Rwanda Gorilla Safaris - Gorilla Safaris Africa

Rwanda Gorilla Safaris | Rwanda Gorilla Tours

Rwanda gorilla trekking are extra-ordinary wildlife experience that allows visitors a face to face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. On this experience, you get a grand opportunity of standing just a few feet away from a majestic silverback, with its gaze meeting yours. Gorilla trekking safaris/tours in Rwanda typically begins in Kigali and travel to the Virunga Mountains in Ruhengeri, approximately 3 hours of drive from Kigali City. In Ruhengeri, visitors can explore the rainforests of Volcanoes National Parks and see the endangered mountain gorillas. Our expertly tailored Rwanda gorilla safaris and tour offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with these gentle giants and also experience the wonders of the pristine wilderness of Rwanda – the Land of a thousand hills.

Key Highlights of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Intimate Encounters: Trek through the misty rainforests of Volcanoes National Park and come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas, observing their behaviours and social interactions in their natural environment.

Breathtaking Scenery: Hike through the mountainous landscape of Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa. Marvel at its lush bamboo forests, Volcanic peaks of Virunga and stunning vistas.

Expert Local Guides: Our experienced guides will share their deep knowledge of these gentle primates and the ecosystem they thrive in, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Tailor-Made Adventures: Choose from a range of our Rwanda mountain gorilla safari packages to get one to suit tour interests and preference, whether you are seeking a short trek or a multi-day Rwanda Adventure.

Sustainable Tourism: We are heavily committed to responsible travel, supporting local communities, and protecting Rwanda’s precious wildlife.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s misty Virunga Mountain jungles protected by Volcanoes National Park, northwest of Rwanda is a thrilling adventure of a lifetime. Your Rwanda primate expedition will be filled with anticipation, wonder and the thrill of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Here is what to expect on a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

What to Expect

Early Morning Start – Your Rwanda Gorilla Adventure begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters. Here, you will meet your expert guide and be information about gorilla trekking etiquette and safety.
The Trek – After briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, set off on a guided hike through the lush rainforest, following trails that wind through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and verdant meadows. Each gorilla trek varies in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorillas. Usually, trekkers spend between 2 to 6 hours, including the time spent with the gorillas. The hike can be challenging as you have to hike through steep and muddy trails, but the reward is unforgettable encounter with the gorillas.
The Encounter – Once you locate the gorillas, you will have a precious hour to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitat. Witness their playful interactions, their tender moments of family bonding, and their sheer majesty as they navigate their jungle home.
Unforgettable Memories – Your Rwanda Gorilla Trek will be a truly transformative and informative experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for these incredible creatures and the importance of their conservation.

Tips For a Successful Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Permit – A gorilla permit is a key item in a gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which grants you access to Volcanoes National Park and a designated gorilla family. Currently, the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $ 1,500 per person. A gorilla permit can be obtained from Rwanda Development Board or through your Tour Operator. This permit contributes directly to conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of these endangered primates as well as their habitat.

Additional Costs – In addition to a gorilla permit, your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda will include other essential components such as

Accommodation: Choose from a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury boutique lodges to comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations tailored to your preferences.
Transportation: With our reliable transportation services, you will travel in comfort and style, ensuring seamless transfers between Kigali and Volcanoes National Park.
Meals: Enjoy delicious and nourishing meals throughout your tour, expertly be prepared to fuel your adventures.
Park Fees and Guides: Professional guides and park fees are included in your Rwanda Gorilla Tour Package, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

Roughly, a 3-Day Gorilla Safari in Rwanda including 2 nights in a midrange lodge on Volcanoes National Park, typically ranges from $ 2,920 to $ 3,650 per person, depending on the type of accommodation and additional activities included in the package.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda has favourable climate which makes it a year-round destination for gorilla trekking tours. However, understanding Rwanda’s seasons can help you choose the ideal time for your gorilla adventure.

Dry Seasons (June to September & December to February)

These months offer the most favourable conditions for gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, with less rainfall and drier trails. In these months, the vegetation is less dense, potentially making it easier to spot gorillas.

Dry season months coincide with the peak season in Rwanda, so expect more visitors and book your gorilla permits as well as accommodation in advance.

Wet Seasons (March to May & October to November)

In these months, the trails in Volcanoes National Park can be muddy and slippery during these months, requiring extra care and sturdy footwear. The lush vegetation adds a unique charm to the rainforest, and the gorillas are still active and visible.

In these months, you might encounter fewer tourists and some lodges offer discounts.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is possible year-round, so the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prefer drier trails and easier trekking conditions, visit in the dry seasons.

Where to Stay on a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

There are several accommodation options in Rwanda, ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. Here is our top picks

Kwitonda Lodge

Kwitonda Lodge is an epitome of luxury, situated in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. This luxury lodge boasts breathtaking views of the forested volcanoes and elegant design, and a range of activities including guided nature walks and cultural immersion.

Bisate Lodge

Nestled amidst a breathtaking natural amphitheatre, Bisate Lodge offers unparalleled accommodation and seclusion in Volcanoes National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Virunga Volcanoes while enjoying world-class facilities, amenities and impeccable service.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Located in Musanze, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel offers comfortable and affordable stay in Volcanoes National Park with a focus on personalized service and local experiences.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers budget-friendly accommodations in Volcanoes National Park, the lodge is situated near Volcanoes National Park boasting breathtaking viewing of the surrounding mountains.

Booking and Planning Essentials

Planning a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari can be exciting, but it involves important considerations to ensure a smooth and successful trip. Our expert consultants are available to take you through every step of the process, making your dream gorilla safari come true.

