Updated list of gorilla families and permits available in Rushaga region.

updated Rushaga Bwindi gorilla families and licenses. South of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies Rushaga. This enterprise is expanding gorilla trekking with eight gorilla families. Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye, Nshongi, Rwigi, Mucunguzi, and others are Rushaga Gorilla families.

Start by telling them you want to go gorilla trekking in Rushaga so they can get gorilla permits. Gorilla habituation is possible in Rushaga. An adventure begins when travelers join a team of researchers and habituators into the forest to visit a semi-habituated gorilla family for four hours.

Olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus may be seen in Rushaga’s forest together with mountain gorillas. Many birds, especially Albertine rift endemics, may be found near your window seal.

Rushaga is one of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s four gorilla trekking destinations. East Ruhija, south Nkuringo, and north Buhoma are also locations. Four preservation administrative zones divide Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Volcanic peaks, plateaus, and heavy flora make Bwindi forest difficult to navigate.

What gorilla families dwell in Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

family Gorilla Nshongi

Nshongi gorilla family was named after River Nsongi, where it lived. The large gorilla family Nshongi split up after fighting with the Bweza family. Public booking for the 6009 Nshongi gorilla family began. The Nshongi gorilla family has over eight members, however births and deaths may change this.

Busingye gorilla family

The Busingye gorilla family divorced from Kahungye after familial dispute. Rumanzi is the dominant silverback in this gorilla family. Seeing many beautiful mountain gorillas makes visiting the gorilla family interesting. Public tours of the Busingye gorilla family began in 2015.

Gorilla Family Kahungye

The 2011 Kahungye gorilla family has over 27 members. The gorilla family was called after Kahungye hill.

Gorator family

Mishaya gorillas are Nshongi descendants. Mishaya, the silverback, waged war on neighboring mountain gorilla families to raise its number.

Family Bweza gorilla

After splitting from the Nshongi family, the Bweza gorilla family Kakono Silverback left Nshongi in 2013 after phoning Bweza and challenging his commander.

Mucunguzi gorilla family

Mucunguzi, a Bweza gorilla split, means rescuer locally. One silverback, Mucunguzi, kidnapped Bweza family members to create this family.

Rwigi gorilla family

The Kahungye family split into the Rwigi gorilla family. Rwanda’s silverback leader is a gorilla. He left to start his own family, disagreeing with other Kahungye silverbacks.

Bikingi Gorilla Family

Habituation occurred in 2015, making the Bikingi gorilla family hikeable. Due to family strife, the disgruntled members departed but were found with mountain gorillas.

Updated list of gorilla families and permits available in Rushaga region.

In southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including Rushaga, two gorilla habituation experience families live.

Booking Bwindi Rushaga Gorilla Families

Choose a day to go gorilla trekking and determine how many permits you need. To ease access, state your request for Rushaga licenses from the start.

On gorilla excursion day, Katland Safaris helps check gorilla permit availability, book them, and deliver them to visitors. So you can relax, we can manage extra safari logistics for gorilla safari planning. Our Trip Advisor, Safari Bookings, and other travel websites reflect that our over 10 years of planning African safaris have improved our understanding.

After receiving your request, our safari specialist checks Uganda Wildlife Authority availability and responds quickly.

Customers should acquire gorilla trekking permits immediately since their status might change at any time. Gorilla permits are first-come, first-served. Booking without a gorilla permission is impossible.

We scan and transmit a receipt to verify your gorilla permit purchase. Please mention your passport name, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date on your gorilla permit.

Our driving guide registers your gorilla permit with the ranger guide on gorilla trekking day before briefing when you book the full safari package.

What do Bwindi Rushaga gorilla hiking permits cost?

International nonresidents pay $800, foreign residents $700, and East Africans 300,000hs for Uganda gorilla trekking permits.

Gorilla excursion permits include park entrance for 24 hours, government taxes, security, mountain gorilla conservation, local community aid, ranger guide fees, one hour of gorilla trekking, and more.

The gorilla permit charge covers just personal expenses like tipping, hotel, food, packed lunch, and others.

Do gorilla trekking licenses come in installments?

Indeed, the Uganda Wildlife Authority allows installment gorilla permits if purchased before 90 days to ensure you top up before gorilla safari day.

Gorilla permits are reopened to the public and non-refundable if top-up days are not respected.

Avoid forgetting to refill your gorilla permit by buying it entire.

Which Rushaga hotels should the Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari book?

Although Rushaga, the new gorilla safari hotspot, offers various housing alternatives, you might instead stay in Nkuringo. Nkuringo is a short drive from Rushaga, so you may stay there.

You must know your permit location before booking a Bwindi Impenetrable National Park accommodation for gorilla safaris. This prevents early morning briefings from being missed due to dark Bwindi travel. Slick roads, poor view, logs across the road, flat tires, and others are common on the journey.

Shadows Lodge, Rushaga Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Bwindi Backpacker’s Camp, Nshongi Camp, Nkuringo Lodge

How to go to Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

To go by road, you will need a well-maintained 4×4 4WD automobile and an experienced driving guide. The approach to the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is winding since the Kigezi sub-region is volcanic. Sometimes roads are dirty, especially after severe rains.

To Kabale for Rushaga from Entebbe or Kampala
From Kampala or Entebbe to Kabale, then 105 kilometers to Rushaga, the distance is 414 kilometers. Kisoro, 35 km from Rushaga, is another option for overnight. Over 80 kilometers separate Kabale from Kisoro.

Daily domestic light from Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airfield, then a transport vehicle to Rushaga. Due to dense fog in Kisoro, weather might affect flights.

Chartering an airplane from Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport to Kisoro would allow you to take a car to your Rushaga hotel.

When is optimal for Rushaga Bwindi gorilla hiking?

Gorilla hiking is best when you’re ready. Most tourists pick dry season. The Bwindi rainforest is known for its unpredictable precipitation, although June, July, August, September, December, and January are dry.

Less precipitation in the forest makes mountain gorillas, several monkey species, birds, butterflies, and various tree species more visible. The heavy canopy lets more sunlight reach the ground, making woodland routes speedier. Even rivers stick to their routine.

Travel is busiest in Uganda during the dry season, therefore you must secure gorilla trekking authorization in advance. Peak season gorilla permits are scarce due to high demand. Last-minute gorilla trekking permits and facilities are hard to get in peak season.

Gorilla permit demand is lower in the rainy season (March, April, May, and November). Last-minute gorilla permits are more likely in the low season.

If you want to upgrade your gorilla safari without going crazy, consider low-season offerings. Service providers might slash costs to break even.

Is Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Hard?

Gorilla hiking in Rushaga is tough due to its volcanic landscape. Volcanic activity created ridges, plateaus, and other features. The passage is partially blocked by thick foliage that has overgrown and distorted these traits for years. The woodland has various routes that must be maintained.

Ranger guides use machetes to chop hanging bushes that impede the way.

Gorilla safaris need considerable physical fitness since you must follow mountain gorillas in the hills or valleys. The route may be muddy and treacherous due to continuous rainfall and forest deterioration.

You may avoid injury while searching for mountain gorillas in the forest’s harsh terrain by wearing the right gear.

Which Rushaga gorilla family is easiest to trek?

Each Rushaga gorilla family is intriguing, making it hard to choose one. The gorilla family that was easiest to find yesterday may be the hardest to find tomorrow. After the briefing, you are given a gorilla family, but the permit distribution criteria are unclear.

Gorilla permits are occasionally given based on age, hobby, connection, etc.

You may appreciate more than the wilderness offers if you’re patient and receptive to other intriguing components. You await stunning terrain, sparkling waterfalls, and others. Learn about Bwindi’s biosphere reserve, or impenetrable national park forest.

Trekking Gorilla Rushaga safety?

Rushaga gorilla trekking is safe since the gorilla families were resolved before being released. Each gorilla trekking team has two well-trained ranger guides, one with a machete and the other with a rifle.

Visitors must attend a briefing before the gorilla expedition to learn the regulations and avoid breaking them. Tourists may be at risk from calm mountain gorillas that attack when challenged.

