Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours

Best Rwanda safaris and gorilla trekking tours are all we have to offer. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safaris are very easy and much more enjoyable. Listed among the cleanest countries in Africa, Rwanda is a landlocked country located in the eastern region of Africa bordered by Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. The Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda as a native language and there are about 12. 8 million people that live in this country. Due to its tiny size, it’s recognized among the smallest countries in Africa with its location in the Albertine Rift. Rwanda is one major tourist destination around the world due to the diversity of wildlife it inhabits which it presents to her visitors all year long. From the rich culture, beautiful weather, fascinating landscapes, historical Kigali city, to the habituated and endangered mountain gorillas that have been a huge pull of tourists to the country.

Rwanda Gorilla tours have emerged as the number one honey pot attracting travelers across the globe. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safaris have also been a great influence in Rwanda’s tourism growth and also a high contribution to the country’s increase in foreign exchange earnings. Gorilla tours in Rwanda are found in Volcanoes National park, located in the northwestern region of Rwanda in Musanze district. This park covers an area of 160km of rain forest, bordering Mgahinga national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park encompasses five mountains of eight chain mountains in East Africa, not to forget the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. Before encountering a gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park one needs to acquire a gorilla permit costs about USD 1500 for each individual interested in trekking the mountain gorillas in the park. Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking below.

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Trekking Gorillas in Volcanoes NP

A detailed guide into Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park situated in the northern part of Rwanda, within the Virunga chain of mountains. A lifetime activity to both domestic and foreign tourists who have the passion of reuniting with their relatives - mountain gorillas, isolated in the wilderness. We disclose to you all you need to know about gorilla trekking before having the real experience in Volcanoes National park, such as the gorilla families, clothes to wear, best trekking season, rules governing Gorilla trekking, other activities in the park and the cost of gorilla trekking among others.

Volcanoes national park covers approximately 160sqkm2 of land and ranks as one of the oldest national parks in Africa, with a history of rebel interferences that led to a halt on her activities in the early 1990s to 1999, but not for long, efforts put has led to the return of activities. Initially, Volcanoes national park was extended to Belgian Congo, and named Albert national park, under the management of Belgian colonial government in 1929, but later divided as Congo and Rwanda.

Forward to 1967, Volcanoes national park received an American researcher, Dain Fossey who started what would be an 18 months’ primate conservation work that saw her dedicate her efforts in rescuing the Mountain Gorillas from the poachers, establish karisoke Research center and publish a book "Gorillas in the Mist". In 1985, her life was brought to an end by some ruthless assailants who murdered her for sabotaging with their business; she lays together with her family members "the gorillas" in the park.

The park is now home to over 10 interesting gorilla families, over 178 unique bird species, spotted hyenas, forest Elephants, Buffaloes, Golden monkeys, Black-Fronted Duiker, Bushbuck, mountains, and lakes among others. Also, there is an annual Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony named "Kwita Iziina" which has led to the fame of the destination, as well as boosted conservation efforts. Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning (roughly 8:00 am) with a briefing at the park's headquarters by a group of experienced park rangers who will welcome you to the destination, offer a cup of coffee while explaining to you the dos and don'ts of gorilla trekking, show you some documentaries and verify your tracking documents.

Thereafter, the park rangers while allocating you to a specific gorilla group of your choice, and then together with a porter and a security guide, they will accompany you to the jungle. The tracking time can last for as long as 1-6 hours depending on your pace and how far the Gorillas have moved. Gorilla Trekking is quite hectic, though you have a choice to make; one of either an easy or a challenging Hike in the quest for the Mountain Gorillas. A maximum of eight people aged fifteen and above are permitted to visit A gorilla family per day, tracking the gentle apes through the thick bushes, steep slopes and muddy terrain in case of rainfalls. Except for those below the age of 15, everyone is welcome, lame or old. Upon finding the creatures, the park rangers will give you one full hour to watch your relatives play, feed, pose for photos and mothers nurse their young ones.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda - PNV

With a gorilla trekking permit of 1500usd, per person per day, you will track and watch the unique habitats and behaviors of the friendly gentle apes grouped in any of these families; Titus family named after silverback Titus, Susa "A" family with 42 members and the most popular Karisimbi family composed of 16 members, Amahoro family (18 members) known for being peaceful and amiable, Umubano family with 13 members, Sabyinyo group which is the easiest family to track with over 13 members, Agashya family with roughly 27 members, Kwitonda family which is a migrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo with approximately 22 members, Hirwa family formed in 2006 with over 16 members, Ugenda family, a group of over 12 members known for roaming and Bwenge family which were formed in early 2007 with over 15 members. These members are gentle and shy but hate to be provoked through the noise and looking straight to their eyes. Gorillas are so vulnerable to human illnesses such as flue, cough or any virus that can be transferable, so caution has to be taken while with them.

The following are some of the Rules and regulations governing all gorilla trackers in Volcanoes National Park; obey the seven-meter distance from the apes, don't litter the place, noise is prohibited, cover human waste, no smoking, no forming pathways, avoid using the flashlight while taking photos, and staring straight at the eyes of the gorillas because the silverback will feel attacked and will in turn charge at your group, beat his chest or even tear the vegetation around him.

Gorilla trekking equipment in Volcanoes National Park.. Knowing the nature of the destination and activity you are going for, you must equip yourself with the following Items; wear appropriate hiking boots to help you handle the steep terrain, Professional camera for good photos, snacks and drinking water, a functioning pair of Binoculars to see distant creatures, garden gloves to protect your hands, insect repellants to use while in the jungle against the mosquitoes and other unpredictable insects, a rain jacket to handle coldness, long-sleeved shirt/top, a pair of trousers.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park . Gorilla trekking is an activity that runs all year round, with the best season being the dry one, when there are no rain disturbances, mud, or any form of interruptions. December to February and June to early September are the best seasons for gorilla trekking in Africa. However, all other months are good, especially for budget travelers because accommodation facilities are at a reduced price and most travel agents give discounts. Make it a point to book six months in advance because the gorilla permits are on high demand.

How to access Volcanoes National Park? It only takes you 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali city, Rwanda's capital to Volcanoes National park, situated in the northern part of the Country, in Musanze province. One can either use public means of transport that doesn't reach the park's headquarters or a safari vehicle that goes up to the destination.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park. The accommodation in and around the park for gorilla trekkers range from Budget, midrange to luxury accommodation, with all the facilities you need and good security. Besides Mountain Gorilla trekking, you can hike Mountain Karisimbi, or Bisoke, visit Dian Fossey tomb, engage in birding, nature walks, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, cultural encounter and Golden Monkey trekking, etc. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park is an unforgettable experience that is recommendable to each and any one aged 15 years and above.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking