RWANDA TANZANIA SAFARI
Below is a detailed overview of a safari in Rwanda and Tanzania. Top Places to Visit for The Tanzania and Rwanda Safari The following are […]
Rwanda Tanzania Safari, Gorilla Trekking Tour, Wildlife Viewing, Community Cultural Rwanda Tanzania Safari Trip
Personalized Affordable Rwanda Tanzania Safari For Single And Small Group Travellers, Amazing Gorilla Trekking, African Wildlife Viewing With Unique Community Cultural Rwanda Tanzania Safari Tours That Offer The Best African Safari Experiences And Value For Your Money
Are you asking yourself which trip to take in Africa? Look no further than a combined Tanzania Rwanda safari that promises lasting memories.
This article explains the details of the best places to visit in Rwanda and Tanzania, tourist attractions, activities, where to stay near the different travel destinations, how to get to the two countries, and what to pack for this trip.
Safari packages include activities like chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe NP and game viewing in Serengeti National Park. Packages may also include optional cultural tours and other outdoor activities based on the traveler’s interests.
A well-rounded Rwanda-Tanzania itinerary often begins with your arrival in Kigali, allowing you to start with high-intensity activities like gorilla trekking to see the mountain gorillas before transitioning to the vast savannahs of Tanzania.
On this safari, Tanzania offers a unique African safari experience across its beautiful national parks. Most of the tourist activities in Tanzania take place in the northern part, referred to as the northern circuit.
Accommodations during the Rwanda portion vary from budget to luxury options, including hotels in Kigali and lodges near Volcanoes National Park and other destinations. Accommodations in Tanzania include permanent tented camps, mobile camping options, lodges, and hotels.
Sample Rwanda Tanzania Safari Packages: Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Viewing With Unique Community Cultural Rwanda Tanzania Safari Tours Itineraries. (These Safari Itineraries Can Be Personalized As You Wish To Include Your Special Needs & Budget)
Below is a detailed overview of a safari in Rwanda and Tanzania.
Top Places to Visit for The Tanzania and Rwanda Safari
The following are some of the top places to visit when on a Tanzania and Rwanda safari, which makes this a memorable trip in Africa.
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Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is among the top most places to travel to on a Tanzania Rwanda safari.
It is situated in the northern region of the country, just next to Musanze Town. It covers an area of approximately 160 km², and it lies at an altitude of 2,400 meters and 4,507 meters above sea level.
Volcanoes National Park is renowned for offering interesting mountain gorilla trekking since it has a significant number of these species, which makes it a must-visit place for a Rwanda Tanzania journey.
Trips to Volcanoes NP sometimes combine tours to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for interesting and memorable cultural encounters with the locals living in the village.
Volcanoes National Park is accessible by a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. Kigali serves as a common starting point for travelers heading to Volcanoes NP and other travel destinations in RW.
Tourist Attractions in Volcanoes NP
- Over 300 mountain gorillas
- Other primate species, including the golden monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys, among others.
- Over 200 bird species, including the handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, strange weaver, etc.
- Diane Fossey’s grave
- Virunga Ranges like Mt. Bisoke and Mt. Karisimbi
- Musanze caves
- The Twin Lakes (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo)
Amazing Things to Do in Volcanoes NP
- Gorilla Trekking, which is an interesting activity where interested trackers trek through the forest in search of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park only.
A prompt arrival at 7:00 AM at Volcanoes National Park headquarters is essential for briefing every visitor who has paid for gorilla permits before gorilla trekking starts.
The trek takes from a few minutes to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location.
Visitors can spend only one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas after tracking them down.
Gorilla trekking in RW can be done throughout the year, with a 99% chance of seeing the gentle giants due to well-organized management.
Hiking to see mountain gorillas is an important way to promote wildlife conservation and awareness. The income generated supports national parks and local communities.
The best times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are from June to October and December to March.
- Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests to observe the behavior of golden monkeys
- Exploration of the Twin Lakes (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo)
- Hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave
- Bird watching
- Walking to Musanze caves
Top Accommodations near Volcanoes NP
Accommodation near Volcanoes NP ranges from budget to luxury options, catering to different travel budgets. These are designed to provide a good breakfast, lunch, and comfortable overnight stays.
These accommodations include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel des Mille Collines, Kinigi Guest House, and Virunga Lodge
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Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park, which is located in the southwestern region of the country near Lake Kivu, is another place to go to when on a Tanzania and Rwanda safari.
It spans an area of 1019 km², and it lies at an altitude between 1600 meters and 2950 meters above sea level. Nyungwe NP is famous for offering interesting chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks.
Amazing Things to See in Nyungwe NP
- About 500 habituated chimpanzees
- Other primates like the Mona monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, etc.
- Other mammals like bushbucks, genets, duikers, giant forest hogs, golden cats, etc.
- Nyungwe Forest and Cyamudongo Forest
- Waterfalls like Umubasi and Isumo waterfalls
- Gisakura tea plantation
Tourist Activities in Nyungwe NP
- Chimpanzee trekking to see chimps in their natural habitat
- Canopy walks to see the forest canopy, birds, and other attractions from the canopy trail
- Guided waterfall walks
- Bird watching to see various bird species
- Gisakura Tea Plantation Tours
Where to Stay near Nyungwe Forest NP
Top accommodations near Nyungwe NP for your breakfast, lunch, and night sleepovers include One and Only Nyungwe House, Chimpanzee Lodge, and Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, among others.
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Gishwati Mukura National Park of Rwanda
Gishwati Mukura NP is another place to go to when on a Tanzania and Rwanda holiday. This park was created after the merging of two forests, which are Gishwati and Mukura.
It was established in 2015, and it covers an area of 34 km², and it lies between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level.
Tourist Attractions in Gishwati Mukura NP
- Over 200 bird species, e.g., the Martial eagle, Rwenzori batis, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler,
- Over 20 chimps and other primates, including blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys
- Over 60 tree species, which include bamboo, orchids, and mahogany, among others
- Over 22 other mammal species, including duikers, river hogs, side-striped jackals, serval cats, and African civets, among others.
- Reptiles, e.g., chameleons, lizards, and snakes like the bush viper, etc.
Tourist Activities in Gishwati Mukura NP
- Nature walks to explore the different parts of the park
- Bird watching
- Hiking to the waterfalls
Accommodation Near Gishwati-Mukura NP
The best accommodation near the park includes Gishwati Lodge and Gisakura Family Hostel, among others.
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Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
Iby’iwacu cultural village is the best place to go to, especially for cultural tours when on a Rwanda-Tanzania holiday.
This cultural village is located near Volcanoes NP, and it serves as a unifying factor for most of the Rwandan cultures since most of them are practiced here.
The village was founded by Edwin Sabuhoro, who convinced the ex-poachers to let go of their practice of poaching gorillas and focus on their cultural practices, which in turn would generate income from tourists.
Community tourism initiatives create sustainable livelihoods for localsand reduce the pressure on wildlife resources.
Your tour to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village involves each person sharing in traditional dances and local food preparation.
Interesting Things to See at the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
- Traditional herbs
- Replica of the King’s Palace
- Cultural performances
- Traditional musical instruments
Things To Do at Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
- Buying different handicrafts as souvenirs
- Participation in the preparation of local foods
- Observing the different traditional performances like music and dances
- Learning the hunting techniques from the locals in the village
Where to Stay Near Iby’iwacu Cultural Village?
The best accommodation near the Iby’iwacu Village, where to have breakfast, lunch, and night sleepovers, includes Kinigi Guest House and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, among others.
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Genocide Memorial Centers in Rwanda
Genocide Memorial Centers are among the most visited places by visitors on a Tanzania and Rwanda excursion.
The genocide memorial centers give insight into the mass killing of people in 1994 in a serious conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi.
They include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Kigali Genocide Memorial, which is the most visited genocide museum, Ntarama, Nyamata, Bisesero, Nyarubuye, and the Murambi Genocide Memorial Center, among others.
Attractions at the Genocide Memorial Centers
- The human remains of the genocide victims
- Personal belongings like clothes
- Survivors’ testimonies like movies.
- Art and memorials, including sculptures and beautiful gardens
Activities at Memorial Centers
- Watching the movies to see what happened during the genocide
- Laying of flowers at the final resting place in honor of the genocide victims
- Guided and audio tour through exhibitions
- Viewing historical artifacts like clothes, identity cards, and personal belongings of the victims.
