Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Possible from Victoria Falls?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in the world. If you’re already visiting Victoria Falls in Southern Africa, you might be wondering: Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from Victoria Falls? The answer is yes! With the right planning and flight connections, you can easily combine the majesty of Victoria Falls with the thrilling adventure of gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

In this guide, we will explore how to travel from Victoria Falls to Rwanda, what to expect from a gorilla trekking experience, and what additional safari options you can combine with your gorilla trek. Whether you’re already in Southern Africa or planning to add Rwanda to your itinerary, this article provides all the information you need to make your wildlife adventure seamless and memorable.

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Understanding Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Why Rwanda Is a Top Gorilla Trekking Destination

Rwanda is home to the Volcanoes National Park, which is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas. This small but stunning park is located in the northwest of the country, near the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species, and the conservation efforts in Rwanda have been extremely successful, with the population growing steadily over the years.

Rwanda’s approach to sustainable tourism has made it a top destination for gorilla trekking, and the country is now one of the world’s leading eco-tourism destinations. Gorilla trekking is a rare privilege, where visitors can hike through lush forests and have the opportunity to spend up to an hour with a family of these gentle giants.

The Cost and Permits for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The price for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This fee is used to fund the protection of the gorillas, conservation programs, and local community projects that benefit from eco-tourism. It also covers the park entrance fee and the services of your guide, who will help you track the gorillas.

Keep in mind that permits are in high demand, and it is always advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons such as June to September and December to February.

Can You Travel from Victoria Falls to Rwanda?

Travel Logistics: Getting to Rwanda from Victoria Falls

While Victoria Falls is located in Zimbabwe, it is a short distance away from Zambia, and it’s a popular base for tourists visiting the famous waterfall. However, reaching Rwanda from Victoria Falls requires some travel connections, as there are no direct flights between the two locations.

To get from Victoria Falls to Rwanda, you can follow these travel steps:

Flight from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg: The first leg of your journey will take you from Victoria Falls to Johannesburg, South Africa. You can fly from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, which takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Several airlines, including Air Zimbabwe and South African Airways, operate flights on this route.
Flight from Johannesburg to Kigali: Once in Johannesburg, you can catch a connecting flight to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Airlines such as RwandAir, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines operate regular flights between Johannesburg and Kigali, which typically take around 4 hours.

In total, the travel time from Victoria Falls to Rwanda (with layovers) can range from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the flight connections and layover times. It’s important to ensure your layovers are well-timed to avoid missing your connecting flight.

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Once you arrive in Kigali, you will need to take a scenic 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. This park is the primary location for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and is surrounded by breathtaking views of volcanoes and lush forests.

The trek itself is both physically engaging and spiritually rewarding. Trekking through the forest can involve steep terrain, muddy paths, and sometimes dense vegetation. The experienced rangers will guide you along the trails, and the moment you come across a family of mountain gorillas is something you’ll never forget.

You’ll spend an hour with the gorillas, watching them interact, feed, and relax in their natural environment. The rangers will share their knowledge about the gorillas’ behaviors, social structures, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. This time spent with the gorillas is a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

The Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry season (from June to September and December to February). These months offer the best trekking conditions, with less rain and more manageable trails. However, Rwanda can be visited year-round, with the green season (from March to May and October to November) offering lush, vibrant landscapes. It’s important to note that trekking can be more challenging during the rainy season due to slippery and muddy paths.

How Much Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

The Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda

As mentioned earlier, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD. This fee grants you access to Volcanoes National Park and includes the services of an experienced ranger guide who will assist you throughout the trekking experience.

The fee also contributes to vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and their habitat. Rwanda has invested heavily in its gorilla conservation programs, and the fees help support the local communities, who benefit from eco-tourism.

Given the high demand for permits, it’s highly recommended that you book your permit in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.

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

The Possibility of Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Safari

If you are already in Victoria Falls, chances are you may be considering extending your African safari adventure to include other iconic wildlife experiences in Kenya or Tanzania. The good news is, yes, you can absolutely combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in either of these two incredible countries.

Tanzania Safari: After your gorilla trek in Rwanda, you can fly to Arusha (the gateway to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater) for a safari. The flight from Kigali to Arusha is approximately 1 hour. Serengeti offers some of the most incredible wildlife viewing in the world, including the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.
Kenya Safari: Another option is to combine your gorilla trekking experience with a safari in Kenya, where you can visit Masai Mara for thrilling game drives and witness the Great Migration. Flights from Kigali to Nairobi are available and take around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Both options offer a chance to experience the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) and other magnificent wildlife after your gorilla trek in Rwanda.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Much Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1,500 USD per person. This fee includes park entrance, a guide, and contributes to conservation efforts to protect the gorillas.

How Can I Get from Victoria Falls to Rwanda?

To get from Victoria Falls to Rwanda, you will need to fly to Johannesburg (approximately 1.5 hours) and then catch a connecting flight to Kigali (approximately 4 hours). The total journey time, including layovers, is typically 6 to 8 hours.

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

Yes! After gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you can easily travel to Tanzania (Serengeti) or Kenya (Masai Mara) for a safari to see the Big Five and experience the Great Migration.

Conclusion

To answer the main question: Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible from Victoria Falls? The answer is a resounding yes! With easy flight connections and a well-planned itinerary, you can seamlessly travel from Victoria Falls to Rwanda and experience the unforgettable adventure of gorilla trekking. Additionally, combining this experience with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania adds even more excitement to your trip. For an unforgettable experience, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, can help you organize your dream safari and gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.