Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
Combining a Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park with a Tanzania wildlife safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offers the ultimate East African adventure. This 8–10 day journey merges the intimate, misty mountain encounter with endangered gorillas ($1,500 permit) with the vast, sweeping savannahs and the Great Migration. It provides a diverse, high-end experience of Africa's most iconic wildlife.
Part 1: The Misty Mountains of Rwanda (Gorilla Trekking)
The adventure typically begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s pristine capital, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. This park is home to over 450 mountain gorillas.
The Trek: Led by expert guides, trekkers hike through dense, bamboo-covered slopes, often in wet conditions. The search can take several hours, but the experience of encountering a habituated gorilla family is profound.
The Experience: Visitors spend one hour with the gorillas, watching them eat, play, and groom.
Additional Activities: Beyond gorillas, visitors can trek for golden monkeys or hike to the Dian Fossey grave.
Accommodation: Luxury options include Bisate Lodge or Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Part 2: The Endless Plains of Tanzania (Wildlife Safari)
After flying from Kigali to Tanzania (typically Kilimanjaro or Arusha), the safari adventure begins.
Serengeti National Park: Renowned for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebra move across the plains. It offers unparalleled viewing of big cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—especially ****ween June and October.
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this "eighth wonder of the world" is a caldera teeming with 25,000 large animals, including the endangered black rhino.
Tarangire National Park (Optional): Often included for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
Typical 10-Day Combined Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & afternoon cultural experience.
Day 4: Golden Monkey trekking or Dian Fossey hike, transfer to Kigali.
Day 5: Fly to Kilimanjaro (JRO), Tanzania; Transfer to Arusha.
Day 6: Drive to Serengeti National Park; evening game drive.
Day 7 & 8: Full-day game drives in the Serengeti.
Day 9: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, afternoon game drive.
Day 10: Final game drive, departure from Kilimanjaro.
Key Tips and Logistics
Permits & Costs: Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person. Combining this with a luxury Tanzanian safari often exceeds $10,000–$15,000+ per person.
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June–September or December–February) are ideal for both trekking and game viewing.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking requires walking on uneven, slippery, and steep terrain.
Packing: Pack layers for cold mornings in Rwanda and hot days in Tanzania, along with sturdy hiking boots for the forest.
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