Where to Stay When Visiting Genocide Memorial Centers?
The best facilities for breakfast, lunch, and overnight stay near the Genocide Memorial Centers include
- Noblrza Hotel and Hotel La Palisse Nyamata near Nyamata Genocide Memorial
- Kigali Serena Hotel, Hotel des Mille Collines, near the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Montana Motel and Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge near Murambi Genocide Memorial
- Resort Kivu Resort and Rwiza Village near Bisesero Genocide Memorial, etc.
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Serengeti National Park of Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is among the top travel destinations for a Tanzania and Rwanda safari.
It was established in 1951 in northern Tanzania, and it covers an area of 14,763 km². It is situated in northern Tanzania, spanning the Mara and Simiyu regions. It is about 295 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport and 230 km from Arusha Airport.
The Serengeti NP is famous for its diverse wildlife and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras cross the Mara River from the Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya in search of green pastures.
On this vacation, visitors can witness the Great Migration in the months of June through September.
Tourist Attractions in Serengeti NP
- Over 1.5 million wildebeests, which are commonly seen on a Serengeti Masai Mara safari.
- Other mammals, including the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos), Thomson’s gazelles, cheetahs, hyenas, and African wild dogs, among others.
- Over 500 bird species, e.g., ostriches, Marabou storks, secretary birds, hornbills, Schalow’s wheatear, etc.
- Seronera River Valley
- The Grumeti River
- Maasai Mara People
- The Retina Pool, which is home to numerous hippos
Tourist Activities in Serengeti NP
- Game drives in the Serengeti plains, which include morning and afternoon game drives to spot the different animals in the park with the aid of a driver guide.
- Witnessing the Mara River crossing in the Northern Serengeti as the wildebeest migrations move from the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The wildebeest migration is considered to be one of the top activities that tourists cannot miss on a trip in Africa.
- Bird watching to see the different birds that call Serengeti NP their home
- Hot air ballooning: You can skip a long drive and climb aboard a hot air balloon for a breathtaking view of the Great Migration and the different parts of the park.
- Picnics in the African wilderness
- Cultural tours in the Maasai village with the help of a local guide. An optional visit to the Maasai village will give you an opportunity to have an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Maasai people.
Where to Stay Near Serengeti NP
When visiting Tanzania, the top facilities for breakfast, lunch, and overnight stay near Serengeti NP include Serena Safari Lodge and Serengeti Safari Lodge, among others.
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Tarangire National Park of Tanzania
Tarangire National Park, which is located in the northern region of Tanzania, is another popular place to tour on a Tanzania and Rwanda holiday.
It is considered the 6th largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 2600 km, and it lies between 900 and 1250 meters above sea level.
Tarangire National Park is best known for its numerous elephants and baobab trees. The large population of elephants is often spotted congregating along the Tarangire River, especially during the dry season.
Tourist Attractions in Tarangire NP
- Large elephant herds
- Ancient baobab trees
- Tarangire River
- Silale swamp, which is a large green swamp that attracts herbivores like buffalo
- Over 500 bird species, including the common ostrich, yellow-collared lovebirds, etc. Which are worth seeing on a Tanzania bird watching tour.
Tourist Activities in Tarangire NP
- Day and night game drives on a safari vehicle with the aid of a driver guide. These game drives in Tanzania provide an opportunity to see wildlife such as lions, giraffes, and elephants, among others.
- Bird watching to spot some of the 500 bird species
- Guided nature walks
- Cultural trips, which are done by going to the nearby Maasai and Barabaig villages,
Accommodation in Tarangire NP
The best facilities for lodging, breakfast, and lunch near Tarangire NP include Tarangire Sopa Lodge and Tarangire Safari Lodge, among others.
Lake Manyara National Park of Tanzania
Lake Manyara NP is another top travel destination that must be visited on a combined Tanzania and Rwanda safari.
This protected area is situated in Northern Tanzania, about 126 km west of Arusha Town, and it spans an area of 325 km².
Lake Manyara National Park is known large population of elephants, and massive flocks of flamingo birds.
Amazing Things to See in Lake Manyara NP
- Abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, etc.