Park security collaborates with Ugandan security forces to ensure order within and outside the park.

Visitors should avoid the woodland without a ranger guidance for their safety.

Visit the mountain gorillas for an unforgettable experience; book today.

Updated list of gorilla families and permits available in Ruhija region.

Why Does Rwanda Not Have Gorilla Habituation Experience in Volcanoes National Park? 

Why is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park not gorilla-friendly? Rwanda cannot mitigate the effects of mass tourism in Volcanoes National Park without gorilla habituation. Volcanoes National Park is smaller than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable. For protection, the park allows gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Some Volcanoes National Park all-mountain gorilla families are habituated, while others are separated for research.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has 15 gorilla families, including Amahoro, Agashya, Umubano, Susa, Sabyinyo, and others. If more humans are permitted, they may trample the flora since these gorilla families need food. Natural vegetarians, mountain gorillas need enough to survive day and night.

Only Uganda offers gorilla habituation, which costs the same as Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit. The Ugandan gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 and allows four hours with the semi-habituated gorilla family, whereas the Rwandan ticket allows one hour with the mountain gorillas.

Rwanda struggles to charge more for gorilla habituation since Uganda charges separately.

How to acquire Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits?

Imagine not buying your gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Katland Safaris can help you escape gorilla safari planning. We want to provide you the best gorilla safari experience since we know how hard you worked to save for Africa.

After your Rwanda gorilla safari inquiry, our safari specialist checks availability by date and trip count. Since gorilla trekking takes 15 years or more, knowing your staff’ ages is vital.

Our experts contact you when availability is excellent, however we recommend getting permits straight away. Gorilla permits are few, especially during peak season (June–September and December–January), when demand is high.

For identification, provide your passport name, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date, and others.

Rwanda’s Gorilla Safari value
East Africans pay $300, foreign non-residents $1500, and foreign residents $500 for Rwanda gorilla licenses.

The cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking ticket includes a ranger guide, park entry, security, one hour with the mountain gorillas, conservation, local community aid, and a certificate.

Rwanda’s gorilla permit cost exclusions

Advice, accommodation, transportation, food, other personal items;

Rwandan gorilla trekking age limit?

The age limit for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is 15 years and older due to the geography, which may require going to the slopes or deep in the valley to find mountain gorillas.

A child under 15 may not obey gorilla trekking guidelines, although doing so might disrupt the mountain gorillas.

How long is Volcanoes National Park’s Gorilla Trek?

Rwandan gorilla tours might last two hours or more, depending on forest conditions. Finding mountain gorillas may depend on feeding location, daily temperature, family member death, and other factors.

Gorilla excursion visitors should be patient and open-minded to other intriguing parts of the forest rather than focusing on finding mountain gorillas.

You may forget all you went through to find mountain gorillas. Viewing mountain gorillas is a fantasy worth every dime and hour.

Mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park aggressive?

Mountain gorillas are peaceful despite their appearance. When you see mountain gorillas, you realize their helplessness. This does not mean you annoy them—they have feelings too. Mountain gorillas may thumps their chest, walk on one foot, pull grass around them, and more when angered.

You don’t worry after finding the issue; you wait for ranger advice. Record and enjoy family tensions, power struggles, and more with the ranger guide’s guidance.

Be kind to mountain gorillas and avoid confrontation.

What more can Rwanda Safari offer?

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park trekking, Golden Monkey
Golden monkey trekking is available at Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkeys are endangered primates with 2,000 to 4,000 globally. Their character is amazing even if they are accustomed to humans. The golden monkeys are restless, so stay at your feet when you locate them.

Why Does Rwanda Not Have Gorilla Habituation Experience in Volcanoes National Park? 

Golden monkeys have unique body shapes due to their golden brown bottom hairs. Golden monkey approval from the Rwanda Development Board is required for gorilla trekking.

Golden Monkey hiking permits cost $100 each.

Volcanoes National Park birding
Gorilla hiking in Volcanoes National Park gives a double opportunity for birdwatchers. The woods celebrates 300 bird species, including Albertine rift endemics. Volcanoes National Park has Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Dusky Crimsonwing. This list is limitless. Some may embark on the gorilla walk or birding safari at Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park mountaineering
Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura, Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Sabyinyo characterize Volcanoes National Park’s landscape. An 8-hour roundtrip hike to the summit of either mountain may test your fitness.

You cross stunning landscapes to reach these mountains’ summits. The stunning flora creates precious vistas worth your time.

Dian Fossey walks graves.
Tragic in the 1980s, the mountain gorilla hero’s death is worth supporting to conserve the animals. In 1985, an unnamed attacker brutally assassinated mountain gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey. Her efforts explain mountain gorilla survival.

Volcanoes National Park: woodland hiking
Volcanoes National Park has several unique monkeys you might encounter on a woodland walk. Blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates in Volcanoes National Park.

As a biosphere reserve, Volcanoes National Park lets you witness insects, wild animals, and rare plants in the forest. The woods has a dense watercourse network, maybe with waterfalls.

Additional Rwanda safaris

Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee trekking
Rwanda is small, but it protects its chimpanzee habitat, making eco-tourism a draw. Only Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda has a semi-habituated chimpanzee population. Another chimpanzee colony lives at Cyamudondo, near Nyungwe National Park.

You require Rwanda Development Board chimpanzee trekking authorization to see human relatives. Two chimpanzee trekking expeditions are offered each morning and afternoon at Nyungwe National Park, but only six tourists may view each colony. Humans interrupt chimpanzees’ regular lives, therefore this reduces disturbance.

Walking cany across Nyungwe National Park.
The canopy walk from the suspension bridge shows the Nyungwe forest canopy. The only 90-meter bridge in East Africa is here. Nyungwe forest, its population, and stunning features may be seen from above. This relaxing tour should be on your Rwanda safari.

Those terrified of heights may not like this.

Game Safaris in Akagera National Park
Exclusive Akagera National Park game safaris are available in Rwanda. This park suffered during the 1994 Rwanda genocide and its aftermath. Many animals were killed, but some escaped.

Wild animals are being rehabilitated at this park. On Akagera National Park game drives, you may encounter giraffes, leopards, waterbucks, zebras, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and impalas.

On a boat tour of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, you may view various water birds and enjoy the scenery.

city tour of Kigali
How could you leave Rwanda without learning about its perfect city? While in Kigali, you may visit the Rwanda genocide memorial, Butare National Museum, Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Kandt house, and sample Rwanda’s wonderful coffee.

Rwanda’s heart and city are revealed during the Kigali City Tour.

Rwandan Culture Learning Experience
They take pride in their culture in most of their activities, including the Intore dance. These long drums’ thundering rhythms and a crested crane nuptial dance show Rwandese pride. Traditional songs accompany Lulunga, an eight-stringed harp, during intore dance. The northern Rwandan Hoe dance finest illustrates traditional dancing moves.

These gestures and rhythms may urge you to dance.

Visit the National Museum of Huye to swiftly experience the Intore dance.

Most Rwandan artisan shops sell Imigongo. Since most Rwandan items originate from the Nyakarimbi, this unique cow dung artwork has a better chance. Rwandese love crafts, as seen by their numerous craft shops.

Does Rwanda warrant a visit?

Safe travel to Rwanda. Many monuments and genocide memorials remind Rwandans of their past, bringing peace after the 1994 genocide.

Most Rwanda safaris are led by certified ranger guides, especially in the National Park, where they protect wildlife, ecosystems, and tourists. Many Rwandan security agencies maintain law and order.

Visitors must protect themselves by not exploring the forest without a ranger guidance. Many individuals live in the woods and might harm you. Avoid carrying valuables since they may attract the wrong business.

Interested in viewing gorillas in Rwanda? Contact us.

Why You Should Plan to Do Gorilla Habituation Experience In 2024-2025.

See why you should gorilla habituate in 2024–2025. Gorilla habituation has been a popular African safari since 2014. You have more time with mountain gorillas on the four-hour habituation experience. One-hour gorilla trekking safaris are typical.

The gorilla habituation experience involves four hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family and a team of researchers.

You have more time with mountain gorillas in the gorilla habituation experience than in gorilla trekking.

