Combine a Safari in Kenya with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combine a Safari in Kenya with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Are you planning to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and wondering how you can combine it with a safari in Kenya? At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize seamless safari combos that let you explore the best of both destinations. Whether you’re starting in Rwanda with gorilla trekking or kicking off your adventure in Kenya, we can help plan and book your perfect trip.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Safari in Kenya?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering you the opportunity to trek the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the ideal setting for this thrilling adventure, with breathtaking views of volcanic mountains and lush bamboo forests.

A Kenyan safari is equally enchanting, featuring iconic wildlife in the Masai Mara, unspoiled beaches in Mombasa and Malindi, the stunning Rift Valley and fascinating ancient Swahili cities. With this combination, you’ll experience both the diverse wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of two East African countries.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Safari in Kenya

There are several ways to combine these two incredible experiences. You can start your journey with gorilla trekking in Rwanda and then fly to Kenya for your safari or vice versa. Several airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair and Airlink, operate flights between Kenya and Rwanda, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Can I Drive from Kenya to Rwanda (or Vice Versa)?

Yes, it’s possible to drive between Kenya and Rwanda. If you’re starting your journey from Kenya, the best route is to drive west through Kenya, cross the border at Busia into Uganda and then continue through Uganda to the Katuna border near Kabale, which leads into Rwanda. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we’re here to guide you throughout the road trip, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Take Place?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of the country. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and features a variety of montane vegetation, including bamboo forests and open grasslands. Daily trekking begins with a briefing at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) office at 7:00 AM, where you’ll receive information about the trekking experience and the dos and don’ts.

Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be assigned to one of the park’s mountain gorilla families and your trek will begin with the guidance of an armed ranger. The trek can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla group, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. It’s essential to follow all safety guidelines during your encounter to ensure both your safety and that of the gorillas.

How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit

To go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit through Trek Africa Gorillas in advance. We’ll work with the Rwanda Development Board to confirm availability for your preferred dates. Once we’ve confirmed availability, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After payment is received, we’ll proceed to purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This confirms your booking for the Gorilla Trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda depends on your residency status:

• USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 500 for foreign residents
• USD 200 for East African citizens

These permits allow you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. In addition to the gorilla permit, you’ll also need to pay for transport, accommodation and guiding services. For example, our all-inclusive 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour starts at USD 2,375 per person (based on two people sharing).

Best Time of Year to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is mild with minimal rainfall, making it easier to trek through Volcanoes National Park. The vegetation is less dense, providing clearer trails and better visibility for spotting the mountain gorillas, which also makes for stunning photographs.

While gorilla trekking can be done year-round, the wet season in Rwanda (April, May and November) brings more rainfall, causing the vegetation to grow thicker and making sightings a bit more challenging. However, the advantage of trekking during this time is that the treks tend to be shorter since the gorillas don’t move as far in search of food, which is abundant during the wet months.

Overall, you have a 99% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park at any time of year, as the activity is well-organized and maintained throughout the seasons.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Accommodation options in and around Volcanoes National Park cater to a variety of budgets and preferences. For luxury stays, you can choose from:

• Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Hotel
• Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge

Prices for these upscale lodges range from USD 300 to USD 1000 per person, per night, offering top-tier amenities and comfort.

For mid-range options, consider:

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
• Davinci Lodge

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly choices, there are several options including basic accommodations and camping sites, such as:

• Kinigi Hotel
• Hotel Muhabura
• Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Villa Gorilla
• Virunga Hotel
• Faraji Hotel
• La Palme Hotel
• Home Inn

All lodges in Volcanoes National Park follow strict health and safety guidelines in line with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health and WHO recommendations, ensuring the well-being of all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

The best way to reach Volcanoes National Park is by road. It’s a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to the park. On your way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Rwanda’s iconic “1000 Hills.” Your driver-guide will brief you before departing and you’ll have the opportunity to stop for photographs and sightseeing along the way.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. Our tours are highly rated on TripAdvisor and we pride ourselves on offering eco-friendly, high-end adventures that also promote wildlife conservation and support local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of thrilling activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters.

We combine all these incredible experiences with safaris to other top African destinations, such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia, ensuring you have the best African safari experience.

If you’re interested in combining a safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Rwanda, get in touch with us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure!