Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zambia Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zambia Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zambia Safari — Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and wondering if you can pair it with an incredible safari in Zambia? The answer is yes! At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in creating seamless safari combinations that let you experience the best of both worlds – the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and the wildlife-rich savannas of Zambia.

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

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is renowned for its unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Nestled in the lush, mountainous northwest of the country, the park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Each trek offers a rare chance to spend an hour in the presence of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is highly regulated, with small groups of eight visitors assigned to specific gorilla families each day. The trek can last anywhere from a short hike to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. After a morning briefing at 7 AM, visitors are guided by experienced rangers who ensure both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.

Zambia – Africa’s Premier Safari Destination

Zambia is a safari lover’s dream, famed for its walking safaris and vast wilderness areas. Top destinations include:

• South and North Luangwa National Parks: Known for incredible walking safaris and abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards and elephants.
• Lower Zambezi National Park: Offers breathtaking views, water-based safaris and a unique mix of game-viewing opportunities.
• Kafue National Park: One of Africa’s largest national parks, known for its pristine wilderness and fewer crowds.

Zambia’s parks offer the perfect contrast to Rwanda’s forested mountain landscapes, making it an ideal safari extension after gorilla trekking.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zambia Safari

The most common way to combine these experiences is by flying between Rwanda and Zambia. Several airlines, including RwandAir, Kenya Airways and Airlink, provide convenient connections between Kigali and Lusaka.

You can choose to start your adventure in Rwanda with a gorilla trek and then fly to Zambia for a safari or do it the other way around. We’ll help you plan the best itinerary based on your preferences and schedule.

Can You Drive from Zambia to Rwanda?

Yes, it’s possible to do a road trip from Zambia to Rwanda, though it’s a long journey of approximately 2,994 km that takes about 44 hours of driving. The route passes through Tanzania, offering an adventurous option for travelers who prefer overland journeys. If you’re considering this option, our team at Trek Africa Gorillas can guide you on the best routes and provide tips for a smooth trip.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of Rwanda, is a lush montane ecosystem famous for its mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a detailed briefing, you’ll embark on a trek with armed rangers to find and spend one magical hour with a gorilla family.

Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location and visitors are advised to follow all guidelines to ensure both their safety and that of the gorillas.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

To secure your gorilla trekking experience, you’ll need a gorilla permit. These permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Steps to Book Your Permit:

1. Once you confirm your travel dates, contact us at Trek Africa Gorillas.
2. We’ll check the availability of permits with the RDB.
3. Upon confirmation, we’ll send you an invoice for payment.
4. After payment is received, we’ll purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

Booking your permits in advance is essential to ensure your spot for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is a significant factor to consider. The permit prices are as follows:

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

A gorilla permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Besides the permit, additional costs for a successful gorilla trekking safari include transportation, accommodation and guiding services.

For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour starts at $2,375 per person (based on two people sharing) and includes all the essential services for a seamless and memorable experience. Contact us today for detailed information and personalized packages.

Best Seasons for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which run from:

• June to October
• December to March

During these months, rainfall is minimal, making the trails easier to navigate. The vegetation is also less dense, improving visibility and offering great opportunities for photography.

If you’re visiting during the wet seasons (April, May and November), the trails can be muddy and vegetation is thicker but the treks may be shorter since gorillas don’t move far when food is abundant. Regardless of the season, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well-organized and there’s a 99% chance of seeing the gorillas.

Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget:

Luxury Lodges ($300–$1,000 per person per night)

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Hotel
• Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge

Mid-Range Lodges

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

Budget Accommodations

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

All lodges near Volcanoes National Park adhere to health and safety protocols set by the Rwanda Health Ministry and WHO, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay for all visitors.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

Reaching Volcanoes National Park is convenient by road. The park is a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Rwanda’s famed “land of a thousand hills”, with opportunities to stop for photos and sightseeing.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will provide a short briefing before the journey to the park, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. Here’s why travelers trust us:

• Expertise: Decades of experience organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Highly Rated: Our exceptional service is consistently praised on TripAdvisor.
• Eco-Friendly Adventures: We combine gorilla trekking with sustainable wildlife safaris, supporting biodiversity conservation and local communities.
• Comprehensive Packages: In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, mountain hiking, cultural encounters and boat cruises across destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

Whether you want to focus solely on gorilla trekking or combine it with a safari in Zambia or other destinations, we’ll tailor an itinerary to suit your preferences.