Are you planning your safari to Rwanda and want to confirm whether you will watch the incredible mountain gorillas during the trek in Volcanoes national park? The chances of seeing these magnificent creatures in Rwanda are remarkably high, estimated at around 90-95%. In this article, we explain how gorilla trekking is and the chances you have to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is one of the most organized tourist activities in Rwanda. The activity starts very early in the morning where advance trackers go into the forest to search for the mountain gorillas and once found, they enjoy their daily life styles like feeding, playing, and others. Going on a gorilla tour and meeting these great apes in their natural habitat takes about 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the location of the group and once found, you are given a full hour to spend with them as you take photographs.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only done in Volcanoes National Park located in the northwestern region. Stretching over a total surface area of 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes is one of the major national parks in Rwanda and East Africa and one of the oldest parks in Africa. The park is a home to several primate species like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Also, the park protects other wildlife like; birds, monkeys, forest hogs, bushbucks and others.
Best time to watch the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
The best time to go on a gorilla tour adventure is during the dry season which is in the months of mid-December to early February and June to September. During this time, it makes the trek in the forest easy since the vegetation is not fully grown thus making mountain gorillas viewing and photography easy.
What to pack during Trekking Rwanda Mountain Gorillas?
During trekking Rwanda mountain gorillas, you will need a comfortable, hard-wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections that may be quite steep and need some hiking. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for trekking Rwanda mountain gorillas include; Insect Repellent, torch/Flashlight – and spare batteries, wet wipes, water bottle, camera, hiking boots and socks, hat and sunscreen, rain jacket, sweater and others.
Cost of the gorilla permits and how to get them
The Gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 Per person per trek for Foreign non-residents, $500 Per person for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan). This gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in the park. 96 Gorilla permits are available each day for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and booking can be done directly through Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator in Rwanda like Primate Safari Experiences Limited.
Where to stay in Volcanoes national Park
While on your safari to Volcanoes national park to trek the incredible to trek mountain gorillas, staying in a good, clean, comfortable and beautiful lodge/camp is ideal for an amazing experience. There are many lodges and hotels in the park ranging from budget to luxury, and among these include; Bisate lodge, Gorilla Nest and Virunga lodge are luxury options, Sabinyo silverback lodge, five volcanoes lodge, Le bamboo Mountain gorilla lodge are Midrange options to consider, Kinigi guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and gorilla volcanoes lodge are some of the budget hotels.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
The park is located in Musanze also known as Ruhengeri and can be accessed either by public transport from Kigali (Airport) or Gisenyi. The drive from Kigali is a 2 hours’ drive and this makes it very possible for one to drive directly from Kigali and track Gorillas and then return and take their flight.