Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Namibia Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with an Unforgettable Namibia Safari

Are you dreaming of a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda and looking to extend your trip with a Namibia safari? You’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll show you how to seamlessly combine these two amazing experiences with Trek Africa Gorillas as your trusted travel partner. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to exploring the stunning landscapes of Namibia, we’ll help you plan and book the perfect safari combo.

Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Namibia Safari?

Gorilla trekking is a must-do experience in Rwanda, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit and trek the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. After your trek, you can fly to Namibia for an entirely different adventure, where the landscapes are just as breathtaking. Namibia is known for its vast deserts, including the Namib Desert, the oldest in the world. With just three people per square kilometer, Namibia offers some of the most exclusive safari experiences, making it one of the top destinations in Africa.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Namibia Safari

There are several ways to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Namibia safari. You can start by visiting Rwanda for your gorilla trekking adventure, then fly to Namibia for a safari. Alternatively, you can begin your journey in Namibia and finish with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Flights between Rwanda and Namibia are operated by various airlines, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair and Airlink, offering you flexible options to plan your trip.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of the country. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and is surrounded by rich montane vegetation, including bamboo forests and open grasslands. The trekking is done once a day, with a limited number of 8 individuals visiting a gorilla group.

Visitors must arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices by 7 AM for a briefing on trekking protocols and safety measures. After the briefing, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla group and begin your trek, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and interact with them.

For your safety and the safety of the gorillas, be sure to follow all the guidelines provided during the briefing.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

To go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you must secure your gorilla permit in advance. Trek Africa Gorillas can help you book your permit through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply send us an email with your details and we’ll check for availability of permits for your desired dates. After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice for the permit payment. Once payment is received, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is primarily driven by the price of the gorilla permit, which is in addition to other costs like transport, accommodation and guiding services. Here’s the breakdown:

• USD 1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents (per person, per trek)
• USD 500 for Foreign Residents (per person, per trek)
• USD 200 for East African Citizens (per person, per trek)

Your permit gives you access to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Beyond the permit, the total cost of your safari will include transport, accommodation and guiding services.

For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which includes everything you need, starts at USD 2,375 per person (sharing, in a group of 2). If you’re interested in more details or other safari options, feel free to contact us — we’ll help you book the perfect gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

What is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to March. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making it easier to trek through Volcanoes National Park. The lighter rainfall also keeps vegetation at a manageable height, creating clearer trails and better opportunities for mountain gorilla sightings and photography.

While April, May and November are wetter months in Rwanda, they still offer great trekking opportunities. The increased rainfall leads to taller vegetation, making it slightly harder to spot the gorillas but the treks tend to be shorter as the gorillas stay closer to the forest, where food is abundant. Regardless of the season, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, with 99% chances of encountering the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly choices to luxurious stays.

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

  Prices for these luxury options range from USD 300 to USD 1000 per night.

• Mid-Range Lodges:
  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Davinci Lodge
• Budget Accommodation:
  • Kinigi Hotel
  • Hotel Muhabura
  • Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Villa Gorilla
  • Virunga Hotel
  • Faraji Hotel
  • La Palme Hotel
  • Home Inn

For those on a tighter budget, camping is also available. All accommodations in the area follow health and safety guidelines set by the Rwanda Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the well-being of visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is easy, as it’s just a 2-3 hour drive away. Your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel for a brief introduction before setting off on your scenic journey. As you drive through Rwanda’s famous 1000 Hills, you’ll have several opportunities to stop for photos and take in the stunning views along the way.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Trek Africa Gorillas?

With years of experience organizing unforgettable gorilla safaris to Rwanda and Namibia, Trek Africa Gorillas is the perfect partner for your gorilla trekking adventure. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for delivering top-notch safaris.

Our safaris combine eco-friendly and high-end adventure with a focus on wildlife conservation and supporting local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of other exciting safari activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game drives, mountain hiking, boat cruises and cultural encounters across several iconic African safari destinations, such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

Ready to plan your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda? Contact us today to start planning your perfect adventure! We can also help you combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Namibia safari for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.