Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti Safari?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a Serengeti safari are two of the most iconic and sought-after wildlife experiences in East Africa. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of the world, you might wonder, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti safari? The good news is that yes, it’s not only possible but also highly recommended for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a diverse and unforgettable adventure.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to the rare mountain gorillas, offering travelers a chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. On the other hand, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is famous for its vast savannas, large populations of predators, and, of course, the Great Migration. By combining these two destinations, you’ll experience a blend of both mountain and savannah wildlife, making for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about combining these two extraordinary experiences, from travel logistics and flight options to questions about gorilla trekking permits and wildlife migration. If you’re asking, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti safari?, we have all the answers for you. Let’s dive into the details and plan your perfect East African adventure!

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What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Close Encounter with Mountain Gorillas

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the world’s most unique and thrilling wildlife experiences. Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This park sits at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, an area known for its dense forests and stunning landscapes. Trekking to see the gorillas can be physically demanding, as it involves hiking through steep, mountainous terrain, but the reward is well worth the effort.

The experience is intimate and unforgettable, as you spend time observing the gorillas in their natural environment. Rwanda limits the number of people allowed to trek each day to minimize the impact on the gorillas, which adds to the exclusivity of the experience. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who helps track the gorilla families, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

One of the key factors in planning your gorilla trekking experience is the cost of the permit. As of now, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person. This includes park entry fees, the services of a guide, and the opportunity to spend one hour with the gorillas once they are found. The price may seem high, but seeing the endangered mountain gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the fees help contribute to conservation efforts in Rwanda.

It’s important to note that permits are limited and in high demand, so it’s advisable to book your permit well in advance. The trek can be challenging due to the altitude and terrain, so it’s recommended to be physically prepared for the hike. However, the experience of being in the presence of these magnificent creatures will make every step worthwhile.

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

A Unique Blend of Two Different Ecosystems

If you’re wondering, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti safari? the answer is a resounding yes! Combining these two experiences offers the best of both worlds: the chance to witness the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the opportunity to explore the Serengeti, one of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves.

The Serengeti National Park is a vast, expansive area in northern Tanzania, renowned for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos). The Serengeti is most famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. This spectacle is one of nature’s most remarkable events, and it’s an experience that should not be missed.

While Rwanda offers a unique mountain experience, the Serengeti provides a contrasting savanna ecosystem filled with large predators, herds of herbivores, and stunning landscapes. By combining these two destinations, you get to explore both the lush forests of Rwanda and the golden plains of Tanzania.

Travel Logistics: Flights and Connections

When planning a trip that combines Rwanda and the Serengeti, it’s important to consider the most efficient way to travel between the two destinations. The best route is typically to fly from Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Several airlines offer flights connecting these two cities, including RwandAir and Kenya Airways. The flight time is typically around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Once in Tanzania, you can easily access the Serengeti by flying to one of the park’s airstrips, such as Seronera or Kogatende, with short domestic flights offered by airlines like Coastal Aviation and Precision Air. These flights take about 45 minutes, and from there, you can embark on your Serengeti safari. Depending on your time constraints, you may also want to explore other nearby parks like the Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park.

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To make the most of your combination trip, it’s important to consider the best times to visit both Rwanda and the Serengeti. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, though the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are considered the best, as the trekking conditions are easier during these months. During this period, the weather is also more conducive to wildlife viewing in Rwanda.

For the Serengeti, the timing of your visit largely depends on whether you want to witness the Great Migration. The best time to see the migration in the Serengeti is between July and October, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the park. However, if you’re interested in general wildlife viewing, the Serengeti is great to visit year-round, with the dry season offering clearer views of wildlife in the vast open plains.

By timing your visit to Rwanda for gorilla trekking during the dry months and then heading to the Serengeti for the migration or general wildlife viewing, you can experience two of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife experiences in one trip.

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

Exploring the Possibilities of the Great Migration

If you’re planning a trip to East Africa and wondering whether you can combine gorilla trekking with the Great Migration, the answer is also yes. While many travelers combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Serengeti safari, it’s possible to extend your adventure by adding the Maasai Mara in Kenya to your itinerary. The Maasai Mara is famous for its own part in the Great Migration, as wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in dramatic scenes.

The migration occurs both in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, so you could visit both parks to witness this natural spectacle. A combination of Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania offers the ultimate East African safari experience, allowing you to see a variety of wildlife and landscapes, from the lush forests of Rwanda to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the Mara.

Connecting Multiple Destinations with Ease

Traveling between Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania is straightforward. Flights from Kigali to Nairobi (Kenya) and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) are available, and from there, you can take short flights to the parks you want to visit. It’s advisable to work with a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd to plan your multi-destination itinerary. This ensures smooth transfers, expert guides, and a seamless experience across multiple countries.

Conclusion: Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Serengeti safari offers a unique opportunity to experience two of East Africa’s most famous and diverse wildlife areas. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, is here to help you plan this unforgettable journey. Our expert guides will ensure your trip is well-organized, and we’ll assist with all travel logistics, from flights to accommodations, to make your East African safari as smooth as possible.

If you’re asking yourself, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti safari?, the answer is yes, and Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can make this dream trip a reality. Reach out today to begin planning your adventure and experience the best of East Africa’s wildlife!