Can you combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Many visitors know that Rwanda safari destination is for only mountain gorillas. Although gorillas remain the biggest attraction, Rwanda’s transformation over the past many years has been simply spectacular. It is now one of the rare places in Africa where you can spot the “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino) in the morning and then in the afternoon be among the misty mountain gorillas of a rainforest. The fact that Rwanda is a small country comparable in size to the US state of Maryland or the European country of Albania means that you can have a deep-forest primate adventure as well as a classic savanna safari without spending a lot of time on the road.
1.The “Big Five” Experience in Akagera National Park
A spectacular animal-watching tour in Rwanda would be incomplete without a visit to Akagera National Park. Akagera national park is situated in the eastern part of the country, it borders Tanzania and is characterized by the diverse landscape of swamps, lakes, and open savannas.
At one time, there was a shortage of all the famous safari animals in Akagera.
But with the help of amazing conservation efforts, lions were reintroduced into the park in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017.As a result, the park has become a fully-fledged Big Five destination. African Parks, the renowned conservation organization, manages the park; therefore, the animal populations are thriving. A game drive in the morning will be an opportunity of viewing giraffes and zebras, and in the afternoon, you can take a boat ride on Lake Ihema to spot hippos and gigantic crocodiles, among others.
2. Travel: From Savanna to Rainforest in a Matter of Hours
What really makes a combined safari in Rwanda stand out is the travel time. Usually, in many other African countries, getting from a lion-populated savanna to a gorilla-inhabited forest involves taking a costly domestic flight or driving for 8 to 10 hours.
It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Akagera National Park (the savanna) to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Then it is another 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (the gorillas). Hence you can nicely schedule a game drive for sunrise in the east, a delicious lunch in the city, and be on time for dinner in your luxury gorilla lodge in the north. So, if you are a time-pressed traveler but want an African wildlife experience in depth, Rwanda is definitely for you.
3. Adding to the “Primate Capital”: Nyungwe Forest
In case you are aiming at the ultimate “Triple Crown” of Rwandan wildlife, then with Nyungwe Forest National Park, your list would be complete. Nyungwe is a southwestern park and thus one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
When you combine Nyungwe with Akagera and Volcanoes, then Chimpanzee Tracking comes into the picture. Nyungwe is not only known for the magnificent Canopy Walkway a 70-meter-high bridge suspended in the trees but also for its loyal Colobus monkeys (about 400 of them). A 7-to-9-day itinerary combining Akagera (Wildlife), Nyungwe (Chimpanzees), and Volcanoes (Gorillas) would cover a wide variety of ecosystems that Africa has to offer.
4. A Sample 7-Day “Best of Rwanda” Itinerary.
Here is a typical way of structuring a combined trip to give you an idea of how these two experiences fit together:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali followed by a transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Game drive in Akagera National Park looking for the big five mammals Lions, Rhinos, and Elephants.
Day 3: Boat safari on Lake Ihema in the morning and a transfer to Kigali for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Cultural tour in Kigali (Genocide Memorial) and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 5: The main attraction Gorilla Trekking in the misty bamboo forests.
Day 6: Golden Monkey tracking or hiking to the grave of Dian Fossey grave.
Day 7: Departure.
5. Why Combine Them in Rwanda?
The most important reason for combining these activities in Rwanda is the convenience of travel. The roads in Rwanda are among the best in Africa, which means you don’t have to worry about the disrupting “African massage” (a term used for very bumpy, unpaved roads).
On top of that, Rwanda can boast a very uniform standard of luxury. You will get world-class service, food, and guiding at both Magashi Camp in Akagera and Bisate Lodge in Volcanoes. If you are a comfort and efficiency-seeking traveler, then combining these parks in Rwanda will result in a smooth, hassle-free vacation where your attention is solely on the animals and the scenery.
6. Important Planning Tips.
Keep these three points in mind when scheduling a combined safari:
Permit Availability: The cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda is $1,500 USD, and they are sold out quickly. You first need to book your gorilla date, and then schedule your Akagera wildlife days accordingly.
The Weather: Akagera is warmer and drier while Volcanoes is cold and wet. Therefore, you have to bring light “safari” clothes for the savanna and heavy, waterproof clothes for the forest.
The “Kigali Stop”: Since Kigali is located right in the center of the country, it acts as an ideal “reset” point. Before going to the next park, you can do laundry, go to a local market, and have some of the best coffee in the world here.
In conclusion, that is definitely possible, and you should, combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari in Rwanda. You will be going on a trip with an amazing set of contrasts: from the sun-drenched plains of Akagera to the deep green mountains of the gorillas. Within just seven days, you can witness the finest wildlife Africa has to offer in a country which is safe, clean, and very hospitable. Rwanda shouldn’t be considered only a “one-stop” destination anymore; it’s a total safari powerhouse.
For more information about combining gorilla trekking with the wildlife safari in Rwanda, do not hesitate to contact us or making a safari inquiry and our safari dream will become true with unforgettable safari memories.