Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara Kenya Safari?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a Masai Mara Kenya safari are two of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. If you’re planning to visit East Africa, the thought of combining both activities might have crossed your mind. The question, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara Kenya safari? is one that many travelers ask, and it’s one that can be answered positively. This combination allows you to experience two unique aspects of East Africa’s natural beauty, providing an unforgettable journey that blends the thrill of meeting the rare mountain gorillas with the excitement of witnessing the Great Migration in one of Africa’s most famous game reserves.

In this article, we will explore the logistics of combining these two incredible experiences, look at the cost and availability of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, and give you tips on how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. If you’re looking to experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda alongside a safari in Masai Mara, this write-up will guide you through all the essential details.

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What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Unique Wildlife Experience

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the world. Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and the Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwest, is one of the best places to track these majestic creatures. The trek involves walking through dense forests and high altitudes to locate the gorilla families, an experience that is both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding.

Once you’ve located a group, you get the chance to observe them in their natural habitat. These gorillas are incredibly rare, and their proximity to extinction makes encountering them a truly unique experience. The trek usually lasts between one to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. It’s essential to book your trekking permit in advance, as there are limited permits available daily to reduce the impact on the environment and the gorillas.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is an important factor to consider when planning your trip. As of now, the price for a single permit is $1,500 USD. This fee is inclusive of park entry, a guide, and the trek itself. It’s a significant investment, but the experience of seeing the mountain gorillas up close makes it worth every penny.

The permit grants you one hour with the gorillas, which is more than enough time to observe their behavior and snap photographs. While the trekking itself can be challenging, the thrill of spending time with these gentle giants makes it an experience that few travelers forget.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Safari in Masai Mara, Kenya?

The Ultimate East African Experience

Now that we know about the wonders of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, let’s dive into whether you can combine it with a safari in Masai Mara, Kenya. The short answer is yes, it is possible, and it’s actually a popular choice for those looking to experience both Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and Kenya’s famed wildlife. Rwanda and Kenya are geographically close to each other, making it fairly easy to combine both destinations in one trip.

A visit to Masai Mara gives you the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most iconic national parks, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and, during the migration period, millions of wildebeest and zebras. The park is especially famous for the Great Migration, when large herds of wildebeest and other animals cross the Mara River in search of better grazing grounds, creating one of nature’s most spectacular wildlife events.

Travel Logistics: Flights and Connections

While both Rwanda and Kenya are neighboring countries in East Africa, traveling between the two requires a bit of planning. The most efficient way to travel between Rwanda and Kenya is by air. Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda has daily flights to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), with airlines such as Kenya Airways and RwandAir offering convenient schedules. The flight between Kigali and Nairobi takes roughly one hour and 30 minutes.

Once in Nairobi, you can take a short flight to Masai Mara’s nearby airstrips, such as the Keekorok or Olkiombo airstrips. Flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara take about 45 minutes, making it an easy and quick connection. You could also opt for a road transfer, but this can take upwards of 5-6 hours, depending on the road conditions.

Timing and Best Seasons for Both Experiences

To make the most of your trip, it’s important to consider the best seasons for both gorilla trekking and a Masai Mara safari. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, but the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are the best times, as the trekking conditions are easier during these months. The wildlife in Rwanda is also easier to spot due to the lower vegetation and clearer skies.

On the other hand, the Great Migration in Masai Mara usually occurs from July to October, although the timing can vary slightly depending on weather patterns. To witness the migration, visiting Masai Mara during these months is highly recommended, as you will see thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles making their way across the Mara River, often encountering crocodiles and predators in dramatic scenes.

If you plan your trip strategically, you could visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking during the dry season, and then head to Kenya for a Masai Mara safari during the migration period, maximizing your chances of experiencing both unforgettable events.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda with Kenya Safari

Gorilla Trekking tours to Rwanda

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

The Wildlife Wonders of Kenya and Tanzania

If you’re interested in experiencing a broader range of East Africa’s wildlife, combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania is certainly feasible. The Great Migration is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in the world, occurring in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya). In addition to the wildebeest, you can see numerous other species, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and more.

Kenya’s Masai Mara is the more famous of the two when it comes to the migration, but Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is equally breathtaking. Combining a trek in Rwanda with safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania gives you the opportunity to witness a wider range of wildlife and natural landscapes, making for an epic safari experience.

Exploring the Possibility of Combining Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania

While both Kenya and Tanzania offer unparalleled safari experiences, it is possible to combine the two by flying between the countries or using overland routes. Flying between Nairobi, Kenya, and Serengeti, Tanzania, can be done in a few hours, making it a smooth transition. Overland routes between Kenya and Tanzania are also available, but they can take much longer.

If you’re keen to explore both countries’ wildlife offerings, it’s a good idea to engage a professional safari operator, like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, who can help plan your multi-country journey and ensure smooth logistics.

3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Conclusion: Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara Kenya Safari?

Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, or extending your journey to Tanzania is an exciting and unforgettable way to experience East Africa. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, is here to ensure that your trip is seamless and memorable. Whether you’re trekking through the Volcanoes National Park to see the gorillas or witnessing the Great Migration in Masai Mara, we provide professional guidance, expert advice, and tailored itineraries to ensure your adventure goes smoothly.

If you’re ready to take the leap and ask, Can I combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara Kenya safari? the answer is a resounding yes. With Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, your dream African safari experience is just a step away. Let us help you craft the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable adventure in East Africa!

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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.