3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari

4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari

5 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar

9 Days Birding and wildlife safari in Tanzania

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Imagine standing face-to-face with a majestic mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, then days later, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This epic safari combines two of Africa’s most iconic experiences: gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a safari adventure in Tanzania. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of East Africa, this guide will help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Day 1: Arrival and Briefing

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda. After landing, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will check into your chosen lodge. After settling in, you will attend a briefing session by park rangers who will provide detailed information about the gorilla trekking experience. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Start your day with an early morning breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing. You will then embark on your first trek into the forest to locate a gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. Once you find them, you will spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about the local culture. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you can share stories with fellow trekkers.

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trek and Transfer

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on the Golden Monkey Trek. This trek offers a different but equally fascinating experience as you search for these playful primates in the forest. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will transfer back to Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the flavours of Rwandan cuisine.

Day 4: Travel to Tanzania

After breakfast at your hotel in Kigali, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. After checking in, take some time to relax and unwind at the lodge. Dinner will be served at the lodge, allowing you to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 5: Acclimatization and Gear Preparation

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before spending the day acclimatizing and preparing your gear for the upcoming climb. You might choose to visit Arusha National Park or explore local markets to get a feel for the area. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Tanzanian cuisine. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to finalize your preparations. Dinner will be served at the lodge, ensuring you are well-nourished and ready for the climb.

Day 6: Final Preparations

Start your day with breakfast at the lodge. Today will be dedicated to final gear checks and a briefing with your climbing guides. This is an important day to ensure everything is for your Kilimanjaro climb. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the amenities of the lodge. Dinner will be served at the lodge, providing a final opportunity to rest before the adventure begins.

Day 7: Start of the Kilimanjaro Climb

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate to begin your climb. Depending on your chosen route, such as Marangu or Machame, you will trek through lush rainforests to reach the first camp. The day will involve several hours of trekking, with breaks for meals and rest. Dinner will be served at the camp, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s trek.

Days 8-10: Ascending Kilimanjaro

Each day will start with breakfast at the camp before you continue your ascent. The trek will take you through diverse landscapes, from rainforests to alpine deserts. You will have breaks for meals and rest, with your guides providing support and ensuring you stay on track. Each evening, you will arrive at a new camp, where dinner will be served. These days will be challenging but incredibly rewarding as you make your way closer to the summit.

Day 11: Summit Day and Descent

The final ascent to the summit begins in the early hours of the morning. You will trek through the night to reach the summit at sunrise, where you can celebrate your achievement and take in the breathtaking views. After spending some time at the summit, you will begin your descent to lower altitudes. Dinner will be served at the camp, where you can rest and reflect on your incredible journey.

Day 12: Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure

After breakfast at the camp, you will transfer to your chosen national park, such as Tarangire National Park or Ngorongoro Crater. Upon arrival, you will embark on an afternoon game drive, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the stunning scenery. In the evening, you will check into your lodge or tented camp, such as Tarangire Treetops or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge. Dinner will be served at the lodge, providing a relaxing end to the day.

Day 13: Final Safari and Departure

Start your day with an early morning game drive, offering one last opportunity to see the wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by some time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities. Lunch will be served at the lodge before you transfer to the airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your incredible adventure, filled with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Feel free to contact our team to help you customize your itinerary for a combined gorillas of Rwanda and Kilimanjaro safari experience.

Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from mid-December to early February and from June to September. These periods offer the most favourable trekking conditions, with less rain and more accessible trails.

Rwanda gorilla Permits and Regulations: Gorilla trekking permits are essential and must be obtained in advance. Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas and costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) manages the permits, and it’s crucial to book early due to high demand.

Preparing for Your Trek Preparation is key to a successful trek. Ensure you’re in good physical condition, as the hikes can be strenuous. Wear sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and waterproof clothing. Don’t forget to bring a good camera, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda: The home to these mountain gorillas of Rwanda. While the mountain gorillas are the main attraction, Volcanoes National Park is also home to golden monkeys and a variety of bird species. The Park offers stunning landscapes, including volcanic peaks and lush forests.

Accommodation Options: There are several accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. Choose accommodations that offer comfortable amenities and are conveniently located near the park entrance.

Travelling from the gorillas of Rwanda to the Kilimanjaro safari experience is relatively straightforward, with flights available from Kigali to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic overland journey, which offers a chance to see more of the region’s landscapes and cultures.

Tanzania boasts several renowned national parks and reserves, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Each offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning scenery.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter: you can expect to see the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Additionally, you’ll encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a plethora of bird species.

Best Times for Game Viewing: The best time for game viewing in Tanzania is during the dry season, from late June to October. This period coincides with the Great Migration in the Serengeti, offering spectacular wildlife sightings.

Popular Routes: There are several routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro, each with its unique features. The Marangu Route is the most popular, known for its hut accommodations. The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is more challenging but offers stunning scenery.

Fitness Requirements: Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a good level of fitness. It’s essential to train in advance, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength, and hiking practice. Altitude sickness is a concern, so acclimatization is crucial.

Acclimatization: To increase your chances of reaching the summit, choose a route that allows for gradual acclimatization. The longer routes, such as the Lemosho and Northern Circuit, provide better acclimatization opportunities.

Packing for this dual-destination adventure requires careful planning. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, a good camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to pack for both cold mountain climates and warm savanna conditions.

Engaging with local communities adds depth to your adventure. In Rwanda, visit local villages and learn about the culture and traditions of the Rwandan people. In Tanzania, explore Maasai villages and experience their unique way of life.

Both Rwanda and Tanzania are committed to conservation. Learn about the efforts to protect mountain gorillas and the ecosystems of Kilimanjaro. Support these initiatives by choosing eco-friendly tours and accommodations.

Capturing the beauty of gorillas and Kilimanjaro requires some photography know-how. Use a telephoto lens for wildlife shots, and take advantage of the golden hours for the best lighting. Don’t forget to bring extra batteries and memory cards.

Budgeting for this adventure involves considering costs for permits, accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. Plan and look for package deals that offer savings on combined experiences.

Staying healthy and safe is paramount. Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, carry a comprehensive first aid kit, and stay hydrated. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and take precautions to avoid it.

Extending Your Trip: Other Attractions in Rwanda and Tanzania

If you have extra time, consider extending your trip to explore more of Rwanda and Tanzania. Visit Lake Kivu in Rwanda or the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania for additional adventures.

From the misty mountains of Rwanda to the vast savannas of Tanzania, this journey offers unforgettable experiences and memories. Whether you’re trekking with gorillas or standing atop Kilimanjaro, the beauty and diversity of East Africa will leave a lasting impression.

Contact Our Team today to start planning your combined gorillas of Rwanda and Kilimanjaro safari experience. Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor to make the right decision.