How to Combine Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania

How to Combine Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania

If you combine Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania, you will get a once in a life time’s East African safari trip. All of these neighboring countries have beautiful wildlife, diverse landscapes and rich culture, so they are one of the best choices that you would choose as an adventurous traveller for your multi-country tours. Whatever your dream destination: Rwanda, the gorillas, Uganda, the savannahs, Tanzania, and the great migration, you will be planning a cross-border trip that is exciting and rewarding. This is a complete guide on combining Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania for a most memorable African travel experience.

Why Combine Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania?

Geographically, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania are close and hence border crossings are simple and convenient. As Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park attracts many travelers for gorilla trekking, many travelers would like to extend their safari experience to other national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls or Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Uganda and Tanzania, respectively. This allows you to enjoy many more experiences like lush rainforests and mountain hikes or classic savannah safaris, and meet with local communities.

Rwanda-Uganda Tour Top Highlights

1. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes and Bwindi Forests

Gorilla trekking often starts a Rwanda and Uganda safari. A relatively easier trek can be had at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which has manageable terrain, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thick jungle. The good news is that many of the visitors who trek in Rwanda for a short hike, cross over into Uganda and undergo gorilla habituation tours, which are longer with the gorillas.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Nyungwe Forests

Kibale National Park in Uganda is often referred to as the ‘Primate Capital of the World’ and while Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is known for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks, Kibale is still in the throws competition. Varying from the hotel in Tarakeshwar to your hotel at Ghoramara, including both parks affords you diverse primate encounters to offer, particularly in the very lush, very beautiful scenery.

3. Wildlife Safaris in Queen Elizabeth and Akagera National Parks

A classic safari will extend your adventure. A beautiful introduction to traditional game drives is offered by Akagera National Park in Rwanda, which now houses the Big Five. Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park also has the Kazinga Channel boat safaris, lion tracking in Ishasha sector and birdwatching opportunities.

A Rwanda-Tanzania Tour Top Highlights

1. The Serengeti and the Great Migration

From Rwanda, many travelers fly to Tanzania to see the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. Seeing the million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles during this incredible wildlife phenomenon between June and October is a front row seat to the most incredible thing you’ll see in Africa.

2. Ngorongoro Crater Safari

There is nothing like combining Rwanda with a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater to provide you with an opportunity to see a huge concentration of wildlife in a spectacular volcanic caldera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

3. Cultural Tours and Beach Escapes

With a visit to Rwanda’s Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, Kigali’s Genocide Memorial, you will then be able to unwind on Tanzania’s beaches in Zanzibar. The perfect ending to an exciting East African trip is a few days’ relaxing on the white sands of Zanzibar or exploring the historic streets of Stone Town.

Practical Tips for Combining Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania

• Visa Requirements:

However, the East African Tourist Visa covers only Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, and not Tanzania. Travelers visiting Tanzania will also require a different visa. Always make sure to check out the most up to date visa regulations of the country you’re journeying to.

• Border Crossings:

The points of border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda like Cyanika or Gatuna are easy. The border post at Rusumo, between Rwanda and Tanzania is the main entry point. The logistics are normally handled by organized tours but outside travellers should be in order with their documentation and transport arrangements.

• Transportation:

Overland transfers are popular and affordable for itineraries that include Rwanda-Uganda. Cross border travel is easy, private vehicles, safari jeeps, shuttle services, etc. Short flights from Kigali to destinations such as Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport are a very good option for Rwanda-Tanzania combinations as they save time and hassle.

• Best Time to Visit:

June to September and December to February are the dry seasons when it is suitable for wildlife viewing and trekking. Travel, hiking trails and wildlife spotting are far better as these months are easier.

Sample Itineraries

• 10-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari:

After gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, cross the border into Uganda to chimpanzee track in Kibale, game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and, if you so wish, gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

• 12-Day Rwanda and Tanzania Adventure:

After spending a few days for gorilla trekking and cultural tours in Rwanda, fly to Tanzania and spend a few days on Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro Crater exploration and a beach retreat in Zanzibar.

Conclusion on How to Combine Rwanda with Uganda or Tanzania.

Rwanda on its own is truly remarkable, but adding in Uganda or Tanzania combines for an Africa experience to remember for an unmatched African adventure of stunning wildlife experiences, a welcoming and diverse landscape and versatile cultures. A multi-country tour is best for primate fanatics, Big Five safari buffs, or cultural hunter for the best of East Africa. Today, start planning your journey and experience the magic of Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania itself.