Essential Planning Steps

Secure Your Gorilla Permit – A gorilla permit is very essential to this extraordinary primate experience. Due to high demand, it is crucial to book your gorilla permit well in advance, especially during peak season. Our consultants can assist you in securing your permit and availability for your desired dates.
Choose Your Ideal Gorilla Tour – Sometimes it might be hard to choose the perfect tour, however our expert consultants will guide you and also you can browse through our great collection of Rwanda gorilla trekking tours and select the one that best suits your interests, a budget and travel style. Whether you are seeking a short trek or a multi-day adventure, we have the perfect itinerary for you
Book Your Flights and Accommodation – Book your international flights to Kigali International Airport, the main getaway in Rwanda and secure your preferred accommodation early, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Pack Smart – Prepare for your Rwanda Gorilla Trek with essential items like sturdy hiking books, waterproof clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. Refer to our detailed packing list to ensure you have the right gears and items for your gorilla adventure.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Gorilla Experience – while you anticipate the thrill of encountering Rwanda’s gentle giants, it back and relax as we handle the logistics. Our experienced guides will lead you on a safe and enriching journey, creating forever lasting memories.

FAQs About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

How to See Gorillas in Rwanda: Everything you need to know

In a world full of fenced-off game reserves and sanctuaries, coming face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas is a humbling experience and one of the last truly wildlife encounters. The trek to see the gorillas however is no a walk in the park, as you have to hike, often uphill, into the gorillas’ world. – Thickly forested and dense with towering bamboo and nettles to find each family made up of about ten gorillas of varying age.

But once you are in their presence, it is a thrill; astonishingly undisturbed by gawping humans and their cameras. These furry black apes will go about their day, foraging, nesting, parenting and playing. Perhaps even locking eyes with you for a moment, just as curious about you as you are about them.

In this blog, we detail everything you need to know before you book a trip to see gorillas to Rwanda.

When is the best time to go?

The best to see gorilla in Rwanda is during the dry season – June to September, though the moniker “gorillas in the mist” might prepare you for the generally soggy conditions you will be hiking into to see them.

Lodges in Rwanda are situated close to Volcanoes National Park, around Kinigi Town are open all year round, you it is possible to go for gorilla tours outside of dry season, but conditions are more precarious, wet and slippery. As gorilla trekking permits for dry season sell out months in advance.

It is recommended you book your Rwanda Gorilla Trip about 7-9 months before your ideal dates.

What is the Weather like?

Rwanda is situated close to the equator and because of this, the country is steadily warm year-round. When you are on the lower ground than gorilla country (their habitat is upward of 2,500m above sea level) you will be able to swim in lakes, relax on lake beaches and dine alfresco. For gorilla trekking part of your Rwanda Tour, usually a one to three-night stay, depending on what you plan to do in the area. Make sure you carry warm layers for the evenings, which are cooler than elsewhere in the country.

What should I pack?

You need to carry a decent quality hiking gear for the unpaved, forested mountain slope gorillas live on. Hiking boots or trainers with good grip, lightweight trousers and tops, and a waterproof backpack or backpack cover to keep your kit dry. Wetness is almost guaranteed, be it rain showers or mist and dew, so carry a good waterproof jacket and over trousers. Don’t bother buying gaiters, which secure your trousers above your boots, as they can be rented from your lodge or from tour guides at Volcanoes National Park.

Gardening gloves can be handy, as treks can involve pushing through spiky or rough foliage. A water bottle, sun hat, SPF, insect repellent and a good-quality camera for a complete pictures.

What Kind of fitness level do in I need?

Gorilla trekking is an active excursion, but not as hard as you may think. Before embarking on a gorilla tour in Rwanda, your guide will assess your fitness level and the route can be adapted around that. Some visitors can hike as little as one hour into the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, with rangers sharing locations by radio for easily accessible gorilla families. Others trek for three to four hours, or even five to six hours to see the great apes. Many tourists relish the physical challenge, there is a feeling of adventure and really earning that exhilarating sighting at the top. Once you find the gorillas and you are in their presence, you will spend a maximum of one hour with them. At the beginning of your trek, you can hire a porter for around $15 to walk with you and carry your backpack, it is worth every penny, as they often help you scramble up the harder portions of the tail and you will be directly supporting the local community.

Is it Safe?

In terms of personal security, gorilla tours in Rwanda are extremely well organized and Volcanoes National Park in well managed. On your tour you will see armed rangers and tourism police around the area.

In terms of interacting with the gorillas, only tourists of 15 years of age and above are allowed to visit mountain gorillas. And all the gorillas visited are habituated, they are still wild but the ones that have had regular exposure to human rangers and researchers.

On gorilla treks you are accompanied by rangers who will make reassuring vocalizations (grunting sounds) as you approach the animals, and brief you beforehand on body language and behavior for putting the gorillas at ease. A member of the group will be armed, but this mainly for the buffaloes and other wild animals that live in the area that have, on rare occasion caused injury.

What else Should I do while in Rwanda?

Rwanda, a small, landlocked country is all about natural beauty and wildlife. After the gorilla region in north, Nyungwe Forest National Park is probably the most compelling, hosting one of the oldest tracts of rainforest in East Africa. It is where you can track chimpanzees, colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, spot birdlife and explore the magical treetop walk (Nyungwe Canopy Walk).

Lake Kivu is another magical place in Rwanda with beachside hotels and coffee and tea plantations worth visiting. Kigali – the capital of Rwanda is worth a day or two of exploring the country’s tragic history with unflinching clarity, or visiting local bars, restaurants and galleries.