Tips for Combining Gorilla Trekking With A Tanzania Safari
The fog dissipated as we crouched quietly, hearts racing. Merely fifteen feet apart, a formidable silverback gorilla adjusted his stance, his black eyes observing us with unmistakable intellect. Days later, we were rendered speechless as thousands of wildebeest surged across the Mara River, presenting a distinct yet equally formidable animal sight. East Africa presented us with two of nature’s most remarkable offerings in one expedition.
Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters can be seamlessly integrated into a singular, unforgettable expedition. Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda provides close interactions with our nearest cousins, whereas Tanzania’s expansive savannahs give the archetypal safari experience. Despite geographical separation, the amalgamation of these excursions is not only feasible but also gaining popularity among discriminating tourists in pursuit of the quintessential African wildlife experience.
We have compiled crucial strategies for orchestrating a smooth expedition that encompasses both experiences, optimising your time and guaranteeing the most fulfilling interactions with Africa’s extraordinary animals.
Gorilla Trekking With A Tanzania Safari Packages
Gorillas and Wildebeest Migration
There isn’t a single event or species known as “Gorillas and Wildebeest Migration” because gorillas do not migrate in the same way wildebeest do; instead, gorilla trekking can be combined with the wildebeest migration safari for a multi-faceted East African experience. The Great Migration is a continuous, year-round movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, driven by seasonal rains and new grass growth.
Gorilla trekking And Tanzania Safari
Your expedition proceeds to the pristine plains of the Serengeti, where you will reside for three nights at the opulent Sayari Camp. You will have the opportunity to observe the magnificent phenomenon of the Great Migration, as wildebeest traverse the Mara River. A single night at a pleasant hotel rejuvenates you prior to a three-night stay at Asilia Erebero Hills, nestled within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
Tarangire, Serengeti And Volcanoes
“Tarangire, Serengeti, And Volcanoes” refers to a combination of destinations for a safari, where Tarangire National Park is known for its elephants and baobab trees, the Serengeti is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, and “Volcanoes” likely refers to either the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, known for mountain gorillas, or the volcanic landscapes in the Great Rift Valley where the Serengeti is located. A multi-destination trip can combine these parks for diverse wildlife viewing and cultural experiences.
Rwanda, Tanzania And Zanzibar Safari
A Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar safari is an adventure that combines mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the iconic Big Five safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and relaxing on Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches. The trip involves flights between countries, with typical activities including gorilla encounters, game drives, a hot air balloon ride, and historical tours on Zanzibar, culminating in a blend of jungle, savanna, and ocean experiences.
Rwanda, Tanzania And Zanzibar
Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are popular countries for East African tourist itineraries, combining unique experiences like mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s forests, wildlife safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and tropical relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches. Travelers often arrange tours that link these destinations to experience a diverse range of African adventures, from the dense jungles and diverse wildlife to the vibrant coral reefs and cultural history of the Indian Ocean.
Rwanda-Tanzania-Zanzibar Itinerary
Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar are distinct countries/islands often combined in luxurious tourist itineraries for their diverse experiences: Rwanda offers mountain gorilla trekking, Tanzania provides vast wildlife safaris like the Serengeti migration and Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar is a tropical island known for pristine beaches, spice tours, and Stone Town’s history. Travelers combine these locations to enjoy a trip that includes forest, savannah, and coastal environments.
Rwanda And Tanzania Safari
A Rwanda and Tanzania safari combines iconic East African experiences: trekking with endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and going on a classic “Big 5” safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and other parks. Travelers fly between countries, beginning with gorilla trekking and cultural experiences in Rwanda before transitioning to the vast plains and diverse wildlife of Tanzania.
Rwanda And Tanzania Itinerary
A common Rwanda-Tanzania itinerary involves a flight from Kigali (Rwanda) to Tanzania, focusing on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and then a Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania to see the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. A 10-15 day trip can cover these highlights, beginning with the culture and nature of Kigali and the volcanoes, followed by the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the Tanzanian parks, including elephant-rich Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast Serengeti.
Uganda And Tanzania Itinerary
A Tanzania safari and Uganda gorilla trek can be combined for a comprehensive East African wildlife and primate experience, featuring the Serengeti’s savanna wildlife alongside the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Logistics involve flying between the countries, often starting in Uganda for gorilla trekking (e.g., flying into Kigali or Entebbe) and then flying to Tanzania for wildlife viewing (e.g., flying into Arusha or Kilimanjaro), or vice-versa.
10 Days Tanzania and Uganda Safari
A safari itinerary in Tanzania and Uganda generally integrates wilderness in Uganda with wildlife observation in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. A typical 10-day itinerary encompasses wildlife drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, followed by a flight to Tanzania for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Alternative popular choices include visiting Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Uganda-Rwanda-Tanzania Itinerary
A Uganda-Rwanda-Tanzania itinerary typically involves starting in one country and transferring to the next, focusing on gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, followed by wildlife safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. A common route includes arriving in Uganda or Rwanda, trekking with gorillas, then flying or driving to Tanzania for the iconic Big Five. Typical activities include chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat cruises, and cultural visits.
Kenya Tanzania And Uganda Itinerary
A typical Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda itinerary focuses on wildlife viewing and primate trekking, combining gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda with iconic safari parks in Kenya and Tanzania like Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Itineraries range from 10 to over 20 days, often starting in Uganda or Kenya and including transfers, game drives, boat safaris, and cultural visits to create a comprehensive East African wildlife experience.
