Gorilla trekking is one of the top adventure experiences one can undertake on the African continent. Surprisingly, Rwanda is a favorite spot for gorilla watching given that the park is more accessible than any other park hosting the gorillas.
About Volcanoes National Park
Covering an area of 125 km2, Volcanoes National Park (PNV) is a home to more than a half of the world’s mountain gorillas that inhabit the tropical rain forests. When visiting the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, one should not miss out the opportunity to meet the magnificent gorillas in a gorilla trek within the volcanic mountains f this park. PNV offers the amazing opportunity to track the endangered gorillas in the deep and thick forests of the Virunga, also a home to the six Virunga Volcanoes! Protected within the PNV, the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla trekking.
Most of the 1000 gorillas live a wild existence, far from human reach. However, a handful of groups have been habituated and can be tracked and observed by small numbers of visitors under the watchful eyes of park scouts. Have an encounter with a fully-grown silverback gorilla up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors. Climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest that offers fantastic views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkey.
Gorilla Permits
Every visitor intending to go a Rwanda gorilla trek must posses a gorilla permit in order to visitor the gorillas.
Book your permit: Gorilla permits can be booked through a local tour operator and availability is emailed to tour operators daily from the RDB. These can sell gorilla permits independently or in an all inclusive safari package offered at different prices.
If you are an independent traveler, gorilla permits can be booked at the RDB Tourism and Conservation Reservation Office in person. These can be contacted by telephone (252 57 65 14) or via email: reservation@rwandatourism.com.
Costs for Gorilla Permits:
Currently here are the prices for gorilla permits in Rwanda.
- USD $1500 per person for foreigners
Promotional Offers
- USD $500 for African residents
Inclusions in the Cost of Gorilla Permits
The cost for a gorilla permit includes a ranger guide and park entry fees. If you are indepenedent traveler please arrange your own transportation to take you up to the park headquarters. There are several car rental agencies offering cars for private tours. You can also travel using public buses and taxis to Ruhengeri.
A Day of Trekking the Gorillas
It is advisable to spend a night in Musanze given that access begins in the lively town of Musanze, situated 12km from Kinigi, the base of the entrance of the park. If you are looking to a day trip, most tour operators who offer these kinds of tours start the tours early in the morning (4.AM/5.AM). Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.
If you are traveling independently take a private vehicle or public taxi minibus to get to Musanze from Kigali. If you intend to make a gorilla visit, you will need to organize your own transport from Musanze town to the park headquarters at Kinigi, where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town.
Report to the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 AM on the day of tracking for briefing and later you will be given an English and French speaking trained guides as well as a team of trained gorilla trackers many of whom speak French or English.
Gorilla Tracking Guidelines
- Visitors should maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas in order to minimize possible transmission of human diseases. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
- Viewing time is limited to one hour.
- Maximum 8 visitors per group.
- Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
- Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
- When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
- Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
- If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
- Do not litter.
To enhance your enjoyment:
- The security of our visitors is our highest priority. There is no need for concern about personal security.
- The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.
- Musanze, at 1,700m above sea level, 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. You may find raingear useful.
- Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
- Photographs are permitted, although you may not use flash.
- Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.
- Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking
Is Gorilla Trekking Done in the Virunga Mountains
Virunga mountains in Rwanda are famous for to be a home of to over 40 mountain gorillas which is half of the world’s big population and some of these gorillas where discovered in the neighboring Bwindi Impenetrable Park. There are ten gorilla families that have been habituated for viewing by tourists and they are a must see. The mountain gorillas in Virunga move in a big group including babies, juveniles and the mothers.
Planning your Gorilla trekking safari
The fact remain that gorillas can be tracked all around the year in Rwanda therefore as a tourist, feel free and ready for you expeditious safari. During the rainy seasons in the republic of Rwanda in April- May and November you are required to carry a rain jacket, walking boots and warm clothes. Its quiet hard to predict weather in Africa because it can rain anytime.
How and when to secure a Gorilla Permit
Securing a permit, you need to use a reliable tour company which will arrange for you. The permits cost UD 750 and only 80 permits are issued each day for the different gorilla groups though the money seems to be a lot, it is very rewarding to see these gorillas.
Conditions required for Gorilla tracking
As a tracker, you must be physically fit since is the only way you will enjoy the hike as you move through the forest, searching for the gorillas. Some breaks are given as you walk along the walk which enables you to catch a breath. In case you feel so tired and you cannot continue you may hire a porter at a fee. During the walk, some gorilla groups are close and can be seen within 30 minutes though this depends on the one assigned guide.
What is expected on your Gorilla Safari?
You will require an early morning breakfast then head to the park head quarters in Kiningi village for briefing about the rules and regulations that govern gorilla trekking in Rwanda. After you have been assigned a gorilla group to track by the ranger you will be required to move to the forest and it is quiet strenuous although rewarding to you as a trekker.
What is required to be packed for your Gorilla Safari/ Tour
You will only enjoy your trek by packing the right safari/tour clothes which include Khaki clothes, jeans, long and short sleeved shirts, walking boots, sandals, Gloves, Rain jacket, sweater, socks and a safari hat. The trails are muddy sometimes or slippery and do need strong walking shoes. You will also need a walking stick to support you as you walk on the steep slopes of the mountain.
What is the best time to take photos when you are in the field?
Tourists/visitors who come to track gorillas want to remain with good memories. A camera is a must to carry and make sure that it is fully charged or have extra batteries. You must take magical pictures that will remind you of an adventurous safari you had in Rwanda. As a tourist, you will be kindly required to switch off your flash light when taking photos since it disturbs gorillas and they decide to walk away. Since these areas are rain forest, you need to take care of your camera and these needs to be protected. The park is known to have 10 gorilla families for tracking including; Agashya, Amahoro, Sabyino, Umubano, Susa, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Bwenge as well as Uganda group of gorillas. All these gorilla groups are exciting thus take adventure with the Mountain Gorillas of Volcano National park in the Republic of Rwanda.