea plantations) to Tanzania’s endless plains, volcanic craters, and acacia woodlands, the scenery is incredibly varied.
Ease of Travel: Direct flights between Kigali (Rwanda) and Tanzania’s major safari hubs (Kilimanjaro or Arusha) make this combination logistically feasible.

Typical Itinerary Flow

A common approach is to start with the gorilla trekking in Rwanda, then fly to Tanzania for the classic safari.

Phase 1: Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking & Culture (3-4 Days)

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide, and transfer to a lodge near Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Musanze (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive).
Day 2: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This is the primary highlight. Afternoon at leisure, relaxation, or community visit.
Day 3 (Optional): Golden Monkey Trekking in VNP OR Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike OR Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike. Afternoon explore local markets or cultural sites.
Day 4: Morning cultural activity or relaxation. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali for an overnight stay or direct transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Tanzania.

Phase 2: Tanzania – Classic Safari (4-7 Days)

Day 4/5: Fly from Kigali (KGL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Meet your Tanzanian safari guide and begin your safari.
Safari Route Options:
- Northern Circuit (most popular): This typically includes:
  - Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.
  - Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for its tree-climbing¹ lions (seasonal) and diverse birdlife.
  - Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering incredible wildlife viewing within the collapsed caldera. Excellent chances of seeing the Big Five.
  - Serengeti National Park: The highlight of the Northern Circuit, renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal), vast open plains, and exceptional predator sightings.
- Focus on Migration: If traveling during the Great Migration, the Serengeti portion of your safari will be designed to follow the herds (e.g., southern Serengeti (Ndutu) Dec-Mar, Western Corridor May-July, Northern Serengeti (Mara River crossings) July-October).
Departure: Fly out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or from a regional airstrip in the Serengeti back to Arusha for your international departure.

Logistics and Considerations

Visas: You will need separate visas for Rwanda and Tanzania.
Permits: Gorilla permits for Rwanda must be booked far in advance (6-12 months). Safari park fees in Tanzania are usually included in your safari package.
Flights: Book international flights to Kigali and out of Kilimanjaro (or vice-versa). Ensure internal flights between Kigali and Tanzania are direct or have minimal layovers.
Transportation: A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide in both countries is standard.
Health: Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations (Yellow Fever is often required for entry into Tanzania if coming from Rwanda) and malaria prophylaxis for both destinations.
Budget: This is a high-end safari combination due to the cost of gorilla permits and the premium experience of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Best Time: The dry seasons (June-September) are generally ideal for both gorilla trekking (drier trails) and wildlife viewing in Tanzania (animals concentrated around water, thinner vegetation).

A Rwanda and Tanzania safari offers an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of East Africa in a truly comprehensive and spectacular way.