Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana Safari?

The allure of African wildlife is irresistible, and when it comes to planning the ultimate safari adventure, the question often arises: Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana safari? The answer is absolutely yes! These two destinations offer distinct yet complementary wildlife experiences, making it possible to combine a thrilling gorilla trek in Rwanda with the iconic safari experience in Botswana.

Rwanda’s lush Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, while Botswana boasts some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the famous Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. With a bit of careful planning, you can create an unforgettable itinerary that includes both experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can combine these two incredible activities, the best ways to travel between them, and what you can expect from each destination. We’ll also address some common questions like, How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania? Read on for the details on how to make this incredible adventure a reality.

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Rwanda Gorilla Trekking with Botswana Safari

But How Much is a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Life-Changing Experience with Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Africa. Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These gentle giants live in the dense forests of the park, and trekking to observe them in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. The trek, which can range from a short walk to several hours of hiking, is led by expert guides who are skilled at finding and tracking these elusive animals.

Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour with them, watching them interact, feed, and care for their young. This intimate connection with the gorillas is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The trek itself is physically demanding, so it’s important to be prepared for the terrain, which is often steep and slippery. But the reward – seeing the gorillas up close – is well worth the effort.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

A common question from travelers is, How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This price includes the cost of the trek, a park guide, and the opportunity to spend an hour with the gorillas. While the price may seem high, it is a key element of Rwanda’s conservation efforts, helping to protect the gorillas and their habitat. Additionally, the fees contribute to the local economy by providing jobs and supporting local communities.

Given the high demand for permits, it’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons from June to September. If you’re working with a tour operator, like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, they can help you secure permits as part of your customized itinerary.

What is a Botswana Safari Like?

Exploring Botswana’s Iconic Wildlife and Landscapes

Botswana is a safari destination that’s hard to beat. The country is known for its vast wilderness areas and rich wildlife. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and is home to a vast array of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos. The delta is unique in that it floods seasonally, creating a lush, green paradise for wildlife, which makes for some of the most spectacular safari experiences.

Chobe National Park is another highlight of Botswana. Known for having one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa, Chobe is also home to a wide variety of predators and herbivores. The park offers different ways to experience wildlife, from traditional game drives to boat safaris along the Chobe River, where you can spot elephants and hippos in the water.

Best Time for a Botswana Safari

The best time to visit Botswana for a safari is during the dry season, which lasts from May to October. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler weather also makes for more comfortable safari experiences. If you’re interested in birdwatching, the wet season (November to April) is ideal, as migratory birds flock to the delta.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana Safari?

A Perfect Blend of Two Different Wildlife Experiences

The question Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana safari? is an exciting one, and the answer is yes! Both Rwanda and Botswana offer some of the most unique wildlife experiences on the planet, but they provide very different types of encounters. While Rwanda offers an intimate and rare experience with the endangered mountain gorillas, Botswana provides the opportunity to see some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa, including the Big Five, in a variety of landscapes.

By combining gorilla trekking with a Botswana safari, you can enjoy two different ecosystems – the misty, forested mountains of Rwanda and the open savannas and lush deltas of Botswana. This combination offers an exceptional opportunity to witness both primates and large game animals, from gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda to elephants, lions, and crocodiles in Botswana.

How to Travel Between Rwanda and Botswana

The most efficient way to travel between Rwanda and Botswana is by air. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is well connected to international destinations, including major South African cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. From Johannesburg, you can catch a direct flight to Botswana’s primary international gateway, Maun. Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and the surrounding safari areas, and it is easily accessible from Johannesburg with a flight duration of around 1.5 hours.

Most flights between Rwanda and Botswana will require a stopover in Johannesburg, but you can also book connecting flights directly from Johannesburg to the Okavango Delta, Chobe, or other safari destinations in Botswana. If you work with a tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, they will help coordinate the flights and transfers to ensure smooth travel between these two exciting destinations.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Nairobi Kenya

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

The Possibility of Adding the Great Migration to Your Itinerary

A common question many travelers ask is whether it’s possible to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. The Great Migration, which occurs from July to October, is one of nature’s most spectacular events. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of water and fresh grazing. This is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife spectacles and is an excellent addition to your itinerary if you’re already visiting East Africa.

The Great Migration can be easily combined with gorilla trekking, as both Rwanda and Tanzania or Kenya are accessible by flight from one another. While Rwanda offers a unique experience with the mountain gorillas, Tanzania or Kenya offers another level of excitement with the Great Migration and an opportunity to witness Africa’s Big Five in action.

Flights Between Rwanda and Botswana

Convenient Air Travel Options

To travel from Rwanda to Botswana, you’ll typically fly from Kigali to Johannesburg and then take a connecting flight to Botswana. The flight from Kigali to Johannesburg is around 4 to 5 hours, and from Johannesburg, the flight to Maun or Kasane in Botswana is about 1.5 hours. Working with a tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd will ensure that your flights are organized efficiently and that you have enough time between connecting flights to relax.

Costs and Budgeting for Your Combined Trip

When budgeting for your trip to Rwanda and Botswana, it’s important to consider the costs involved. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 USD per person, and you’ll also need to budget for flights, accommodation, and safari activities in Botswana. A typical Botswana safari can range from $400 to $1,000 per day, depending on whether you opt for a luxury or more budget-friendly experience.

Flights from Rwanda to Botswana can cost between $500 and $1,000, depending on the time of booking and the class of service. Keep in mind that booking your flights in advance can help secure the best deals.

Conclusion: Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Your Trip?

If you’re wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana safari? the answer is undoubtedly yes! At Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we specialize in creating personalized travel itineraries that combine the best of Africa’s wildlife experiences. Whether you’re trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda or going on safari in Botswana, we ensure that your trip is seamless, memorable, and tailored to your preferences.

Contact us today to start planning your dream African adventure – combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with an exciting Botswana safari for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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Email: trips@dekstours.com
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Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.