Booking the gorilla habituation experience between 2024 and 2025 might mark 10 years since its start and create history. Be part of history and celebrate this feat with gorilla habituation.

Four guests max for the gorilla habituation experience, allowing enough space and a better view of the mountain gorillas.

During the gorilla habituation experience, you may encounter waterfalls, other primates, uncommon tree species only found in Virunga, a diversity of birds, and a vast network of rivers. Beyond seeing mountain gorillas, the gorilla habituation experience offers all you need for great wildlife photography and filming.

The gorilla habituation experience reveals forest operations and visitor secrets. Mountain gorillas behave like humans with 96% human DNA. Gorilla habituation lets you comprehend their lives and makes leaving difficult without feeling closer to them.

Where should 2024–2025 gorilla habitat experience take place?

Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is having gorilla habituation. Two gorilla families are available for this trip, with four public bookings each day.

Travelers may spend four hours with researchers and trackers in the jungle to experience gorilla habituation.

The cost of a Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit?

Gorilla habituation costs 750000shs for East Africans, $1500 for foreign non-residents, and $1000 for foreign residents.

Gorilla permits include government taxes, a certificate, four hours with mountain gorillas, local community aid, researcher expenditures, ranger guide fees, security, conservation, and more.

Porter job, accommodation, transportation, and food are exempt from gorilla habituation costs.

Worth the Gorilla Habituation Experience price?

A gorilla habituation permit is worth every dime. The globe respects mountain gorillas, a vulnerable primate. You’re lucky since gorilla families can only have four visitors. Gorilla habituation keeps gorillas semi-habituated, which helps conservation.

Purchase of a gorilla permit funds mountain gorilla preservation. This followed American primatologist Dian Fossey’s 1980s mountain gorilla census. However, the census found 300 mountain gorillas worldwide. Mountain gorillas are among the rarest and most endangered apes. Sales of gorilla permits and packages have raised the mountain gorilla numbers over 1000.

When should Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari be booked?

Booking gorilla permits is necessary to verify gorilla habituation. Some travelers seek gorilla permits six months to a year in advance because to their restricted availability. The world can book two gorilla families, but each family can only have four habituation permits.

Gorillas may live year-round, although the dry season—June, July, August, September, December, and January—is most popular. Virunga is notable for its yearly precipitation, yet the dry season may be less humid.

Why You Should Plan to Do Gorilla Habituation Experience In 2024-2025.

Even woodland roads are easier to walk on since the dense canopy lets more light dry the logged water. In dry seasons, rivers flow, preventing water overflow that causes mud. Mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers roam freely and near to the earth. The dry season simplifies mountain gorilla viewing.

Gorilla permit demand drops during Uganda’s low tourist season in March, April, May, and November, the rainy season. Most service providers try to break even this season, but last-minute gorilla permits are more likely if you plan to travel on a budget but have superior lodging and transportation.

Does the Gorilla Habituation Experience have an age limit?

Only those 15 and older may habituate gorillas. This matched Virunga’s volcanic mountains. Hiking to the hills or deep valley where mountain gorillas may be may be tough for children under 15.

A child under 15 may not comprehend gorilla habituation rules at first. Mountain gorillas may emit adrenaline. Visitors are expected to show signs of products, although children under 15 may not refuse. A child may create noise in the bush in front of mountain gorillas, frightening them and making them hide. The regulations prohibit this.

Do Mountain Gorillas Aggress During Habituation?

Though intimidating, mountain gorillas are peaceful primates. Mountain gorillas with sunken brown eyes have scary dark-furred bodies. Spending time with mountain gorillas reveals their essence. Shy and quiet primates.

This does not mean you encourage or imitate them since your message may be unclear. Mountain gorillas anger by hooting, chest-thumping, dragging grass, and more.

Don’t run away—this might ignite a forest stampede. Wait for the ranger guide to diagnose the issue, then crawl and try alternative methods.

After your time with the mountain gorillas, exit quietly to avoid notice. Mountain gorillas are sensitive primates that want to assert their dominance in the wild, thus follow gorilla habituation recommendations. Have fun with the gorilla family without touching the infants, even if they approach. Though active and adventurous, babies and juveniles should not be handled.

Are Tedious Gorillas habituated?

Gorilla habituation is exhausting due to the terrain. Volcanic activity formed hills and plateaus in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mountain gorillas may feed on these heights, but sometimes their starting points are distant in the lowlands and you must descend. Maybe you have to walk to see mountain gorillas.

You may need some fitness to complete the gorilla habituation challenge.

Does my Gorilla Habituation Experience need a Porter?

Yes, if you need affordable gorilla habituation equipment. A Uganda Wildlife Authority-hired porter can assist you carry your belongings while hunting and staying among mountain gorillas.

Gear may slow you down while searching for mountain gorillas, but you must know when. The porter may push you when fatigued.

Hiring a porter is one way to give back to the community. They live with this money instead of searching for the forest.

Safe Gorilla Habituation

The gorilla habituation experience is safe since these mountain gorillas were acclimated before public access. Mountain gorillas may behave strangely during habituation because they are natural yet not panicked. With knowledge about mountain gorilla features and how to overcome them, researchers can assist you through the procedure.

Follow gorilla habituation instructions from the briefing.

The gorilla habituation team includes ranger guides with at least two directions and emergency kit like a knife and rifle. Rangers carry a radio call to stay in touch with ground security in case of backup.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National territory Security and other Ugandan security forces maintain law and order within and beyond the territory.

Not entering the forest without a ranger guidance and staying near to the people’s habituation will help you avoid getting lost. Keeping your valuables concealed may attract the wrong business.

Encounter Africa Safaris offers a selection of gorilla habitat experience safaris, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. Since gorilla habituation spans all safari packages, its costs are higher.

As previously stated, gorilla habituation experience permits cost $1500. To calculate the cost of a gorilla habituation experience safari, we consider the number of days, the itinerary, additional activities, certified companions, and others.

Planning a team-building safari to trek gorillas in Rwanda.

arranging a Rwandan gorilla safari for teambuilding. Planning a team-building safari and looking for the best gorilla tracking location? Rwanda is a renowned African safari destination because to its mountain gorillas. Rwanda, renowned as the nation of a thousand hills, boasts some of the best safari spots. Rwanda’s northwestern Volcanoes National Park, which borders Uganda and the DRC, is one of the only two countries that allows gorilla trekking.

Volcanoes National Park includes 400 vulnerable mountain gorillas in 15 habituated groups for hiking. Gorilla trekking, also known as gorilla tracking, involves searching Volcanoes National Park’s dense forests for gorillas and spending an hour with each group.

Early morning gorilla tracking starts with a guide briefing on the walk, regulations, and laws, followed by gorilla family assignments. The journey starts immediately, so anybody who feels sick should cancel. After finding the gorillas, each party spends one hour with them. It may take one to six hours, depending on the family.

Team building is about worker well-being, thus the best way to acknowledge it is Rwanda’s safari destinations, like Volcanoes National Park, provide several activities. Volcanoes provide various activities than gorilla monitoring; visiting local villages helps one comprehend their culture. You may ride safaris, participate in the Kwita Izina rite, and see golden monkeys on volcanic cycling pathways.

About Rwandan gorilla trekking

One may encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo via trekking. Before Dian Fossey studied and preserved gorillas, they were a prime poaching target and almost extinct. When planning a team-building gorilla trek safari, you should consider the cost, rules and regulations, the gorilla permit used to reach the primates, and more. Knowing these will prepare you for your Rwandan gorilla team-building excursion.

Bring what for the gorilla safari team-building trip?

Know what you’re carrying for your Rwanda gorilla safari to enjoy it. We’ll cover important gorilla excursion things below.

Clothes: You must dress appropriately for a jungle or unknown place. Instead of jeans, wear long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers. The extra fabric on your clothes keeps you warm and protects you from bug bites and scratches while walking. Strong colors attract attention, thus gorilla safari clothes should be neutral.

