Rwanda Gorilla trekking and Gorilla safari tours will allow you to explore the elusive mountain gorillas which only live in this part of the world. Don’t be surprised if you ask any one including those who have ever visited Rwanda about visiting Rwanda and the first word will be “Gorilla Trekking”, why not? This is African safari highlight and an unforgettable adventure.
You come as a visitor but return as a testament to the beauty of Mother Nature, wildlife, culture, and unmatched experiences. Gorilla Trekking is only done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in the company of expert ranger guides who got a wealth of experience about the behaviors of mountain gorillas in their untouched home. The only other countries to find Mountain Gorillas include: Uganda in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south western region. Another destination is Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda is a tiny yet very beautiful country in east of the continent of Africa. It prides in her stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and lush plantations with rolling hills in all regions. It is a few kilometers from the equator which is an imaginary line that divides the earth between the northern and southern hemispheres. Countries bordering Rwanda are: Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
The capital of Rwanda is Kigali – one of the cleanest cities in Africa. The official language is English, though the widely spoken is Kinyarwanda which is a local dialect. There are a total of four national parks in Rwanda, located in the east, northwest and southwest respectively. Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura NP for chimpanzee trekking; Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trekking, Akagera National for the Big 5 mammals such as lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape Buffaloes, and rhinos.
Visit Rwanda for a range of activities, like business trips, leisure vacations, reconnecting with friends and family, school tours for research or discovery, cultural vacations and more.
What to See in Rwanda?
Rare Primates (mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys)
The sought-after Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees call Rwanda home. Gorillas are world’s largest and most powerful primates. They are aggressive yet so humble and shy. They live in groups called families led by an alpha male with a silver-like lining at the back hence their name – silverback. Chimpanzees are a must see in Rwanda.
They live in Nyungwe and Gishwati – Mukura National Park with other primates such as white and black Colobus Monkeys, baboons and more. Chimpanzees possess over 98% human like resemblance thus the relation and no one visits them and remains the same.
Rwandan culture is unique and very authentic. You visit and uncover the two different ethnic groups that at one point never saw each other eye to eye – Tutsi and Hutu. They welcome visitors with remarkable stories about Rwanda. Probably you’ve already heard about Genocide in Rwanda where thousands of Tutsi and Hutu lost lives in this 1994 ethnic unrest.
A visit to different cultural / historical sites like the Nyanza King’s Palace and Ibyiwachu community ushers you into the understanding of different cuisine, dressing, performances and norms.
Mammals
Tick off your Big five list by visiting the Republic of Rwanda which is home to lions, leopards, African elephants, cape Buffaloes and Rhinos. Other mammals include hippos, antelopes, giraffes, spotted hyenas and many more.
Rwanda also gives you a chance to uncover enormous bird life such as Turacos, Papyrus gonolek, hamerkop, white-tailed blue flycatcher, honeyguide, sunbirds and more.
The list never ends without a mention of lakes, rivers, stunning landscape, and aquatic residents all in one space within the Akagera national park.
Where to go: Safari Destinations in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park
Take yourself to the wild and connect with Mother Nature, lots of wonder and fun at Akagera National Park in the eastern part of the republic of Rwanda. The Park features wood land, swampy vegetation cover, massive water bodies and variety of wildlife. Among the many notable mammals at the park are: the zebras, lions, giraffes, leopards, warthogs, and more.
One of the rarest yet most loved bird calls this home. Well, the shoe bill stork is one of the most sought after bird species in the world, found in only a few Ramsar sites in the world. Akagera national park was established in 1934 and now covers over 1,122 Sq. Km.
Nyungwe National Park
This is Africa’s largest Afro-montane Forest and a primate capital. About 13 primates call it home, and dominated by the chimpanzees. The park is situated at Rusizi district, east of Rwanda and the west of Congo border. Its park headquarters is called Uwinka, about 220km-4 hour road drive from Kigali city the gates open to Guests at 7am, with activities being offered including the canopy walk, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s Number one home to the most sought-after primate species in the world – Mountain Gorillas. The park with 13 habituated gorilla families also has the rare cheerful golden monkeys.
