Tips on Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Tanzania Safari
In the rainforests of Central Africa, you get to witness the endangered mountain gorillas. While in the presence of these gentle giants, crouch silently, heart pounding just fifteen feet away, a massive silverback gorilla watching you closely.
Then fly to the endless savannah of Serengeti to witness the wildebeests as they thunder across the Mara River, an entirely different wildlife experience but equally powerful wildlife spectacle.
East Africa will off you the two of nature’s greatest gifts in a single safari journey.
These two Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experience can easily be combined into one unforgettable adventure. Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda offers intimate encounters with our closest relatives, while Tanzania’s endless savannah deliver the quintessential safari experience. Though they are geographically separated, combining these adventures is not possible but increasingly popular among discerning travelers seeking the ultimate African wildlife adventure.
Best Time to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Tanzania Safari
When combining gorilla trekking with a Tanzania safari. The good news is that there is a significant overlap in favorable conditions for both.
Optimal Weather Windows
For gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, this prime seasons are
- December to February (short dry season)
- June to September (Long dry season)
Tanzania’s best safari seasons align well
- June to October (dry seasons with excellent wildlife viewing)
- December to March (good for wildebeest calving in southern Serengeti)
June to September period is ideal as it offers dry conditions for gorilla trekking and peak safari season in Tanzania when the Great Wildebeest Migration reaches the Northern Serengeti. Late June to August is considered the best time to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon, including the dramatic river crossings.
Regional Climate Considerations
Uganda Vs Rwanda: Uganda tends to be slightly wetter than Rwanda generally, making the forest more lush and dense. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest receives more rainfall than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which sits at a higher elevation.
Tanzania Variations: Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and Southern Tanzania (Nyerere, Ruaha) have slightly different rainy seasons with the southern parks typically receiving more rain during the wet season.
Logistics: Planning and Booking
Gorilla Permits
To take part in gorilla trekking and spend time with mountain gorilla families, gorilla permits are required.as of 2025, Uganda gorilla permits cost US$800 per person, while Rwanda permits cost US$ 1,500. These permits must be secured well in advance, especially for peak season visits.
It is recommended that you book your permits as early as possible, and ensure that permits are available on your intended dates before confirming flights and accommodation. Due to their limited numbers, permits sell out quickly, especially during the peak season.
Travel Documentation and Health Requirements
Visas: Most international travelers require tourist visas for Uganda and Rwanda. An East African Visa is available if you are visiting multiple countries in the region and allows for movement through Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Vaccinations: Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory if traveling between these countries. If you are entering Tanzania through Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda or Ethiopia, you must present a Yellow Fever Card. It is always best to consult your nearest travel clinic for the most up-to date information related to vaccination. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus.
Health Precautions: Both gorilla trekking areas and parts of Tanzania have malaria risk. It is always best to consult with your nearest travel clinic or your doctor about this.
Transportation Between Countries
Flying is the most effective way to travel between gorilla trekking destinations and Tanzania’s safari regions. Direct flights connect Rwanda (Kigali) and Uganda (Entebbe) with several Tanzania destinations.
Key Routes include
- Kigali (Rwanda) to Kilimanjaro Airport or Dar es Salaam
- Entebbe (Uganda) to Kilimanjaro Airport or Dar es Salaam
- Direct flights from Kigali to Serengeti Airstrips (limited schedule)
Uganda Vs Rwanda When Combining with Tanzania
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional gorilla trekking experience, but some key differences may influence your decision when planning a Tanzania combination.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Pros:
- More affordable permits (US$800 compared to Rwanda’s US$ 1,500)
- Multiple gorilla families across different sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Additional wildlife experiences like chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
Cons
- Typically, more challenging and longer treks through dense forest
- Slightly more remote location when connecting to Tanzania
- Often requires an overnight in Entebbe before flying to Tanzania
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Pros
- Somewhat easier trekking conditions in Volcanoes National Park
- More accessible location (2-3 hours from Kigali)
- More luxury accommodation options
Cons
- Higher permit costs
- Smaller forest area with potentially more visitors
Great Wildebeest Migration Vs Hidden Gems
Magical Migration
Also known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”, the Great Migration is a spectacular wildlife event involving over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles as they migrate in annual clockwise pattern around the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem.
While the migration follows the same circuit every year, the exact timing of the movement of the herds is heavily dependent on the arrival of the rains. Generally, the pattern follows these timings.
- December to March: Herds gather in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area for calving season
- April to June: Movement toward the central and western Serengeti
- July to October: Northern Serengeti and Mara River Crossing (the most dramatic phase)
- November: The herds return south as the short rains begin.
Hidden Gems of Tanzania
While Serengeti National Park is the glittering jewel in Tanzania’s tourism crown, the country has many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Some of the areas in Tanzania you could combine with a gorilla trekking safari are
- Tarangire National Park: Famous for large herds of elephants and towering baobabs particularly rewarding during the dry season.
- Ruaha National Park: One of the wildest parks with excellent predator sightings and very few tourists
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Africa’s largest game reserve, offering boat safaris along the Rufiji River and diverse wildlife
- Rubondo Island: Extra-ordinary chimpanzee trekking and a tranquil island setting in Lake Victoria
How to Travel Between Each Country
Flying: The Recommended Option
Air travel is by far the most efficient way to combine gorilla trekking with a Tanzania safari. Multiple airlines, including scheduled services and charter fights, operate between the major hubs in Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
Road Travel Considerations
While traveling by road between gorilla trekking destinations and Tanzania is technically possible, it is largely impractical for most travelers due to the long distances, border crossing, and variable road conditions. As an indication, the road distance from Kigali to the Serengeti is about 592 miles (590km), requiring about 16 plus hours of driving.
In What Order Should You Do This
For most travelers, the optimal sequence is
Gorilla Trekking First Safari Second
The reasoning behind this order is that gorilla trekking is physically demanding, so it is best to tackle it when you are fresh. After the exertions of trekking, the leisurely pace of a safari is a welcome change. Round off your journey with the iconic Serengeti sunset or extend your holiday to Zanzibar.
When planning this, allow two to three days of gorilla trekking, followed by four to five days for your Tanzania safari. If you have the time, a rest day between the two experiences is recommended.
Budgeting for Your Epic Adventure
Combining gorilla trekking with a Tanzania safari represents a significant investment, but careful planning can help manage costs
Major Expenses
- Uganda: US$800 per person
- Rwanda: US$ 1,500 per person
Safari Costs
- Park fees (ranging from US$ 50-80 per day in Tanzania)
- Accommodation (from US$ 150 for budget options to US$ 1000 plus for luxury lodges per night)
- Transportation (flights, transfers, safari vehicles
- Professional guides
International and Regional flights
- International flights to East Africa
- Regional connections
- Bush flights to Serengeti airstrips
Additional Expenses
- Visas (US$ 50 – 100 per country)
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities ($ US10-20 per day for guides, US$ 5-10 for other staff)
Cost Saving Strategies
- Shoulder seasons offer more attractive pricing (April – May or November)
- Combine Uganda gorilla trekking (lower permit cost) with Tanzania
- Select mid-range accommodation options
- Limit the number of internal flights
Combining gorilla trekking with a Tanzania safari is arguably the pinnacle of wildlife experience in East Africa. Though logistically complex, the rewards of witnessing both mountain gorillas in their misty forest homes and the sweeping drama of the Serengeti Plains are immeasurable.