From Tanzania Wildlife Holidays to Rwanda Gorilla Safaris combines the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Wildlife in Tanzania is a combo of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This combo is a great mix of African Big Five wildlife and Rwanda primates.
Our Popular Packages
2 Days fly in Serengeti Safari in Tanzania
2 Days Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater Safari
3 Days Tanzania Safari in Serengeti National Park
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Tour, Rwanda
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Akagera Wildlife Safari
4 days Tanzania birding safari to Lake Manyara National Park
5 Days Circuit Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
How to Plan Combining Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda and Wildlife in Tanzania
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our guide who will assist you with customs and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll stay at a Hotel in Rwanda, where you can unwind after your flight. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which offers a variety of international and local dishes.
Main Destination: Kigali City
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali City
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner depending on your time of arrival
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided city tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. After lunch, you’ll be driven to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of about 2.5 hours through scenic landscapes. Check into the Lodge, where you’ll have dinner and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge around Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your trip. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing these majestic creatures. Return to the lodge for a late lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the local community. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge around Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Fly to Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Kigali and catch a flight to Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to a Lodge in Arusha, set amidst a working coffee plantation. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, which offers farm-to-table dining experiences.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Lodge in Arusha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees. Check into a lodge in Tarangire National Park, where you’ll stay in elevated rooms with stunning views. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening under the stars.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in Tarangire National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Full Day in Tarangire National Park
Spend the day exploring Tarangire National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. You’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, and giraffes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Main Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in Tarangire National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into a Lodge around Ngorongoro Crater, which offers breathtaking views of the crater. After lunch, descend into the crater for an afternoon game drive, where you can spot the Big Five. Return to the lodge for dinner and a cosy evening by the fireplace.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Lodge around Ngorongoro Crater
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Full Day in Ngorongoro Crater
Spend the day exploring the Ngorongoro Crater with morning and afternoon game drives. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool and continue your wildlife adventure. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Main Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Lodge around Ngorongoro Crater
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, you’ll fly to the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. Check into a Safari Lodge in or around Serengeti National Park, where you’ll enjoy lunch with views of the savannah. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive to witness the incredible wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and an evening under the African sky.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in or around Serengeti National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Full Day in Serengeti National Park
Spend the day exploring the Serengeti with morning and afternoon game drives. You’ll have the chance to see the Great Migration, as well as lions, cheetahs, and elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Main Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in or around Serengeti National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Fly to Zanzibar
After breakfast, you’ll fly to Zanzibar for some relaxation on the beautiful beaches. Check into a hotel in Zanzibar, where you’ll enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner will be served at the resort’s restaurant, offering a variety of international and local dishes.
Main Destination: Zanzibar
Accommodation: Hotel in Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Full Day in Zanzibar
Spend the day exploring Zanzibar’s rich culture and history. Visit Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a spice tour to learn about the island’s famous spices. Return to the resort for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoying water activities. Dinner will be served at the resort.
Main Destination: Zanzibar Stone Town
Accommodation: Hotel in Zanzibar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Zanzibar International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made during your gorilla trekking and wildlife safari adventure.
Main Destination: Zanzibar International Airport
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Why Combine Tanzania Wildlife Holidays with Rwanda Gorilla Safaris?
Serengeti National Park is the genesis of the great wildebeest migration, a seasonal occurrence where millions of wild animals, including both carnivores and herbivores, trek from Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The great wildebeest migration is one of the world’s natural wonders on the list of several adventure seekers worldwide.
A Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda combines the raw, untamed beauty of the Serengeti with the mystical experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This unique safari offers an unparalleled adventure, blending the thrill of witnessing the Great Migration with the intimate encounter of meeting mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. We will guide you through the essentials of planning such an extraordinary trip, covering everything from costs and safety to the best times to visit and what to pack.
Can I See the Big Five in Serengeti National Park?
Yes, you can! The Serengeti National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The park’s vast plains and diverse ecosystems provide a perfect habitat for these iconic animals. Whether you’re on a game drive or a guided walking safari, the chances of spotting these magnificent creatures are high.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The cost of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African Citizens. This fee covers the permit but excludes accommodation, transportation, and other activities. Despite the cost, the experience of observing these gentle giants up close is priceless and contributes significantly to the conservation efforts of these endangered species.
