The Best Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The Best Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

We bring you The Best Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari. Let’s learn about the perfect blend of Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventures in 2025. Expert planning tips, luxury accommodations & comprehensive itinerary for an unforgettable Safari Zanzibar.


Did you know that less than 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild? Combining Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking creates an extraordinary African adventure that lets you witness these magnificent creatures up close. As someone who's guided countless Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking expeditions, I can tell you that nothing compares to the thrill of observing gorillas in their natural habitat before unwinding on Zanzibar's pristine beaches. This unique combination has transformed countless travelers' lives, including Sarah Matthews, a recent client who called it "the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation."

How to Plan the Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: A 10-Day Safari

Day 1-2: Begin with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey begins in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Stay at the prestigious Bisate Lodge, where luxury meets conservation. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience starts early with a briefing from expert guides. Each gorilla trek costs $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens allowing one precious hour with these gentle giants. Spend your first afternoon learning about conservation efforts and exploring the lodge's reforestation projects. Day two offers another gorilla trek or golden monkey tracking. Accommodations range from $200 at mid-range hotels to $3,000 at luxury lodges per night, including gourmet meals featuring local cuisine.


Day 3-4: Rwanda Cultural Tour

The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure continues in Kigali. Base yourself at the Kigali Serena Hotel while exploring the city's cultural heritage. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, traditional markets, and local communities. Enjoy authentic Rwandan coffee experiences and cooking classes. This portion of your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey provides crucial context to Rwanda's remarkable recovery and development. Accommodation options span from $150 to $500 per night.


Day 5-7: Transfer to Stone Town, Zanzibar

Your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience shifts to historic Stone Town. Stay at the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Explore UNESCO-listed streets, spice markets, and Persian baths. Take a spice tour to understand the island's trading history and sample local delicacies. The Safari Zanzibar portion includes sunset dhow cruises and visits to Prison Island's giant tortoises. Lodging ranges from $100 in boutique hotels to $800 in luxury properties.


Day 8-10: Zanzibar Beaches

Conclude your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey at the exclusive Zuri Zanzibar resort. Enjoy world-class snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, sunset sailing trips, and peaceful beach walks. The Safari Zanzibar experience includes optional water sports, spa treatments, and fresh seafood dining. Final accommodation options range from $200 to $1,500 per night, all-inclusive.

Can I See Whales on a Safari Zanzibar?

Yes, you can see whales on your safari Zanzibar but this is never guaranteed. You can only witness these majestic humpback whales during their annual migration. From July to September, while planning your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking expedition, you can incorporate whale watching into your coastal activities. The warm waters around Zanzibar become a playground for these magnificent creatures, adding another spectacular wildlife encounter to your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey. The best viewing spots include the waters off Nungwi and Matemwe, where specialized boats operated by marine conservation experts offer responsible whale-watching experiences. Case in point: during my last Safari Zanzibar tour in August 2024, we witnessed a mother humpback whale and her calf breaching just 100 meters from our boat a moment that rivalled even the gorilla encounters in Rwanda for sheer natural drama. Tour prices range from $80 to $150 per person, and morning trips typically offer the calmest sea conditions. Many luxury resorts can arrange private whale watching excursions, combining the activity with snorkeling or sunset cruises for a full day of marine adventure.

Best Time to Go for Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Planning your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure requires careful timing consideration. The optimal period for gorilla trekking is during Rwanda's dry seasons (June to September and December to February). These months also align perfectly with the Safari Zanzibar experience, offering ideal beach conditions and clear waters for snorkeling. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking combination works particularly well in July and August, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is minimal in both destinations.

How to Get There for Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey typically begins with flights to Kigali International Airport. Major carriers like KLM, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines offer convenient connections. The Safari Zanzibar portion is reached via flights from Kigali to Zanzibar International Airport, operated by RwandAir or Kenya Airways. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience is enhanced by choosing airlines with reliable schedules and comfortable aircraft.

What to Bring for Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

A successful Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure requires thoughtful packing. For Rwanda gorilla trekking, bring sturdy hiking boots, gardening gloves, and waterproof clothing. The Safari Zanzibar portion needs lightweight, modest beachwear, sun protection, and reef-safe sunscreen. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience benefits from quality camera equipment, including a good zoom lens for gorilla photography and an underwater camera for marine life.

Top Places to Stay for Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

During your Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure, accommodation choices can make or break your experience. In Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest offers unparalleled luxury near the park. The Safari Zanzibar section features the exclusive andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge, providing barefoot luxury on a private isle. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking journey can be customized with boutique hotels or ultra-luxury resorts, depending on your preferences and budget.

Read more about Top 10 Luxury 5-Star Hotels and Resorts for Zanzibar Safari Holidays

Booking with Dav Safaris for Safari Zanzibar with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Transform your dream Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure into reality with Dav Safaris. Their expert team specializes in creating seamless experiences that maximize your time in both destinations. The Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking packages include all necessary permits, accommodations, and transfers. The Safari Zanzibar portion is carefully coordinated with your gorilla trekking dates to ensure a perfect flow.


Contact Dav Safaris today to begin planning your customized Safari Zanzibar and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure. Our dedicated team will ensure every detail is perfect, from securing your gorilla permits to choosing the ideal beach resort in Zanzibar. 

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