To keep away mosquitoes, pants are tucked into stockings while walking. Thick long socks keep you warm.
Strong, waterproof, natural ankle-length walking shoes are recommended for gorilla tours.
Dry and wet seasons need gaiters to protect against dirt, water, dust, and insects. Get adjustable walkers.
At least one liter of refillable water and snacks for the stroll.

Safari gear should include binoculars, a camera, and other necessary instruments. Make sure your storage memory doesn’t run out when photography.

Rwandan gorilla hiking guidelines

After seeing gorillas, trekkers must stay seven meters away. The distance prevents tourists from touching and infecting gorillas.
Only eight tourists may trek a gorilla family. The statistics are limited to help gorillas.
Sick or injured guests should volunteer to stop to rescue the gorillas. Mountain gorillas are prone to illnesses, which may affect the entire family.

Planning a team-building safari to trek gorillas in Rwanda
You must collect rubbish to keep the park clean and gorillas safe.
All hike groups spend an hour with gorillas after finding them. The hour was designed to not disrupt behavior; if they were upset, it would be cut short.

Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited within 300 meters of gorillas. The guides may also decide whether resting and eating are safe.
Rwandan hikers must be 15 years old. This was because kids may break hiking rules and are harder to handle.

When you need the toilet, dig a 30-centimeter hole and cover it.
Flash is prohibited while photographing gorillas.

Rwandan gorilla permit

Every gorilla hiker needs a Rwanda Development Board-issued written authorization. Only with permission can you visit the gorillas. To secure dates, gorilla permits must be booked early due to high demand.

Rwandan gorilla permits cost $1500 per person for one hour. You may purchase it from the Rwanda Development Board, a travel operator, using the same process. After speaking with the tour operator, you’ll be asked for your group’s preferred dates and passport details to confirm availability. After confirmation, you will be emailed and requested to pay for the appointment.

After confirmation of payment using the company’s bank details, permits are booked and acquired and evidence is delivered to you. If you don’t pay the permission fee, no sales will occur.

Rwanda offers 10% discounts to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park tourists to stimulate tourism. Visitors before and after conferences get discounts on bulk gorilla trip permits.

When to acquire gorilla permits is a common question. To properly plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking team-building safari, get permits six months in advance.

Price of gorilla safari

The cost of a gorilla safari depends on numerous factors. Safari prices depend on various factors, including:

Travel time.
Total touring group size.
Modification.
Days of the gorilla safari.
Gorilla allowance.
Luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels abound near Volcanoes National Park. Your choice determines Safari pricing. There are luxury hotels and budget or mid-range hotels if you want to go full out without spending.

Large gorilla safaris are cheaper than smaller ones. When traveling in larger groups, expenditures are split, making the trip cheaper. This differs in smaller groups or alone.

Days spent on a gorilla safari affect its cost. Remember that the more days you spend on your Safari, the more you pay, and the less you spend, the cheaper it is. A three-day gorilla trek safari is recommended.

Travel season affects Safari’s pricing. Gorilla hiking has two seasons: wet/low and dry, or peak. Peak/dry season (June–September and December–January) is great for trekking. Still, the rainy season (October to November and March to May) is the best time for budget travelers, although service providers raise prices due to the high number of tourists.

Safaris to Rwanda offer other team-building activities.

In addition to gorilla tracking and safaris, Rwanda organizes additional activities.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, on the Rwanda-DRC border, is the best place to see chimpanzees and over 13 permit species, including baboons, vervet monkeys, gray-cheeked Mangabeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Canopy hiking, birdwatching, monkey tracking, and chimpanzee habituation are all available at Nyungwe.

Game drives at Akagera National Park are another method to see animals. Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Savannah Park, has bush deer, hippos, zebras, impalas, crocodiles, and oribis. Birdwatching and Akagera River boat rides are additional options.

A gorilla team-building adventure in Rwanda: where to stay?
Prices vary from $100 to $1,000 per night for Volcanoes National Park’s budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels.

Safari hotel alternatives include Five Volcanoes Hotel, Davinci Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcano Lodge, Faraji Hotel, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palm Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, and Mountain View Mountain Gorilla View Hotel.

When should a Rwandan team-building gorilla safari happen?

Rwanda’s dry months of June–September and December–February are ideal for team-building gorilla treks. This time of year, gorillas are abundant. Walking pathways are easy in the dry season, unlike in March–May and October–November, when mud and rain make hiking difficult.

Call us immediately to book your team-building safari.

How to book Uganda and Rwanda safaris in 2024-2025.

Safaris to Rwanda and Uganda in 2024–2025: how to make reservations. Make a decision on what you want to do during your 2024 or 2025 safari in Uganda and Rwanda, Africa. The most popular things to do in Rwanda and Uganda are gorilla safaris. When making preparations, it is helpful to know how many days you anticipate spending on safari in Rwanda and Uganda.

Uganda is a popular African safari location with many activities. You may take game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park, birdwatching in Uganda is unmatched with over 1000 species, and other Uganda safari activities.

Rwanda safaris include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, game drives in Akagera National Park, birdwatching, genocide monuments, Rwandese culture, and a Kigali city trip.

Our tour advisors can help you organize a Uganda and Rwanda safari at Encounter Africa Safaris. They know most Uganda and Rwanda safari locations well, provide accurate information, and are up-to-date on news. Our clients don’t have to organize Uganda and Rwanda safaris. We want Uganda and Rwanda safaris to be unforgettable.

What to do on Uganda Safari 2024–2025

Gorilla safaris in Uganda

Uganda offers gorilla trekking for one hour with a fully habituated family or habituation for four hours with a semi-habituated family. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park provide gorilla safaris in Uganda.

A Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking or habituation permit is required to visit gorilla safari locations. Encounter Africa Safaris may help you get a gorilla permit, but you must book early, particularly if you want to travel in high season. Uganda has peak tourist in June, July, August, September, December, and January.

High demand for gorilla permits this season causes last-minute shortages.

Uganda grants 156 gorilla hiking and two habituation licenses daily.

Chimpanzee safaris in Uganda

Uganda has greater opportunities to encounter chimpanzees in their native environments, the closest animal relatives. Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge, Murchison Falls National Park’s Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kalinzu Forest, and others provide chimpanzee safaris

A chimpanzee safari permit is required to see these creatures. Ugandan chimpanzee safari permit prices vary by location.

Game safaris in Uganda

Uganda has game parks across. Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley are examples.

Game drives in Uganda are greatest in the morning and afternoon, when you may spot lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, Impalas, Elands, Hyenas, Cheetahs, aardvarks, Jackals, buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, zebras, and others.

Some of Uganda’s wild species are best observed in certain game parks, so ask our safari experts if you want to view them.

Launch and boat rides

Launch trips in Uganda’s National Parks are relaxing. Murchison Falls National Park offers a breathtaking launch excursion to the world’s strongest waterfall. Watch for wild creatures that come to shore to drink while you sail. River Nile electric energy as it squeezes through a 6-meter-wide canyon to burst out forcefully and generate a hazy look is remarkable.

A Kazinga channel launch on the Rift Valley floor rests. Several creatures like to drink, bathe, and rest on the Kazinga channel banks. Local and exotic birds flock to Kazinga waterway banks.

Lake Mburo National Park’s boat tour is a great way to witness aquatic birds, the lake’s beauty, and fisherman throwing their nets. However, the Uganda Wildlife Authority first certifies them.

Golden monkey safaris

Some of the most endangered primates are golden monkeys. Golden monkeys live in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. They are bigger than other primates and have golden brown hairs on their bottoms. Charming primates to follow, they retain their innate traits when habituated.

Ugandan Birding

Uganda boasts an unmatched bird list with over 1000 species in various settings. To maximize your Uganda birding safari, you need a well-planned schedule and an experienced guide. Encounter Africa Safaris can help you plan a terrific birding trip with our experienced birding guides.

Bwindi, Mabira, Mpanga, Mabamba marsh, Lake Bunyonyi, Musambwa Island, Botanical Gardens Entebbe, Lutembe Beach, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and others are Uganda birding sites.

Visit the Nile source.

Uganda is Jinja’s sole Nile source. River Nile water significantly splits from Lake Victoria, requiring a boat. As Lake Victoria water is calm and River Nile water is forceful, it is hard to understand what happens underneath that separation.

