Is Rwanda safe for gorilla trekking?

Yes, Rwanda is very safe and secure for a gorilla trekking adventure, as it has not faced any major security incidents since the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Rwanda is usually recognized as the cleanest country in Africa, but it is also one of the safest destinations. For many years, Rwanda has experienced a very stable atmosphere and also secure environment. This is the major factor that has seen it develop in a few years after the tragic events of the genocide. A safe and stable environment is very crucial for a successful gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda. This explains why the country is one of the most successful gorilla trekking destinations in the world.

Rwanda has a modern security force that works 24 hours around the clock to continue securing the country against any internal and external threats. Visitors fly into the country from far and wide for a seamless gorilla trekking experience. Rwanda is a testimony of resilience and hope, having thrived after a long time of political unrest that led to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, to emerge as one of the best countries in Africa. Visitors on a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda endeavour to follow the rules and regulations put in place by the government. Although the country is generally stable, there are at times scattered cases of urban crimes like theft; thus, visitors should be vigilant and alert when following the rules of the country.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s major tourist activity done in its gorilla destination of Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northern region of the country, harboring over 300 mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is defined as the tourist activity of manoeuvring through the dense tropical vegetation searching for the endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are a national treasure as they bring into the country the highest number of visitors. Volcanoes National Park is a popular gorilla destination since it is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is the only gorilla destination in the world covering areas of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain gorillas live in groups called gorilla families, and this explains their social behavior. Visitors spend an hour with the habituated gorilla families of Rwanda as they go about their daily chores.

Purchasing a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda

There is no other alternative to accessing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats during a gorilla trekking experience other than a gorilla trekking permit. This gorilla permit can only be purchased through a recognized tour company, which purchases the permit from the Rwandan Development Board (RDB) on your behalf. After confirming the availability of your preferred trekking date, the tour operator will thereafter purchase the gorilla permit from the RDB and send a scanned copy to the visitors as confirmation of the purchase. It is important to note that gorilla trekking is a highly anticipated activity that requires one to purchase the gorilla permit at least 3 months before the trekking date. This is because of the limited number of gorilla trekking permits on a daily basis. A gorilla trekking permit can go for USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for the rest of Africa, and USD 200 for East African citizens.

What else to do in Rwanda?

Rwanda’s epic adventures are not limited to only gorilla trekking experiences, but rather, there are many other interesting activities that visitors can engage in. Some of these activities include the following.

Chimpanzee trekking

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern region of the country is a popular hotspot for chimpanzee trekking. Similar to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking aims at encountering the playful chimpanzee primates. The tropical rainforest of Nyungwe is the best habitat for the chimpanzees, with favourable conditions like plenty of food and a vast habitat. Visitors on a chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe are assured of encountering these primates since up to 600 call this forest their home.

Game drive

Game drive safaris are also present in Rwanda and provide the best chance for visitors to spot the savannah wildlife species in a close and safer space. Since Rwanda is relatively hilly, people mistake it for not having a savannah landscape as well. Akagera National Park in the eastern region of the country is the only savannah protected area where game drives take place. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife like lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, which are the Big Five, and also other animals like antelopes, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, hyenas, and warthogs.

Boat cruise

A boat cruise adventure is a discovery of the aquatic life of Rwanda, which provides a chance for visitors to spot some of the wildlife species of the deep, like hippos and crocodiles. This is in addition to incredible scenic views of the surrounding areas and also spotting other animals like antelopes, buffaloes, and elephants that usually flock to the shores for a drink. Lakes like Kivu and Ihema are the best spots for boat cruise adventures in the country.

Canopy walk

The canopy walk is also an interesting experience that builds the spirit of adventure under the misty forest of Nyungwe National Park. The canopy trail is suspended 70 meters above the ground, giving visitors a panoramic view of the park stretched across the 160-meter-long walk.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.