Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers an exceptionally unique opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking safaris is an adventure experience of hiking through the jungle in such of these gentle giants.
Rwanda is located in East Africa and bordered by Uganda to the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Tanzania to the east, and Burundi to the south. Kigali is the capital city and is among the cleanest cities in East Africa.
Gorilla trekking adventures in the wild can only be done in Volcanoes National Park, in the northwestern part of the country. This is one of the best places to see gorillas in Africa and covers a total land area of around 160 square kilometers.
Volcanoes National Park on elevations ranging from 2,400 to 4,507 meters above sea level, accommodates at least 380 mountain gorillas and at least 12 habituated gorilla families. These gorillas attract millions of visitors to visit Rwanda and explore the Volcanoes National Park.
The park is composed of rainforests, swamps, marshes, grasslands, and others. There are 5 of the 8 volcanic mountains of the Virunga conservation area in the park. These include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. All these and more offer a suitable habitat for the mountain gorillas to thrive.
Volcanoes National Park experiences a subtropical climate due to its high elevation. The site experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season which runs from June to September, and December to February. The wet season starts from October to November and March to May.
The estimated average rainfall amounts range from 1000-2000 millimeters and the average temperatures range from 22-27oC at day time and 16-21oC during the night. Frosty conditions occur at higher elevations.
Overall, the varied climatic conditions and distinct weather patterns create an ideal setting for the most unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures anyone can ever have.
Why you need a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda
To do a guided gorilla trekking excursion in Rwanda, a valid gorilla permit is a prerequisite. This is an official proof of payment for the gorilla trek that is issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
You can only obtain the gorilla permit in Rwanda by booking your permit with a reputable tour company. They are more efficient and can help in planning your entire safari including transportation, accommodation, meals, etc.
The cost of a gorilla permit is USD 1,500, and this caters to the park entrance fees, park ranger guide, and gorilla conservation fee among others. During the low season of gorilla trekking adventures, a 30% discount is offered for visitors.
How Gorilla Trekking is done in Rwanda
The first thing a visitor does is to reach the Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 7:30 am, for a briefing session. This is done by experienced park rangers who edify the visitors on matters regarding gorilla behavior and safety precautions among other things.
Afterward, the trekkers are divided into small groups of 8 and each is assigned a particular gorilla family to locate. This is also based on the trekkers’ physical fitness level and preferences. Knowledgeable guides and trackers lead each group into the dense forest, via gorilla trails.
The duration of the hike varies, depending on the location of a gorilla family and the hiking difficulty. This may vary from 2-8 hours and when the gorillas are finally located, only an hour is permitted for the visitors to observe and photograph the apes at a safer distance.
Best time to go for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park depends on the weather conditions and personal and financial preferences. The dry season is the best season to go for gorilla trekking thanks to the clearer skies, low chances of rainfall, and less challenging hiking conditions. The dry seasons cause the trails to be drier and less muddy, thus making it easier to navigate through the dense jungle, searching for mountain gorilla families. Also, during the dry season, the region is cooler making it more comfortable for hiking through the jungle.
However, the low season, usually in the wet season offers unique opportunities for travelers on gorilla trekking adventures. The relatively higher humidity and the heavy rains in the wet season during the months of March to May and September to November result in lush, green vegetation and fewer tourists. This ensures that the hikers have a more intimate and tranquil gorilla trekking adventure. Sometimes the gorilla permits are offered at a discounted rate during the rainy seasons, making it more budget-friendly.
Traveling for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Traveling to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking adventures is achieved by road or air transportation with both offering different advantages. On the road, travelers can commence their trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park northwards. This is a scenic road trip that covers about 80 kilometers in 2-3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
For a much faster and more convenient option especially for those short on time, air transportation is a better option. The helicopter flights begin from Kigali International Airport on a short helicopter flight to Musanze airstrip. This journey takes around 30-40 minutes providing an aerial view of the beauty of Rwanda including hills, valleys, forests, and others. Upon arrival at Musanze, you can be picked up and driven to reach Volcanoes National Park.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
- Lightweight dull-colored clothing, including long-sleeved shirts blouses, and pants
- Rainproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Digital camera or smartphone
- Insect repellent
- Hand gloves and long stockings
- Face masks
- Hiking pole
- Binoculars
- Travel documents