Nile white-water rafting

White water rafting is available at Jinja and Murchison Falls National Park. No experience is needed since experienced educators will train you quickly. Instructors recommend wearing safety gear and pedaling to stay active. You can stop white water rafting at your comfort level.

How to book Uganda and Rwanda safaris in 2024-2025

Experience Uganda culture

Multicultural Uganda has several tribes. Despite commonalities, most civilizations vary greatly. In central Uganda, Kabaka rules Buganda, a country you may visit. Rwenzururu, Bunyoro, Tooro, and Busoga are all under Omumbere.

You may experience their daily lives and other details that set these Ugandan tribes apart.

Sports fishing in Uganda

Gamble and enjoy sports fishing in Uganda. Get a fishing permit, bring your own gear, and rent a boat with a skipper for a day or half a day. Sports fishing in Uganda may provide large Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, lungfish, and others.

Uganda Mountaineering Adventure

You may climb Mountain Rwenzori’s snowcapped summit Magheritah for days. Returning may take seven days or more. Hiking and overnighting at stopovers lets you see spectacular sights.

The most popular excursion trekking in Uganda’s highlands is the 8-hour return hike on Mountain Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. From Mountain Sabyinyo, you can view Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.

Rwanda Safari Activities 2024–2025: What to Do?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s #1 activity is gorilla trekking. Rwanda only offers gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda now has 15 gorilla trekking families. Hirwa, Susa, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, etc.

The sole Rwanda gorilla permit seller is the Rwanda Developments Board, which limits families to 8 permits. The busiest season in Rwanda is June–September and December–January, so book your gorilla permit in advance. Higher demand for these licenses increases scarcity as peak season approaches.

Rwandan chimpanzee hiking

Rwanda’s sole chimpanzee safari is at Nyungwe National Park. Chimpanzee trekking requires a Rwanda Development Board permission. With Uwinka as its headquarters, Nyungwe National Park offers two chimpanzee safaris. Rwanda has another semi-habituated chimpanzee group in Cyamudondo, near Nyungwe National Park.

Since Cyamudondo is smaller than Nyungwe, chimpanzees are simpler to discover.

Safaris in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is recuperating following the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Many animals died or fled.

The park is regenerating, so on a wildlife drive in Akagera National Park, you may observe Uganda kobs, elephants, cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, rare lions and leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, and others.

Lake Ihema boat rides are pleasant and provide spectacular views of Akagera National Park.

Nyungwe National Park canopy hike.

The Nyungwe National Park suspension bridge walk is gratifying. Only one of its kind in East Africa. You can admire Nyungwe forest’s lush greenery and distinctive topography.

This 90-meter suspension bridge is a memorable walk.

City tour of Kigali

How can you go on safari in Rwanda without seeing Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest cities? Visitors may see the Kandt home, Blue Beret and Gisozi genocide monuments, St. Famille Church, and more. Visit Kigali and other markets.

Experience Rwandan culture

The Rwandan dances and music are worth seeing. You may see ladies and men dance to hard-hit long drums in Intore with advance notice. Visit Huye’s royal museum to see these dancing movements.

This unusual art, Omigongo cow dung, comes from the Nyakarimbi. Basketry, wood carving, and pottery are some Rwandan crafts.

When should 2024–2025 Uganda and Rwanda safaris be booked?

Safaris in Rwanda and Uganda are best booked when you’re ready since they provide year-round activities. Most animals may be seen in the dry season, making it the favorite. Low vegetation in game parks improves vision, while the deep canopy lets more sunshine into the forest, reducing precipitation.

June, July, August, September, December, and January are peak, dry months, therefore logistical costs are high. This is due to the global demand for Uganda and Rwanda safaris. We recommend planning these safaris in advance and booking gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey safari permits.

March, April, May, and November are the rainy season and have lower prices. Fewer reservations this season mean more options for those on a budget who want an upgrade. Ugandan and Rwandan service companies may give discounts.
Book your Uganda-Rwanda safari with us.

 

How is safety and security guaranteed during chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park?

How safe is traveling among chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park? Rwandan tourists visit Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. Rwanda prioritizes chimpanzee conservation and hiking to grow its tourist sector.

Chimpanzee hiking in Nyungwe is safe thanks to Rwandan government regulations. A popular tourist activity in Rwanda’s southern Nyungwe Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking, which also includes thirteen other primates. Rwanda’s largest Montane forest has 300 bird species, including local and international species, tree plants, reptiles, amphibians, and more.

Nyungwe forest chimpanzee trekking

All trekkers must attend a briefing at 5:00 am to start monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. A group of guides will explain the constraints and methods for monitoring chimpanzees at the briefing in Kitabi, Gisakura, or Uwinka. The escorts guiding the guests communicate with trackers assigned to identify the chimpanzees’ last known position during the gathering.

The exercise may take two to six hours, depending on accustomed families’ locations. After finding them, you spend an hour watching the chimps play, eat, mate, and do whatever they want.

Apes are curious and cautious around people, but they will never touch them. After seeing the chimpanzees, the challenge is worth it. Visitors may view additional primates in the park’s main building after an hour with the apes. Not up to the challenge? Try the Cyamudongo chimpanzee family, which is easier to traverse.

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Rwanda

Visitors may hike habituated chimpanzees using Rwanda Development Board chimpanzee permits. A copy of the Rwandan government-owned authorization will be sent upon payment. Safaris need this. Meet the park wardens at 5:00 a.m., and the duty warden will examine your documentation and take permission.

Chimpanzees are continually migrating around the Cyamudongo woodland and Uwinkat, so spotting them when trekking in Nyungwe is not certain. For chimpanzee hiking, the Rwanda Development Board issues a one-person permit.

Chimpanzee permits need a minimum age of 15; your passport details will prove your age when you reserve. Price list for chimpanzee trekking:

Ten bucks for East Africans

Foreigners must have a work visa and pay $60.

Non-resident foreigners: $90

Citizens of Rwanda 5,000 RwF

The Rwandan chimpanzee trekking permit excludes numerous items. This lets eight or 10 people track a chimpanzee family. The permit fee includes park access, habituated chimpanzees, security, and an hour with them. Personal purchases, transportation, and hotel are excluded.

The chimpanzee permit limits the number of walkers each day to guarantee safety.

Chimpanzee habituation permit production rate?

Two habituated chimpanzee groups live in Nyungwe National Park, which issues 20 permits daily. Since only a few licenses are produced daily, tourists contemplating chimpanzee walks should secure them three months in advance.

Rebate for Rwanda’s chimpanzee permit: Habituated groups regularly move, making Nyungwe National Park a dicey place to watch them. If you don’t spot chimpanzees, you’ll receive 75% off your permit.

Nyungwe Forest National Park chimpanzee walks: regulations
Since chimpanzees remain wild after habituation, overwhelming them during tracking is unnecessary. Chimpanzees and hikers must follow the rules to be safe.

Here are Nyungwe chimpanzee hiking guidelines:

All flash photography is prohibited, so turn off your flash before engaging with the chimpanzees.
You always focus on your lead guide. They have years of experience trekking chimps safely and know the finest spots.

You can only spend an hour with the chimpanzees after finding them.
Chimpanzees are restless and continuously moving, so don’t corner them for photos.
You must be 15 to go chimpanzee trekking. Children under 15 are prohibited.
You cannot eat or drink with chimpanzees.

How is safety and security guaranteed during chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park?
Always keep eight meters or more from the apes.
Remove rubbish from Nyungwe National Park and dig a 30-centimeter hole and cover it to use the bathroom. This will maintain the park tidy for everyone.
Whenever possible, avoid touching chimpanzees.

Unhealthy people should not go on the chimpanzee trek.
To sneeze or cough, look away from the chimps and cover your nose and mouth.

Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking packing list.

If you’re not dressed properly, following chimpanzees in Cyamudongo and Nyungwe woods might be uncomfortable. See here for chimpanzee hiking safari attire. Bring just neutral colors like green, brown, and khaki. Camouflage is dangerous because of its military connection, the fact that blue attracts tsetse flies, and the fact that black absorbs heat quickly.

