Africa is extraordinary, it is magical and beautiful. For centuries Africa has topped the list of many traveler’s bucket lists. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of those once in a lifetime experience that profoundly leaves lasting memories. Coming face to face with mountain Gorillas in their lush leafy green natural environment is thrilling and a humbling moment that will be cherished forever.
It is estimated that, approximately 1000 mountain gorillas exist in the World. More than half of that number resides in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The other number resides in the Virunga Mountains which are at the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Dr. Congo. These 3 countries share these mountains. Each country has its own national park within the Virunga mountains where mountain Gorillas can be found. Virunga National Park in Dr. Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most popular for Gorilla trekking among the Virunga mountains gorilla trekking parks. It is also considered the best option for gorilla trekking. Rwanda is a much safer country to visit than Dr. Congo and Mgahinga in Uganda has a very low population of mountain gorillas. Also, Volcanoes National Park is just 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International airport thus making it very flexible and accessible for many travelers embarking on just a few days safaris.
Rwanda Gorilla permits are considered much more expensive than Uganda’s ($1500 vs $800). However, they do not sell out fast which means chances of getting permits on your desired dates is high. Also Trekking Rwanda Gorillas has an advantage of less time spent on the road because Volcanoes National Park is 3 hour’s drive from Kigali International airport while Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is roughly 10hours drive from Entebbe International airport. However, in both destinations, the option of affordable domestic flights is available so the journey distance should not deter you from choosing your destination of choice.
What to expect in Rwanda
There are 12 Gorilla families that have been habituated in Volcanoes Nation Park.
What is habituation?
Habituation is process of gradually getting mountain Gorillas accustomed to human presence in their midst. This is done over a period of 3-4years.
So, 12 families are already habituated in Volcanoes National Park. One family of Gorillas usually comprises between 10 to 45 members or more. Each family is made up of at least one Alpha male, also referred to as a Silverback, who leads his group of females and the young juveniles.
Once at Volcanoes National Park. Your adventure starts at the park headquarters in Kinigi very early morning usually 7:00am. Trekkers are divided into groups as each Gorilla family is limited to a number of visitors per day. Each group will be allocated a family that they will be trekking. Each Gorilla family has its own trekking route. At Kinigi headquarters trekkers will be briefed about the guidelines to follow. These will include.
- Maintaining safe distance of 22 feet from the gorillas.
- No flash photography and loud clicks which might agitate the Gorillas.
- Avoid eating in the presence of Gorillas and no feeding them.
- No trekking while sick.
- Keeping voices low and no sudden movements while in the presence of gorillas.
More details
One group of 8 people is permitted to interact with one family of Gorillas per day. This helps ensure that the Gorillas do not get overwhelmed, and it keeps the experience authentic for the travelers too.
Gorillas spend most of their days on the move and thus it is not easy to predict where they will be located thus you need to be mentally ready for the hike through the dense forest vegetation. It can take 1 or 2 hike before locating the gorillas or it could take you longer of 5 hours plus. You will be assigned a family to trek depending on fitness level of your group. However not to worry porters are available to help carry your backpacks and other personal items if needed.
Gorillas are our closest relatives after Chimpanzees. We share 98% DNA with these giant creatures. Once you locate the Gorilla family, your guide will let you spend an hour quietly watching them at a safe distance. 1 hour is strictly followed in order to ensure that each family is impacted on as little as possible. While watching the Gorillas you will notice that their behavior feels familiar. They act just like human families- a mother grooming her infant, the juveniles playing roughly around, adults looking for food to feed the family. It is such a surreal moment to witness.
What to wear on a Gorilla trekking Safari
Climate in Volcanoes National Park is both chilly and wet. Meaning you need to layer up in order to keep warm and comfortable while trekking. However, you will find yourself stripping off some of the layers during the trek so pack appropriately for maximum comfort. Gorilla trekking clothes needed include.
- Waterproof Jacket.
- Sturdy hiking boots.
- Gaiters.
- Raincoat.
- Poncho.
- Long-sleeved shirts.
- Long Safari Style trousers.
- Hat or hair bandana.
- Waterproof backpack.
- Gardening Gloves.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen might be needed in case the sun comes out.
How to get a Gorilla trekking Permit in Rwanda
Due to restrictions, only 96 permits are available for trekking each day. Permits sell out in advance, meaning one has to book months in advance. Do not make the mistake of waiting until you’re in Rwanda to book your permit. We advise you to book your permit first and then build the rest of your itinerary around your permit dates. You have an option to individually purchase your permit on the official Rwandan government website Irembo, however the website is in the Rwandese local language.
