Tips for Planning a Combined Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Tour in Uganda/Rwanda and Zimbabwe
A combined gorilla trekking and Victoria Falls tour in Uganda or Rwanda and Zimbabwe presents a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts. While Uganda and Rwanda are famous for mountain gorilla encounters, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on earth and biggest sheet of water in the world with it’s height twice that of Niagara Falls. Victoria Falls has a width of 1,708 meters, it’s water spray can go up to 400 meters and can be sighted from up to 48 kilometers away during the wet season. The Victoria Falls spray, waterfalls, rainbows, mist and its geological features are exceptionally attractive making It one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and the reason it was recognized among the seven natural wonders.
Many travelers find it so challenging to plan a combined gorilla trekking and Victoria Falls vacation beginning with deciding on which destinations to visit first, how to secure permits & activities and the experience itself. Here are our quick guidelines and tips to planning your next combined Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Vacation in either Uganda or Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Combining Gorilla Trekking with a Visit to the Victoria Falls-Top Tips
How Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a Visit to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe?
You can combine gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with a visit to Victoria Falls by either flying direct into Kigali Rwanda or Entebbe Uganda stay for 3 or 7 nights and then fly to Harare International Airport from where you will connect to Victoria Falls Airport and later fly out back home from O.R Tambo International Airport Johannesburg(Highly Recommended) /Harare International Airport.
Alternatively, you can fly direct into Harare International Airport, connect to Victoria Falls and then fly into Kigali or Entebbe for the Gorilla Trekking excursion later flying out of Kigali or Entebbe International Airports. Note that one can arrive in Kigali and trek the gorillas in Uganda on a 4Hrs drive from Kigali to Bwindi avoiding the long drive hours(10Hrs) from Entebbe to Bwindi.
Should I Do Gorilla Trekking Before or After a Victoria Falls Tour?
From Experience we think that it is better for you to start with gorilla trekking as your primary activity which is a bit hectic and then end with a relaxation mode at Victoria Falls. Otherwise, you can start with any of the two depending on the best flight connections available and your location before the start of the trip.
What is the Best time to go on a Combined Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Vacation?
Gorilla trekking and Victoria falls tours are all-year tourism activities and can be done any time or Month of the year. However, the Months after the summer rains are the best time to visit the Mighty Falls for a breathtaking experience with the most spectacular views and full experience of the largest sheet of water flowing and these are the Months of February, March, April and May. The dry Months of June, July, August and September are the best Months for gorilla trekking but you can also have a great gorilla trekking experience during the rainy Months of February, March, April and May only that the jungle is a bit slippery and sometimes muddy.
Travelers who are interested in doing white water rafting can visit Victoria Falls when the Zambezi River has already begun to rise from all the summer water in January. White water activities continue up to May however this time around rafters are advised to take good care of themselves and watch out as the falls now have increased in the water volume with thunderous falls that can be heard miles away.
For travelers interested in viewing the popular stunning lunar rainbow, the best sighting is during the Month of July.
November is quite an awesome month since there’s now growing lush vegetation and most of the water sources are filling up but still not the best time to visit the Mighty Falls as it takes a long for the water to make its way back to Victoria Falls.
December is considered the best month to sight stunning bird species and animal life at the falls.
What Else Can I Add on A Combined Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Trip?
After or before Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls tour, you may decide to do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, do a big safari in Uganda or Rwanda, do Golden Monkey tracking, cultural experiences or even a boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi or in Akagera National Park. You may also decide to stay by the beaches of Mombasa or Zanzibar and you may actually also add a safari in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park or hike Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Uganda and Rwanda ?
In Rwanda, Gorilla Trekking is done at Volcanoes National Park which is located in the far northwest of Rwanda and home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the rich montane vegetation of bamboo forests and open grasslands while in Uganda Gorilla Trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in South Western Uganda 10 Hours from Kampala and 4 Hours from Kigali Rwanda and the trekking can be done all year around though the dry Months of June, July, August and September all through to October.
Unlike Safari activities fees which can be booked or paid on spot, Gorilla Permits to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda have to be booked/purchased at least 2 years in advance. Gorilla Permits in Rwanda cost 1500$ for Foreign non-resident, 500$ for the foreign resident and 200$ for the East African Citizen While in Uganda Gorilla Permits cost 800$ for Foreign non-resident, 700$ for the foreign resident and 300,000UGX for the East African Citizen.
Is it Possible to do Double Gorilla Trekking in Both Uganda and Rwanda in a single trip before or after a Victoria Falls Experience?
Yes, it is possible for you to do Gorilla Trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda in single trip before or after a Victoria Falls experience.
Recommended Combined Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Tour Itinerary to Inspire You.
12 Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Excursions Tour
Tour Overview
This tour takes you to witness two of Africa’s top encounters the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda, Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The Major highlights of this Gorilla trekking and Voctoria Falls Vacation tour include Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, Boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi, Tour of Victoria Falls, Zambezi River Sunset Boat Cruise and the Boma Dinner and Drum Show. The 12 Days Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls tour is highly recommended for Couples/honeymooners, families, groups, individual travelers and solo travelers.
Detailed Gorilla Trekking and Victoria Falls Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet and greet with representatives of Engabi Tours and Travel who will welcome you to Rwanda and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali City for overnight.
