Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is very popular. Many people think Rwanda is the best place in Africa to see gorillas. The park is home to the fascinating but endangered mountain gorillas. These gorillas live in only three countries: Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Volcanoes National Park is in the northwestern part of Rwanda. It covers about 16,000 hectares. The park has afro-montane forests, bamboo forests, savanna grassland, large swamps, and five volcanoes. These volcanoes are Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Karisimbi. Mount Karisimbi is one of the four tallest mountains in Africa. The park is also home to many other animals like spotted hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, and golden monkeys.
Who trek Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla tourism attracts many travelers to the Volcanoes National Park. The chances of seeing mountain gorillas here are very high. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense bamboo forests and steep mountain slopes to find one of the gorilla families. The final encounter with the gorillas is considered one of the most exciting and memorable wildlife experiences in Africa.
Visitors can also cross the border to see gorillas in Uganda. This is known as double gorilla trekking. Some tourists choose triple gorilla trekking which includes visiting gorillas in the Virunga National Park of Congo. An even more exciting experience is seeing both mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega National Park of Congo.
Tracking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park can be challenging. However, many people believe that the final meeting with the gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience. The trek through the forest, the anticipation of seeing the gorillas and the actual encounter with these incredible animals make for an unforgettable adventure.
Booking the Rwanda Gorilla Permit
If you want to join the daily gorilla treks in Rwanda, you must pre-book a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This permit is a government-issued ticket that allows you to go on a guided tour to see the gorillas. Every day, the RDB issues the maximum of 96 permits for visitors to experience gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park. These permits are divided among twelve guerilla groups with eight permits available for each group.
How to Get a Permit
When you get a permit, you won’t be assigned to a specific gorilla group right away. The guides at the visitor center will assess your physical fitness and try to match you with a suitable gorilla group. Some groups like Sabyinyo and Agashya have fewer challenging hikes. Other groups like Susa, Isimbi and Karisimbi involve more demanding treks.
Cost of the Permit
The cost of a gorilla tracking permit in Rwanda is $1,500. This fee covers the entrance to the park and is for individuals aged 15 and above. You can get permits in advance through different channels including the RDB office in Kigali, the official IREMBO website or by using a licensed tour operator like Adventure Safaris Rwanda. It is important to remember that last-minute availability is very rare, especially during the peak months from June to September. Only a local operator can help with the complicated local logistics.
Availability of Permits
Gorilla permits might not be available every day. They are more accessible during the main rainy season of April and May when there are fewer visitors. During the busy season from June to September, you might need to wait several days or even weeks for a permit. To ensure you get a permit, it’s highly recommended to book 6-12 months ahead of your desired trekking date. This advanced planning is crucial because the demand is very high, and spots fill up quickly.
Important Regulations
Park regulations state that all trekkers must check in at the park headquarters in Kinigi by 07:00 in the morning. This is where the guides will assess your fitness and assign you to a gorilla group. The early check-in ensures that the treks start on time and that everyone has the best possible experience.
What is Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Like?
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is an exciting and unforgettable experience. The adventure starts early in the morning with a briefing from the park authorities and rangers at around 7:30 am. During this briefing, participants are divided into groups and assigned to a specific gorilla family. The less fit hikers are assigned to groups that are closer to the park offices.
At 8:00 am, the park rangers lead the groups into the forest to search for the gorillas. There are twelve habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. No matter which group you are assigned to, the experience will be amazing. You might spend hours watching the little gorillas roll around and play. Mountain gorillas are playful and curious, and some may even walk right up to you, but they mean no harm. While with the gorillas, it is important to listen to the instructions from your guides and to stay calm. Never make sudden movements.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can take between one to six hours depending on the gorilla group’s location on the day of the trek.
What to Bring and What to Expect?
It is a good idea to hire a porter if you have heavy luggage or equipment. Porters are available at the starting point and many of them were once poachers who have now embraced gorilla conservation programs. The income they earn from offering their services keeps them from returning to poaching. The cost of hiring a porter is between $10 and $15.
You will need suitable hiking boots, thick cotton gloves, and a raincoat for the trek. Your tour company should provide you with a comprehensive packing list and rules for gorilla trekking.
