Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris | COmBinig Rwanda/Uganda To Vic Falls

Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris | Combining Rwanda or Uganda To Vic Falls

Combine the magic of Victoria Falls with a life-changing gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda. See sample itineraries, flights, costs & travel tips.

Why Combine Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris?

Few journeys in Africa offer the dramatic contrast and thrilling diversity of a combined Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari. On one end, you stand before the thunderous curtain of water that is Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. On the other, you step into the misty mountain forests of Uganda or Rwanda, where you meet the gaze of a mountain gorilla — one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth.

Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari Itineraries

This is more than a vacation. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime blend of raw natural wonder, close-up wildlife experiences, and the best of Southern and East Africa.

Travelers from around the world are increasingly seeking Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris as part of a longer, multi-country African itinerary. Whether you are planning a luxury honeymoon, an adventure-filled anniversary, or a bucket-list wildlife trip, combining Victoria Falls with a gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda delivers unforgettable memories and incredible value.

Imagine starting your safari in Zimbabwe or Zambia, watching elephants bathe in the Zambezi River, walking the rainforest trails near Victoria Falls, and then flying into Entebbe or Kigali for a trek into the forested slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or  Volcanoes National Park.

This kind of Victoria Falls and gorilla trekking combo safari offers:

• A chance to experience two of Africa’s most iconic attractions in one seamless journey
• Easy regional connections between Southern Africa and East Africa
• A perfect balance of luxury, wildlife, culture, and landscape diversity
• Flexible options for different budgets, travel styles, and durations

At VictoriaFallsAfrica.com, we specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that make it easy to combine Victoria Falls and Uganda gorilla tours, or opt for a Victoria Falls and Rwanda gorilla safari with curated lodges, gorilla permits secured, and all travel logistics handled for you.

Whether you’re drawn by the roar of the falls or the silence of a gorilla’s stare, this combination is as powerful as it is personal.

Let’s explore how to make your Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari happen — where to go, how to connect the regions, what to expect, and the best time to travel.

How to Get from Victoria Falls to Uganda or Rwanda

One of the most common questions for travelers planning Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris is: How do I connect these two incredible destinations in one seamless trip?

The good news is that with a bit of smart planning, it’s absolutely possible and increasingly popular to travel from Victoria Falls to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or  Volcanoes National Park. Below are the main travel options and routes to help you decide what works best.

Option 1: Victoria Falls to Kigali (Rwanda)

You can fly from Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) or Livingstone Airport (LVI) to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda. While there are no direct flights daily, several one-stop routes are available via major hubs like Johannesburg or Nairobi.

Once in Kigali, you can transfer by road (about 2.5 to 3 hours) to Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking. For travelers heading to Uganda, Kigali also offers a convenient route via the Cyanika border, followed by a scenic 4-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.

Estimated total travel time: 6–10 hours, depending on connections.

Option 2: Victoria Falls to Entebbe (Uganda)

From Victoria Falls Airport, fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda, with a stopover usually in Johannesburg or Nairobi.

From Entebbe, you have two choices:

• Take a domestic flight with AeroLink Uganda to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip, both near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The airstrips are a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive from most gorilla lodges.
• Or, enjoy a scenic 7 to 9-hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through tea plantations, rural towns, and crater lakes.

This route is ideal for travelers combining Victoria Falls and Uganda gorilla tours, especially those visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Estimated total travel time: 8–12 hours depending on flight schedules and road conditions.

Option 3: Livingstone to Kigali with Scenic Drive to Uganda

Travelers starting on the Zambian side of the falls can fly out of Livingstone Airport and connect to Kigali via Johannesburg or Nairobi. This route pairs well with a road transfer from Rwanda into Uganda via the Cyanika border, a lesser-known but very scenic and efficient option for reaching the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This overland route allows you to experience both countries and is often used by those on extended gorilla trekking and Victoria Falls combo safaris.