Go find all you need to know about primates in Musanze town in the northwestern part of the country at the feet of the large Virunga ranges. Park gates open for activities from 7:00am, and no entry after 7:00pm. What takes you to Rwanda should include among others; bird watching, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Musanze caves tour, cultural experiences and mountain hiking.
Kigali city and Nyanza King’s Palace.
These are two special places in Rwanda. With their unmatched organization, explore the cultural and historical attractions such as 1995 Rwanda ethnic conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi in Kigali. Other place to Visit are the local markets where you will see the locals carry on with trade; Nyanza palace and more.
You are sure to be safe, stay in comfortable accommodation facilities, make new friends, and eat local cuisines.
State of the art convention Centre in the city is one place worth exploring in the heart of Kigali city.
Best time to visit Rwanda for safaris and gorilla trekking.
All safari destinations in Rwanda operate all year round, unless advised by government for security reasons. Cultural centers, game parks, religious sites are open throughout the week, and tour guides are present to take you for memorable tours to different destinations.
Considering weather patterns in Rwanda, the best and most secure months for wildlife or gorilla safari is any month between June to September and December to early March.
Budget travelers may want to take advantage of the discounts in the wet months of the year namely March to May, October to November. In the face of the climatic change, we are guided by the weather man’s updates and advice.
Facts about Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking safaris is one if not the leading experiences in Rwanda. Thousands of tourists visit Uganda for this unforgettable experience which takes place throughout the year. In a day, about 96 Gorilla permits are up for grabs, with only eight people trekking a single gorilla family. Some facts to put in mind;
Only adults aged 15 years and above, with a valid trekking permit are authorized to do gorilla trekking. This is because of the hiking difficulty, and the nature of the activity. It is a walk through lush forests with thick bushes, hills and unpredictable weather. Young children may not be in position to handle the trek.
Rwanda was the first place to introduce the world to gorillas, and trekking experience despite having only one gorilla species which is the mountain gorillas. Thanks to the dedication and sacrifices of Late Dian Fossey who researched about mountain gorillas, loved them, protected and advocated to the world only for her to be murdered in unknown circumstances.
Before her, little was known about these apes commonly referred to as Man’s closest relative with over 98% human like DNA. She left behind a primate research Centre near the park where tourists can visit to understand more about mountain gorillas.
It is only in Volcanoes National Park in northwestern part of Rwanda that you will find and trek gorillas. The gates open as early as 0700 hours for pre-trekking briefing and then a trekking experience which takes about 1-8 hours depending on how far these gorillas have moved and trekking speed. You have 1 hour for watching gorillas, as well as taking photos of the family as they play, feed and breastfeed.
There are about 13 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park open for trekking; Notably Umubano, Agashya, Bwenge, Karisimbi, Susa, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Muhoza, Ugyenda, Hirwa, Sabyinyo and several others. Each gorilla family has a unique character, and can be found in a separate direction of the jungle. Take time and study each family for proper understanding.
Beyond just gorilla trekking, go to Rwanda for a gorilla naming ceremony, dubbed “Kwita Izina”. This event happens every September and you can support by naming one of the young ones after yourself, an opportunity that comes at a cost.
When to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Whereas you can have your Rwanda gorilla safari any time of the year, the most recommendable time of the year is June to September and December to March. During this time, there are no or less rains.
However, the other rainy months could best work for those on budget gorilla tours. You can combine your gorilla trekking tour with other activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, game drives in Akagera National Park; golden monkey trekking and thrilling cultural experiences.
Booking gorilla permits in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is fun, and all year-round activity. It is important to book your gorilla trekking permit a few months earlier through a licensed tour operator or directly from Rwanda Development Board. Once the date is fixed, the permit is issued that validates your activity and grants permission to access gorillas in their natural haven.
