Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zanzibar Beach Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zanzibar Beach Safari

Combining Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zanzibar Beach Safari — Are you dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime trip that combines gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar? In this guide, we explain how you can experience both incredible adventures – trekking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and unwinding on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. Through Trek Africa Gorillas, we can help you plan and book this unforgettable safari combo!

Why Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Should Be on Your Bucket List

One of the top activities to experience in Rwanda is gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offering a rare opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures up close. Gorilla trekking is a thrilling, immersive experience that lets you spend time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

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. The park is known for its bamboo forests and open grasslands, providing the perfect environment for the mountain gorillas. Each day, a limited number of visitors (8 people per gorilla group) trek to see one of the 12 habituated gorilla families.

Trekking can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe them in their natural habitat, while following the safety and ethical guidelines provided during your Rwanda Development Board briefing.

How to Book Your Gorilla Permit in Rwanda

To trek with the gorillas, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit in advance. Trek Africa Gorillas can assist you in booking your permit through the Rwanda Development Board. After confirming your travel dates, simply email us to check for availability. Once we verify permits are available, we will send you an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of payment, we’ll immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The gorilla permit in Rwanda is a key part of the overall cost of your safari. Prices vary based on residency status:

• USD 1500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 500 for foreign residents
• USD 200 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Keep in mind that in addition to the gorilla permit, you’ll also need to budget for transport, accommodation and guiding services. Our 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour, which includes everything, starts at USD 2,375 per person (for two people sharing).

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, 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 views of the gorillas and making photography opportunities even better.

The wet season, from April to May and November, brings heavier rainfall and thicker vegetation, which can make trekking more challenging. However, treks are usually shorter during this time because the mountain gorillas don’t travel far for food, as it is readily available in their habitat.

While the best trekking conditions are found during the dry season, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round. The park is highly organized and your chances of seeing the mountain gorillas are over 99%, regardless of when you visit.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

Accommodations around Volcanoes National Park offer a wide range of options to suit all budgets.

Luxury accommodations include:

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

Prices for luxury lodges typically range from USD 300 to USD 1000 per person per night.

For those seeking a more mid-range experience, consider:

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

If you’re on a budget, there are many affordable options ranging from basic rooms to camping, such as:

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

All accommodations in Volcanoes National Park follow Rwanda’s Health Ministry and WHO guidelines to ensure your safety and well-being during your gorilla trekking adventure.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

The park is easily accessible by road from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The drive takes about 2-3 hours, passing through the scenic 1000 Hills of Rwanda. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the stunning views before arriving at the park. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will provide a short briefing and ensure you’re ready for your adventure.

Zanzibar Beach Safari: A Tropical Paradise to Unwind

A visit to Zanzibar is the perfect way to wind down after your gorilla trekking adventure. Known as Spice Island, Zanzibar is located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. This beautiful island is famous for its rich culture, history and some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.

Depending on where you stay, the beach experience in Zanzibar varies. On the east coast, you can explore coral reefs, starfish-filled pools and tidal sandbars. If you’re looking for smoother, calm waters, head to the north for its pristine beaches and stunning white sand, ideal for ocean swimming and relaxing in the sun.

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Zanzibar Beach Safari

Combining these two remarkable destinations is easier than you think. You can either start your journey with gorilla trekking in Rwanda and then fly to Zanzibar or the other way around. There are several airlines that operate flights between Rwanda and Zanzibar, including Kenya Airways, Rwandair and Airlink.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and pride ourselves on creating eco-friendly, high-end safaris that offer more than just trekking.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a range of experiences, including:

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Big 5 safaris and game viewing
• Mountain hiking
• Boat cruises and excursions
• Cultural encounters

We aim to preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, ensuring that your safari not only creates lasting memories but also supports sustainable tourism. We also offer a variety of safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

Feel free to contact us about combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Zanzibar Beach Safari for the ultimate African adventure.