Can You Go Gorilla Trekking from a Zanzibar Beach Holiday?
Yes, you can! Combining a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday with gorilla trekking in East Africa is not only possible—it’s an incredible adventure. You get the best of both worlds: white sand beaches and lush rainforest hikes with endangered mountain gorillas.
Why Combine Zanzibar and Gorilla Trekking?
Zanzibar offers stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and Swahili culture. It’s ideal for honeymooners, divers, and travelers seeking relaxation. But just a short flight away, you’ll find Rwanda and Uganda—home to the last wild mountain gorillas.
Pairing both gives you a perfect mix:
- Chill by the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar.
- Fly inland for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek.
- End your trip with culture, wildlife, and true adventure.
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking?
You can trek gorillas in:
- Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
- Congo (DRC) – Virunga National Park (less common due to safety concerns)
For most travelers, Rwanda and Uganda are the top choices due to ease of access and strong conservation systems.
How to Travel from Zanzibar to the Gorillas
You can reach gorilla destinations from Zanzibar by flight. Here’s how:
✈️ Zanzibar to Kigali (Rwanda)
- Direct or 1-stop flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam
- Airlines: RwandAir, Precision Air, Kenya Airways
- Flight time: Around 3–4 hours
- From Kigali, drive 2–3 hours to Volcanoes National Park
✈️ Zanzibar to Entebbe (Uganda)
- 1-stop flights via Nairobi or Kilimanjaro
- Airlines: Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways
- Flight time: Around 4–5 hours
- From Entebbe, fly or drive to Bwindi or Mgahinga (domestic flights available)
Sample Itinerary: Zanzibar + Gorilla Trekking
1–5days: Relax on Zanzibar’s beaches
6 day: Fly to Kigali or Entebbe
7 day : Drive or fly to the gorilla trekking base
8th day: Gorilla trekking day
Day 9–10: Optional cultural tour or Golden Monkey trek
Day 11: Fly back home or to your next destination
Tips for Planning
- Gorilla permits must be booked in advance ($700 in Uganda, $1,500 in Rwanda).
- Vaccinations: Yellow fever proof may be required when entering Uganda or Rwanda.
- Pack light: Trekking involves steep trails—good boots and rain gear are essential.
- Use a tour operator: It helps with logistics, permits, and local transfers.
Plan Your Safari
Zanzibar and gorilla trekking make the perfect East African combo. You get pristine beaches, deep culture, and a rare wildlife encounter in one journey. With the right planning, your beach-to-jungle adventure is just a flight away. For a seamless experience, book your trip with a trusted operator like Gecko Safaris Africa, which specializes in custom safaris across the region.