Gorilla permit fees are non-refundable except when you fall sick or show symptoms at the time of briefing. 50% of the total gorilla trekking fee can be paid off the actual amount paid. Tourists are urged to book at least six months in advance for proper planning and stand a chance of getting the preferred dates.
We highly advisee visitors to book lodges in or a few kilometers from the park headquarters so as to catch up with briefing time. The available lodges take care of all categories of visitors – budget, midrange and high – end. During peak season, the demand for accommodation is high and thus finding one because hard in case of delays.
Cost of Rwanda Gorilla Safaris.
One has to purchase a gorilla permit to have access to mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The permits are about 96 each day and mandatory requirement if you will have to encounter your cousins in their natural habitat. Due to the high demand, most times, the slots are sold out thus advisable to reserve at least three months before the exact trekking date either online or through a licensed travel operator.
Rwanda gorilla permit fee is: 1,500$ for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, 200$ for Rwandans and East African citizens. There is a 30% discount on gorilla permits if one is spending more than three nights on a safari and exploring other destinations like Nyungwe and Akagera national parks. All proceedings from permit fees are channeled to conservation efforts, paying rangers and community support.
Wondering about what happens when you miss out on a gorilla trekking date? Something can be done depending on the reason for missing out on the trek; Rwanda Development Board refunds 50% of gorilla trekking fee if you are sick but travelled to the destination.
There are no sick persons permitted to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Permits are presented to park warden at the time of pre-trekking briefing at 7:00am.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Weather.
There is no winter or summer in Rwanda. The temperatures keep changing throughout the year. Looking at the trend, June to September and January to February are dry, with unpredictable showers.
October to December and March to May experience are wet months. The eastern part of Rwanda which is home to Akagera National Park experiences warmer climatic conditions which favors existence of the different mammals.
The western region is mountainous with the Virunga Volcano ranges, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura national parks are generally colder. The temperatures during day time range from 16 degrees Celsius to 21. The place is a little wetter because of the forest cover and mountain ranges. By the nature of the country, it is never too dry or wet.
January to February has drier spells, March to May is with long rains, June to August are dry months, September is dry, whereas November to December is with shot rains though destinations like Nyungwe national park and Volcanoes national park has go rains. What to note is be it during the rainy or dry season; there can be a change of weather.
Rwanda Safari clothing.
Choosing an outfit for a safari is one of the hardest things for anyone planning a safari. More so when it is your first time to take such a long safari in Africa. Pay attention to local weather vis-à-vis the kind of activities you want to do.
When visiting chimpanzees, golden monkeys and gorilla trekking destinations require warm clothes. Wildlife destinations can be visited with lighter outfit. A quick guidance on what to carry for your safari: a hand glove to protect your hands; long pair of stockings for your legs, long trouser, long-sleeved shirt, descent trouser, good hiking boots, a cap to cover your leg, and more. The duration of your stay and you determines how much items will be packed.
How long should your Rwanda Gorilla safari be?
Rwanda is such an amazing country that deciding on the number of days to have a trip might be hard. What you wish to see is a major consideration to the duration of the trip. There are four national parks, accessible by road and air.
There is an average drive time is 4-5 hours from Kigali city-Rwanda’s capital. The fact that no destination demands a full day drive; plan an average of 2 nights and 3 days for a single destination, and 5 days 4 nights for two combined destinations. Uncovering the best of Rwanda’s cultures, national parks, city and more takes about 8 days.
Gorilla trekking is a full day tour, but you have to reserve at least 2- days gorilla trekking safari. All you need is to reserve your tour experience at least six months in advance for proper planning, and selection of the best lodges.
A thousand hills of Rwanda await your visitation and tour. Go explore mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – tropical forest of Virunga chain of mountains; Big 5 animals in one of the largest savannah parks in Rwanda; chimpanzees and more.
Being an on-demand destination, it is advised to book you safari to Rwanda at least six months in advance. As you tour, you ought to recognize and respect local cultures, religion and cuisines. Though you will be using English as a medium of exchange, learning a few local Kinyarwanda words wouldn’t be bad.
