GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA – TOP RWANDA GORILLA SAFARIS & TOURS

Embark on Rwanda gorilla safaris & tours, a life-changing adventure, to witness the majestic mountain gorillas up close and personal, creating lasting memories on your Rwanda safari.

This memorable safari promises an opportunity to connect with the critically endangered creatures, thereby immersing oneself in nature’s beauty.

Tracking of gorillas in Rwanda is normally done by travelers on a long wildlife safari in East Africa in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

These majestic creatures, the mountain gorillas, share about 98% of human DNA and are highly susceptible to human illnesses, making health precautions necessary during tracking.

Where to Go for Trekking Gorillas in Rwanda? 

Volcanoes National Park hosts twelve fully habituated families, bringing the park’s mountain gorilla population to over 380 individuals.

This park is the only place to do mountain gorilla trekking, and it is in the northwestern part of the country near Musanze Town. A drive from Kigali to this park takes around 2 hours.

Other Places for Gorilla Tours in Africa

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda—This park has over half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the world (about 459 individuals).
• Virunga National Park in DR Congo—With over 400 individuals
• Kahuzi Biega National Park in DR Congo—With over 250 eastern lowland gorillas

The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking offers a unique opportunity to see great apes in their natural habitat. During this interesting activity, the interested trackers who have paid for permits are led into the forest to locate these apes in their natural environment.

The trek starts with a 7:00 AM briefing at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where groups of trackers are assigned to specific gorilla families.

The briefing exercise is done by experienced park rangers who later lead the different groups to locate the gentle giants. The maximum group size for encountering a gorilla family is eight visitors per day.

Hikes to find these apes can last from 30 minutes to about six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

Only eight tracking permits are issued to track a gorilla family per day, making the encounter intimate and unobtrusive.

Porters are available to assist trekkers by carrying backpacks and providing support along the route.

Travelers are advised to wear solid walking shoes and carry a lightweight waterproof jacket during the trek. The solid hiking shoes enable primate trackers to navigate the steep, muddy, and uneven volcanic terrain of Volcanoes NP.

Though sturdy hiking shoes ease the experience, the best tracking conditions occur in dry seasons when trails are less muddy and slippery.

Once these apes are found, visitors are allowed to spend at least one hour with them, studying their behaviors such as feeding, grooming, playing, and their social interaction.

In addition to observing these apes, visitors are also allowed to take photos of them; however, they should follow the rules concerning photography.

Costs for Gorilla Permits to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per day, and they are booked through the Rwanda Development Board (RBD) or an authorized tour company.

Discounted rates are available for foreign residents and East African citizens, which are $500 and $200, respectively.

Permits for tracking these great apes sell out quickly, especially during peak season, necessitating booking in advance.

There are only 80-96 permits available per day for the various habituated gorilla groups.

Booking a permit requires presenting passport details to the RBD.

Local community development projects receive 10% of the revenue from permits. These projects include supporting schools, infrastructure, health centers, and others.

Additional Costs

Porters are available for hire during the gorilla trek, costing between $10 and $15.

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is regulated and requires strict adherence to health guidelines to protect both travelers and the apes.

• Participants in gorilla tracking must be at least 15 years old to participate. This policy accounts for the strenuous, high-altitude terrain, the long hike through the bamboo-covered slopes, and the emotional maturity to remain calm around the wild gorillas.
• Travelers must maintain a distance of at least 7 to 10 meters (21-33 feet) from these apes, keep their voices low, and avoid using flash photography because it may scare them away.
• Tourists are required to wear face masks to minimize the risk of disease transmission to apes, and these diseases may include the flu and cold, among others.

The gentle giants share 98.4% of their DNA with humans; travelers with contagious diseases are not allowed to engage in the activity.

• When near these apes, travelers should keep their voices low and avoid making sudden movements to prevent startling them or causing aggression.
• Travelers are not allowed to eat, drink, or smoke within 200 meters of the apes.
• If these great apes charge, travelers are supposed to follow the guide’s example: crouch slowly and avoid direct contact.
• Do not touch the apes since these animals are wild and are unpredictable despite having gone through habituation.
• Tourists should not litter the park since littering may cause unsightly and unhealthy conditions.
• While on a gorilla trek, tourists are supposed to stay in a group.
• A group of 8 travelers is allowed to trek with a particular gorilla family per day, and their observation time is strictly one hour.

 Other Safari Activities to Do in Addition to Tracking of Gorillas

When on a Rwanda safari, trekking gorillas is often combined with other activities, and these include

1. Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Observing chimps in their natural environment is considered to be one of the most memorable wildlife encounters.

On the chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest, travelers can also spot numerous avian species and other vibrant primates. The common ones include the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, among others.

