Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is the only Rwanda safaris destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This Rwanda safari park protects about 350 out of the over 1063 gorillas that are remaining in the world. These mountain gorillas spread into about 14 habituated gorilla families that are open for tracking tourism.
Tracking gorillas in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park begins with a short briefing at the park headquarters at about 7:30 a.m. Afterward, you will move in groups of 8 to trek one of the habituated gorilla groups, giving you a 99% guarantee of meeting the primates.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a bit strenuous since Volcanoes National Park is in mountainous area and thus requires some level of fitness.
Upon meeting a gorilla family, tourists will spend only one (1) hour with them as you explore their unique humanlike behavior and take time to take their photos and videos.
Rwanda Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda Groups of Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas live in social groupings referred to as gorilla families or gorilla groups and they range between 2 to about 25 members and led by an Alpha male commonly referred to as the silverback.
Other family members may comprise black backs, both adult and sub-adult females, juveniles, and babies.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has 14 gorilla groups. These include;
- Susa Family
- Karisimbi Family
- Umubano Group
- Amahoro Family
- Agashya Group
- Sabyinyo Family
- Ugenda Group
- Bwenge Family
- Kwitonda Group
- Umubano Gorilla Family
- Kwitonda Gorilla Family
- Ugyenda Family
- Hirwa Gorilla Family
- Titus Group Learn More About Gorilla Families in Rwanda.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
In order to protect and further gorilla conservation, there are set rules and guidelines to keep both tourists and the gorillas safe.
These primates have 98% DNA similar to humans; they can easily catch diseases like flu and colds. Therefore, the regulations are of paramount importance to help with all efforts of gorilla habituation and conservation.
The park rangers will first brief tourists about these rules before you go to encounter the wildlife and some of them include
- Avoiding littering
- Keeping a 7-meter distance from the Mountain Gorillas
- Avoid eating and drinking near primates
- Only those who are 15 and older are allowed to go gorilla tracking, etc.
Rwanda Gorilla Trek Cost: Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
A gorilla trek trip is costed differently, and this is dependent on different aspects, for example, the gorilla permit cost, the type of Rwanda safari, the additional activities to do on a trip, the length of travel, and whether you are to use a tour company or have self-travel.
The Gorilla Trekking Permit Price: How much does it cost to see gorillas in Rwanda?
A gorilla permit is one of the many things that add up to your gorilla safari cost. To go gorilla tracking, you will need to purchase a Rwanda gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The money collected is used for gorilla conservation and the promotion of any projects aimed at protecting these primates and their natural habitat.
Rwanda sells a gorilla tracking permits as seen below.
| Visitor Category | Fee (USD) |
| Foreign nonresident | $ 1500 |
| Rwandan foreign resident | $ 500 |
| Rwandan citizen | $ 200 |
| East African citizen | $ 200 |
| Citizens of Africa or foreign residents living in other countries in Africa | $ 500 |
The class of your Rwanda safari
Depending on your budget, you can have a luxury, mid-range, or budget safari. All these costs are different, with luxuries being more expensive than midrange and budget. This also includes the types of lodges used by a traveler.
The additional safari activities to do on a Rwanda safari
Other than gorilla tracking, there are other additional Rwanda safari activities, for example, game drives in Akagera National Park, boat cruises on Lake Kivu, birding, mountain hiking, tracking golden monkeys, visiting local communities or cultural encounters, and visiting the Dian Fossey grave.
You can also go on canopy walks and track primates like colobus monkeys & chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest at Nyungwe National Park, among others.
Doing other activities means more costs compared to lesser activities on a Rwanda safari.
A gorilla safari in Rwanda usually takes between 1 and 7 days, depending on the travel goals of the tourist. Therefore, longer safaris will be more costly than shorter tours, as a traveler will have to spend on accommodation, meals, and transport, among others.
Using a tour operator or doing self-travel
A traveler has the choice of either planning their travels or having the convenience of having a tour operator plan for them.
Much as using tour operators is more expensive, it is worth your travel for the convenience and easier planning with professionals.
Depending on the above factors, your gorilla safari to Volcanoes National Park costs between $3000 and $7,000, including the gorilla permit.
Other Africa Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Other than Rwanda, there are also other tracking destinations to have your gorilla safaris.
The two other countries are the Ugandan nation and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Uganda Gorilla Safaris & Tours
Uganda is ranked the most famous gorilla tracking destination for having more gorilla species and two destinations to see these gentle giants: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The country protects a total of 24 habituated groups, thus selling 192 permits daily.
In DR Congo, there are 2 gorilla walking destinations, which are Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Virunga NP is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas, and Kahuzi Biega NP is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda & Congo
Gorilla walking in these three countries is generally similar, but there are a few differences that can help a visitor decide on their preferred destination.
- Price of Gorilla Permits & Gorilla safaris: Rwanda is known for luxury gorilla trekking safaris, with a gorilla tracking permit costing $1500. A Ugandan gorilla safari is moderately priced, with the Ugandan gorilla tracking permit costing $800, and it has over half of the overall number of these humble apes. Congo gorilla treks are the cheapest because of their cheap gorilla permits, which cost $400.
- Types of gorillas to trek: Uganda and Rwanda safaris offer only mountain gorilla trekking, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo offers both mountain gorilla trekking and tracking Eastern Lowland gorillas.
