Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a great primate adventure attracting thousands of tourists Rwanda safari to have a close encounter with the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. It is a thrilling wildlife encounter of a lifetime! Rwanda is one of the 3 African states where these rare apes only exist and the other 2 include Uganda-the Pearl of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In Rwanda gorilla tracking is the major tourist activity done at Volcanoes National Park and it’s regarded as the most breathtaking activity one should not miss. The genocide memorial sites in Gisenyi and Butare are some of the attaching places you will not miss to see and hear the stories of how the war begun. Visiting the Dian Fossey tombs in the Karisoke is some thing to look at.
Discounted Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Discounted gorilla permits are also referred to as low-season gorilla permits (mostly during the wet season) to make it affordable for those planning to visit this beautiful country of a thousand hills for more days. According to Rwanda Development Board, the discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda are offered at USD1050.00 per permit/per person for a chance to trek and relate with the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
Where to Go Gorilla Trekking Elsewhere
Uganda is one of the most top safari destinations in Africa. The lush green vegetation, breathtaking landscapes and amazing array of plant and animal species. For those seeking an adventure in Uganda, we have put in place a comprehensive Uganda safari program with the best wildlife safaris and gorilla Tours for you! We look forward to hosting you in Uganda, Africa!
Our trips range from 3 days to 12 weeks covering the diversity in Uganda and Rwanda , right from the dry vastness of Kidepo National Park in the north, Queen Elizabeth savannah plains, the mighty river Nile and her magnificent Murchison Falls, the rainy forest of Kibaale, savannah valley of Semliki National Park , to the Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla tropical rain forest that lies in the south east of Uganda, then across the boarders to Rwanda in the Parc des volcanoes Nyungwe Forests and wildlife safari in the Akagera.
Because we understand the variations in our client`s needs, we take time in discussing with our clients and suggest to them what may be perfect for their Uganda expedition .By so doing, we design unique excursions for every traveler that explores Uganda and Rwanda.
The Mountain Gorillas
The mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and in Congo, they are specifically found in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Volcanoes National park and in Virunga National park, many people have traveled to these countries in order to enjoy the mountain gorillas which has helped in increasing the gorilla tracking tours to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Where is gorilla trekking carried out in Rwanda?
When it comes gorilla safaris in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is the only destination tourists can visit to have lifetime experiences. This stunning conservation area is perched suitably in Northwestern Rwanda, Ruhengeri region. From Kigali, Rwanda it can be reached within 2 to 3 hours’ drive and from Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park is only 3-4 hours’ drive. From Uganda to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, tourists on gorilla safaris go border-crossing from Katuna/Chanika borders.
Volcanoes National Park protects at least 30% of the 1063 estimated total population of mountain gorillas on earth. It also accounts for 10 already habituated gorilla families set for gorilla trekking purposes making it an outstanding gorilla safari destination in Rwanda and Africa at large. On Rwanda gorilla safari, the gorilla group families to consider trekking include Bwenge, Agashya, Amahoro, Ugenda, Susa A, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi (Susa B), Hirwa and Susa A.
What you should expect on Rwanda gorilla trek
A gorilla trek in Rwanda like it is in Uganda or DRC commences with an early morning breakfast from your lodge. Later, all tourists assemble at Kinigi offices to have briefing at 7:00am and this is about gorilla trekking rules and regulations. The official from Volcanoes National Park then allocates to you one habituated family to explore in a group of 8 visitors. At 8:00am, the guide from Volcanoes National Park takes you on a search for gorillas. This may take from 2-6 hours and it covers 1 hour of a close encounter and photography.
Your gorilla trekking adventure starts early – you’ll need to arrive at the Kinigi park headquarters in Volcanoes National Park at 7:00am for a briefing from one of the park rangers.
You’ll begin your search for a gorilla family around 8:30am, and are required to return to the campground by 7:00pm at the latest (although your trek may take less time).
One of the key elements in determining which gorilla family you’ll trek to see is the duration and difficulty of the trek you wish to undertake. Your trek could last anywhere from two to nine hours, depending on the exact location of the specific gorilla family which you’re tracking.
You don’t have to be super-fit, however it does help if you have a reasonable level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience.
Your professional guide and tracker will lead you through the forest trails in search of your gorilla family. The conditions in the forest can be slippery and muddy – even in the dry season – and it can also be very humid under the forest canopy.
The trek is fairly challenging and you may find it tough as you pass through the dense undergrowth. The high altitude and the steep, slippery trails can make the trek exhausting, but it’s definitely worth the effort to spend time with mountain gorillas in the wild.
When you finally find these gentle giants, you’ll have the opportunity to spend up to one hour in their company, before returning to your lodge to reflect on your moving and magical encounter with the wild mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
You’ll have up to one magical hour with the gorillas, however this never feels long enough and we recommend that you consider doing two treks.
No two gorilla experiences are ever the same and a second trek offers the opportunity to track a different family in a different area of the park. On a second trek you’re more likely to put the camera down, relax and enjoy the experience.
Gorilla Trekking rules
The list of gorilla trekking rules and regulations is long and among others expect to get know the following;
- You should be 15 years and above to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
- Only habituated gorilla families are trekked by only a group of 8 tourists each day on Rwanda gorilla safari tour.
- A valid gorilla trekking permit is a must-have if you to participate on a trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
- Do not go trek gorillas when sick, ill.
- Always maintain the social distance of 7m from a group of gorillas.
- Upon finding/locating a group of mountain gorillas, you will be allowed to spend only 1 hour with these great apes.
- When taking photos, please ensure that the camera you are using doesn’t have a flashlight and if it does, ensure it is turned off before photo shoot.
- Always maintain your voices low but you are free to ask the guide any questions you have.
How much are Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda?
No one is allowed to track mountain gorillas without a valid gorilla trekking permit on Rwanda safari. Every gorilla permit in Rwanda is issued at US Dollars 1500 per person and it can be obtained directly via a ground tour operator or reservation team at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Ensure that you have booked your permit at least 2-4 months early prior considering traveling to Rwanda to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
When to travel to Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The most preferred time to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the dry/peak/high season. This is recorded from June, July, August to September and from December, January to February. The dry season comes with less challenges for trekkers since low rainfall amount is recorded during this period. This makes the ground and steep slopes drier.
A section of trekkers on Rwanda gorilla safaris also prefer traveling to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking during the low or rainy season. This is mostly by the budget tourists. The low season begins in the months of March, April, May and October, November. Navigating through the lush vegetation and slippery steep slopes during the rainy season is one challenging side of trekking mountain gorillas during this period but it rewards you with magical encounter.
What to carry on Rwanda Gorilla Tour?
There are various items to carry but the essential ones for your gorilla trek include among others long trousers, blouses, sweater, first aid kit, rain jacket, long sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots, sunscreen, toiletries, daypack, camera with no flashlight, insect repellent, snacks, sun glasses, anti-malarial tabs, socks.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda?
It’s important to come well prepared for the incredible experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, however you don’t need to overpack with too much gear. Note that domestic flights usually have luggage limited to 20 kilograms per person and it’s best to use a soft case or holdall to maximise space.
Some of the equipment include, Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, Light, breathable waterproof jackets and trousers, and long-sleeved shirts, Warm layers for the chilly mornings and cold nights, long lightweight woollen socks., Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection, Toiletries such as sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, Garden gloves, A small backpack, Camera with extra lenses and batteries, Binoculars, Snacks and A reusable water bottle to limit waste.
Places to stay on Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park
The accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park are categorized into 3; Luxury, Mid-range and Budget. They include among others Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel (Mid-range) or Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura (Budget).
Getting to Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla safari
Volcanoes National Park is easier to reach by road. You drive from Kigali to Northwestern Rwanda and your journey may cover 2-3 hours. You may consider border-crossing from Uganda (Bwindi National Park in Kabale district or Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro district) via Katuna or Chanika border to Volcanoes National Park. This is 3-4 hours’ drive in a full-size 4×4 drive car.