Long sleeves: Packing extra garments is the best way to protect yourself from the country’s unpredictable weather and the jungle journey. Lighter ones are OK because you’ll be wearing undershirts. Long-sleeved shirts protect against bug bites. You may bring undershirts and long-sleeved shirts after finding the apes. Rwandans cherish decency, therefore dress well.

Good pants are recommended for the Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee trekking safari. Wet pants are heavy and burdensome, so avoid trekking in them, especially in the rainy season. Instead, wear lightweight trousers.

When trekking with chimpanzees, use sturdy hiking boots. Blisters may be avoided with waterproof, ankle-length, well-fitting boots.

Bring gardening gloves to prevent cuts and scratches when traveling with the chimpanzees through the bush.

Wear thick, long socks to remain warm during rapid temperature changes. Hike with your pants tucked into your socks to keep insects out.

Bring a thick sweater, waterproof poncho, and raincoat in case the weather changes abruptly.

Things to Bring to Nyungwe Forest National Park

The first thing vacationers ask is what to carry on a safari, and many pack too much or too little worthless goods. This list includes goods you should bring for chimpanzee trekking:

A good camera, enough memory card capacity to save all your safari photos, a solid tripod, extra batteries (yes, you can charge them), a variety of lenses, a rain- and dust-proof case, and lens cleaners.
Bring all your hiking supplies in a water-resistant daypack.

Refillable collapsible water bottle. Since you don’t know how long the journey would be, pack more than one liter of Rwanda’s clean bottled water.
Trek emergency first aid kit. Keep the kit packed and carry your prescriptions. Local guides usually carry a first aid kit, but having another is a good idea.

Protect your skin with sunscreen.
Insect prevention
Custom shoelaces
Food, including snacks and bars.

How to Book a Nyungwe National Park Chimpanzee Safari.

Book a chimpanzee walk in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park alone or with a tour operator using the same basic steps. Chimpanzee permits, the initial purchase before hiking, may be purchased from the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted tour operator.

First, tell the trip operator when you want to go. After verifying availability, they will need your name, birthdate, and passport number. Please note that permit purchase is not final until full payment is received after date confirmation.

Payment approval will result in a duplicate Chimp Trek permit. To ensure the company is authentic and registered, extensively research them before purchasing licenses.

Additional Rwandan chimpanzee monitoring sites

Rwanda’s Gishwati Mukura National Park, which protects its tree species, also offers chimpanzee trekking. The smaller Gishwati and Mukura forests amalgamated to form Gishwati Mukura between Volcanoes National Park and Mukura Forest.

Despite its small chimpanzee population, the park is Rwanda’s option for chimpanzee tracking. Many primates live in this park, including blue, baboon, Vervet, L’Hoest, and colobus monkeys.

Rwanda’s Greatest Chimpanzee Safari Time

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is best in December–February and June–September. The peak season for safaris and chimpanzee trekking is characterized by large tourist numbers. During the rainy season (October–November and March–May), chimpanzee trekking is more challenging due to muddy terrain, strong rains, and dangerous pathways. If you don’t mind getting wet, this is the best season to birdwatch in national parks and other places.

Contact our safari specialists anytime to plan your Rwanda Chimp trip.

How many days do you need for gorilla and chimp trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla and chimp trekking: Rwandan gorilla and chimpanzee hikes: how long? Rwanda attracts travelers year-round for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Nearly 90% of Rwandan safari travelers visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas and Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzees.

Visitors often question how long itu takes to view both species in one trip. A combined gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari should last at least four days, but five is better to allow for additional safari activities.

Schedule a 5-day Rwandan hiking trip with Gorilla and chimp trekking

Trek through Rwanda’s woods for five days to see gorillas and chimpanzees. First, we’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to Nyungwe Forest National Park for canopy walking and chimpanzee trekking. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park will conclude our trip.

What safari fees cover

Accommodation
Bottled water
Transfers from/to the airport
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking and 4×4 permit.
Driving companion who speaks English
The park charges admission.
Items not included in safari pricing.
Getting dressed Insurance Visas
Expensive drinks
Individual purchases
Tips
Flight vouchers

Kigali-Nyungwe Forest National Park: Day One
Our driving guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport after a brief welcome and safari area orientation. A stop at Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre will precede your transportation to Nyungwe National Park.

After arriving in Nyungwe in the afternoon, explore the Gisakura Tea Estate after lunch and check-in. At the tea estate, you may drink fresh coffee and learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. After seeing Gisakura, we’ll eat and stay at the lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
After a full breakfast, you’ll be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing and separated into eight groups to hike with the chimpanzees. Make sure you’re on time to start the walk at 8:00 am with a lead guide. The family’s travel to Nyungwe’s 80 habituated chimpanzee groups may take one to six hours, depending on their location.

How many days do you need for gorilla and chimp trekking in Rwanda?

You spend an hour with the chimpanzees after finding them. You could witness baboons, red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys. Before the next activity, you will be taken to a safe place to have your lunch or rest at the lodge.

After lunch, go to the Uwinka center for our canopy stroll. Nyungwe’s canopy walk, East Africa’s longest at 160 meters and 70 meters above sea level is thrilling. The trip has three phases, so height-phobics may start slowly. This walk offers aerial views of Nyungwe.

Return to the resort for dinner and overnight after the climb.

Day 3 Volcanoes National Park Transfer | Gorilla and chimp trekking

On Day 3, our last day in Nyungwe, we will check out of the lodge and visit Volcanoes National Park after breakfast. In Volcanoes National Park, have lunch at our resort and then climb to Twin Lakes with a guide. After that, we’ll have dinner and stay at the lodge before hiking the next day.

Day 4: Gorilla hiking and Iby’iwacu culture.
A morning meal at the lodge will allow us to visit the national park. After learning about the trek’s rules, you’ll be assigned to gorilla families and separated into eight groups. The park hikes depend on your family.

The duration of the trip depends on numerous factors, including walking speed and gorilla tracking time. You discover the gorillas, spend an hour with them, then return to headquarters. After lunch and leisure, you may get your gorilla trekking and conservation certificates.

Our gorilla expedition ended with an Iby’iwacu culture visit. Near the national park, the hamlet helps rehabilitate poachers and offers them alternate means of livelihood. Meet the people, get to know them, and return to the lodge for dinner and the night after viewing ethnic dances and listening to traditional music.

Day 5: Kigali Transfer/Departure
After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Kigali. Your five-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee tour ends with transport to the airport or your hotel.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s lone gorilla trekking destination is Volcanoes National Park, a two- or three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. Over fifteen habituated families and 400 gorillas live in the national park. Volcanoes gorilla trekking is available year-round, however December–February and June–September are the driest.

Mountain gorilla hiking requires a permit since no other identification will get you in. Whoever buys permission sets the price. Non-resident foreigners pay $1500, Africans $500, and EAC nationals $300. Visitors who register in advance for Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park get a 10% discount, while conference attendees who book in bulk enjoy savings.

Two to six hours may be needed to hike gorillas, depending on the family. However, you must first attend a lecture where they explain trekking rules, including the fact that no more than eight people may visit a gorilla family each day. No sick people should go gorilla trekking. If you see gorillas, stay seven meters away and don’t ruin the national park. You’ll spend an hour with them, so remain calm. You may eat and drink at certain places, but not near the gorillas.

Rwanda’s USD15000 exclusive gorilla trekking expensive.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Game Park

Gorilla and chimp trekking: Other activities on a Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek safari include:

Visiting the Iby’iwacu village: This community was founded to protect and employ former poachers who now conserve gorillas. Friendly villagers will help you carry your things while you tour the hamlet. They’ll also demonstrate Kinyarwanda music and dancing.

The president of Rwanda and other dignitaries attend Kwita Izina annually. Founded to preserve gorillas from poaching and increase their number, it names baby animals.

Golden monkeys and birds are abundant at Volcanoes National Park, making it an excellent site to view them. Just follow the bamboo shoots left behind to trek them. Birdwatching during the rainy season is an excellent method to view migratory species.

Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee hike

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most popular chimpanzee trekking destination, second only to gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee tracking involves traveling through the jungle for one to six hours to discover habituated groups. Chimpanzee walk safaris in Nyungwe allow visitors to see thirteen primate species. At Nyungwe Park’s chimpanzee habituation experience, you may observe them more.

When arranging a Nyungwe chimpanzee trek safari, consider the permit costs, trip rules, and ideal timing.

Rwanda Development Board hike permits are the only way to see chimpanzees. Tourists must buy permits in advance to climb the two chimpanzee families. EAC citizens pay $25, non-residents $250, and international residents $75. Entering the park costs $60 for foreign residents, $10 for East African Community members, $60 for African nationals, and $100 for non-resident foreigners.

You should also know trekking tips. While trekking with chimpanzees, you must keep a 7-meter distance, not eat or drink, not touch or smoke them, not use all-flash photography, not trek if you’re sick, cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough, spend no more than an hour with them, and trek in groups of no more than eight people.

The following activities are available at Nyungwe National Park. | Gorilla and chimp trekking

Visitors visiting the country for chimpanzee treks increasingly look forward to the canopy walk. The canopy trek is unsurpassed in East Africa at 160 kilometers and 74 meters above sea level. The canopy walk, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the national park and lets you observe baboons, chimpanzees, monkeys, and birds, takes two to three hours.

The Gisakura tea estate outside the national park is a famous Rwandan attraction. Touring tea plantations lets you experience the whole process from seed to completed product. A hot cup of tea will be served along the route.

You may hike around Nyungwe Forest National Park on one of its numerous pathways. The waterfall walk is the most popular hike since it takes you through the forest to numerous beautiful waterfalls with spectacular views. Longer, half-day guided nature tours allow you to see numerous birds and primates.

Safari necessities for Rwandan gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

When trekking around chimpanzees or gorillas, pack similar gear. Because you will be trekking through nearly identical terrains filled with bushes and trees, a first aid kit, neutral-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants, ankle-length hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sunhat, sunglasses, a camera, a flashlight, a waterproof backpack, a waterproof raincoat, a poncho or warm sweater, additional batteries, and snacks are essential.

Contact us for a customized itinerary and more information on our ultimate Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari. Questions? Our staff can assist.

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda: When hiking for gorillas in Uganda, which land borders do you utilize to pass from Rwanda? Just three African countries—Ugandan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—offer gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity. The Kyanika/Cyanika and Katuna/Gatuna border stations allow for frequent border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda.

The Cyanika border is just as busy as the Gatuna frontier when it comes to Uganda and Rwanda’s land borders. Cyanika provides the quickest route to Mgahinga from Kigali, in contrast to Gatuna, which requires two hours of driving from Kigali and an extra hour to reach Bwindi.

Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes 9–10 hours by automobile, therefore crossing the border is one of the fastest and easiest ways to go gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda. Traffic and the 40km/hr speed limit may make driving from Kigali to Bwindi take more than three hours. Driving 60km/h in urban areas. Border crossings let you explore two countries with many tourist attractions and economical gorilla trekking.

Gatuna border | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda

The constantly developing Katuna or Gatuna border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda has imported and exported many items. Rwanda’s main export-import hub is open 24/7. In 1996, the Belgians in Rwanda demarched the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda, making Katuna the last stretch of Ugandan soil before entering Rwanda. The Gatuna border and surrounding region were under Belgian authority in Rwanda and a key escape route for Rwandans to Uganda.

The Katuna border is 500 kilometers from Kampala. Katuna has a heterogeneous population of Rwandese, Ugandans, Burundians, and Congolese. All bulk imports and exports are processed at the border, therefore these firms gather there for business.

When traveling from Kigali to Uganda to gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, many visitors stop at the Katuna border. Many facilities provide currency exchange near the Katuna border. U.S. dollars, Euros, Rwandan francs, and Ugandan shillings are accepted. However, counterfeit cash is common at the border, so be careful.

Gatuna border attractions for visitors

The Katuna border has helped Rwanda and Uganda, which offer more than gorilla trekking in the Virunga, develop tourism. Gorilla trekking is common at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Gatuna. Hikers can visit Lake Bunyonyi and Mount Muhabura, dormant mountains.

The border between Gatuna and Katuna overnight.
The Gatuna Border Post has basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. Katuna has various hotels, including Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, Katuna Inn, Kigezi Garden Inn, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Heras Country Hotel, and others.

Kyanika-Cyanika border

Rwandan gorilla trekkers usually cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. Although less busy than the Gatuna border station, it’s nonetheless a vital entrance gateway for residents and travelers. The Kyanika border connects businesses and visitors visiting the DRC or Rwanda for gorilla treks.

The Kyanika border is in Rwanda’s Burera and Uganda’s Kisoro. Its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes it an attractive Rwanda-Uganda border crossing site. Kyanika also promoted Rwandan and Ugandan tourism. It’s best for southern Bwindi visitors.

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

After leaving Kigali International Airport, travelers may visit Kyanika for a gorilla walk in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ugandan tourists may easily enter Rwanda. Avoid traffic and reach the Kyanika border within an hour of Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak hours.

Attractions near Kyanika border

The plethora of noteworthy places around the Kyanika border makes it more appealing despite its short length. This includes:

Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze in northwest Rwanda, attracts tourists eager to view the endangered mountain gorillas. The National Park contains the five Virunga Volcano Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. The endangered golden monkey population and other bird species live here.

At Cyanika Central Market, tourists may get all they need before continuing their vacation. The market sells refreshments, personal products, and souvenirs.

The famed Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near Kisoro, 14 kilometers from Kyanika. Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park, is situated in Virunga. A gorilla family, golden monkeys, various primates, and birds live here. Mgahinga has several attractions, including the Batwa trail and neighboring communities.

Small Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda attracts migratory and resident birds. Due to its breathtaking beauty and 29 small islands in 2478 km of water, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist sites.

Getting to Kyanika

Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, Rwanda, are 80 kilometers from the border station, whereas Kigali is 150 kilometers and Kisoro town is 11 kilometers. Kyanika is accessible via public and private transport. If you are visiting Rwanda and booked via a Ugandan tour operator, they must organize a safari vehicle to transfer you to Uganda. The paperwork for car registration, taxes, and other procedures makes crossing Rwanda-Uganda difficult.

Many bus companies connect Rwanda with Uganda. Buses from Kigali to Naybugogo stage take you to Musanze. Matatus or taxis from Musanze take 30 minutes to the Kyanika border. To travel by bus from Kampala to Goma and the Kyanika border, you must book with Trinity Bus Express or Jaguar Coaches.

Uganda’s Kampala to Kyanika border drive takes 9–10 hours. Gateway and Horizon buses operate. Flying enthusiasts may charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Accommodation near the Kyanika border

Kisoro has basic, mid-range, and luxury hotels near Kyanika. Tourists looking to unwind near the border might try these attractions.

The Lake Mutanda-area Nkuringo Safari Lodge is 14 kilometers from Kisoro. The camp provides three meals a day with international and local delicacies and has tent sites with private facilities and toilets.

This four-room hotel on the Kisoro-Kyanika road has a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms and showers, cable TV, free WIFI, microwaves, parking, and BBQ grills.

One of Kisoro’s best hotels, it offers individual rooms, free parking, gardens to relax in, a restaurant providing local and international cuisine, WIFI, and more.

The Golden Monkey Guesthouse in Kisoro is 22 minutes from Mgahinga National Park. A well-stocked bar, three daily meals with local and international cuisines, free parking, WIFI, and 16 rooms with private bathrooms and toilets are hotel features.

Is the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing slow or fast?

Crossing the Kyanika border is easy with proper documentation. A $100 East African Visa simplifies the procedure. Rwanda’s early border crossing to Bwindi is quicker when fewer visitors pass, so you won’t wait long.

Rwandans need a $50 visa to enter Uganda. Only East Africans and residents with specific work permissions may cross the border for free using their national ID cards. Your passport stamp will come quickly, and you may pay online or at the border. All payment methods are accepted. You will require a multiple-entry visa for Rwanda at the airport since you will return to Rwanda that day.