Best Time to Visit
Serengeti for the Wildebeest Migration: The best time to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti is from June to October. During these months, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Volcanoes for Gorilla Trekking: The ideal time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These periods offer more manageable trekking conditions and a higher chance of encountering gorillas.
Why Serengeti and Volcanoes are Premier African Destinations
Both Serengeti and Volcanoes are rated among the top wildlife and gorilla trekking destinations in Africa due to their unique offerings:
Serengeti National Park: Known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the Great Migration, the Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for any safari enthusiast.
Volcanoes National Park: Home to the remaining world’s mountain gorillas, Volcanoes offers an unparalleled gorilla trekking experience. The park’s dense forests and rugged terrain add to the adventure, making it a top destination for primate lovers.
Combining the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda and Wildlife in Tanzania
Combining the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and wildlife in Tanzania offers a comprehensive African safari experience. This combination allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the thrill of big game viewing in the Serengeti and the intimate encounter with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes. It’s an African safari that caters to diverse interests and provides a deeper understanding of Africa’s rich biodiversity.
How to Get There
To Serengeti: Our travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania and then take a domestic flight to one of the airstrips in the Serengeti. Alternatively, you can drive from Arusha, which takes about 6-7 hours.
To Volcanoes National Park: Getting to the gorilla trekking site in Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major international hubs. From Kigali, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their Rwanda safari packages, making the journey hassle-free.
How Safe is a Safari in Serengeti and Volcanoes National Park?
Both the Serengeti and the Volcanoes are considered safe for tourists. However, it’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by your tour operator and local authorities. Always stay with your group, avoid wandering off alone, and adhere to the rules and regulations of the parks.
Where to Sleep on your Safari to Serengeti and Volcanoes?
Both destinations offer a range of accommodation options, from budget campsites to luxurious lodges. These accommodations are strategically located to provide comfort, proximity to the parks, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Many lodges also feature curio shops where you can purchase souvenirs and local crafts.
Rules of Safaris in Serengeti National Park
When on a safari in Serengeti National Park, it’s crucial to follow these rules:
- Honour the speed limit while on game drive in the Tanzania National game parks to prevent accidents on both the animals and the tourists. Driving off track is not accepted unless permitted by relevant authorities.
- Never disturb the wild animals by hooting at them as you may cause them to run away yet other tourists would like to have some moment with them just like you have. When you find them crossing stop and wait for them? Some of them may charge at you when you sound the dangerous vehicle horn.
- Don’t come with dogs or other pets into the park as chances of getting an infection from the wild animals or the pet may happen which is quite dangerous to conservation.
- Keep all your litter in your car like plastic wraps as these alter the nature of the environment where these animals thrive.
- Carrying ammunition in the park is not acceptable because you may be triggered to use it and kill the wild animals or anyone in your company.
- Never pick flowers or trample on the vegetation in the parks as you destroy the environment where animals thrive. Do not pack anything from the park but just take pictures while on safari and leave only vehicle tire prints.
- Retain all official receipts for verification at exit so that you are not inconvenienced
- All the park gates are open from 0700 hrs to 1900 hours.
Rules of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of Rwanda Development Board, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:
- Rwanda’s gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the gorillas.
- Feeding of the Mountain gorillas is prohibited.
- After locating the gorillas, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas studying their behavioural patterns and taking photos and videos.
- You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas.
- Gorillas are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.
- A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek the assigned gorilla families.
- Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.
- Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.
- Do not in any way get close to the gorillas to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.
- No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas.
- Avoid staring at the gorillas in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.
Perfect Parking List
For a Serengeti safari and gorilla trekking in Rwanda, consider packing the following essentials:
- Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes.
- A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly colored clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
- First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
- Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
- Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.
Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.
Booking Your Safari with Dav Safaris
Booking a safari to Serengeti and Volcanoes with Dav Safaris is straightforward. Check our packages, and choose the best suits your interests and budget. Our experienced team will assist you in planning every detail of your trip, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Note that the Rwanda Development Board prints only limited permits daily, so booking early for your trip is important. After purchasing your permit, expect to track gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
Whether you opt for a 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or a longer itinerary, you need to book the Serengeti Safari and gorilla trekking safari in advance because of the high demand for gorilla permits and easy planning.
Contact Us to help you book the gorilla permit and organize your entire safari to Rwanda and Tanzania, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.