A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
The first thing one thinks of while visiting Rwanda is the remarkable gorilla trekking expedition into the mountain forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the enigmatic mountain gorhers. Although uncountable visitors have praised the experience, one that really stands out is that it is difficult not to be dumb-struck by the humanoid form of mountain gorillas.
Sitting in a chilly Rwandan jungle and peering into the eyes of a beast with 98% of our DNA is like looking into a mirror; the beast silently glances back. That cannot be matched by any experience in any jungle.
People are naturally drawn to rare events and awe at things that appear unreal. Mountains gorillas freely wandered the rift valley and volcanic slopes thousands of years ago, occupying much of the east and central African rainforest. Their range gradually vanished with human growth, driving them onto higher land and almost to extinction.
Mountain gorillas are threatened nowadays; their population is hardly more than 1000. Governments, NGOs, travel agencies, and people leading front-edge gorilla tourism are dedicated to consistently increasing those numbers, nevertheless. One of the main sources of money for gorilla tourism is gorilla trekking, which is also effectively generating waves in the news on conservation.
Attracting thousands of visitors to see the one and only gorilla forest reserve, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has positioned itself to shine in conservation tourism. Twelve gorilla groups have been trained for human visits and several others for primate research needs.
Everyone is welcomed, hence we are publishing this guide to gorilla trekking in volcanoes National Park to assist you to organize your trip in Rwanda with fingertip knowledge.
What Should One Expect From The Gorilla Trekking Experience?
Protecting Rwanda’s part of the Virunga Volcanoes series crossing Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda’s borders in northwest Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. Between the three nations, around half of the mountain gorilla total worldwide wanders the Virunga mountain slopes. The other half is totally on the side of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
After jetting into Kigali International Airport, expect to drive two hours on the 100-kilometer well-surfaced road to reach the base town, Kiningi, where you will spend the night before your gorilla trekking adventure up the Volcanoes National Park slopes the following morning.
Usually within a 45-minute drive of your resort at the foot of the park, your driver will transport you to the park headquarters briefing point early morning of your gorilla trekking trip. There you will get a briefing on what the trip expects of you, what you should anticipate and which gorilla group you will come across.
Following the briefing, you will be divided into small limited groups headed for the trailhead into the jungle under the direction of a local professional tracking guide and two armed rangers (for security against jungle uncertainty).
Expect to climb rough terrain into the deep foggy forest with unmarked paths to discover the Rwanda gorillas as they reside up the high mountains. To carry off this journey, your physical health should be at least moderate; otherwise, we advise you to visit the gym few weeks before your trip.
If you lack confidence in your physical ability, fortunately you may hire a local porter to assist you on the difficult climb; furthermore, it’s a terrific way to directly support the local businesses surrounding the Park. From towns around Volcanoes National Park, porters used to rely totally on the forest for their means of survival. They turn to gorilla tourism to make money since the forest is off-limits. One at around $20 is worth the cost.
Following the footprints of the tracker, you may spend anywhere between thirty minutes and four hours wading your way across the deep jungle in search of the gorilla family. The timing is unknown as gorillas roam freely in the jungle and their restrictions are limited only by the park borders.
Although a team of rangers remains with them throughout the day and will be instructing your tracking team on their bearings to help you to locate them, it is not possible to know where they will be when you acquire them.
Once you locate the gorilla family, you should spend at least an hour observing them eating, grooming, socializing, and ignoring of your presence. When spending one hour with the gorillas, your awareness controls the nature of experience; try to limit your focus on photography to minimum. Your guide will, however, provide you anecdotes and facts all throughout your visit and let you know when your time runs out.
Major gorilla trekking policies at Volcanoes National Park include maintaining at least 10 meters (32 ft) away from the gorillas, waring a facemask, avoiding contact with the gorillas at all times, no flash photography, and no eating near the gorillas. See these and follow the advice; your gorilla trekking trip will be as unforgettable as you could have hoped.
The Cost of Volcanian Gorilla Trekking
Mostly driven by the gorilla permit fee, the cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes remains the highest in the area. Although the gorilla permit for Rwanda is $1,500 per person each trip, you still have to factor in lodging, food, and transportation.
