Comprehensive Guide to Planning an Exclusive Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda
A Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Adventure in Uganda or Rwanda offers the perfect way to experience two of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife adventures. This journey takes you through Tanzania’s famed Northern Circuit, including the Serengeti, other hidden gems of Tanzania like Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and into the heart of East Africa’s primate strongholds: Bwindi or Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
From choosing which places to visit to obtaining permits and the actual experience, organizing a combined gorilla trekking and African safari trip in Tanzania can be extremely difficult for many tourists. Here are some quick tips and guidelines to help you plan your trip.
Our popular 14 Days Luxury African Safari and Gorilla Trekking Tour perfectly combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and golden monkey tracking at Volcanoes National Park with the excitement of a wildlife safari in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This itinerary offers the perfect blend of primate encounters and big game safaris ensuring a memorable African adventure.
How to Combine A Luxury Safari in Tanzania with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
You can easily do a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari by starting your trip in either region. One option is to fly into Kigali or Entebbe, spend 3 to 4 nights for the gorilla trekking experience, then fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport to begin your safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit before flying home from there.
Alternatively, you can start your journey in Tanzania by flying into Kilimanjaro, enjoying several days of game drives in parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and then catch a flight to Kigali or Entebbe for the gorilla trekking portion.
For those trekking in Uganda, arriving in Kigali offers a shorter 4-hour drive to Bwindi, avoiding the longer 10-hour journey from Entebbe. There’s also the option of flying directly from the Serengeti into Kigali or Entebbe on a small aircraft, making it even easier to connect both experiences in one seamless trip.
What’s the Best Order for a Combined Luxury Tanzania Safari Adventure?
A common question among travelers is whether to start with gorilla trekking or the luxury safari portion of the trip. Some prefer to trek first, concerned that they might get injured or fall ill during the hike, potentially affecting the rest of their safari. Others feel it’s better to begin with the safari and save the gorillas for last, though they worry they might be too tired to fully enjoy the physically demanding trek. In reality, the order largely comes down to personal preference and flight logistics, as both experiences can be combined smoothly depending on your route.
From our experience, safaris aren’t overly tiring most of the day is spent in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle with regular breaks and early evenings at the lodge. Gorilla trekking, while more physically intense, is well-managed with experienced guides and armed rangers who assist along the trails. It’s a safe and structured activity, even in dense forest. That said, many travelers find it ideal to do gorilla trekking first, while they’re still fresh and energized, followed by the more relaxed pace of a safari through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit.
Allowing two to three days for trekking and four to five days for safari makes for a balanced itinerary, and if your schedule allows, adding a rest day in between can help ease the transition. The relaxed pace of a safari is a pleasant diversion from the strenuous nature of hiking. Enjoy the famous Serengeti sunsets to cap off your trip, or consider extending your vacation to Zanzibar.
Choosing Between Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking When planning a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer world-class gorilla trekking, but the best choice depends on your budget, travel style, and timing.
- Uganda is more budget-friendly, with permits at $800 and opportunities to explore multiple gorilla families in Bwindi. It also offers extras like chimpanzee trekking. However, treks can be tougher, and logistics to Tanzania may require an overnight in Entebbe.
- Rwanda offers easier access just a few hours from Kigali and more luxury lodge options. Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is less strenuous, but permits cost $1,500 and the park is smaller, often attracting more visitors.
Choose Uganda for value and variety, or Rwanda for comfort and convenience.
Best Ways to Travel Between Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda
- Flying: The Most Efficient Option
The fastest and most convenient way to connect gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a Tanzania safari is by air. There are several scheduled and charter flights available between key airports like Kigali, Entebbe, and Kilimanjaro, making it easy to move between countries without losing valuable time. - Road Travel: Not Ideal for Most Itineraries
While it’s technically possible to travel by road between Tanzania and the gorilla trekking regions, it’s not practical for most travelers. A road trip between Tanzania and Rwanda is feasible via the Rusumo or Mutukula borders, respectively. Mwanza City and Bukoba Town provide access to these border points from Arusha or the Western Serengeti. However, the trip is lengthy and could take up to two days.
When to Plan Your Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Adventure
You can plan a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari at any time of year since Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania all enjoy relatively stable weather patterns, with average daytime temperatures around 25°C and cooler nights. The main rainy season falls between March and May, with shorter rains in October and November. While these months can make some roads more difficult, they also bring perks like fewer crowds and discounted rates at many safari lodges.
The right time to travel really comes down to what you want to see. If your goal is simply to experience the Big Five in Tanzania alongside gorilla trekking, you’re in luck, wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, especially in the Central and Western Serengeti where resident animals are always present.
However, if the wildebeest migration is part of your dream safari, timing becomes more important.
- From January to March, herds gather in the Ndutu area for calving season.
- April and May mark the early stages of their journey toward the western corridor, building up to dramatic river crossings at the Grumeti in June and early July.
- Late July through early October is the best time to witness the famous Mara River crossings, a thrilling wildlife spectacle.
- By November, the herds begin to circle back into the eastern and southern Serengeti, completing the loop.
If you’re planning around the migration, consider which stage interests you most and schedule your gorilla trekking accordingly either before or after the safari.
Why book your Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Adventure with Engabi Tours and Travel?
Engabi Tours and Travel is a trusted East African tour company with deep roots and first-hand expertise in organizing gorilla trekking adventures and wildlife safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. With a strong reputation built on authentic experiences and excellent service, we’re proud to be highly rated and recommended by travelers on TripAdvisor.
More Questions About Combining a Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari in Uganda or Rwanda
What Else Can I Add to a Combined Luxury Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking Trip?
In addition to a Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari, travelers can enhance their journey with a variety of unique experiences. You might choose to track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda or Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, spend time with golden monkeys, or explore local cultures through guided community visits. Scenic boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Ihema in Akagera add a relaxing contrast to the adventure. If you’re drawn to the coast, unwinding on the beaches of Zanzibar, Lake Kivu, or Lake Victoria offers a perfect end to your trip. For those with extra time, more safari drives in Uganda’s savannah parks or Akagera National Park can deepen your wildlife encounters.
Can You Trek Gorillas in Both Uganda and Rwanda on the Same Trip with a Luxury Tanzania Safari?
Yes, you can. Travelers can combine gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda either before or after a Tanzania safari. One option is to fly into Kigali, trek in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks over 4 to 6 days, then fly out from Kigali. Alternatively, you can start in Entebbe, explore Uganda’s parks and chimpanzees, trek gorillas in Bwindi, cross into Rwanda, trek again in Volcanoes, and depart from Kigali.
Where can I do a Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Rwanda?
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest, known for its bamboo forests and mountain views. In Uganda, it takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in the southwest about 10 hours from Kampala or 4 hours from Kigali.
Trekking is available year-round, but the dry months from June to October offer the best conditions. Gorilla permits must be booked in advance often up to two years ahead. In Rwanda, permits cost $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. In Uganda, the cost is $800, $700, and UGX 300,000 respectively.
Ready to go on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Let us help you create the perfect Combined Luxury Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari that combines two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one unforgettable journey. Our expert guides will ensure that you experience both destinations at their best with seamless transfers, expert guidance and personalized service every step of the journey.
