Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the home of thousand hills – Rwanda at a close distance during the gorilla trekking experience. The adventure is among the amazing and beautiful experiences one shouldn’t miss out since it creates the most lifetime memories as you set your eyes on the playful apes for the first time. A mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorillas and it is among the descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes and are mostly found in the African continent. These apes have unique features including the thick and longer fur and this allows them to live in colder temperatures. The hair at the back of these apes is shorter than that on other body parts and that on their arms is longer. They inhabit the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests including the Virunga Mountains.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

In the Republic of Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience takes place in Volcanoes National Park. The park is well known for setting the famous ‘’Gorillas in the Mist’’ movie which was about the primatologist Dian Fossey who played a great role in the conservation of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In the north-western part of Rwanda, the park protects a total surface area of 160 square kilometers of rainforests and five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.

There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated and open for tourism activities such as gorilla trekking experience. Among these groups/families include; Amahoro gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Group 13/ Agashya group, Umubano gorilla family, Ugenda gorilla group, Susa A group, Susa B group, Karisimbi group, Titus group, and Bwenge gorilla group.

The gorilla trekking experience involves hiking through the rain forests of the park in search of the endangered species and it starts with a briefing from the park ranger guides at the park headquarters where all the trekkers are gathered. After the briefing, you are allocated to different gorilla families by the lead of a ranger guide. Once they are found, the trekker is allowed to spend an hour in their presence as he/she enjoys their daily life practices like breastfeeding, playing, feeding and others.

What to Consider while Planning a Budget Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Choose the Right Season

As you are planning for a budget gorilla safari in Rwanda, consider traveling during the low season (March, April, November) can significantly reduce costs. In these months, some lodges and tour operators offer discounts due to the lower number of tourists.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are at USD 1500 per person as per 2024 Rwanda Development Board tariff. When you are considering to travel on budget, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park where the permits are at USD800 as the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff. Also, it’s a shorter drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Uganda’s gorilla parks, which can also save money.

Choose Budget Accommodation

Volcanoes national park is surrounded by a number of budget lodges and campsites that provide an affordable and comfortable stay. Among the popular options to consider include; Kinigi Guest House, Amahoro Guest house and others.

Also, some accommodations near Volcanoes offer camping options though you are supposed to move with your own gear.

Travel in Groups

As you are planning your budget Rwanda safari, consider traveling in groups as the transportation costs and driver are shared.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for a Budget Gorilla Trekking Experience

The republic of Rwanda can be visited anytime round for gorilla trekking experience but the most suitable time is during the dry season which stands in the months of June to September. This is because the jungle is neither muddy nor slippery during these months. For discounted lodge costs, consider traveling in low season that is March, April, and November.

Besides gorilla trekking experience, there are other activities that can be done in Volcanoes national park and among these include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walking and community visit.

In conclusion, by being flexible with your timing and accommodations, choosing the right options, and exploring alternatives, you can experience Rwanda’s incredible gorilla trekking without breaking the bank.