Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Combo.

At Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, we specialize in crafting customized African safari experiences. Whether you’re starting your journey in Rwanda or Tanzania, we can help design the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Safari in Tanzania?

Africa offers some of the world’s most diverse and captivating wildlife experiences, and combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with a Tanzania safari allows you to witness both mountain gorillas and the Big Five in one trip.

• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda gives you the chance to observe endangered mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat, a rare and emotional wildlife encounter.
• Tanzania offers sweeping savannahs, iconic safari parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, and opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and more.

Together, these two experiences offer the ultimate African wildlife immersion.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest corner of the country. This park is part of the greater Virunga Mountain Range and is home to several habituated gorilla families.

Visitors are grouped into parties of eight and guided by armed rangers to track and spend up to one hour with the gorillas. The treks vary in length and difficulty depending on the gorillas’ movements. It’s essential to attend a pre-trek briefing conducted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), where you’ll receive safety and etiquette guidelines.

How to Combine Tanzania Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

There are two main ways to structure your itinerary:

1. Start with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and then fly to Tanzania for your safari.
2. Begin your trip in Tanzania and conclude with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Flight Options Between Tanzania and Rwanda

Daily flights connect Rwanda and Tanzania, making it easy to move between the two destinations. Airlines servicing this route include:

• RwandAir
• Kenya Airways
• Uganda Airlines
• Airlink

Flights typically operate between Kigali (Rwanda) and Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (Tanzania).

Can You Drive from Tanzania to Rwanda?

Yes, overland travel between Rwanda and Tanzania is possible. The most common route involves traveling through northern Tanzania and entering Rwanda via border crossings such as Rusumo. A road trip offers an immersive view of East Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and local towns.

Our team at Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can assist with logistics, route planning, border requirements, and permits for this unforgettable road adventure.

Gorilla Permit Cost and Booking Process in Rwanda

Booking a gorilla permit in Rwanda is mandatory for anyone wishing to participate in a trek. Permit costs as of 2025 are:

• USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 500 for foreign residents
• USD 200 for East African citizens

Permits should be booked in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or via trusted operators like Monumental Expeditions and Safaris. Once your travel dates are confirmed, we will secure your permit, send you an invoice, and issue a confirmation once payment is received.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are during the dry seasons:

• June to October
• December to March

These months offer better hiking conditions, clearer trails, and easier photography due to sparse vegetation.

However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the wet season (April, May, and November) has its own perks, such as shorter trek distances and fewer tourists. Regardless of when you go, there is a 99% success rate in spotting gorillas.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

There are multiple accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget to luxury:

Luxury Lodges:

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge

Midrange Lodges:

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget Options:

• Kinigi Guest House
• Hotel Muhabura
• Gorilla Solution Lodge
• La Palme Hotel

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is approximately 2.5 hours by road from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport and take a scenic drive to the park, passing through the famous “Land of a Thousand Hills.” We provide private transfers and experienced driver-guides for this journey.

Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a trusted tour operator with extensive experience organizing gorilla trekking in Rwanda and safaris in Tanzania. We are committed to eco-tourism, conservation, and community empowerment.

Our services include:

• Tailor-made safari itineraries
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
• Big Five wildlife safaris
• Cultural excursions
• Mountain hiking and boat tours

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and work closely with local communities to ensure sustainable tourism.