Email us 
Copy Link
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Facebook
Share on X
What’s the difference between going on safari in Tanzania and Rwanda? On one hand, Tanzania offers the legendary Serengeti, home to the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events. On the other, Rwanda is home to a thriving population of mountain gorillas, all located in the iconic Volcanoes National Park.
In terms of size and geographical diversity, Tanzania dwarfs Rwanda, but the tiny landlocked country makes up for it with epic mountains, deep valleys, and dense, mysterious Afromontane forests. What’s more, its lakes attract throngs of birds year-round.
In Tanzania, you can combine your safari with a visit to Mount Kilimanjaro or the exotic beaches of Zanzibar. Rwanda’s tumultuous history, meanwhile, is certainly worth exploring for you to truly appreciate this remarkable nation.
We’ve built thousands of bespoke itineraries for travellers over the years, and this is where it all starts. Ideally, we recommend spending some time in both countries to make the most of your time in East Africa. However, if you really have to choose just one, you’ll need to be equipped with everything you need to know about safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, how they differ, and the types of experiences you can expect on either side of the border. Let’s dive straight into it and help you choose your next African safari destination.
Quick Comparison: Tanzania vs Rwanda
Quick Comparison: Tanzania vs Rwanda
| Tanzania | Rwanda | |
| Top Safari Destinations | Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Arusha National Park. Gombe Stream National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park | Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Forest Reserve, Mukura Forest Reserve |
| Peak Seasons | June-March | June-August |
| Activity Highlights | Big Five Safaris, Walking Safaris, Cheetah Tracking, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Island, Snorkelling | Big Five Safaris, Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Volcano Hiking, Walking Safaris |
| Iconic Wildlife | The Big Five, Blue Wildebeest, Chimpanzee, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Whale Shark, Grey-crowned Crane, Nile Crocodile | The Big Five, African Forest Elephant, African Forest Buffalo, Mountain Gorilla, Common Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Nile Crocodile, Great Blue Turaco |
Climate
| Tanzania | Rwanda | |
| Rainy Season | March-May; October-December (North & East) October-April (South, Central & West) | February-June; September-December |
| Dry Season | June-October; January-February (North & East) May-September (South, Central & West) | June-September; December-February |
| Best Time for Game Viewing | Dry season |
As with many safari destinations in Africa, the dry season is typically the best time to spot wildlife in both Tanzania and Rwanda. Given their close proximity, the two countries experience similar rainy seasons. Having said that, climate can vary significantly within each destination – often dictated by altitude.
For example, Tanzania’s highlands can get as cold as 10 °C, while the rest of the country rarely dips below 20 °C. At the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the temperature can drop to -27 °C on rare occasions. The highest average temperatures occur along the east coast in places like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam. A wide strip of area stretching from central Tanzania to the north is considered arid and hot.
Rwanda’s tropical highland climate ensures that temperatures vary little throughout the year, especially in the capital, Kigali. However, the western and northern regions receive more rainfall on average. That means that even during the dry season, you might get caught in a downpour in Volcanoes National Park.
Wildlife
| Tanzania | Rwanda | |
| Notable wildlife | The Big Five, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyena, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe, whale shark, striped hyena, African wolf, tree pangolin, giant pangolin, green turtle | The Big Five, mountain gorilla, African forest elephant, African forest buffalo, common chimpanzee, cheetah, zebra, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe |
| Notable Birds | Grey-crowned crane, shoebill, Pemba scops-owl, banded sunbird, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, pink-backed pelican, hamerkop, secretarybird, martial eagle, African fish eagle, imperial eagle, southern ground hornbill, bearded vulture, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, kori bustard | Shoebill, great blue turaco, Rwenzori turaco, hamerkop, grey-crowned crane, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, pink-backed pelican, hamerkop, secretarybird, southern ground hornbill, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo |
In Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its vast plains and the incredible spectacle of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals traverse the landscape. The park is also home to large populations of the Big Five, with over 3,000 lions and thriving numbers of elephants and leopards. The Ngorongoro Crater, another Tanzanian gem, provides a stunning setting for viewing a dense concentration of wildlife within a relatively small area.
Rwanda is home to some of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife and protected areas, offering unique safari experiences. The country is best known for its Mountain Gorilla population, with Volcanoes National Park serving as a key sanctuary for these critically endangered primates.
Trekking to see the gorillas in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. Rwanda’s other protected areas, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, are rich in biodiversity, with primates like colobus monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as over 300 bird species.
Akagera National Park, located in the east, offers a traditional safari experience, home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, as well as diverse birdlife and wetlands. Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, alongside the success of its eco-tourism initiatives, has led to a resurgence in both wildlife populations and the protection of its natural environments, making it a top destination for nature lovers.
With its long coastline, Tanzania is also a remarkable ocean safari destination. In places like Zanzibar, visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with dolphins, and enjoy the blend of marine and bush experiences, adding a unique dimension to the country’s wildlife offerings.
Best Safari Destinations
| Tanzania | Rwanda | |
| Bush Safaris | Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Arusha National Park. Gombe Stream National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park | Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Forest Reserve, Mukura Forest Reserve |
| Marine Safaris | Mafia Island Marine Park, Saadani National Park |
If You Want to See the Big Five
Tanzania offers some of the best opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitat, with its vast game reserves and iconic national parks. The Serengeti National Park, renowned for the Great Migration, is home to abundant populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Garden of Eden,” is another exceptional spot where visitors can witness all five species in a relatively small area due to the crater’s concentrated wildlife populations. Tarangire National Park is also a great place to see elephants, often in large herds, while Ruinsori National Park and other smaller reserves provide opportunities to see elusive rhinos.