- Ease of Gorilla trekking: All three countries are in the Virunga Volcanoes or Virunga Mountains. Ugandan parks offer the easiest tracking experience based on lower altitudes, that is, 1160–2607 m for Bwindi NP and 2227–4127 m for Mgahinga. Rwanda and Congo have higher altitudes: Kahuzi Biega NP at 2790–3308 m, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda measures 2400–4507 m, and the steepest is Congo’s Virunga National Park in Congo, which measures 4507 m. Thus, you can choose one that your fitness can manage.
- Distance to the gorilla trekking destination: Rwanda has the nearest gorilla trekking park, which is 3 hours’ drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park and about 5 hours to Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest. From Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable NP, it takes 8 hours. It takes about 5 hours to arrive at Kahuzi Biega and Virunga National Parks from Kigali International Airport. Find Out More About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda
When is the Best Time to Visit & Trek Gorillas in Rwanda?
Every season is generally rewarding for gorilla adventures in Rwanda. The dry season is the peak season for gorilla safaris in Rwanda and it offers the best experiences because of the dry tracks and favorable weather. The dry season in Rwanda runs from between December through February and from around June to September.
In the rainy season, Gorilla families will remain at the lower altitudes of the bamboo-covered slopes, so finding them will be easier. It is also a good time to experience discounted costs, especially on accommodation, due to few tourists in the national parks. The wet season in Rwanda runs from October to November and from March through May. Read More About the Test Time to Visit Rwanda.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking What to Wear?
Comfort through dressing is one of the ways to enjoy your gorilla tracking trip and Rwanda wildlife safaris. Below is a list are some of the most comfortable clothes to have while on a Gorilla adventure
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to cover your body to protect it from vegetation cuts and harsh weather conditions
- Strong, sturdy shoes for comfortable gorilla tracking along challenging steep slopes and slippery surfaces
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorns in the forest
- A hat or cap protects the face and head from the sun’s heat
- Polar sunglasses protect your eyes from the effects of the sun
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Packing List
What you pack is crucial for your gorilla tracking trip. Some important things to pack are:
- Cameras
- Rain jackets or ponchos
- Binoculars
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen lotion
- Walking stick
- Packed lunch or snack and drinking water
- Waterproof backpack
- Some cash
Best Lodges in for a Rwanda Gorilla Tour
Below are some of the common accommodation facilities in Rwanda.
Luxury lodges include Bisate Lodge, and Virunga Lodge, among others.
Midrange Accommodation: Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Lodge, My Hill Eco Lodge, among others.
Budget Accommodation: Kinigi Guest House, Muhabura Hotel, among others.
Other Rwanda Safari Activities to do During Your Rwanda Safaris
Other than gorilla walking in Rwanda, there are other incredible Rwanda safari activities to participate in during your African adventure trips. Some of these amazing things to do in Rwanda include:
- Tracking chimpanzees
- Tracking golden monkeys
- The Nyungwe Forest canopy walk
- Game drives to see animals
- Birding
- Nature walks
- Community visits and cultural experiences
- Visiting the genocide memorial sites
- City tour at Kigali
- Hiking Virunga Volcanoes
- Boat cruises
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, when you visit Rwanda for safari, normal precautions are advisable to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing. However, just like any other place, it is important to be careful during your Rwanda gorilla safari. This is to avoid some petty crimes like pickpocketing.
Most importantly, avoid moving alone, especially in lonely places. Read More About Rwanda Safety
How Hard is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous for travelers, especially for those who do not have a normal fitness level. However, with normal physical fitness, you can have an amazing experience that you can conquer. Some of the conditions at Volcanoes Park that make gorilla tracking in Rwanda strenuous are the landscape and the altitude.
- Landscape: This is described by volcanic landscapes, mountainous regions, and an ancient rainforest, which make the experience more challenging.
- Altitude: Volcanoes Park has an altitude between 2,400 m and 4,507 m above sea level, thus making the movement much more difficult.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Rwanda?
The need for a visa to visit Rwanda depends on your nationality. East African members can enter the country visa-free and stay for up to 6 months.
In 2023, Rwanda announced that all African countries would enter the nation visa-free to promote free tourism and travel among Africans.
However, other countries around the world, especially Europe, the United States of America, and Asia, can purchase a single entry visa for about $50 for single entry and about $70 for multiple entry.
However, you can purchase an East African tourist visa for $100, which will allow you entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Other than Kenya, you may also visit Tanzania, Burundi, among others.
You can either apply online or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission in your country. It is also possible to get a Rwanda visa on arrival.
For safety purposes, Rwanda does not have any affiliates to offer visas. Read More About Rwanda Visa
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Yes, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is worth the money and a highlight of many people’s experiences. The activity will allow you to move through the adventurous forests to encounter the humanlike Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Buying a gorilla tracking permit also helps contribute to the funding of the gorilla conservation projects.
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
Gorilla tours are expensive, partly because of the high costs of conserving the endangered mountain gorilla species. About 75% of the money collected from gorilla permits goes to gorilla conservation, while the rest facilitates community projects and helps to pay the rangers and guides.
In conclusion, Rwanda offers some of the most renowned gorilla experiences in the world. Therefore, this adventure is an opportunity to come up close and personal with these mighty giants. You may also enjoy the presence of other countries for example, Tanzania.
Get to also experience the presence of other wild animals and wildlife in the country, like common chimps and elephants, among others.
Inquire with us and book your Rwanda gorilla safari with us today!
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 2,400 m to 4,507 m. Rangers guide trekkers along manageable paths, while those unable to trek higher altitudes can opt for lower-altitude routes.