We highly advise that your contact a local tour operator to navigate the entire process for you. Most of our visitors do this. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500.
How to Budget
Compared To Uganda, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a bit pricey at $1500 per permit per person. However, 10% of this fee goes to the local community initiatives and also helps in conservation and protection of both the gorillas and the local communities in the vicinity of the trekking areas.
Apart from the Gorilla permit, you will need to consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, meals, tips, your international flights and optional extras. Usually, the simplest and seamless way to go about it, is to book an all-inclusive package with a local tour company that specializes in Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. This will help you know the total cost well in advance and help you have plenty of time to save up and also eradicate unexpected cost surprises. Most package prices vary depending on the type of accommodation. Luxury, midrange or budget accommodations will determine the package costs.
Types of Tours
Budget
It has been argued that with a permit cost of $1500, there is no cheap Rwandan gorilla trekking tour. However, we bet to differ. One can choose to minimize the accommodation costs by choosing fairly priced lodging and come up with an affordable Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Some companies go ahead to offer an option of strictly flying in and out immediately after gorilla trekking thus eliminating the cost of accommodation, though this might prove too haste to fully enjoy the experience. We recommend choosing cheaper accommodation in order to stay overnight and fully enjoy your Rwandan experience.
Mid-Range
For an immersive experience in Volcanoes National Park, 4 days trip is perfect. Begin your journey in Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, spend the night in one of the lodges near Volcanoes National Park. Embark on Gorilla trekking on your second day. Engage in other park activities like trekking golden monkeys and visiting the research center on your third day. On the last day head back to Kigali and take a city tour of this beautiful capital. This would roughly cost you $5000 per person inclusive of accommodation, transportation, melas, trekking permit and all other activities mentioned.
Luxury
Luxury Gorilla trekking packages in Rwanda start from $6000 per person, starting from 4 days on wards. Accommodation in luxury packages included stays in places like Bisate lodge, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla view Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge, Tiloreza Lodge, Sabinyo Lodge. Luxury packages usually cover your airport transfer, Gorilla permits, accommodation and meals, activities and all other optional activities that will be specified. Some even include personal chefs!
Other Attractions to visit in Rwanda..
- A hike through Volcanoes National Park will give you an opportunity to spot many species apart from the gorillas. Forest elephants, golden monkeys, buffaloes and more than 200 bird species are some of the other animals you will come across. Most of the birsd in Volacnoes National park are endemic to the Albertine Rift, so they are much sought after by birders.
- Visiting Karisoke Research Centre will have you updated on all the work that was carried out by Dian Fossey on her research project on mountain gorillas. This knowledge will help you understand the behavior of gorillas much better.
- A visit to Akagera National Park will give you the best opportunity to witness Africa’s Big 5 in action. From the predators (lions) to the prey. A game drive in Akagera National Park is magical.
- Primates trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park, the most beautiful canopy walk in East Africa, bird watching tours, and the beautiful rainforest nature walks are some of the few wonders of Nyungwe forest National Park.
- Relax on a boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Kivu.
- Wrap it all up with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and a city tour around Kigali.
Best Time for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Temperatures in Volcanoes National are generally cool throughout the year. Average day time temperature can be around 60 degrees F and drop at night to 42 degrees F. Since its located in the equator belt but near high elevation, rain and mist are ever present.
Best months to visit are between June and August because the rains are less and lighter during this time of the year.
March, April and October should be avoided, heavy rains are experienced during these months.
How to get to Rwanda
Kigali International airport is the main port of entry, and it is located roughly 6 miles east of Kigali, the capital city. Musanze, Volcano Park closest town is 3 hours’ drive away and the park headquarters are 30mins drive away from Musanze. Your tour operator will handle all your transfers and any other ground handling logistics.
Most tourist coming into Rwanda will require a tourist Visa which can be got on arrival. Travelers can also apply online for the East African tourist visa which gives them entry into Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya at the cost of $100 for 90 days or can opt for just a single-entry Visa into Rwanda at $50 for 30 days.
Yellow fever vaccination is required at the entry point into Rwanda. Anti-malarial or malaria medication is recommended for travel through East Africa.
Let us plan your dream trip. Contact us at info@africamojasafaris.com