- Numerous bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, ostriches, etc.
- Over 670 flowering plants
- Majimoto hot springs
- Lake Manyara
Tourist Activities at Lake Manyara NP
- Game drives, which include both day and night game drives, to spot nocturnal animals
- Bird watching to spot numerous avian species, especially the flamingos.
- Canoeing to reach the different parts of the conservation area
- Community tours for cultural encounters with the locals
- Nature walks to explore the park’s wilderness on foot
- Mountain biking through farms in Mto Wa Mbu.
Where to Stay Near Lake Manyara National Park?
The best accommodation near Manyara NP for breakfast, lunch, and a sleepover includes Jambo Rooms, Migunga Tented Lodge, Twiga Lodge, etc.
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Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in the Ngorongoro District, is also among the top places to go to when on a Tanzania and Rwanda tour, especially for wildlife safaris.
It is one of the largest conservation areas in Tanzania, covering an area of about 8,2928 km2.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO Heritage Site renowned for its vast wildlife species, and the Ngorongoro Crater Area /crater floor, which is the world’s largest inactive, unbroken, and unfilled volcanic caldera.
It is recommended to spend about three nights in Ngorongoro highlands to balance crater game drives, with cultural tours and hikes around the crater rim.
Tourist Attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Extraordinary wildlife, including over 15000 wildebeests, 9000 zebras, impalas, hippos, gazelles, and African buffalo, among others.
- Olmoti Crater and Empakai Crater
- Numerous bird species
- Lakes like L. Magadi and L. Natron
- Oldoinyo Lengai
- Lerai Fever Tree Forest
Tourist Activities in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Game drives using safari vehicles to spot the different wild animals in the park. To maintain the serenity of the crater floor, guests are not allowed to make telephone calls during game drives.
- Cultural tours to the Maasai villages for cultural encounters
- Guided tours to the Olduvai Museum
- Bird watching, especially near the Ndutu plains and Empakai Crater, since these two sites feature a large number of flamingos and other bird species.
- Exploration of craters, Empakai and Olmoti craters
- Photography, especially around the crater rim, to capture a wide-angle shot of the 100-square-mile caldera.
- Picnicking at picnic sites such as Ngoitikitok Springs.
Accommodation Options near the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
Top accommodations include Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, etc.
Other Travel Destinations to Go to When on A Combined Tanzania and Rwanda Tour
| In Rwanda | In Tanzania |
| Akagera NP | Arusha NP |
| The King’s Palace | Katavi NP |
| Kigali National Museum | Kilimanjaro NP |
| Lake Kivu | Mikumi NP |
| Ethnographic Museum | Mahale Mountains NP |
| Nyandungu Eco Park | Gombe Stream NP |
| Musanze Caves | Saadani NP |
| Mount Muhabura | Udzungwa Mountains NP |
| Karisimbi Mountain | Kitulo NP |
| Local markets like Kimironko Market | Zanzibar islands |
| Kigali for city tours | Stone Town |
| Karisoke Research Center | Mount Meru |
| Niyo Art Gallery | Lake Tanganyika |
Charges For Some Tourist Activities on A Combined Rwanda Tanzania Tour
Some of the Tanzania and Rwanda safari costs incurred by tourists are as follows:
For the Rwanda Tour
To see gorillas, a gorilla permit costs USD 1500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for East African citizens per person per trek.
Booking for the gorilla permits should be done in advance through the Rwanda Development Board.
The average park entry fee for most of Rwanda’s national parks is roughly USD50 to USD70 per day per popular travel destination.
The average park entry fees for non-residents are approximately USD50 to USD100 per person.
For accommodations, for example, hotels in Volcanoes NP offer a range of accommodations from budget to luxury, costing between USD300 and USD1000 per person per night.
For a Tanzania Tour
Top activities like game drives in parks like Serengeti NP, witnessing the great wildebeest migration, and other animals cost between $120 to $250.
Park entry fees cost around $80 for non-foreign residents, $35-$41 for foreign residents, and around 11,800 for East African citizens.
For accommodation, rates vary depending on the comfort level, typically rates start from $100 per person per night.
How to Get to Rwanda and Tanzania for a Combined Trip?
The travel logistics between the two countries include several transportation options, such as flights and road trips.
