Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from the UK?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. For travelers in the UK, the question often arises: Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from the UK? The answer is yes! In this detailed guide, we will explain how UK travelers can easily reach Rwanda, trek with the majestic mountain gorillas, and enjoy the beauty of Volcanoes National Park. As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is committed to ensuring your gorilla trekking experience is smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

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What is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

A Unique Wildlife Experience

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers travelers the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring sight of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest region of Rwanda. This park is part of the Virunga Mountain range, which is shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During a typical trek, visitors are guided through dense forests and rugged terrain to locate one of the habituated gorilla families. After trekking for a few hours, you will have a one-hour opportunity to observe the gorillas closely in their natural environment. It’s an incredible, close-up wildlife experience that offers a deeper understanding of these endangered creatures and the efforts being made to conserve them.

Many visitors choose Rwanda for gorilla trekking due to its successful conservation efforts and the relatively stable political situation. Volcanoes National Park provides a safer, more comfortable environment for trekkers while offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from the UK?

Flight Logistics from the UK to Rwanda

For travelers in the UK, getting to Rwanda for gorilla trekking is entirely possible, but it requires planning due to the distance involved. There are no direct flights from the UK to Rwanda, so travelers will need to book connecting flights. However, the process is quite straightforward, with several reliable international airlines offering services to Rwanda’s capital, Kigali.

Flights from the UK to Rwanda typically involve one or two layovers, with major international airports serving as hubs. Popular layover cities include Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Istanbul (Turkey), and Doha (Qatar). Depending on your starting point in the UK, the total travel time usually ranges from 13 to 16 hours, including layovers.

Available Flight Options

Several airlines offer routes from the UK to Rwanda. Here are the most common options:

1. RwandAir: RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali International Airport (KGL). The direct flight duration is approximately 8 to 9 hours.
2. Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines offers connecting flights from London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW) via Addis Ababa. The total travel time is typically 13 to 15 hours, depending on the layover time.
3. Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways offers connecting flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali, with a layover in Doha. The total travel time is usually around 14 to 16 hours.

Once you arrive in Kigali, travelers can enjoy a scenic 2 to 3-hour road transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Many travelers opt for a private transfer, which can be easily arranged through a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

Permit Costs for Travelers from the UK

One of the first things UK travelers want to know is how much it costs to trek gorillas in Rwanda. As of 2025, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This permit allows you to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.

Although the price of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is higher than in neighboring Uganda, where the permits cost $700 USD, Rwanda’s trekking experience is often considered more luxurious. Rwanda’s excellent infrastructure, top-notch accommodations, and well-maintained trekking routes make it a popular choice for many travelers. The price includes the services of experienced guides, park fees, and conservation efforts, which all contribute to the protection and growth of the mountain gorilla population.

Why is the Permit Cost So High?

The high cost of the permit is largely due to the fact that the funds raised go toward the conservation of the gorillas and the park. Rwanda’s commitment to mountain gorilla conservation has been instrumental in increasing the gorilla population, making it one of the few countries where you can encounter these endangered animals in the wild.

In addition, the permit fees help maintain the infrastructure of the park, including the training of park rangers and guides, making the entire experience more rewarding for trekkers. The higher cost also allows for fewer visitors per group, which minimizes environmental impact and ensures a more intimate and private experience with the gorillas.

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

A Multi-Destination Safari

Many travelers from the UK are also interested in combining their gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania to experience the renowned Great Wildebeest Migration or witness the “Big Five” in the Serengeti. The good news is that yes, you can combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania!

Rwanda’s location in East Africa makes it easy to travel to Kenya or Tanzania for additional wildlife experiences. After completing your gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, you can take a short flight to Nairobi, Kenya, or Arusha, Tanzania, for an unforgettable safari. The flight time from Kigali to Nairobi is approximately 1.5 hours, and to Arusha, it’s about 1.5 hours as well.

Customizing Your Itinerary

A combination trip that includes both gorilla trekking and a safari in Kenya or Tanzania can be customized based on your preferences. You can start with the gorilla trekking in Rwanda, then head to either the Maasai Mara or Serengeti for a game drive. Many tour operators, including Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, can help you arrange a seamless itinerary that maximizes your time and ensures you experience the best of both worlds.

For example, after a thrilling gorilla trek, you can visit the Maasai Mara for a safari during the Great Wildebeest Migration or go on a game drive in Tanzania’s Serengeti to spot the Big Five. Combining these activities will offer you an incredibly diverse and rich African safari experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

As mentioned earlier, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. The permit includes park fees, the services of a professional guide, and the opportunity to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat for one hour.

While the permit is more expensive than in Uganda, the experience in Rwanda is often viewed as higher-end, with luxury accommodations, superior infrastructure, and personalized services.

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

Yes, it is absolutely possible to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti. These destinations are just a short flight away from Rwanda, allowing you to experience both activities during your African adventure.

What is the Best Time to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best trekking conditions, as the trails are less muddy, and wildlife viewing is excellent. However, the park is open for trekking year-round, and even during the rainy season, the gorillas remain active, and the rainforest remains lush and beautiful.

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

Expert Guidance and Seamless Travel

As a trusted and registered Uganda tour operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd offers expert guidance and support to make your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda seamless and memorable. From booking your gorilla trekking permits to arranging your flights and accommodations, we handle all the logistics for you. Our team’s local knowledge and personalized service ensure that every detail of your trip is taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy your adventure.

We also offer tailor-made packages that combine gorilla trekking with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania, allowing you to maximize your time in East Africa and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Conclusion: Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from the UK?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible from the UK. While the journey requires some planning, with connecting flights from the UK to Rwanda, it is an achievable and rewarding trip. Rwanda offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to see mountain gorillas in the wild, and by working with a trusted operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, you can ensure a seamless and safe experience.

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Contact Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd today to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda!