Guides

Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a country in central and East Africa and one of the smallest countries on the African mainland. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla population is one of the countries’ greatest tourist attractions as well as animal conservation success stories.

Where to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park north of Rwanda runs along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. This is the only national park in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. The park is also home to the Rwandan section of the Virunga’s comprising of five volcanoes, the Virunga’s are totally beautiful and few would argue that this is not one of the most exciting national parks in Africa. I probably needn’t remind you, but of all the extraordinary sights and attractions around the Virunga’s, the one that really draws people here are the famous endangered mountain gorillas.

Today there are over 1063 mountain gorillas left in the wild and half of that population resides in the Virunga Mountain range spanning Rwanda and the other part of mountain reside in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you’re planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda, it is easier than ever.

Rwanda’s most popular tourist attraction is Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is one of the safest and most secure countries in Africa, especially for visitors to Rwanda and even more so if certain Safety and Security guidelines and tips are followed during your visit to the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Rwanda currently has 3 official national parks; that is Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park. These National Parks are the centre of Rwanda’s tourism and attracts thousands of tourists each and every year. Rwanda is a country with a diverse culture and rich heritage. The Rwandan cuisine is famous all-over East Africa, with its signature East African dish Ugali and vegetables.

While most tourists to Volcanoes National Park are understandably driven by the desire to have a face-to-face encounter with Mountain gorillas in the mist, there is good reason to stay in the area once you’ve finished tracking: the gorillas share the park with rare golden monkeys, a troop of which has also been habituated to human contact. The Virunga’s, which tower over Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also present a variety of rewarding climbing and trekking options. To get the most from the Virunga’s give yourself as much time as you possibly can as this is absolutely a park that rewards those who linger.

The renowned mammologist George Schaller was the first to research gorillas in the late 1950s. But it was Dian Fossey who brought their plight to international attention, studying them for 18 years in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. She lived with them in the forest, raised funds for rangers and protected the gorillas despite extreme danger from poachers, culminating in her unsolved murder in 1985. At that time, Fossey had estimated that just 250 gorillas survived, under threat from habitat loss, extensive poaching and the crossfire of civil wars.

Today there are over 16 gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla groups consist of at least 1 silverback along with several female and youngsters.  The thrilling opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a-life time experience, some even say unforgettable experience.

Mountain Gorilla Experience

From Kigali, you need to get to Musanze. Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. You can either hire a private care or take a public taxi minibus. From there, you need to get to Kinigi, where the trip begins. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town. The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day. At 1,700m above sea level, the city is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised. Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings. Steady walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Raingear useful

The Gorilla Trek

On the day of gorilla tracking, tea and Coffee are provided from around 7:00am for gorilla tracking visitors assembled at Kinigi park headquarters, where entertainment was once provided by the traditional Intore Dancers from SACOLA. After the entrainment, you will be assigned a gorilla family during briefing. The fitter you are, the more likely you are to be allocated a gorilla family that involves a longer trek.

The rangers assess you according to your health, general fitness, age and interests. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda generally starts with a 45-minute walk up gently sloping farmland. The backdrop of the volcanoes is spectacular and the air is pure. As you approach the park entrance, the ground becomes steeper and thick with bamboo. Depending on the group you are with, your total tracking time will take 30 minutes to 4 hours in either direction in Rwanda than in Uganda.

The Gorilla Encounter

Gorilla treks are led by trained guides and habituated gorilla families are used to being with humans, which makes the experience safe. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours plus depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the excitement you feel after seeing the gorillas. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.

Volcanoes National Park has more activities to offer to tourists including; the Dian Fossey Tomb Trail, Golden Monkey Tracking, hiking Mt Karisimbi, Mt Bisoke, Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Gahinga, Buhanga Eco park, Musanze caves, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Trail is located just outside the national park, this living museum highlights aspects of traditional Rwanda society.