By Air
A fly-in itinerary is the most efficient way, and these travels between TZ and RW can be done via direct flights operated by various airlines.
Passengers can fly between TZ and RW using airlines like Kenya Airways, Rwandair, Uganda Airlines, and Airlink. These operate within Kigali International Airport of Rwanda, and Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha International Airport of Tanzania.
Flying from Kilimanjaro Airport or Kigali Airport is always considered the most convenient means of travel to both TZ and RW. Visitors can either book a scheduled or a domestic flight to reach the two countries for a holiday.
Visitors on a combined trip enter Rwanda through Kigali Airport, from where they can further fly to different airstrips.
By Road
Driving between TZ and RW is possible upon arrival at Kigali Airport, with a visa required for both countries.
Border crossing points are used to travel between RW and TZ. Rusumo Border Post, which is situated near the Akagera River, is the most used.
The other alternative route is the Kagitumba border post in northeastern RW; however, it is less used compared to the Rusumo Border Post.
What Is the Best Time to Go for a Rwanda and Tanzania Safari?
The best time for visiting Rwanda and Tanzania for a holiday, especially for game viewing activities, is during the dry season (June to October and December to early March).
Travelers should prepare for a varied climate when moving from TZ to RW, as Rwanda’s weather is typically cooler and wetter.
When planning your itinerary for July or August, ensure the Serengeti NP is your primary focus to witness the Great Migration.
Tourists can still move during the wet season, especially those interested in fewer crowds, birding tours, and those with a low budget.
What to Wear for a Combined Rwanda and Tanzania Safari?
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from bugs and the sun when on a safari
- A waterproof jacket for unpredictable rain, especially around the mountains.
- Gardening gloves to protect hands from stinging plants like the stinging nettle.
- Waterproof hiking boots/shoes and hiking socks for primate trekking and other hiking tours.
- Warm layers, e.g., sweaters and fleece jackets, for early morning game drives and cold evenings due to high altitude.
- Underwear/sleepwear, and they should be breathable and moisture-wicking.
- A hat with a wide brim for protection from the scorching sun.
What to Pack for a Combined Rwanda and Tanzania Safari?
The following are some of the essential items to pack for a combined trip in these two countries.
- Packed lunch
- Sunglasses
- A daypack that should be waterproof for daily excursions
- Insect repellent
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars for activities like bird watching
- First aid kit with medicine like anti-malaria medication, antidiarrheal medication, blister plasters, and painkillers, among others.
Tour Operators to Help You Organize a Combined Tanzania and Rwanda Safari
The following are the top-ranked tour operators renowned for organizing interesting, combined trips in Tanzania and Rwanda. You can contact any of them to help you organize the best itinerary.
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Gorilla Safari Rwanda
- Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
- Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Gorilla Safaris and Tours
- Tanzania Safaris and Tours
Tanzania and Rwanda Safari FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Is Safari Better in Tanzania or Kenya?
Both Tanzania and Kenya offer unique and interesting safari activities, but the question of which of the countries is better depends on one’s interests, budget, timing, and preferences.
Tanzania offers a more exclusive, rugged experience, fewer crowds, and interesting activities like witnessing the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti NP and unique natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater.
Kenya is preferred for being more affordable, having well-developed infrastructure, having shorter travel times, and having exceptional suitability for families and first-time safari goers.
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Does Rwanda Have Good Safaris?
Rwanda has good safaris, and it is renowned for exceptional primate tours, especially gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe NP.
Safaris in Rwanda also offer an opportunity to see and hike the rolling hills, engage in cultural tours, and go to historical sites like the genocide memorial centers.
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What is The Best Month to Travel to Rwanda?
The best months to travel to RW are the drier months, which are June to September and December to February. These months have favorable weather conditions that enable tourists to engage in outdoor activities like game drives, hiking, and gorilla trekking, among others.
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How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very safe due to the strict government regulations and well-enforced safety protocols. The gorilla trekking experience is well managed to ensure that both trackers and the endangered mountain gorillas are safe.
Conclusion
Book your combined Tanzania and Rwanda safari and have an opportunity to experience both countries. From the captivating gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP to the famous wildebeest migration in Serengeti NP.
Popular Combined East African Safari Tours
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