Gorilla permits are sold by the Rwanda Development Board. But Rwanda has less than 100 licenses daily, hence they are rare and much sought after. Still, during the most difficult periods a qualified local safari operator such as Katland Safaris may buy one on your behalf. You should, however, try to reserve yours three months ahead at least.
Almost many safari hotels near Volcanoes National Park do not include the gorilla permit on their all-inclusive offerings because to its hefty cost. Expect to pay for the permit separately when you reserve accommodation; the lodge will provide bed, food, lodging activities, and sometimes transports to the gorilla point.
For a budget, an all-inclusive accommodation per night may go less than $300; for a mid-range, $300-$450; for an elite luxury lodge, it could run more than $700. Transfers, depending on the operator, might run daily between $80 and $300 including driver and gas/fuel costs.
Rwanda has positioned itself as a high-end travel destination; so, the cost of gorilla walking triples that of Uganda and DRC. Our advisers can assist you, nonetheless, to ascertain a fair travel cost within the quickest feasible period. Ask for a quotation at email.
Ideal Travel Time
Rising above 2,500 meters, Volcanoes National Park is surrounded by tropical flora and weather. It may rain anywhere, and the harder rain can ruin your gorilla trekking trip. Steer clear of visiting Volcanoes during March to April’s heavy rain when roads are inaccessible and paths start to slide.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes is ideally timed for the dry seasons between June and September. Less rain during the dry seasons means less disturbance of the walk. Roads are passable; walking beneath the forest canopy is simpler; you may schedule additional activities like birdwatching, nature trekking, and a stroll to the grave of famed Diane Fossey.
Although the dry season is the busiest travel season in the nation, the park seems empty as the number of hikers is somewhat limited. Book your vacation during the wet seasons, nevertheless, if you wish to benefit from the low season prices. Most resorts provide great rates to capitalize on the few guests during the rains.
Things To Bring For The Gorilla Trek
Out on the mountain, the temperature is chilly and wet; you must remain warm and dry. Your packing list should call for a lightweight rain jacket, an evening lodge sweater, thick socks, and maybe a scarf.
To prevent prickly plants pocking your skin, bring a pair of lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes, gaiters, pants, and long sleeve shirt for walking; furthermore, take a waterproof bag to keep your devices dry and maybe a shelter to cover your head. These need to all be light; otherwise, the difficult hill climb would cause you to sweat.
How One Gets To Volcanoes National Park
About 10km/6mi from the city, Kigali, Rwanda welcomes most guests via Kigali International Airport (KGL). On the asphalt route, Volcanoes National Park is around 100 kilometers and two hours. Domestic flights to the park are not planned. From the airport, you most likely will travel across the nation in a 4×4 automobile.
Starting before 08:00, the gorilla trekking activity in Volcanoes requires all participants to report to the Kinigi park headquarters by 07:00. It is hence advised to remain close to the park or in adjacent Musanze.
Where To stay
Where to stay looms large when arranging your gorilla safari in Rwanda after you have booked your permit. Fortunately, Volcanoes National Park’s lodging does not mirror the hefty cost of the permit. Still, it covers all tastes, budgets, and travel preferences from opulent safari hotels to cozy boutique lodges. Here is a selection of our top choices for lodging in volcanoes to provide a great gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda.
Luxury, upper ($700 more)
Binary Lodge
Silverback Lodge Sabyinyo
The Nest Lodge owned by One&Only Gorilla
Vorunga Lodge
Lodging Singita Kwitonda
cozy, middle range ($300 – $700)
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Budget (under $300) Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Gorilla Lodge Le Bambou
Villa Gorilla, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel Da Vinci Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Camp Design You Gorilla Trekking Safari in Volcanoes, Rwanda
Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s main draw, should not be compared to planning a large city trip; neither should any East African safari. The difficult African travel practicalities of obtaining gorilla permits, locating appropriate lodging with meals, and organizing your transports need for an informed local operator.
You schedule your vacation according on your tastes and budget with support from a local operator; nevertheless, you still get to enjoy your trip knowing that someone with local knowledge takes care of everything.
Plan your Rwanda gorilla safari via Katland. We are local and you can rely on our significant sustainable travel impact. Write us an email.