2. Wildlife Viewing in Akagera National Park.

Akagera NP may not be as big as some of the national parks in Kenya and Tanzania, but it is preferred for the Big Five spotting in E. Africa.

You will also encounter primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys.

3. Tracking Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes NP

Tracking golden monkeys is also an interesting safari activity, and these primates are searched for because of their impressive golden-orange fur and their playful nature. The treks are less demanding, and they usually take 2-3 hours.

4. Visiting the Grave of Dian Fossey

People visit Dian Fossey’s grave due to her significant contributions to the conservation of Gorilla beringei beringei.

While on a hike to the grave, travelers also have a chance to see animals like forest elephants, monkeys, and others.

5. Cultural Encounters

The intriguing cultural encounters with the local people will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating beliefs, traditions, and way of life of the Rwandese.

6. Kigali City Tour

Several gorilla tours are combined with Kigali City tours, and through them, travelers get a chance to stroll around the vibrant city, which ranks as the cleanest on the African continent.

7. Bird Watching

Travelers also engage in bird watching to spot most of the Albertine Rift endemics, including the shoebill stork, Grauer’s swamp warbler, etc.

8. Canoeing on Lake Kivu

Popularized in Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Rusizi, canoeing offers a chance for travelers to visit different fishing communities and later relax on the lake shores, among other activities.

9. Canopy Walking in Nyungwe National Park

This amazing activity enables travelers to explore the Nyungwe Forest and spot some wildlife from above on the canopy trail.

10. Climbing in the Virunga Volcanoes

Climbing of the different mountains is primarily done in Volcanoes NP, and the top mountains that offer an incredible hiking experience include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Muhabura.

Gorilla Conservation in Rwanda

Efforts have been put in place to conserve Rwanda’s wildlife in the different protected areas.

• The population of Gorilla beringei beringei is slowly increasing due to conservation efforts by governments, communities, and NGOs. Due to these successes, the species were reclassified from “critically endangered” to “endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
• Conservation organizations working in the country include the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme. These focus on daily protection patrols, community education, scientific research, and livelihood support to ensure species survival.
• Dian Fossey pioneered primate conservation initiatives in Rwanda to save the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Dian Fossey did this by establishing the Karisoke Research Center in 1967, and through her work, she let the world know about the need for gorilla conservation.

She shifted from a mere observation to active conservation methods, fighting poachers directly, destroying traps, and creating the Digit Fund to protect these primates from extinction.

• 10% of the revenue from gorilla tracking permits is directed towards local community development, including schools and health centers.
• Rwanda’s gorilla tourism also employs many locals, including rangers, trackers, and porters. This directly contributes to community development and conservation efforts in areas surrounding Volcanoes NP.

Best Time to Go for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking 

Tracking can take place year-round, but conditions vary with the seasons, affecting trail accessibility.

However, the best time for tracking gorillas in Rwanda is during the dry seasons of June to August and January to February. During this time, the trekking trails are dry, making it easy to trek on the steep slopes and rugged terrain.

Some tourists visit the country during the wet season for gorilla tracking because of fewer crowds, discounted lodge rates, and the ease of securing a trekking permit.

During the wet season, these apes also move to lower elevations, which results in shorter hikes.

Where to Stay When on the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking?

Accommodation options near Volcanoes NP range from ultra-luxury to mid range to budget facilities. Popular accommodations to book on a gorilla tour include lodges, hotels, camps, and guest houses. Some of these are

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Hotel Muhabura
• Amakoro Songa Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Kinigi Guesthouse
• Singita Kwitonda
• Virunga Lodge

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for Tracking of Gorillas? 

Volcanoes NP borders other gorilla parks like Mgahinga NP of Uganda and Virunga NP of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the most easily accessible national parks in E Africa by road and air (helicopter flights).

By Road

The park is primarily accessible by road, offering a scenic 2-hour drive from Kigali International Airport for gorilla tracking.

Travelers can either use a privately hired vehicle or board a public bus. A road trip from Kigali International Airport will lead you to the park headquarters in Kinigi.

Helicopter Flights to Volcanoes NP

Though road transport is the common way to travel to Volcanoes NP, private helicopter transfers are available from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip, allowing for a much quicker and more direct transfer.

Akagera Aviation operates the helicopter flights, and the flight takes about 30 minutes, making it the most convenient and quickest transfer experience.

