Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from London? A Complete Guide by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. If you are based in London and are considering this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you might be wondering: Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from London? The good news is that it absolutely is! With just a few steps of planning, you can journey from London to Rwanda and explore the beautiful 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 organizing seamless travel experiences. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, including flight options, visa requirements, costs of trekking permits, and even how you can combine your gorilla trek with safaris in other East African countries. Let’s get started on planning your ultimate adventure.

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Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Unique Wildlife Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the world. The opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare and magical experience. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to about half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. These gentle giants are critically endangered, and Rwanda has made significant strides in conservation to protect them.

During a typical trek, you’ll be guided by an expert ranger through dense forests and challenging terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once you find them, you will spend one hour observing the gorillas up close as they feed, interact, and move around their natural environment. This experience offers a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures and the opportunity to learn about the ongoing efforts to protect them.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has been highly regarded for its conservation success and for providing a safe and ethical environment for trekking. The country’s commitment to protecting the gorillas has helped increase their population and attract tourists from around the world.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from London?

Flights from London to Rwanda

For travelers asking, Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from London?, the answer is yes! There are several flight options available for travelers departing from London to Rwanda. While there are no direct flights from London to Rwanda, the journey is straightforward and involves one or two stopovers.

The most common way to travel from London to Rwanda is by flying into Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s main international gateway. After arriving in Kigali, it’s about a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, where the gorilla trekking takes place.

Available Flight Options

Several airlines operate flights from London to Kigali, with one or more layovers. Here are a few options for your journey:

1. RwandAir: As the national carrier of Rwanda, RwandAir offers direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali International Airport (KGL). The direct flight takes around 8 to 9 hours, making it one of the most efficient options for traveling from London to Rwanda.
2. Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines operates connecting flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali, with a layover in Addis Ababa. The total travel time is typically around 13 to 15 hours, depending on the length of the layover.
3. Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways offers flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali with a layover in Doha. The total journey time is around 14 to 16 hours.

Once you arrive in Kigali, you can arrange for a transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Many tour operators, including Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, can assist in organizing private transfers, ensuring a smooth journey from the airport to your accommodation in the park.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

Cost of the Permit

A crucial question for many travelers is how much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda? The current price for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This fee grants you access to Volcanoes National Park and includes the services of an expert guide and park rangers who ensure a safe and informative trekking experience.

While the price of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is higher than in neighboring Uganda, where permits cost $800 USD, the experience in Rwanda offers a higher level of luxury and comfort. Rwanda’s tourism infrastructure is well-developed, with excellent accommodations, transportation, and support services that enhance the trekking experience. Additionally, the higher permit price helps fund the country’s conservation efforts and ensures that the gorillas are well-protected and their habitat preserved.

What the Permit Covers

The $1,500 permit price includes a variety of services to ensure you have an exceptional experience. You will have the opportunity to trek in a small group, with a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family. The permit also covers the cost of the park rangers and guides, who accompany you throughout the trek and provide valuable insights into the gorillas’ behavior and habitat.

The permit fee also contributes to the park’s management, including the training of staff and the maintenance of the trekking routes. The money raised through these permits goes directly into conservation projects that protect the gorillas and their environment.

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

A Multi-Destination Safari

One of the most common questions travelers have is whether 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 very easy to combine a gorilla trekking trip with a safari to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration or to see the Big Five in Tanzania or Kenya.

Both Kenya and Tanzania are renowned for their world-famous wildlife parks, such as the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, respectively. After your gorilla trekking adventure, you can take a short flight to Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania) for an unforgettable safari experience.

Planning a Multi-Country Safari

The Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s most incredible wildlife spectacles, occurs between July and October, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. If you are traveling during this time, it’s the perfect opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event after your gorilla trek in Rwanda.

Many travelers choose to combine Rwanda’s gorilla trekking with a safari in either the Maasai Mara or Serengeti. Rwanda’s close proximity to Kenya and Tanzania (with flight times between 1 to 2 hours) makes it easy to combine both experiences in one trip. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd can help you design a tailor-made itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your trip, from the mountains of Rwanda to the plains of East Africa.

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. The permit fee includes park entry, guide services, and one hour with the gorillas. The fee helps support conservation efforts and the sustainable management of Volcanoes National Park.

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

Yes, it is possible to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. After trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you can easily fly to Nairobi or Arusha for a wildlife safari in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti. These destinations are only a short flight away, making it convenient for travelers looking to experience both the gorillas and East Africa’s famous wildlife.

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

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. These months offer the most favorable trekking conditions with less rainfall, making the trails easier to navigate. However, trekking can be done year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd?

Expert Guidance and Tailored Itineraries

As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd offers expert guidance in organizing seamless and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Our team can help you with everything from booking permits to arranging flights, accommodation, and transfers. We specialize in creating personalized itineraries that can combine gorilla trekking with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania, giving you a comprehensive East African adventure.

With years of experience in the tourism industry, we ensure that your trip will be stress-free and memorable. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and making your African journey as smooth as possible.

Conclusion: Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from London?

In conclusion, yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible from London. While it requires a connecting flight, the process is simple and easy, with several flight options available. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers one of the best and most rewarding trekking experiences in the world, and with the help of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can enjoy a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

Start planning your dream gorilla trekking trip today with Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. Contact us to book your permits and customize your travel itinerary, and let us guide you through this extraordinary wildlife adventure!