Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is by far a major safari highlight in most of the traveler’s travel plan. Treks to see mountain gorillas is done only in Volcanoes National Park which is in Northern Province of Rwanda. To majority of visitors on Rwanda safari, mountain gorilla are a few unique wildlife species you shouldn’t miss to catch a glimpse. They are remarkably star attractions not only in Rwanda but also in the world. Volcanoes National Park inhabits a section of mountain gorillas that thrive within the vast Virunga Conservation Area that also covers Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda and Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is remarkable the fact that trekkers can also explore in depth about Dian Fossey conservation legacy. There are 10 gorilla groups that have been habituated and readily set for trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. They include Bwenge, Hirwa, Susa A, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Umubano, Karisimbi, Agashya, Ugenda and Sabyinyo group.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda is open to visitors on gorilla safari all year round. For exceptional gorilla trekking experience, the dry season is the perfect time to visit Rwanda for you to take part in this life changing adventure. The dry season in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park begins in June to September and second phase of it starts from December to February. Trekking mountain gorillas during this season is ideal because the habitat is kept drier than the wet months of the year which are characterized by heavy rainfall. The wet season in Rwanda/Volcanoes National Park is experienced in March throughout to May and second phase begins from October to November.
Booking gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
Trekkers on Rwanda gorilla safari can secure their gorilla permits at $1500 and you can do so through our reservation team or reservation team of Rwanda Development Board. Part of the gorilla permit fees goes back to the local communities about 10 percent to finance different initiatives that are aimed at boosting gorilla tourism and conservation.
What you should expect on gorilla trek
Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park start with an early morning briefing on the set guidelines that are aimed at not only protecting mountain gorillas but also to ensure visitor safety while on a trek. The entire adventure involves a hike through the steep slopes and lush rainforest of Volcanoes National Park to search for gorillas and this can take about 2-6 hours. It is breathtaking wildlife experience and essentially, you need a walking stick, bottled water and some packed lunch/snacks. The actual hike to search for these rare apes begins at 8:00am from Kinigi park headquarters.
Guidelines to observe on gorilla trek
The set gorilla trekking guidelines are the same in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). You are advised to pay keen attention during briefing so that you get the best of this thrilling primate adventure. Some of the guidelines to observe on gorilla trek in Rwanda include; persons above 15 years are eligible to buy gorilla permit and also trek mountain gorillas, trekkers are given one hour to strike their imaginations with these massive creatures in the wild, no flashlight camera is allowed during photography, a distance of 7 meters has to be kept away from the gorillas, 8 trekkers are assigned to one habituated family, a gorilla permit is a must to have, in case of sickness, you may not be allowed to trek gorillas, trekkers are advised to keep their voices low but you are free to ask questions as many as you can, leave the gorilla habitat the way you found it.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Trekkers should carry the following items; rain jacket or poncho, water proof hiking boots that are light and offer support to your ankles, insect repellents, long trousers, long shirts/t-shirt, bottled water, warm sweaters, socks, first aid kit, energy giving snacks, toiletries, camera with no flashlight, waterproof daypack, hat, sunscreen, sun glasses to mention but a few.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is comprised of luxury, midrange and budget safari lodges and trekkers on Rwanda gorilla safari are never left out of choice. They include Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/Mount Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Lodge/Hotel la Palme/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Hotel Muhabura/Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget).
How ton get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the Northern Province of Rwanda about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali. You can also connect from Kisoro/Kabale, southwestern Uganda via Katuna or Chanika border area.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is prime safari highlight in most visitors’ travel plans. You can combine it with other exciting experiences like golden monkey trekking, birding, nature walks, cultural safaris among others.