Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Nestled in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is one of the best destinations for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is among the few National Parks that host an impressive population of endangered mountain gorillas – other gorilla national parks are found in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park). Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes you to Volcanoes National Park for a life-changing encounter with the endangered primates in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are an endangered primate species and are found in only 3 countries – Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda take place is a vast conservation area covering an area of about 16,000 hectares in the north-western part of Rwanda. The National Park encompasses afro-montane forests, bamboo forests, savanna grassland, vast swamps, and 5 volcanoes (Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi) all providing a conducive environment for the endangered mountain gorillas. Besides mountain gorillas, this National Park also hosts several other wildlife species including; hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, and golden monkeys among many other mammals – but mountain gorillas are the main attraction in the park.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park attracts many Travelers to Rwanda annually who come to witness the gentle giants in their natural habitat. Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and steep mountain slopes in search for habituated gorilla families. The experience takes you though the scenic National Park where you get opportunities to encounter various species of birds and wildlife before finally encountering the majestic gorillas.
After navigating challenging terrain and thick vegetation cover, you’ll finally locate the mountain gorilla in the wild and spend about one full hour in their presence. An encounter with the mountain gorillas is a truly remarkable experience that allows you to witness these primates as they go by their day. You’ll enjoy witnessing them try to mimic human behaviors, see their playful antics, and as they feed.
Gorilla trekking encounters allow you to take photographs and videos with gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a must include on your bucket list when planning safaris to Rwanda.
How much does gorilla trekking in Rwanda cost? Cost of gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park
When planning a gorilla trekking safari tour, one of the must-consider expenses is the gorilla trekking permit. To trek gorillas in Rwanda, one must book a Rwanda gorilla permit in advance to be sure of getting a spot for gorilla trekking on a given date. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be very difficult to secure especially during peak seasons between June to September and December to March. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$1500 per person/trek and it is only issued to travelers who are aged 15 years and above.
The other cost involved in gorilla trekking in Rwanda include; the cost of accommodation, transport fees, meals and other extras that you may need during the safari. On average, a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda can cost around US$2500 per person.
How is gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park like? – The gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters by park officials at around 7:30 am. You’ll be guided through given all the necessary information for a successful gorilla experience and then later divided into groups and assigned to a particular gorilla family. The less fit hikers are usually assigned to groups that are closer to the park headquarters. By 8:00 am, you follow the lead of your ranger guide and indulge deep into the jungles to search for the mountain gorillas.
The trek through the forests last for some hours navigating challenging terrains and thick vegetation before finally locating the gorillas. After locating the primates, you’ll spend an hour just watching the little ones roll around and play, mothers grooming their babies under the watchful silverback. After the allocated time with the mountain gorillas elapses, you’ll then start your journey back to the park headquarters. From the park head quarters, you’ll proceed with your next adventure in Rwanda.
Preparing for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding experience and requires preparation in advance physically and mentally.
- Acquire sturdy hiking boots to navigate through the sometimes-challenging terrain.
- Carry along with you a rain jacket or poncho
- Tip the park rangers and guides whenever you can; they work hard to make your gorilla tracking adventure worthwhile. The recommended tipping rate is between $10 and $15, or an equivalent amount in local currency.
As with any activity, gorilla trekking in Rwanda comes with specific rules and regulations. Participants must be at least 15 years old to approach the primates. Mountain gorillas are endangered, with only about 1,000 remaining in the wild. Strict measures are in place to protect them from diseases. Anyone with a communicable disease will not be permitted to approach the primates, as mountain gorillas are not immune to certain infections that humans can carry.
Embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda and enjoy life-changing moments in the wild with these endangered primates. Let us help you customize your journey to Africa and enjoy life-changing moments. We also offer other tours in Rwanda including; Rwanda Birding Safari, chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park among others.