If You Want to See the Great Migration
The annual Great Wildebeest Migration takes place in Tanzania in Kenya. In Tanzania, the best place to witness it is Serengeti National Park.
If You Want to See Big Cats
Tanzania has the single largest wild population of lions in the world, numbering over 14,000. There are over 3,000 in Serengeti National Park alone, along with plenty of cheetahs and leopards.
If You Want to See Birds
Tanzania has roughly 1,074 recorded bird species, while Rwanda has 705. However, it’s about quantity over quality here – Rwanda’s numerous lakes and mountains attract birds year-round, including iconic species like the gigantic shoebill and several types of turaco.
If You Want to See Primates
Tanzania is home to Gombe Stream National Park. Here, Jane Goodall began her research on chimpanzee behaviour in 1960 and it continues to this day. Her findings have transformed our understanding of our closest relatives. Other primate species here include olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
However, Rwanda is simply synonymous with primate safaris. Volcanoes National Park, which borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to much of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. It was here that Dian Fossey set up her Kariosoke Research Centre, and her legacy speaks for itself. Over the past 45 years, the population has grown from just 250 individuals to over 1,000, with most of them in Rwanda.
Likewise, Rwanda is a premier destination for chimpanzee trekking. Our closest living relatives call Nyungwe Forest home, and you can spend a day searching for them in the dense vegetation.
If You Want to See Marine Life
Zanzibar, including Pemba Island, is perhaps the most famous coastal destination in East Africa, boasting spectacular coral reefs and incredible marine biodiversity.
Also in Tanzania, Saadani National Park serves as a breeding ground for green turtles. Marine mammals like humpback whales and various dolphins also pass along the coast. Meanwhile, at Mafia Island, you can snorkel with whale sharks.
Activities
Going on safari is all about wildlife, but you can combine your game viewing with plenty of other exciting experiences. In some cases, you can even enjoy a safari from above.
Activities
| Tanzania | Rwanda | Both Regions | |
| Safari Activities | Hot air balloon safaris | Gorilla trekking | Chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, Great Migration safaris, photographic safaris, walking safaris, birding safaris, horseback safaris |
| Fun Activities | Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, visiting Zanzibar, visiting Pemba Island | Hiking in Volcanoes National Park, visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund | Bush walks, hiking, fishing |
| Cultural Activities | Zanzibar tours, Maasai village visits | Kigali Genocide Memorial, various craft villages | Cultural tours, village visits, food tours, positive impact safaris |
What are the Pros and Cons of Tanzania and Rwanda?
| Pros | Cons | |
| Tanzania | Incredibly diverse landscapes spanning icy mountain peaks and lush tropical forests. Some of the best game viewing in the world in places like Serengeti National Park. Direct access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. | The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Some areas can only be accessed by boat (Gombe Stream National Park). Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for the Great Migration. Typically more expensive than Kenya. Wilderness areas are more spread out, meaning more travelling. |
| Rwanda | Because it’s so small, you can see the entire country during a single trip. The capital, Kigali, is one of the most modern cities in Africa, with spotless streets and incredible infrastructure. Volcanoes National Park is perfectly set-out for tourists, complete with expert guides and porters. Rwandan people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. | Most large wildlife is confined to Akagera National Park. Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. |
Safety
- East Africa is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-established safari destinations like Tanzania and Rwanda. However, it is always advisable to follow local guidelines and travel advisories – even though locals in Rwanda will be quick to reassure you that there’s simply no crime in the country!
- Safari lodges and parks have stringent safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests, including guided game drives and secure accommodations.
- Tanzania shares a border with Mozambique. Northern Mozambique is currently considered unsafe for tourists.
- Similarly, the DRC shares a border with Rwanda and is currently off-limits to most tourists.
- Petty theft and violent crime can occur in both countries. Please stay alert at all times.
- Malaria is widespread in both countries, especially in lower elevation wilderness areas. Please take relevant precautions.
Cuisine
| Tanzania | Rwanda |
| Coastal regions like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam are famous for spicy foods that are heavily influenced by Arab, Portuguese, and Indian cuisines. Pilau, a rice dish, is especially popular in Zanzibar. You should also definitely try the local samosas. Ugali (maize porridge) is the staple food in many areas. It’s usually served alongside grilled meat, fish (especially tilapia), and okra. Maandazi is a fried doughnut that’s popular as a breakfast snack. | Ugali is a staple here, too. Try it with a whole grilled tilapia fish! Rwanda has a big milk-drinking culture. In fact, you can find dedicated milk bars across the country. Matoke is another staple made from baked or steamed green bananas. Local curries and stews rely heavily on groundnut paste. Try the grilled meat, nyama choma. |
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Both Tanzania and Rwanda offer once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences, but the best choice depends on what you’re looking for. If you think you’d prefer a wide range of landscapes, iconic wildlife, and the chance to visit renowned game reserves, Tanzania is an excellent option. You’ll get to explore the Serengeti National Park, known for the Great Migration, or combine your safari with a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro or the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.
Rwanda, meanwhile, is a bucket list destination thanks to its gorilla and chimpanzee trekking opportunities. Plus, you can see the Big Five in Akagera National Park.
Ultimately, both Tanzania and Rwanda rank among Africa’s top safari destinations, albeit for different reasons. When you’re ready to create your perfect safari itinerary, get in touch with one of our Safari Experts and we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