Packing List for Tracking of Gorillas in Rwanda 

Travelers need to pack the following items:

• A gorilla permit, which is booked through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour company.
• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers: these protect one against stinging nettles, insects, and branches.
• Thick socks to prevent blisters and keep feet warm
• A rain jacket to keep you dry and warm in case of abrupt rainfall.
• A warm jumper to keep you warm on cold mornings and evenings
• Garden gloves to protect hands from sharp vines and thorny plants, and to provide a better grip on plants
• Sunscreens for protection from direct sunlight.
• Insect repellents for protection against biting insects
• Walking stick, crucial for stability
• Camera and extra batteries
• Binoculars for spotting other wildlife
• Packed lunch
• First aid kit
• Face mask
• Refillable water bottle

Best Tour Operators That Organize Interesting Gorilla Tours in Rwanda 

The best tour operators to help you book an intriguing gorilla tour or a Rwanda safari include the following.

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
4. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
5. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
6. Africa Safaris Tours
7. Gorilla Safaris And Tours

Common Packages for Gorilla Tracking When on a Rwanda Safari

The different tour operators offer customized gorilla tracking packages that can include multi-country safaris.

A gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda can be combined with visits to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some of the common gorilla tracking packages in the country include

3-Days gorilla trek to Volcanoes National Park: This provides a quick budget experience, and it features quick transportation from Kigali, guided tracking, and an optional cultural tour.

4-Days gorilla and golden monkey trek: This package combines a gorilla tracking experience with tracking of golden monkeys plus cultural visits around Volcanoes NP.

5-Days or 7-Days Rwanda Primate and Wildlife Safari: This package combines trekking of gorillas in Volcanoes NP, tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, and wildlife viewing, especially the big five, in Akagera National Park.

10-Days Rwanda Comprehensive Safari: This is a full trip that involves visiting major national parks in the country.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Rwanda? 

A standard gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for African citizens.

2. How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? 

The trek to see great apes in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is considered moderate to very challenging. The difficulty may depend on the location of a specific group and the weather conditions.

Hikes normally last for 1 to 6 hours. Though the activity is considered strenuous, it is achievable with the aid of a tour guide and porters.

3. Is It Better to See Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

Choosing between the two countries for the gorilla trek depends on one’s budget and preference.

Rwanda offers shorter, easier, luxury-focused, and faster access to see the great apes in Volcanoes NP.

Uganda offers affordable gorilla permits at $800 and more authentic, challenging hikes, but it is more diverse, with more activities travelers can add to the gorilla trek.

4. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?

The trek to see great apes in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is worth its high cost because it offers a rare, life-changing, long-hour, and grounded encounter with the primates in their natural environment.

5. When Should I Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda to engage in a gorilla tracking safari is during the dry seasons, i.e., mid-December to early February and June to mid-September.

During this time, there is less mud, thereby creating good conditions to track the gorilla beringei beringei in Volcanoes National Park.

6. How Many Days Are Needed for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The actual tracking of gorillas in Rwanda to see the apes can be done in one day, in 1 to 6 hours. However, 3 days are widely recommended for a relaxed pace, involving arrival in Kigali, a morning briefing for the actual gorilla trek, and a return to Kigali for other safaris like city tours.

7. How Long Is a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

A gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park typically lasts between 1 and 6 hours. This time includes time for tracking through the forest to see the great apes and a mandatory 1 hour of observation time. The time spent during gorilla trekking depends on the location of the particular gorilla family.

8. Why Is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive? 

Gorilla trekking is expensive due to the need for intensive conservation, daily habitat monitoring, investments in safety and health measures (as gorillas are susceptible to human diseases), and community support, since a percentage of the revenue is allocated back to local communities.

9. Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda? 

The gorilla trek in Rwanda is exclusively done in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), in the northern part of the country near Musanze Town.

10. How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda, though physically challenging, is manageable. The whole experience requires 1 to 6 hours to hike the steep slopes and rugged terrain, and sometimes, the trek’s difficulty depends on the location of the gorilla family.

11. Are You Guaranteed to See Gorillas in Rwanda? 

Travelers visiting Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park have a 95-99% likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas.

The high success rate is attributed to the expertise of park rangers, who possess extensive knowledge of the primates’ whereabouts within the expansive park.

12. Is Gorilla Trekking Better in Uganda or Rwanda?

Tracking of gorillas in Uganda is better for budget travelers and those interested in a wild, dense-forest adventure, while Rwanda is also preferred for a luxury experience, with easy access to the apes and less strenuous hikes.

13. How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? 

Booking a gorilla trekking permit, which costs $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, is done directly through the Rwanda Development Board via email or through a trusted and registered tour company.

Conclusion

Unleash the thrill of your adventure through gorilla trekking in Rwanda for memorable wildlife encounters by contacting our seasoned safari specialists.

You will get to know about the gorilla tracking experience, what to pack, when to visit, the best tour operator to book with, and additional activities like climbing the Virunga mountains and tracking chimpanzees.