Accommodation Option: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today you will be picked up from your Hotel by your driver who will transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home of Mountain Gorillas via Katuna Border Crossing arriving in time for lunch at your lodge.
Note that to move between Uganda and Rwanda, you will need to buy an East African Tourist Visa from your first country of Arrival (Rwanda) at a cost of 100USD Per Person
Accommodation Option: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Experience
After breakfast at your Lodge, you will be transferred to the gorilla trekking starting point. Here you will be briefed about the gorilla trekking rules while your guide takes care of the practicalities. After briefing you set off into the forest with a specialized guide who leads you to the point where the gorillas are. For one unforgettable hour you are in the area of the mountain Gorillas seeing them in their daily life, with a chance to spot some forest interior birds.
After trekking the gorillas, you will have your packed lunch and you will head back to the starting point where your driver will pick you and take you back to the lodge for refreshing. Later in the evening you will visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation Option: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a Boat Excursion
Today you will wake lazily, have your breakfast and thereafter transfer to Lake Bunyonyi which is home to 19 islands, several little birds and otters. You will arrive in time for a boat cruise to explore the lake’s islands (Zebras Island, Punishment Island and Pygmies island) and then check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight. In the evening you may decide to stay relaxing at the lake/pool side
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park the Home of Chimps in Uganda
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Kibale national park the home of Chimpanzees. The journey to Kibale offers an amazing views and opportunities for photography in the country side. You will have lunch on the way and arrive at your lodge in time for check in, relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Tabebuia Safari Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking experience and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today after breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for briefing about the rules and regulations of tracking chimpanzees and then proceed in the jungle to start the search for the chimps guided by the Uganda wildlife Authority Rangers. Kibale national park is not only gifted with chimpanzee but also the birding moment. After tracking, you will go lunch and then return to Bigodi for a swamp walk. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge
Accommodation Option: Tabebuia Safari Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Road Transfer to Entebbe
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred by road to Entebbe town for overnight.
Accommodation Option: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 8: Flight to Harare and Overnight.
Depending on the schedule of your flight, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport arriving in time for your flight to Harare International Airport. On arrival at Harare International Airport, you will meet and greet with a representative from Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation Option: Holiday Inn Harare
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Morning Flight to Victoria falls Airport and Evening Sunset Cruise
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Harare International Airport to catch your flight to Victoria falls Airport with Fast Jet Airlines and on arrival you will be met by Engabi tours and Travel representative who will transfer you to your accommodation for relaxation and overnight. Later in the evening, you will head out for a sunset boat cruise aboard the Lady Marilese on the Zambezi River.
The Lady Marilese is a luxurious cruise vessel offering an exclusive and intimate experience on the Zambezi River. It features spacious decks with panoramic views, plush seating and an elegant upper lounge perfect for sipping fine wines or handcrafted cocktails at sunset. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted wildlife sightings of elephants, hippos and exotic birds while indulging in gourmet cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients expertly paired with premium wines and spirits. Complimentary canapés, such as delicate smoked salmon, savory cheeses, and gourmet miniatures are served alongside a selection of snacks and a variety of premium beverages including wines, handcrafted cocktails and refreshing non-alcoholic options.
In the fading twilight hours, heed the call of Africa while sipping traditional cocktails and enjoying light snacks as you return to your hotel for overnight.
Accommodation Option: Zambezi Boutique Guest House Victoria Falls
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Tour of Victoria Falls and Boma Dinner & Drum Show
This morning after breakfast, you will be taken on a guided walking tour to the spectacular Victoria Falls through the splendid rain forest with various species of plants and birds. The tour takes you on a fantastic encounter to experience and photograph all the classic and best views of the fall, the Cataracts and Livingstone’s statue. Return to your lodge for Lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, you will go out for the Boma Dinner and Drum Show. Described as an unforgettable African experience infused with Zimbabwean cuisine, spirited performances and traditional storytelling, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show has firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls highlight. Partially open to the skies, The Boma specialises in a superb selection of Zimbabwean dishes with a four-course meal that combines a choice of starters with a barbecue buffet. The adventurous are enticed with local delicacies such as mopani worms and potjiekos (hunter’s game stew), whilst those wishing to enjoy beef, pork, fish and chicken or a variety of vegetarian meals are welcome to do so.
The sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by a feast of nightly entertainment, incorporating traditional dancers who captivate guests with their vibrant songs and dance. The acclaimed Zambezi Drumbeat provides a wonderful interactive drumming experience.
Accommodation Option: Zambezi Boutique Guest House Victoria Falls
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Optional Tours of Victoria Falls
Today you will wake up at leisure with no scheduled activities. You can stay at the lodge swimming or relaxing in your bed though you may take part in any of the optional excursions in and around Victoria Falls. Possible activities include Flight over the Victoria Falls either with Helicopter, Bungee jumping, White water rafting and abseiling among others.
Accommodation Option: Zambezi Boutique Guest House Victoria Falls
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport to catch your flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Today after breakfast you will transfer to Victoria Falls airport to catch your flight to Johannesburg from where you will catch your onward International flight back home.
Accommodation Option: N/a
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of Vacation
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