Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Victoria Falls
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Victoria Falls, Gorilla tracking is a unique experience that allows visitors to encounter the gentle giant apes(mountain gorillas) in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking safaris always begin with travelling from Kigali to the Virunga volcanoes. This is an unequalled activity that involves trekking into the jungles through varying terrain and altitudes for several hours till you meet the gorilla family. The trek begins with a briefing from the park rangers at the park center. After briefing and grouping, 8 people are allowed to visit a particular gorilla family with the leadership of an armed game ranger. On encounter, you are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas. It’s an experience of wonders in Rwanda’s wilderness.
Victoria Falls is a breathtaking spectacle that creates a cascading chasm between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The falls are locally referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The smoke that thunders,” and are characterized by rolling fog that can be observed from distant miles, and the uproar of the water echoes throughout the atmosphere. Victoria Falls can be explored from both Zambia and Zimbabwe after crossing via the Victoria Falls Bridge.
The falls were named by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone after Queen Victoria of England in 1855. The perfect starting point for the activities offered along the falls is Livingstone town in Zambia. Some of the breathtaking activities on the falls include microlight flights, helicopter tours, river trips, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. When the sun goes down on the Zambezi River, a sunset tour is the most peaceful way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Victoria Falls.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe have claims to the falls, but the Zambia side provides a more private and unique atmosphere for those seeking a classic adventure. The Zambian side is famous for custom tours, and the less busy areas, thus making it a great place for people who want to experience the powerful spiritual impact of Victoria Falls. The amazing height of the falls at 108m/345ft, the exciting adventures and accommodations make your trip complete, while to the Victoria Falls on the Zambia side. The Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool at the edge of the falls, is a fascinating and engaging place to visit. This exciting adventure is only on the Zambia side, making it a must-see for thrill-seekers. Zambia’s Knife-Edge Bridge is the best spot to have views of the Victoria Falls.
However, on the Zimbabwe side, visitors can view 75% of the falls, which provides extensive and successive perspectives of the falls. Visitors have more viewing points, including the main falls, Rainbow Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The falls can be visited all year round, but are best in the dry seasons when the mist and rainbow display on sunny days.
Combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Victoria Falls.
A visit that combines mountain gorilla tracking in Rwanda and the Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe is a journey that promises a memorable encounter with the natural wilderness. A transition from the gorilla habitat (Virunga mountains) to the breathtaking power of the scenic falls is an experience of heartfelt wonders.
Tour highlights
- Day 1: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla tracking and transfer to Kigali.
- Day 3: Take a flight to Victoria Falls – sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
- Day 4: Falls exploration (from the ground and the sky)
- Day 5: Devil’s Pool experience
- Day 6: Departure.
Detailed Itinerary. to Visit Gorillas in Rwanda and Victoria Falls
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel or airport by a driver guide and transferred to Volcanoes National Park, which is just a two-hour drive from Kigali. In the afternoon, you can choose to participate in a cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians village (formerly known as Ib’yiwachu Cultural Centre). At this place get to learn and enjoy much of Rwandan culture through practical exhibitions, craft work, music, and dances.
Alternatively, you can visit Ellen DeGeneres’ Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn more about mountain gorillas and Dian Fossey, the great primatologist who devoted her efforts to mountain gorilla conservation. In the evening, check into your accommodation close to the park.
After breakfast, join others at the park headquarters for a briefing about how to behave during the gorilla trekking excursion. With the leadership of armed ranger guides, you will embark on the search for the mountain gorillas. The activity takes a few hours, it’s tiring and challenging, but the reward is great. On location of the gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend one hour watching the gorillas feeding, grooming, and playing. Take memory photos and videos, then return to the starting point to meet your driver guide. After lunch at the hotel, check out and return to Kigali, where you will spend the night.
Transfer to Zimbabwe after a 6-hour connecting flight from Kigali International Airport to Victoria Falls Airport. Our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the accommodation for lunch and relaxation.
If time is friendly, move out for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Here you will be able to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants swimming or bathing, and several bird species. The beautiful sunset makes a good start of the day to spend around the Victoria Falls.
Begin your day with the rainbow experience at sunrise. The sunrays hit the falls, creating a breathtaking scenery of a rainbow in the sky above the waters. With your packed lunch, proceed to Victoria Falls National Park, enter the park at the park center, that next to A8 road that leads to the Victoria Falls bridge. Inside the national park, follow walking paths through the 16 viewpoints. The first viewpoint has the statue of David Livingstone, moving on to the point that provides an amazing view of the gorge, at the third to the sixth point, is the devil’s cataract, where you will have the most impressive sights of the Victoria Falls. The last two points are so impressive but considered dangerous. This is where the western Zimbabwean falls merge into the eastern Zambian falls to form a cauldron.
In the afternoon, go for a helicopter ride over the falls. The flight takes 12- 15 minutes. Payments are made on-site. You will see all the Victoria Falls from an aerial perspective. It’s a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. In the evening, return to your hotel and request a taste of the Zimbabwean local cuisine, and then overnight.
The Devil’s Pool is a natural rock at the edge of Victoria Falls. Reaching this pool is through a guided nature walk or a boat trip. At the pool, you will feel the rush of the cascading waters just a few inches away, getting a great perspective of the Victoria Falls. Walking or swimming in the devil’s pool is a thrilling experience. By the end of this day, you will realise why Victoria Falls are considered one of the most powerful and wonderful falls in the world.
On the last day of your combined gorilla trekking and Victoria Falls safari, wake up at your leisure for breakfast. You can engage in some optional activities depending on your flight time. The activities include quad biking, game drives, and elephant interactions. Later, transfer to the airport for departure.
Conservation projects at both Victoria Falls and the gorilla trekking areas depend on ecotourism to bring in money and raise awareness. When people go for these treks, they not only live out their dream of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat, but they also help keep these fragile ecosystems alive. So, this trip isn’t just an adventure; it’s also an important way of protecting the natural environment.
The best time for a combined Rwanda gorilla safari and Victoria Falls
The most convenient time to visit Victoria Falls is between June and August. This is because the water flow is moderate, and visibility is exceptional. At the optimal time to visit Victoria Falls, you will have the best viewing conditions and pleasant temperatures. The optimal period to visit Victoria Falls matches with Rwanda’s peak gorilla trekking season, thus rendering it the best combination for adventure seekers. The best time for mountain gorilla tracking in Rwanda is from June to September, which is also an ideal time to visit the Falls. This timing enables you to fully appreciate the best of both destinations.
How to get to Victoria Falls and Rwanda gorillas
Reaching these two strategic destinations requires planning. After setting your travel dates in the right season, you will take flights from your country to Kigali International Airport, from where you will connect to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla tracking. From the Rwanda gorillas, drive back to Kigali airport. From Kigali, take a flight to either Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe or Livingstone airport in Zambia. Many airlines connect from southern Africa and Rwanda. Travelers are advised to book early to avoid the inconveniences of high traffic in the peak season.