Planning Tips for This Journey

• Visa requirements: Ensure you check visa policies for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda and Rwanda — a multiple-entry visa may be needed.
• Flight availability: Flights between Victoria Falls and East Africa are frequent but often require one or two connections.
• Luggage limits: Domestic flights in Uganda or Rwanda may have strict baggage limits, soft-sided bags are usually required.
• Private vs group options: If booking a private safari, your itinerary can be customized to reduce waiting times and streamline connections.
• Operator coordination: Booking both parts of your trip — Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking — with a trusted operator ensures your transfers, flights and permits are secured and aligned.

Whether you’re flying to Kigali or Entebbe, the connection between Victoria Falls and gorilla trekking is more accessible than ever. With careful timing and local expertise, you can enjoy the rush of Africa’s greatest waterfall and the quiet intensity of a face-to-face moment with mountain gorillas — all in one unforgettable journey.

Where Can You Trek Gorillas – Uganda vs. Rwanda

When planning Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris, the next big question is where to go for your trek: Uganda or Rwanda?
Both countries protect the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas and offer some of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences, yet they differ in cost, accessibility, terrain, and travel atmosphere.

Choosing between gorilla trekking in Uganda and gorilla trekking in Rwanda depends on your budget, fitness level, and the kind of journey you want to combine with your Victoria Falls adventure.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Wild, Immersive & Diverse

Uganda’s gorilla encounters take place in two main parks — Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park — both nestled in the mist‑covered highlands of the country’s southwest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is legendary: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to nearly half of the planet’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking here is raw and adventurous. The terrain can be steep, with thick vegetation and long tracking hours, but that adds to the authenticity of the experience.

• Permit cost: USD 800 per person (2025–2026)
• Trek duration: 1–6 hours depending on gorilla location
• Gorilla habituation experience: Available here – spend 4 hours with a semi‑habituated family (USD 1,500 per permit)
• Accessibility: Flights from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips (1 hour) + drive to lodge, or a 7–9 hour scenic road trip from Entebbe
• Lodge options: From budget forest camps to luxury lodges like Four Gorillas Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Bwindi Lodge

Uganda also allows travelers to combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or cultural community visits — making it perfect for guests who love variety and depth.

For travelers combining Victoria Falls and Uganda gorilla tours, this option delivers the most adventure for value, especially when integrated into multi‑country journeys across Southern and East Africa.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Elegant, Efficient & Refined

If your priority is ease of access and shorter travel times, then Rwanda is the ideal choice.
All gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, just 2.5 hours by road from Kigali International Airport.

This convenience makes Rwanda especially attractive for luxury travelers or anyone on a tight schedule — a visitor can arrive in Kigali in the morning, trek the next day, and be on a flight home within 72 hours.

• Permit cost: USD 1,500 per person (2025–2026)
• Trek duration: 1–4 hours depending on group location
• Accessibility: Smooth paved road from Kigali to Volcanoes NP (2.5 hours)
• Lodge options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – among Africa’s finest eco‑luxury retreats
• Additional experiences: Golden monkey tracking, cultural village visits, Kigali Genocide Memorial tour

Rwanda positions itself as the luxury gorilla destination, offering seamless service, shorter transfers, and modern infrastructure. It’s also ideal for those adding a Victoria Falls and Rwanda gorilla safari to a southern Africa trip that includes Botswana or Zambia.

Rwanda vs Uganda for Gorilla Trekking – Key Takeaways

Both countries deliver unforgettable gorilla encounters.
Uganda provides longer, more immersive adventures with a lower permit cost, while Rwanda offers accessibility and luxury comfort for travelers short on time.

Rwanda vs Uganda for Gorilla Trekking Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions – Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Can I visit gorillas and Victoria Falls in one trip?

Yes, you can absolutely visit Victoria Falls and trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda in a single trip. This kind of safari combo is becoming more popular among travelers looking to combine Southern Africa’s scenic wonders with East Africa’s rare primate experiences. You can fly between Victoria Falls and Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) using regional or international carriers, making the combination smooth and efficient. Many itineraries include Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park in just 8–14 days.

How much does a Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari cost?

Pricing depends on travel season, accommodation style, and whether you’re visiting Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking. Here’s a general range:

• Midrange combo safari (9–12 days): from USD 4,800–6,800 per person
• Luxury safari with fly-in options: USD 7,500–15,000+ per person
• Permits:
  • Uganda gorilla permit: USD 800
  • Rwanda gorilla permit: USD 1,500
  • Victoria Falls park entry: approx. USD 30–40
• Add-ons like Chobe safaris, domestic flights, helicopter rides, or gorilla habituation may increase the total cost.

A Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari offers excellent value by combining iconic African experiences into one unforgettable journey.

How many days do I need for Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking?

The ideal duration is between 8 and 14 days, depending on how much time you want to spend in each region and how many parks or lodges you want to include. Here’s a basic guideline:

• 8–9 days: Victoria Falls (2 nights), gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda (3–4 nights), transfers included
• 10–12 days: Add Chobe National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Zambezi NP for game drives or river safaris
• 14+ days: Combine multiple countries with fly-in safaris and rest days for a more relaxed pace

We recommend at least 2 nights at Victoria Falls and 3–4 nights in the gorilla trekking region.

Is it safe to combine East and Southern Africa in one trip?

Yes, it is safe and very common to combine countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda in a multi-country safari. Flights between these regions are reliable, and with the help of trusted safari operators like Nextgen Safaris, Jewel Gorilla Safaris, Pieland Gorilla Safaris and Elevana-Luxury Gorilla Holidays, border transitions are smooth and secure.

All regions have well-developed tourism infrastructure, and safety standards at lodges, airstrips and border points are professionally managed.

Always travel with:

• Copies of your passport and visas
• Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (required for Uganda and Rwanda)
• A reputable local or regional tour company to coordinate logistics

Do I need multiple visas for this safari?

Yes, you will likely need visas for each country you plan to enter. Here’s what most travelers need:

• Zimbabwe/Zambia: You can use the KAZA UniVisa for both countries (USD 50), ideal for Victoria Falls visitors.
• Rwanda: Visa on arrival or eVisa (USD 30); many nationalities qualify for free or simplified access.
• Uganda: eVisa required (USD 50) or East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100), which also covers Rwanda and Kenya.

If you are visiting multiple East African countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa is highly recommended for ease and savings.

Which is better for gorilla trekking – Rwanda or Uganda?

This depends on your priorities:

• Rwanda: Easier access (2.5 hours from Kigali), luxury lodges, higher permit cost ($1,500), gentler terrain.
• Uganda: More affordable permits ($800), wilder terrain, longer treks, two parks to choose from (Bwindi & Mgahinga).

Both countries offer extraordinary gorilla encounters, and your choice may also depend on which pairs better with your Victoria Falls itinerary.

Are there direct flights between Victoria Falls and Kigali or Entebbe?

There are no regular direct flights, but convenient one-stop routes are available via:

• Johannesburg (JNB) – major hub linking Victoria Falls with East Africa
• Nairobi (NBO) – especially for connecting to Entebbe or Kigali
• Addis Ababa (ADD) – another growing East Africa connection hub

Typical flight time is 6–10 hours including layovers. Your operator can help find the smoothest itinerary.

Can I self-book this or should I use a tour operator?

Due to the complexity of gorilla permits, cross-border logistics, domestic flights, and safari lodge coordination, it’s highly recommended to book through Nextgen Safaris, a trusted safari tour operator.

At Victoria Falls Africa, we partner with Nextgen Safaris and Jewel Gorilla Safaris, the top-rated operators in Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, ensuring your journey is seamless, safe and unforgettable — from Victoria Falls to Gorilla Trekking.

When is the best time to do a Victoria Falls and Gorilla Trekking Safari?

The best time for combining both regions is during the dry seasons:

• June to October – Great for both Victoria Falls and gorilla trekking
• December to February – Lush rainforest conditions, good trekking visibility, Victoria Falls still flowing

Avoid April–May if you don’t like muddy trails, though gorilla viewing is still possible year-round.

What should I pack for this safari combo?

Pack for multiple environments:

• Victoria Falls: light clothing, swimwear, sandals, rain poncho for the spray zone
• Gorilla Trekking: hiking boots, gaiters, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, rain jacket, insect repellent. Download our Free Nextgen Packing Checklist
• Documents: valid passport, printed eVisas, gorilla permit confirmation, travel insurance

Duffle bags (not hard-shell suitcases) are preferred for bush flights.