Kenya Tanzania And Uganda Safari
A Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda safari is an East African adventure offering mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, classic Big Five safaris and the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, and the unique Ngorongoro Crater. A typical itinerary involves starting in Uganda, transferring to Kenya, then moving to Tanzania, often concluding in Arusha or with a flight from the Serengeti. The best time for a combined safari is during the dry season, from June to October, for peak wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Combine
Timing is essential when organising a gorilla trekking expedition with a Tanzania safari. There exists a substantial overlap in advantageous conditions for both.
For gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, the prime seasons are:
- December to February (short dry season)
- June to September (long dry season)
Tanzania’s best safari seasons align well:
- June to October (dry seasons with excellent wildlife viewing)
- December to March (good for wildebeest calving in southern Serengeti)
The period from June to September is optimal, providing arid conditions for gorilla trekking and coinciding with the prime safari season in Tanzania, during which the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs in the northern Serengeti. The optimal period to observe this remarkable natural occurrence, including the dramatic river crossings, is from late June to August.
Regional Climate Considerations
Uganda often has greater precipitation than Rwanda, resulting in a more verdant and dense forest. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest experiences greater precipitation than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, despite the latter’s higher altitude.
The variations in Tanzania include Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and Southern Tanzania (Nyerere, Ruaha), which experience distinct rainy seasons, with the southern parks often receiving greater precipitation during the wet season.
Logistics: Planning and Booking
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are necessary for trekking and interacting with mountain gorilla families. In 2025, the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda is approximately US$800 per individual, however in Rwanda, the permits are priced higher at US$1,500. These permissions must be obtained well in advance, particularly for visits during high season.
It is advisable to secure permits as early as feasible and to verify their availability for your desired dates prior to finalising flights and accommodations. Owing to their scarcity, permits are rapidly exhausted, particularly during the high season.
Travel Documentation and Health Requirements
Visas: The majority of overseas tourists necessitate tourist visas for Uganda and Tanzania. An East African Visa permits travel among many countries in the region, specifically Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for travel between these countries. Travellers entering Tanzania from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Ethiopia are required to provide a Yellow Fever vaccination card. It is advisable to visit your local travel clinic for the most current information regarding immunisations. Additional suggested immunisations comprise hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
Health precautions: Both gorilla trekking regions and certain locations of Tanzania provide a danger of malaria. It is advisable to see your local travel clinic or physician regarding this matter.
Transportation Between Countries
Aerial travel is the most efficient means of transportation between gorilla trekking locations and Tanzania’s safari areas. Nonstop flights link Rwanda (Kigali) and Uganda (Entebbe) to several destinations in Tanzania.
Key routes include:
- Kigali (Rwanda) to Kilimanjaro Airport or Dar es Salaam
- Entebbe (Uganda) to Kilimanjaro Airport or Dar es Salaam
- Direct flights from Kigali to Serengeti Airstrips (limited schedule)
Uganda vs Rwanda When Combining with Tanzania
Uganda and Rwanda provide remarkable gorilla trekking experiences; yet, certain distinctions may affect your decision when organising a Tanzania combo.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Pros:
- More affordable permits (US$800 compared to Rwanda’s US$1,500)
- Multiple gorilla families across different sectors of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Additional wildlife experiences like chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
Cons:
- Typically, more challenging and longer treks through dense forest
- Slightly more remote location when connecting to Tanzania
- Often requires an overnight in Entebbe before flying to Tanzania
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Pros:
- Somewhat easier trekking conditions in Volcanoes National Park
- More accessible location (2-3 hours from Kigali)
- More luxury accommodation options
Cons:
- Higher permit costs
- Smaller forest area with potentially more visitors
Great Wildebeest Migration vs Hidden Gems
Magical Migration
The Great Migration, referred to as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, is a remarkable natural phenomenon with around 1.5 million wildebeest alongside hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrating annually in a clockwise trajectory inside the Serengeti-Mara habitat.
The migration adheres to the same route year, however the precise timing of the herds’ travel is significantly influenced by the onset of the rains. The pattern often adheres to these timings:
- December to March: Herds gather in the southern Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for calving season.
- April to June: Movement toward the central and western Serengeti.
- July to October: Northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings (the most dramatic phase).
- November: The herds return south as the short rains begin.
Tanzania’s Hidden Gems
Although the Serengeti is the prominent highlight of Tanzania’s tourism, the nation possesses numerous concealed treasures awaiting discovery. Areas in Tanzania that can be combined with a gorilla trekking safari include:
- Tarangire National Park: Famous for large herds of elephant and towering baobabs, particularly rewarding during the dry season
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Africa’s largest game reserve, offering boat safaris along the Rufiji River and diverse wildlife
- Ruaha National Park: One of Tanzania’s wildest parks with excellent predator sightings and very few tourists
- Rubondo Island: Extraordinary chimpanzee trekking and a tranquil island setting in Lake Victoria.
How to Travel Between Each Country
Flying: The Recommended Option
Air travel is the most efficient method to integrate gorilla trekking with a safari in Tanzania. Numerous airlines, encompassing both scheduled services and charter flights, function connecting the principal hubs in Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Road Travel Considerations
Although road travel between gorilla trekking locations and Tanzania is feasible, it is predominantly impracticable for most tourists due to extensive distances, border crossings, and inconsistent road conditions. The road journey from Kigali to the Serengeti is approximately 592 miles (590 km), necessitating around 16 hours of travel.
In What Order Should You Do This?
For most travellers, the optimal sequence is:
Gorilla Trekking First, Safari Second
The rationale behind this sequence is because gorilla trekking is physically strenuous, making it advisable to do when one is at peak energy levels. The relaxed tempo of a safari is a refreshing contrast to the exertions of trekking. Conclude your expedition with the legendary sunsets of the Serengeti or consider an extension to a break in Zanzibar.
Allocate two to three days for gorilla trekking, succeeded by four to five days for your safari in Tanzania. A rest day between the two events is advisable if time permits.