The Karisimbi Gorilla Group lives on the slopes of Mount. Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park. In mid-2009, this group, led by a low-ranking silverback, Nyagakangaga, split from the Susa Gorilla Group. At the time, they were 13 members and known as the Susa B Gorilla Group. However, it was in 2010 when this group was renamed Karisimbi. This was because it was often found foraging on the lower slopes of the volcano, Mount. Karisimbi.
Almost 2 years later, some gorillas split from the family to form the Isimbi Gorilla Group. Since the formation of the Karisimbi family, Nyagakangaga has been the dominant silverback. Before 2016, there were 10 members in the Karisimbi family. These constituted 6 silverbacks, an adult female, 1 blackback, a sub-adult female, and a juvenile. Since then, the current number is not known because they crossed into the D.R. Congo and have never been traced.
How to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park?
Trekking the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is quite simple if you follow the park rules and guidelines carefully. Among the most essential items is arriving at the park headquarters with your gorilla permit. Ensure that you are there before 8:00 a.m. to avoid missing out on the short briefing. This is an important part of the tour since park personnel will advise on dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. This is for your own safety and that of the gorillas in the forest.
With armed rangers and a seasoned tracker, you will look for a gorilla group that was assigned to you earlier. The tracker will show you various trails that will lead to your eventual encounter with the gorillas. With up to 60 minutes provided to spend in the presence of the gorilla family, you will enjoy the experience. Capturing photos of the gorillas interacting among themselves and with the environment is allowed. Head back to the briefing location for debriefing.
Cost of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is considered a luxury in comparison to other destinations. Therefore, visitors must pay for the luxury experience differently. The cost varies depending on each visitor’s country of origin. This cost is for purchasing a permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali. Below are the rates per category.
Foreign non-resident: USD 1,500
Foreign resident: USD 500
Resident from the rest of Africa: USD 200
East African Community Citizen: USD 200
Best time to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park seems more exciting for most visitors during the dry season. Reasons for this include lower humidity, low rainfall patterns, less dense undergrowth, and less muddy forest floor. The contrary factors occur during the wet season due to heavier and frequent rainfall patterns. This causes the forest floor to be both muddy and dense with undergrowth. Your experience might be interrupted by rainfall.
Therefore, if you prefer your gorilla trek during the dry season, visit Volcanoes NP during the months of June to August. Volcanoes National Park experiences another dry season from December through February. Meanwhile, if you prefer wet season gorilla treks, go to Volcanoes National Park from March to May and from October to November. Gorilla trekking during this season is more thrilling, intimate, and quiet because it occurs during the low season.
Other gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
Karisimbi is not the only gorilla group in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The park houses several gorilla families, including at least 12 habituated gorilla groups. These include Igisha, Umubano, Kigoma, Amahoro, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Kwisanga, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Noheli, Isimbi, and Susa, among others. Some of these gorilla groups are available for gorilla tracking tours daily.
Other activities in Volcanoes National Park
While gorilla trekking tours are the most popular activities in Volcanoes National Park, the destination offers other in-demand activities. Visitors can enjoy immersive activities like birdwatching and hiking volcanoes Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Bisoke. Visitors can also hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb and enjoy nature walks. Golden monkey trekking is another exciting experience where the old-world monkeys can be watched in the wild.
How to travel to Volcanoes National Park?
Traveling to Volcanoes National Park is by road transport or air transport, depending on your preference and budget. Use road transport if you are seeking a scenic experience to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy this journey for roughly 2 to 3 hours along a 115-kilometer route from Kigali city towards the northwest. Be prepared for occasional stops to take some lovely photos of the rolling hills and other natural wonders.
If you wish to save more time traveling, air transport is a better option. Domestic flights operated by Akagera Aviation are available from Kigali International Airport and various airports throughout Rwanda. From Kigali, you will board a luxury helicopter to Musanze Airport, situated just a few minutes from Volcanoes National Park headquarters. The flight takes only half an hour, yet offers aerial views of the rolling hills.
