Gorilla Safaris Rwanda - Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Trips

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is the exclusive site for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This Park is home to around 350 gorillas out of the global population of over 1063, divided into approximately 14 habituated gorilla families available for gorilla trekking tours.

Commencing a gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at approximately 7:30 a.m. After the briefing, participants are grouped into teams of 8 individuals each to trek one of the habituated gorilla families. Typically, less fit trekkers are assigned families closer to the park offices to enhance the 99% likelihood of encountering Rwanda gorillas.

The Rwanda gorilla trek starts at exactly 8:00 am, with park rangers leading groups along trails in search of these remarkable animals. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be physically demanding due to the terrain of Volcanoes National Park, requiring a certain level of fitness.

Following a successful gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, upon meeting your assigned gorilla family, you’ll spend one (1) hour observing their behavior and capturing photos and videos.

Rwanda Gorilla Groups: Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

With a genetic similarity of 98% to humans, gorillas reside in social units known as gorilla families or groups. These groups typically have 2 to 25 members, with an average of 15 to 16 members under the leadership of an Alpha male, also known as the silverback. Other members may include black backs, adult and sub-adult females, juveniles, and infants.

Compared to other gorilla habitats, Volcanoes National Park boasts the highest number of habituated gorillas with 14 groups, followed by Congo’s Virunga National Park with 8 groups, Kahuzi Biega National park with 5 groups, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with 20 gorilla groups, renowned for gorilla habituation experiences.

Some of the Rwanda Gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park include:

• Susa Group
• Karisinbi Group or Susa Group
• Umubano Group
• Amahoro Group
• Agashya Group
• Sabyinyo Group
• Ugenda Group
• Bwenge group
• Kwitonda Group, etc. Learn more about gorilla families in Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines:

To ensure gorilla safety and conservation, specific rules and guidelines are in place. Gorillas share 98% DNA similarity with humans and are susceptible to diseases like flu and colds transmitted by humans. Gorillas can also transmit diseases to humans, highlighting the importance of protecting their habitat and tourists.

Park rangers provide briefings on rules such as avoiding littering, maintaining a 6-meter distance from gorillas, refraining from eating and drinking near gorillas, etc., at the park headquarters before gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Explore more about Rwandan gorilla trekking rules & regulations. Find out more about gorilla trekking rules in Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price: The Cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda

To participate in gorilla tracking, you must obtain a Rwanda gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The permit costs vary for different visitor categories accessing Volcanoes National Park.

The revenue collected contributes to gorilla conservation and habitat protection projects.

The permit cost is a significant factor influencing your overall adventure expenses.

When is the best time to visit & trek the gorillas in Rwanda?

Every season offers rewarding gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda.

During the rainy season, gorilla families typically remain at lower altitudes, facilitating easier sightings. Conversely, in the dry seasons, tracks are drier and more manageable to navigate, although gorillas may ascend to higher altitudes, posing a bit of a challenge.

The dry season, characterized by dry tracks and favorable weather, is the peak season for gorilla safaris in Rwanda, offering optimal experiences.

Thus, drier seasons are generally more favorable and comfortable for tours in Rwanda and other gorilla trekking destinations. Read More about the best time to visit Rwanda.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda & Congo

Gorilla trekking experiences in these countries share similarities but also exhibit differences:

Types of Gorillas: Rwanda and Uganda safaris offer mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, respectively. Additionally, the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla safaris provide both mountain and lowland gorilla trekking.

Price of Permits & Safaris: Rwanda is known for luxury gorilla trekking with a permit costing $1500, while Uganda offers moderately priced permits at $800. Congo provides the cheapest permits at $400.

Trekking Difficulty: Trekking difficulty varies across countries due to altitude differences. Uganda safaris provide the easiest trekking experience, then Kahuzi Biega NP, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park, which offers the steepest.

Proximity: Rwanda offers the nearest gorilla trekking destination, with Volcanoes National park just 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport, providing an advantage for short safaris.

Parking List For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Preparing for your Rwanda gorilla trip involves packing essentials for a memorable experience, including: camera, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, rain jacket or poncho, a walking stick, packed lunch or snack, drinking water, waterproof backpack, and cash. Learn more about the Gorilla trekking packing list.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: What to Wear

Opt for comfort during your Rwanda gorilla trek and Rwanda wildlife safaris:

• Attire: Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts offer protection from vegetation and weather conditions.
• Footwear: Strong, sturdy shoes ensure comfortable movement along treks, especially on challenging terrain.
• Accessories: Gardening gloves protect hands from thorns, while a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen shield against the sun. Read more about gorilla trekking and what to wear.

Rwanda Safari Most Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rwanda Safe to Visit? Is Rwanda safe for travel?

Yes, Rwanda ranks among the safest countries in Africa. However, normal precautions are advisable to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing.

Government authorities closely monitor the border regions with Burundi and Congo, which have previously been the target of rebel activity.

Traveling in groups and staying informed about local news enhance safety. Responsible tour operators provide additional safety measures and precautions. Read More of Rwanda safety

Rwanda Gorilla Trek Cost: Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trek costs in Rwanda vary based on factors such as permit fees, safari type, additional activities, travel duration, and use of tour operators.

The Gorilla permit constitutes a significant portion of the overall cost, ranging from $200 to $1500 depending on visitor category.

Safari type (luxury, mid-range, budget), additional activities, travel duration, and tour operator influence costs.

Expect total expenses between $3000 and $7,000 for a Gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, inclusive of permit fees.

How hard is gorilla trekking in Rwanda? How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, especially for individuals with lower fitness levels. Challenges include navigating Volcanoes National Park’s landscape and altitude, ranging from 2,400m to 4,507m.

Rangers guide trekkers along manageable paths, while those unable to trek higher altitudes can opt for lower-altitude routes.

Best Time to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda: When is the best time to visit and trek gorillas in Rwanda?

The dry season, spanning from December to February and June to September, offers optimal conditions for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Dry weather facilitates easier tracking trails, enhancing the overall trekking experience.

The wet season (October to November, March to May) also provides rewarding gorilla trekking experiences, albeit with muddy trails and discounted costs.

Visa Requirements for Visiting Rwanda: Do I need a visa to visit Rwanda?

The necessity of a visa for visiting Rwanda varies based on your nationality. East African members can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months.

Certain countries receive 90-day visas at no charge, including Benin, Chad, Guinea, Haiti, Angola, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mauritius, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Sao Tome and Principe, the Central African Republic, the Seychelles, Singapore, Ghana, the State of Qatar, Sierra Leone, and the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis.

In 2023, Rwanda declared visa-free entry for all African nations to promote tourism and travel within Africa. Other countries, particularly in Europe, the United States, and Asia, can obtain a single-entry visa for approximately $50 or a multiple-entry visa for about $70.

Alternatively, you can purchase an East African tourist visa for $100, granting entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Visa applications can be completed online or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission in your country. Rwanda also offers visas upon arrival.

For safety reasons, Rwanda does not engage any affiliates for visa issuance. Read More about Rwanda Visa