Special Considerations
If you are planning to travel with older people, it is important to read about gorilla tracking for older individuals. The services of porters can be particularly helpful for older trekkers, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
The experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is unlike any other wildlife encounter. You will trek through dense forests, climb steep slopes, and navigate challenging terrain to find the gorillas. Once you find them, you will have the opportunity to observe them up close in their natural habitat.
The gorillas’ behavior is fascinating to watch. The young ones are playful and energetic, often rolling around and playing with each other. The adults are more reserved but equally interesting with their calm and majestic presence. Some gorillas may come close to you, but it is important to stay calm and follow the guides’ instructions.
The guides are experienced and knowledgeable providing you with information about the gorillas and their habitat. They ensure that the trekking experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Guided Treks Ensure Your Safety
During a gorilla trek, a trained guide will accompany you to ensure your safety and provide valuable knowledge about the gorilla troops you visit. It is crucial to follow the ranger’s guidance and stay within the group at all times. Compliance with the instructions is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. For instance, you should never go too close to the silverback gorilla. By following the rules and using common sense you can be assured of your safety and that of gorillas during the visits.
The trek guide is there to help you so if you are unsure about any aspect of the trek, do not hesitate to ask for advice. They are committed to your safety and have extensive knowledge about the gorilla troop you are visiting.
Follow Rwanda’s Safety Guidelines for Gorilla Tracking
There are specific regulations in place to ensure that gorillas are not disturbed, frightened or upset during your visit. Following these simple guidelines will help facilitate smooth interactions with the mountain gorillas:
Avoid Using Flash Photography: Flash photography can startle the gorillas, so it is important to turn off the flash on your camera.
Maintain the Specified Distance: Always keep the distance specified by the trek guide which is typically no closer than 10 meters. This helps to keep both you and the gorillas safe.
Avoid Sudden Movements and Loud Noises: Sudden movements or loud noises can agitate the gorillas so it is important to move slowly and speak softly.
Dress in Muted Colors: Wearing muted colors helps you blend into the environment and not draw unnecessary attention. Avoid wearing bright colors or strong scents.
Adopt a Submissive Stance if a Gorilla Approaches: If a gorilla comes close to you, adopt a submissive stance by crouching down and avoiding direct eye contact. This helps prevent the gorilla from feeling challenged.
Rwanda is a Stable and Secure Destination
Rwanda is known for being a stable and secure destination for tourists. The country has put in place strong measures to ensure the safety of visitors including those on gorilla treks. The guides and rangers are well-trained and equipped to handle any situation that may arise during the trek.
How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking
Preparing for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park requires both physical and mental readiness. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Take Long Walks: Start taking long walks in nearby forests or parks. This will help you build the stamina needed for the trek.
Wear Suitable Footwear: Get good hiking boots to navigate the sometimes challenging and muddy terrain.
Expect Rain: Be prepared for heavy rain as the weather can be unpredictable.
Bring Water and Snacks: Pack enough drinking water and light snacks to keep you energized during the trek.
Tipping: It’s a good practice to tip the park rangers and guides. They work hard to make your adventure worthwhile. The recommended tipping rate is between $10 and $15 or its equivalent in the local currency.
Age Requirement: You must be 15 years or older to participate in gorilla trekking. Children are not allowed near the gorillas because they can carry transmittable diseases like flu and cough, which can be harmful to the primates, and they are always unpredictable on their next course of action.
Health Precautions: Mountain gorillas are endangered with only about 1,000 remaining in the wild. They are not immune to many infections carried by humans. Therefore, anyone with a communicable disease is not allowed near the gorillas. This is why tourists are required to share their passport details before booking a trip to ensure that they meet the health requirements.
Our Top Gorilla Trekking Packages
3 day gorilla safari
The 3 days Rwanda gorilla Tour takes you through the Kigali, for the city tour to Volcanoes national park where you will have a lifetime experience, visiting the mountain gorillas and live you with a memorable experience from the unforgettable photos and videos you will take
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6 day Chimps & Gorilla
The 6 Days Rwanda Primate Tour Covers two National parks, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Park. In the first place, the Visitor will enjoy the Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk then Continue to enjoy the Gorilla tracking and visiting the Twin Lakes of Rubondo and Burera.
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7 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari
This 7-day safari in Rwanda and Uganda offers a tonne of interesting tourisit activities. This package is perfect for anyone interested in golden monkey trekking, a genuine wildlife safari in Rwanda, a top tourist destination, and gorilla tracking in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest.
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