Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking – Want a safari that highlights mountain gorillas and Mount Kilimanjaro? Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a Kilimanjaro hiking expedition is a great way to experience East Africa’s highlights and some of the world’s most iconic destinations.
Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “roof of Africa,” is the continent’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. It offers a wide range of activities for visitors before exploring the magical mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains.
To begin with, Mount Kilimanjaro is home to the remarkable Kilimanjaro National Park, covering a total land area of about 1,668 square kilometers. Initially declared a game reserve by German colonial rule in the early twentieth century, it is now among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, offering travelers the best adventure safaris and vacations in Tanzania.
Wildlife Viewing: While Mount Kilimanjaro is iconic for climbing, the park also hosts several wildlife species that can be spotted during hikes, cycling, or guided nature walks. Although the wildlife diversity here cannot be compared to other Tanzanian national parks, tourists can still see Vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys, baboons, elands, elephants, honey badgers, and Genet cats.
Cycling Adventures: The Kilema route is specifically designed for cyclists wishing to reach Africa’s highest peak by bicycle. Ride through the farmlands of the Chagga people, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surroundings. Note that cycling to the top incurs extra costs and requires mountain bikes accompanied by a knowledgeable tourist guide.
Bird Watching: Like other East African mountain peaks, such as the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, Mount Kilimanjaro boasts a good number of bird species. Over 150 bird species call this park home, including migratory and endemic species like the resident black-shouldered kite, long-tailed trogon, Gabar goshawk, blue-napped mousebird, grey hornbill, African fish eagle, white-cheeked barbet, African pygmy kingfisher, red-capped robin-chat, and white-necked raven, among others.
Guided Nature Walks: Unlike mountain climbing, nature walks do not aim to reach the summit but provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. These walks are typically conducted on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering close encounters with black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, butterfly species, insects, bird species, and other natural features.
Each of these activities, when combined into a tour package to Tanzania and Rwanda, offers travelers unforgettable experiences.
Rwanda, on the other hand, is home to over a quarter of the world’s renowned mountain gorillas, housed in Volcanoes National Park. Located in the Northern Province, this park is the sole habitat of mountain gorillas in Rwanda and part of the larger Virunga Massif spanning Uganda and the D.R. Congo.
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier destination and one of three East African countries hosting critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park also has a historical connection to mountain gorilla conservation across the Virunga region, serving as the foundation for renowned primatologist Dian Fossey’s work in studying and protecting mountain gorillas in the 1960s.
A gorilla trek in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park allows visitors to explore up to 12 fully habituated gorilla families spread throughout the park. There’s nothing quite like spending a precious hour amid a gorilla family, watching them play, groom each other, feed, and witnessing a silverback provide protection to the group—an extraordinary experience!
In addition to gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park harbors a diverse array of flora and fauna. Various primate species include the famous golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, and colobus monkeys. Resident mammals include forest hogs, bush pigs, bushbucks, forest elephants, buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, spotted hyenas, and a rich diversity of birdlife, with up to 200 species recorded.
Culture is also integral to Volcanoes National Park, with excursions to cultural villages neighboring the park. These centers provide entertainment, education, relaxation, and livelihoods for community members, especially former poachers now dependent on tourism.
Notable cultural villages include SACOLA and Iby’Iwachu near Kinigi town, offering traditional performances, culinary diversity, storytelling, and more.
Gorilla trekking and hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Rwanda and Tanzania respectively can be undertaken throughout the year, with the best times during the dry months from June to October. Hiking is also possible during the rainy months from March to May and November, though it can be more challenging with unpredictable weather.
