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April 1, 2025Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana Safari: The Ultimate African Adventure
Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana Safari — Are you dreaming of an unforgettable African safari experience that combines gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a thrilling wildlife safari in Botswana? This incredible journey takes you from the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, to the vast landscapes of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve. In this guide, we’ll show you how to seamlessly plan this adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions.
Why Combine Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with a Botswana Safari?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. On the other hand, Botswana is renowned for its exclusive safari experiences, with unparalleled opportunities to see the Big Five, massive elephant herds, and breathtaking landscapes. Combining these two destinations gives you the best of both worlds—intimate primate encounters and epic game drives in some of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas.
How to Plan a Gorilla Trekking and Botswana Safari Combo
There are multiple ways to structure this trip. You can start with gorilla trekking in Rwanda and then fly to Botswana for your safari or vice versa. Flights between Rwanda and Botswana are available via major airlines such as Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink, with layovers in hubs like Nairobi or Johannesburg.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: What to Expect
Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of the country. This lush park is home to the rare mountain gorillas and features stunning montane forests, bamboo groves, and open grasslands. Trekking is conducted once daily, with only eight visitors per gorilla group, ensuring an intimate and eco-friendly experience.
What Happens on a Gorilla Trek?
Your adventure begins at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll receive a briefing at 7:00 AM. After being assigned a gorilla family, you’ll embark on a guided trek into the forest, led by experienced ranger guides. The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you’ll spend a magical one hour in their presence, observing their behavior up close.
Booking Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Advance
To secure your gorilla trekking experience, you’ll need to book a gorilla permit through Trek Africa Expeditions. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and we handle all the arrangements for you. Simply contact us with your preferred travel dates, and we’ll check availability. Once confirmed, we’ll guide you through the payment process and send you a scanned copy of your permit for your records.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
A Rwanda gorilla permit costs:
- $1,500 for foreign non-residents
- $500 for foreign residents
- $200 for East African citizens
Additional costs include accommodation, transportation, and guiding services. Our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour starts from $2,375 per person for a group of two. Contact us for more details!
The Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to March. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making the trails easier to navigate. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the rainy months of April, May, and November can offer shorter treks since gorillas don’t move as far in search of food.
Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers accommodation options for every budget:
Luxury Lodges ($800 – $2,000 per night)
- Bisate Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Mid-Range Lodges ($300 – $800 per night)
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Budget Accommodations ($100 – $300 per night)
- Hotel Muhabura
- Kinigi Guest House
- Gorilla Solution Lodge
All lodges follow strict health and safety protocols to ensure a comfortable stay.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is only a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it one of the most accessible gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Our driver-guide will meet you at your hotel or the airport and take you through Rwanda’s breathtaking “Land of a Thousand Hills,” with scenic stops for photography along the way.
Botswana Safari: Where to Go & What to Expect
Top Safari Destinations in Botswana
- Okavango Delta – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with incredible water-based safaris.
- Chobe National Park – Famous for its large elephant population and boat safaris along the Chobe River.
- Moremi Game Reserve – A prime Big Five safari destination.
- Linyanti & Savuti – Remote and exclusive wildlife regions teeming with predators.
How to Get to Botswana from Rwanda
The easiest way to travel between Rwanda and Botswana is by air, with flights operated by Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink. Most routes have a layover in Nairobi or Johannesburg before reaching Maun or Kasane, the gateways to Botswana’s top safari destinations.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking & Botswana Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?
Trek Africa Expeditions organizes seamless and immersive African safaris, combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with epic wildlife safaris in Botswana. With years of experience, glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, we ensure every detail is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Our Safaris Also Include:
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Big Five safaris
- Mountain hiking
- Boat cruises
- Cultural encounters
Ready to embark on the ultimate African safari? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure in Rwanda and Botswana