What would be the timing to return to Kigali after gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It normally takes all day, but you’ll be back in Kigali by 5:00 pm, give or take an hour. This includes crossing the border into Uganda, trekking with the gorillas, spending an hour with them, and more. Credit cards are seldom accepted at the border, so carry US money. Your visa may be issued there.

Can I enter Rwanda from Uganda safely?

Border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda are safe due to their cordial trade and political connections. The free passage of persons and products between Rwanda and Uganda is facilitated. Uganda and Rwanda are great holiday destinations due to their decade-long peace. Remember that tourism is both countries’ main source of foreign cash.

To conclude, a Uganda-Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a great way to experience two nations. Safe and economical transportation. The Katuna–Gatuna and Kyanika–Cyanika borders enable tourists to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Contact us for information, but first read TripAdvisor ratings.

Which airports do I fly to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda: To see the gorillas in Rwanda or Ugand, which airport should I travel to? Gorilla trekking in Uganda can only be done in two parks—Bwindi Impenetarable National Park in the southwest and Mgahinga National Park in the northwestern.

With 19 habituated gorilla families spread among the four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, Bwindi has the world’s largest mountain gorilla population. One habituated gorilla family welcomes visitors on trekking tours in Mgahinga National Park.

Bwindi and Mgahinga are an adventure to reach by car or air. Road travel is the most common way to reach national parks, taking 9–10 hours. Flying to the national park is simpler, more costly, and shorter for those with less time or who desire a premium gorilla trek safari.

Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip provide daily charter flights to Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kisoro, and Kihihi airstrips. These airstrips are closer to Bwindi and Mgahinga, however, the park headquarters needs a safari vehicle.

Entebbe International airport
Entebbe International airport

International Airport Entebbe | Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Only Entebbe International Airport is utilized by all safari travelers in Uganda. The main entry to Entebbe is where a driver guide will meet you and transport you to Kajjansi for your trip to Bwindi or to Entebbe airport, where your flight will be ready. Be on schedule for your flight to prevent a safari setback.

Kajjansi Airstrip

Uganda’s Kajjansi Airstrip charters flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking. It is a few kilometers from Entebbe International Airport on Entebbe Road. This route has heavy traffic, therefore be on early to catch your flight.

Mission Aviation Fellowship owns the 1550-meter Kajjansi airport runway. Bar Aviation, Aerolink, and Fly Uganda fly to Kihihi and Kisoro for flying instruction. Still, they must be scheduled a few days before the hike for good preparation.

Kisoro Airport

You may fly to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks from Kisoro Airport. Kisoro, in southern Uganda, is minutes from the DRC-Rwanda border. Lake Mutanda, the Virunga Mountains, and gorilla treks make Kisoro a popular tourist destination.

It takes 9–10 hours to drive 500 kilometers from Kampala to Kisoro town via Uganda’s picturesque highways. Because it’s just a four-hour drive from Rwanda (approximately 135km), some visitors prefer flying into Rwanda and then to Uganda.

Kampala, Bwindi, and Mgahinga are easily accessible thanks to Kisoro Airport. Civil Aviation Authority runs Kisoro Airport. It is mostly used by small charter planes that carry visitors to surrounding sites, notably gorilla trekking in southern Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. Note that the airstrip only handles domestic planes.

Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip reach the airstrip. Kisoro Airstrip, 343 kilometers from Entebbe and 1–2 hours, is excellent for accessing Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park’s Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sections.

Kihihi Airport
One of the primary airstrips in southern Uganda for gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is Kihihi. Flying to the airfield on a gorilla safari is pleasant and takes around an hour and 45 minutes. Bwindi, notably the north section of Buhoma, is easiest reached via Kihihi Airstrip. It also opens Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Although tiny, Kihihi is Uganda’s 3rd biggest airfield and operates under the KHX code. Kihihi airfield connects air visitors to Bwindi, where gorillas may be walked. The Civil Aviation Authority manages the airfield, which exclusively accepts domestic aircraft.

Upon arrival in Kihihi, your tour guide will organize a 4×4 to transport you to your lodging facility, which takes around an hour. Kihihi flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation Uganda, and Fly Uganda.

Daily Aerolink charters fly from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi and return. Still, they must be purchased in advance to ensure flight availability on your trip day. Find out the charter plane’s weight and capacity before booking with the carrier.

Flights to Kihihi are available in the morning, afternoon, and late afternoon, and only weather may delay them. This occurs throughout the wet season, March–May, and October–November. Cheaper fares are available for Bwindi flights during the rainy season. Weather and other variables affect the flight schedule to Kihihi.

Departure Arrival

7:00 am 8:45 am

10:15 am 11:25 am

15:00 2:14 pm.

No matter the season, travelers may utilize Kihihi Airstrip. Gorilla trekking is greatest in the dry season, June–September, and December–February.

Kihihi Airstrip is excellent for Buhoma and Kisoro for other hiking areas.

Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the few gorilla trekking sites. The Virunga region’s Volcanoes National Park contains it. The airport to Volcanoes National Park is roughly 2 or 2 and a half hours from Kigali in well-maintained safari vehicles. Volcanoes feature about 400 mountain gorillas and 10 habituated families that hike year-round.

International airport Kigali
The only way to enter Rwanda for gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park is via Kigali International Airport. Rwanda Air is one of the most active African airlines, thus you may easily fly to Rwanda from other countries. The Rwandan capital, Kigali, is home to Kigali International Airport, a one-stop shop for gorilla trekking and other safaris.

Kigali International aiport 2024
Kigali International aiport 2024

Airlines that fly to Rwanda include:

KLM
Qatar Airways
Turkish Airlines
South African Airways
Air Canada
Brussels Airlines
Kenya Airways Precision Air
Ethiopia Airways
US Airways
Travel time varies on distance and weather. Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda may be reached from Kigali International Airport (KGL). Tourists trekking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda utilize KGL’s nonstop flights.

After learning about the airports you may travel to visit gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, you need to know a few gorilla trekking basics to organize your trip.

Gorilla licenses cost money: Without permission, you can’t hike gorillas. Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board gorilla permits may be purchased directly from the governments or via travel operators.

Rwandan gorilla permits cost $1500 for international non-residents, $500 for other Africans, and $300 for East Africans. Foreign non-residents pay $800, foreign residents $700, and EAC nationals 300,000 UGX for permission in Uganda. Bwindi allows gorilla habituation for $1500 per person.

Since gorilla permits in both nations are in great demand, travelers should reserve them at least six months in advance.

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari
Uganda gorilla trekking Tours | Wildlife Tours | Murchison falls tours | Uganda Short trips

Gorilla trekking restrictions

Uganda and Rwanda have comparable gorilla trekking guidelines that guests must obey. To preserve gorillas, Rwanda and Uganda have minimum trekking ages of 15 and 15. You cannot eat or drink with mountain gorillas, maintain 7 meters between you and them, avoid touching them, make little or no noise, and turn off your camera light before taking images of them. All waste is intended to be disposed of appropriately and not left in the national parks and a maximum of 8 persons are to hike a gorilla family every day.

What to bring for your gorilla trekking safari

Comfort and proper packing are essential for Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking. As a jungle, national parks have various terrains, so anticipate anything. For a gorilla safari, take neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, bug-repellent, and comfortable walking boots. A flashlight with spare batteries, warm socks, a waterproof jacket, sandals, a camera, and all photographic equipment like additional batteries, lenses, tripod, lens cleaners, sunscreen, binoculars, gaiters, gardening gloves, first aid kit, refillable water bottle, snacks, and warm sweater.

When to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda | Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla hike safaris in Rwanda are excellent from June to September and December to February because of the nice weather. The dry season is when many people go on gorilla safaris. Gorilla trekking is still possible in March-May and October–November during the rainy season for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind the rain. Rwanda and Uganda provide year-round gorilla safaris.

Why book with us |Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

You should book with us because we will help you plan and book a cheap Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari. You may pick from affordable to premium gorilla safari programs year-round.

Visit our website and contact us for gorilla trekking and flying to Rwanda or Uganda.