Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from Liverpool?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife experiences that you can have. If you are based in Liverpool and wondering, “Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from Liverpool?”, the answer is yes, and this guide will explain exactly how you can make it happen. With the right planning, you can easily travel from Liverpool to Rwanda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, we specialize in arranging seamless travel experiences for our clients. In this article, we will cover essential information regarding flights, trekking permits, how to plan your trip from Liverpool, and additional ways to enhance your East African adventure. Let’s dive into all the details you need to know for your dream gorilla trekking trip to Rwanda.

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Rwanda Safaris

What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

An Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most majestic creatures up close. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to over half of the remaining mountain gorillas, and it is one of the best places in the world to track and observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

The trek itself can be physically demanding, as it takes you through dense rainforests and up steep volcanic slopes. However, the reward is absolutely worth it: you will spend an unforgettable hour with one of the habituated gorilla families, observing them interact with each other, feed, and play. This experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about gorillas’ social structures, behaviors, and the conservation efforts made to protect them.

Rwanda has invested heavily in the conservation of mountain gorillas, and as a result, the population has been steadily increasing. The government has also ensured that tourism plays a vital role in funding these conservation efforts, making it an essential source of income for preserving the gorillas and their habitat.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from Liverpool?

The Journey from Liverpool to Rwanda

When asking, “Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from Liverpool?”, the simple answer is yes! While there are no direct flights from Liverpool to Rwanda, reaching Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trek is very much possible with some planning. To get to Rwanda, you’ll first need to fly out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), which is the nearest international airport, or you may prefer to use major London airports, including Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN).

Flight Options from Liverpool to Rwanda

There are no direct flights from Liverpool to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, but you can take connecting flights with one or more layovers. Several airlines provide convenient routes from major UK airports, which can then connect you to Kigali.

Here are some of the flight options available for travelers departing from Liverpool:

1. RwandAir: The best option for traveling directly to Kigali from the UK is RwandAir, which operates flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali International Airport (KGL). The direct flight usually takes around 8-9 hours, making it one of the fastest ways to get to Rwanda from the UK.
2. Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines offers flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali via Addis Ababa. This option typically involves a layover of a few hours, resulting in a total travel time of about 12-15 hours.
3. Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways also offers flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali with a layover in Doha. The journey time is around 14-16 hours, depending on the layover time.

Once you land in Kigali, you will need to transfer to Volcanoes National Park, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from the city. You can arrange private transfers or book tours through a reputable operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd to ensure a smooth journey from the airport to the park.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

The Cost of a Gorilla Permit

A common question for many travelers is “How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?” Currently, the price for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This fee includes the cost of entering Volcanoes National Park, as well as the services of a guide and park rangers who will accompany you during your trek.

While this price might seem steep compared to Uganda, where permits cost around $700 USD, it is important to understand that the permit cost helps support the country’s successful conservation programs. Rwanda has implemented rigorous strategies to protect the mountain gorillas, and this fee plays an essential role in maintaining these efforts.

What is Included in the Permit Fee?

The permit fee grants you access to Volcanoes National Park and a guided trekking experience. Groups are small, with a maximum of eight visitors per gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. You will be accompanied by professional guides and park rangers, who will help you navigate the challenging terrain and share fascinating insights into the gorillas’ behavior and their natural environment.

This fee also covers park management, conservation activities, and other projects that aim to protect the gorillas and their habitats for future generations. The $1,500 fee also ensures that the trekking experience remains sustainable and helps provide jobs and income to the local community.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

Multi-Destination Safaris in East Africa

Many travelers ask if they can combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. The answer is yes! Rwanda’s location in East Africa makes it an ideal gateway for combining gorilla trekking with a classic African safari.

After your thrilling trek in Volcanoes National Park, you can easily catch a short flight to Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania) for a safari. These destinations are famous for their wildlife and offer some of the best safari experiences in the world.

Witness the Great Migration

One of the highlights of a Kenya or Tanzania safari is the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacular natural event where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals migrate between the Maasai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of fresh grazing land and water. This migration typically occurs between July and October, and it’s a sight that should not be missed.

By combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, you’ll be able to experience the best of both worlds: trekking the endangered mountain gorillas and witnessing the incredible wildlife migration in East Africa’s top parks.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help you design a customized itinerary that combines these two incredible experiences. Whether you want to visit the Maasai Mara for a safari or the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration, we’ll make sure your trip is perfectly planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

As previously mentioned, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This price includes park entry, the services of expert guides, and one hour with the gorillas. The fee helps fund conservation efforts and ensures the safety and protection of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Safari in Kenya or Tanzania?

Yes! Rwanda’s proximity to Kenya and Tanzania makes it easy to combine gorilla trekking with a safari experience. After your gorilla trek, you can fly to Nairobi or Arusha for a safari, where you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration or enjoy wildlife encounters in the Serengeti or Maasai Mara.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. These months offer favorable trekking conditions, with less rainfall and easier trails. However, trekking is possible throughout the year, with each season offering a unique experience.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

Expertise and Tailored Experiences

As a registered and reputable Uganda tour operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd has years of experience organizing gorilla trekking trips in Rwanda. We offer personalized services, including flight bookings, visa assistance, permit arrangements, and custom itineraries. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, we ensure that your trip is perfectly planned.

Our team is committed to providing excellent service, and we’ll work with you to create a memorable and seamless gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. We can also help you combine your gorilla trek with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania to make the most of your East African adventure.

Conclusion: Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from Liverpool?

In conclusion, yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible from Liverpool! With multiple flight options available and a little planning, you can easily travel from Liverpool to Rwanda for an extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, and with the help of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, we will ensure that your trip is seamless and unforgettable.

Start planning your trip today and contact Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd for expert guidance, tailor-made itineraries, and professional support in making your gorilla trekking dreams come true!