Ultimate Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting tour experiences in Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest of the country.
This park is an important destination for mountain gorilla tours and covers about 62 square miles in the Virunga area.
Volcanoes National Park has five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, which spread through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These volcanoes are Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, and Gahinga.
History of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park was one of the first parks created in Africa, established in 1925. At that time, the mountains Mikeno, Karisimbi, and Bisoke were protected for the mountain gorillas.
In 1929, this area was expanded to include the northern part of present-day Rwanda and parts of Congo under the name Albert National Park, managed by Belgian colonial rulers.
By the 1960s, after Rwanda gained independence, the Rwandan part of the Albert National Park became Volcanoes National Park.
Dian Fossey’s Conservation Work
In the 1970s, Dian Fossey, a well-known primatologist, studied the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park until her death in the mid-1980s.
Her work helped the world learn about these endangered animals and why they need protection. The 1994 Rwandan genocide led to insecurity, poaching, and habitat loss, which threatened the gorillas.
However, around the year 2000, many conservation efforts, better roads, and tourism development helped Volcanoes National Park become a top place for visitors.
Wildlife and Habitats in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is home to many mountain gorillas and a variety of plants and animals. The park has marshes, swamps, peat, lakes, mountains, meadows, and grasslands.
Besides gorillas, you can find forest elephants, forest buffaloes, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, and bushbucks.
Bird species include the Rwenzori turaco, collared apalis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, and Archer’s robin-chat.
Gorilla Families and Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
There are over 300 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and at least 10 habituated gorilla families, including Hirwa, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Ugenda, Susa A, Susa B, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, Titus, and Bwenge.
These families are available for trekking all year. Both local and international visitors can join gorilla trekking tours.
Treks start at around 8 am and can take up to 6 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is located and your fitness level.
The activity is done during the day and guided by trained ranger guides and armed guards.
Group Size and Trekking Process
Only eight people can visit a gorilla family each day. Ranger guides will take visitors through the forest after a briefing at the park offices. Gorillas move around, so visitors need to trek to find them.
In the dry season, the gorillas move to higher areas, while in the rainy season, they move to lower areas to avoid cold temperatures.
When you find the gorilla family, you can spend one hour with them to take photos and watch their behaviors, such as breastfeeding, feeding, and grooming.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, from December to February and June to August.
During this time, the weather is warm and dry, the skies are clear, and the forest vegetation is less thick, making it easier to see the gorillas and walk on the trails.
However, since rain can fall at any time in the forest, visitors should carry raincoats and warm clothing to stay dry and comfortable.
Gorilla Permit Costs in Rwanda
How much is the gorilla permit in Rwanda? Rwanda offers luxury gorilla trekking experiences. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents.
For foreign residents, the fee is USD 500 per person per trek. For Rwandan citizens, the cost is USD 200 per person per trek. Citizens of other East African Community countries also pay USD 200, while Africans outside the East African Community pay USD 500 per person per trek.
Booking a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
To get a gorilla permit, you can book with the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali. However, it is easier to book through a registered tour company. Tour companies have experience and can get the permit for you quickly.
First, contact the tour company and share your preferred trekking date. The company will then check if a permit is available for that date.
If a permit is available, the company will send you a quotation for payment. After you pay, the company will buy the permit and send you a soft copy as proof.
Since there are only a few permits each day, it is best to book at least three months before your trek. Sometimes, a 10% discount is given if your tour also includes Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking
Below are the common rules and regulations for gorilla trekking that you should know.
- Do not touch the mountain gorillas to prevent spreading diseases to them.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away or cover your nose with your elbow or a tissue to avoid spreading diseases.
- Stay at least 23 feet away from the gorillas to keep them safe.
- If a gorilla, especially a silverback, approaches you, do not run. Stay calm and wait for the ranger’s instructions. Avoid eye contact, look down, and remain still.
- If you need to use the toilet, ask the ranger to dig a hole for you and cover it after use.
- Do not trek if you feel sick to avoid spreading diseases to the gorillas.
- Dispose of waste properly and do not litter in the park.
- Do not eat while near the gorillas.
- Keep your voice low to avoid disturbing the gorillas and other animals.
- You can only spend up to one hour with the gorillas, or less if needed for their comfort.
- Stay close to your group for safety since gorillas are wild animals.
- Only eight trekkers can visit a gorilla group each day to reduce stress on the animals.
- The minimum age for trekking is 15 years, as younger visitors may not follow the rules.
- You must have a gorilla permit, which you will show at the park headquarters before trekking.
- Do not use flash photography, as it may scare the gorillas. Wait for the ranger to tell you when and where to take photos.
What to Pack for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
- Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect your skin from insects while keeping cool. Use dull colors to blend in with the forest.
- Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects, as malaria is common in East Africa.
- Carry a face mask to help prevent the spread of airborne diseases to the gorillas.
- Bring hiking poles if the park does not provide them. They help with balance on hills and crossing streams.
- Carry a digital camera or smartphone to take photos during your trek.
- Wear rainproof hiking boots for walking on rough terrain.
- Bring a rain jacket, even in the dry season, as rain can fall at any time.
- Bring binoculars to view wildlife from a distance.
- Pack hand gloves, long socks, and a head sock to keep warm, especially at night when temperatures drop.
How to Get to Volcanoes National Park
It is easy to reach Volcanoes National Park, which is 120 kilometers north of Kigali. You can travel by road or air.
A road trip takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can use private or public transport, but using a tour company is more comfortable and convenient.
For a faster option, you can fly by helicopter from Kigali International Airport to Musanze airstrip.
This flight takes 30 to 40 minutes and gives you good views of Rwanda from above.
After arriving in Musanze, you will need ground transport to reach Volcanoes National Park.
