Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda 2021

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021; Gorilla trekking is one of the major activities in Rwanda where you will get an opportunity to move on foot in the dense forests in search of the habituated gorilla family and once found spend one hour with the gorillas in their environment. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in Volcanoes national park which is located in the northeastern part Rwanda in Kinigi, Ruhengeri.

The national park is a home of more than 11 habituated gorilla families including Sabyinyo, Agashya, Titus, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa A, Susa B, Hirwa, Bwenge, Kwitonda and Ugenda which are open for trekking on a daily basis . Apart from Volcanoes national park mountain gorillas are found in other destinations like Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity in Volcanoes national park which starts early in the morning with a briefing at Kinigi park headquarters. After the briefing you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a well trained park guide who is knowledgeable about the mountain gorillas as well as conversant with different trails in the jungle. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food.

During trekking you will be able to view other primate species such as red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, variety of bird species, mammals like forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, bushbucks among others. Once the gorillas are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you an opportunity to observe their behaviors, lifestyle, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities like breastfeeding, feeding, playing, grooming young ones, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the safari.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda 2021

A gorilla trekking permit is a card or document issued by Rwanda Development Board to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes national park. A single gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs USD 1,500 for all nationalities, the gorilla trekking permit allows you to spend one hour in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas and it’s valid for one day.

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is more expensive compared to other destinations like Democratic Republic of Congo where a single gorilla trekking permit costs USD 400 for foreign non residents/ foreign residents and Uganda where a gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 for foreign non residents, USD for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda 2021

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda 2021 can either be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board a government body in charge of tourism in Rwanda by contacting the offices via telephone calls or email. You can also book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. Booking through a tour operator is very easy in that you will contact us with your names, date and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park.

After contacting us we will check for permit availability and then get back to you if there are permits matching your date. You will be asked to make a deposit for the permits and once the payment has been made we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of permit as confirmation. Booking through Achieve Global Safaris is the best option in that we will not only book for a gorilla trekking permit but also plan for your entire safari which involves transportation, accommodation, meals and other activities to engage in during your gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes national park should be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and get sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park–Rwanda can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less or little rainfall in the park therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park can also be done in the wet season during the months of march to may and November in that you will be able to explore the park with less crowds and some lodges offers discounts which favors budget travelers.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park

There are a number of accommodation facilities in Volcanoes national park where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. the accommodations range from luxury, midrange and budget such as Ruzizi Tented Camp, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Gorillas Nest Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Hotel Muhabura, Garden Palace Hotel, Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Best View Hotel, Karenge Bush Camp, Kinigi Guest House, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge among others.

How to get to Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to the park headquarters by road which takes about 2 to 3 hours drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.

Volcanoes national park can also be accessed from Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park in southwestern Uganda via Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 3 to 4 hours drive.

For more information about gorilla trekking in Rwanda 2021, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for gorilla trekking packages.