Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa Safari?

East and Southern Africa offer an incredible range of wildlife and natural beauty, attracting travelers from around the world. When planning an African adventure, many wonder, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa safari? The answer is yes! Combining these two distinct yet amazing experiences can provide you with the opportunity to engage with some of the continent’s most iconic animals, explore diverse landscapes, and indulge in unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re keen to see the rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda or the Big Five in South Africa, this combination is truly a dream vacation for wildlife enthusiasts.

In this guide, we will explain how you can combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa safari. We’ll cover travel logistics, possible flight options, the best times to visit, and what you can expect from both destinations. We’ll also answer key questions like How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? and Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the great wildlife migration in Kenya or Tanzania? Read on for all the information you need to make the most of your unforgettable African journey.

Exceptional East Africa Safari Packages

What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

An Unparalleled Wildlife Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most unique wildlife experiences you can have. Rwanda is home to the Volcanoes National Park, which shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These endangered creatures are protected within the park’s dense rainforests, and visitors can embark on a trek to observe them in their natural habitat. The trek can be physically challenging, as it takes place through steep and often slippery terrain, but the reward is immense.

Once you locate a group of gorillas, you’ll spend an hour observing them. This intimate experience allows you to watch these incredible creatures interact, feed, and care for their young. The interaction is deeply moving, as gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, and their behaviors are strikingly similar to our own. The trek itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, making it an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

One of the main considerations for anyone planning a gorilla trekking trip to Rwanda is the cost of the permit. As of 2025, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person. This fee covers the park entry, the services of an expert ranger guide, and the privilege of spending one hour with the gorillas. While the price may seem high, it is a crucial source of funding for conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of these incredible animals. Additionally, it supports local communities by providing jobs and other economic benefits.

Because permits are limited and in high demand, it’s essential to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, which run from June to September. If you are traveling with a tour operator, they will help you secure your permits and ensure everything runs smoothly.

What is a South Africa Safari Like?

Exploring Iconic National Parks and Wildlife Reserves

South Africa is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering an array of national parks and private game reserves that are home to some of the world’s most iconic animals. A safari in South Africa provides the opportunity to see the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and a wide variety of bird species. The country boasts famous wildlife destinations such as Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, offers excellent game viewing opportunities. You can enjoy self-drive safaris or guided tours to track animals across vast, diverse landscapes, including open savannas, forests, and wetlands. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private reserve adjacent to Kruger, is known for its luxury lodges and exceptional game-viewing opportunities, especially for seeing leopards.

Best Time for a South Africa Safari

The best time for a South Africa safari is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler months, from June to August, are especially good for safaris, as the weather is pleasant and the vegetation is less dense, which also improves visibility. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the wet season (November to April) is ideal, as migratory birds arrive in South Africa during this time.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda with South Africa Safari

Short Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa Safari?

Combining Two Incredible Wildlife Experiences

The simple answer to the question, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa safari?, is yes! Combining these two experiences offers a perfect blend of Africa’s rich wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. The contrast between Rwanda’s misty mountains, home to the mountain gorillas, and South Africa’s vast savannas, home to the Big Five, makes for a truly extraordinary trip. Not only will you experience two different ecosystems, but you’ll also get to immerse yourself in two of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa.

The good news is that Rwanda and South Africa are well-connected by flights, making it relatively easy to travel between the two countries. This means you can enjoy both activities in one itinerary without too much hassle. After your adventure in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, you can fly to South Africa to begin your safari adventure.

How to Travel Between Rwanda and South Africa

The easiest way to travel between Rwanda and South Africa is by air. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is well-connected to major international hubs, including Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. The flight from Kigali to Johannesburg typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, and there are several airlines offering this route, including RwandAir and South African Airways. From Johannesburg, you can take a short domestic flight to various safari destinations in South Africa, such as Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands.

Flights between Rwanda and South Africa are relatively affordable and operate regularly, which makes it easy to travel between the two countries. Working with a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help you book your flights and ensure your itinerary is well-organized.

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

The Possibility of Adding the Great Migration to Your Itinerary

Another frequently asked question is whether you can combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. The answer is yes, and many travelers combine these experiences for the ultimate wildlife adventure. If you are already visiting East Africa for gorilla trekking, it’s worth considering adding a visit to the Serengeti or Maasai Mara to witness the Great Migration, which typically occurs between July and October. This migration is one of nature’s most spectacular events, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the plains, often crossing rivers filled with crocodiles and other predators.

By combining gorilla trekking with the Great Migration, you can experience two of Africa’s most incredible wildlife phenomena in one trip, offering a diverse range of experiences and landscapes.

Flights from Rwanda to South Africa

Convenient and Affordable Flight Options

To travel between Rwanda and South Africa, you’ll need to take a connecting flight. Flights from Kigali to Johannesburg or Cape Town are available on a variety of airlines, including RwandAir, South African Airways, and Kenya Airways. The flight duration from Kigali to Johannesburg is approximately 4 to 5 hours, and from Johannesburg, you can easily catch a domestic flight to one of South Africa’s top safari destinations.

South Africa’s major airports, like OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport, are well-connected to regional and international flights, making it easy to travel between countries. Booking your flights in advance is always advisable to get the best rates and availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Gorilla Trekking tours to Rwanda

Costs and Budgeting for Your Gorilla Trekking Rwanda with South Africa Safari

What to Expect in Terms of Costs?

When planning a combined gorilla trekking in Rwanda and South Africa safari trip, there are several costs to consider. The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person, which includes the trek and the services of a guide. A South Africa safari, on the other hand, can range in price depending on the type of safari you choose. Luxury safaris typically cost between $500 to $1,000 per day, while more budget-friendly options can range from $300 to $500 per day.

Flights between Rwanda and South Africa are relatively affordable, with round-trip tickets generally ranging from $400 to $700, depending on the season. Additional costs will include accommodation, meals, and park entry fees.

Conclusion: Gorilla Trekking Rwanda with South Africa Safari

If you’re asking, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a South Africa safari?, the answer is yes, and Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help make it happen. As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we specialize in creating customized itineraries that combine Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with the best safari experiences in South Africa. Our team will ensure that every aspect of your trip, from flights to accommodation and tours, is taken care of so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.

Contact Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd today to start planning your dream East and Southern Africa adventure, combining two of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences in one incredible journey!

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.