Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most popular adventures and undeniably one of the reasons tourists travel many kilometers by air to the African Continent. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a great way to immerse yourself in the thick jungles of Volcanoes National Park and this country offers tourists one-of-a-kind gorilla trekking experience with its one-third of the total mountain gorilla population and missing it on your bucket list is the biggest mistake you will ever make.
When it comes to Gorilla trekking, Africa is definitely spoilt for choice but Rwanda beats the other two African countries (Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo) where the activity is also undertaken for a number of reasons but the main one being the short driving distance from Kigali to the Park. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is conducted from Volcanoes National Park found in the north-west of the country adjacent to Mgahinga National Park of Uganda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park was gazetted in 1925 and covers up to 62 square miles (16,000 hectares) of purely thick rainforest in addition to being home to five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes.

Gorilla groups in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda wouldn’t have been possible without the existence of habituated gorilla groups totaling to 10 groups in Volcanoes National Park. Have you watched or ever heard of the Gorillas of the mist” film? Well, it was filed in this Park to document the works of Dian Fossey in the Conservation of Mountain gorillas in Rwanda and of the 10 groups, some were actually studied during her time in Rwanda.
The 10 habituated gorilla groups are Hirwa, Umubano, Karisimbi (Susa B), Susa A, Kwitonda, Agashya (Group 13), Bwenge, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, and Ugenda.

How gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted

A typical gorilla trekking day in Rwanda starts with the first meal of the day at the tourist place of stay (could be a Lodge, Tented Camp of Guesthouse in Kinigi or the nearby Musanze town) followed by a short drive to the headquarters of the Park where intending trekkers will meet other trekkers, guides and porters.
Make sure to carry your gorilla permit along because, without it, you won’t be allowed to trek the endangered Mountain gorillas. Before trekking the gorillas, briefing has to be conducted to acquaint trekkers with the dos and don’ts of trekking gorillas. In a group of 8 persons start the 1-4 hour trek through the jungles of Volcanoes National Park which usually climaxes with a one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Trekking is not as easy as anyone would imagine requiring basic physical fitness and this coupled with the rugged terrain as well as muddy trekking trails makes it one of the most challenging yet rewarding tourist activities. However, once tourists set their eyes on the beautiful giant apes, the fatigue and challenges faced will be long forgotten.
Cameras start rolling while tourists take photos and record videos of these amazing creatures while learning more about their outstanding behavior and why they still remain one of the most sought-after wildlife in Africa and beyond.

Price of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

There is no way you will track the mountain gorillas of Rwanda without a permit just like you won’t get on a plane without a boarding pass. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs about $1500 and allows you to spend one hour with one of the mentioned gorilla groups in addition to getting the chance of encountering the other residents of Volcanoes National Park such as black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, bush pigs, black-fronted duikers, spotted hyenas and bushbucks as well as bird species among others.
To book permits for trekking gorillas in Rwanda, tourists are advised to book at least 3 months in advance because of the high competition for permits. Permits can be booked directly from Rwanda Development Board by sending an inquiry to reservation@rwandatourism.com or calling on +250 727 775 170.

Dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas are vulnerable and endangered wildlife species and because of this, a number of guidelines have to be followed by tourists during trekking or when in their presence. Some of these guidelines are;
Avoid using flash cameras for photographing the Mountain gorillas.
Each habituated gorilla family can be visited once a day by only 8 persons.
Eating, drinking and smoking while in the presence of Mountain gorillas are totally prohibited.
Children below the age of 15years are not allowed to trek the gorillas of Rwanda.
Only tourists in perfect health on the day of trekking will be allowed to trek the endangered Mountain gorillas because communicable diseases such as flu and cough can easily be transmitted to the gorillas.
One hour is the maximum time to be spent with a habituated gorilla group.
Leave the Park with its vegetation just the way you found it.
Avoid direct eye contact with the mountain gorillas and even when they stare at you, just look away.
Maintain a distance of 7 meters when observing the Mountain gorillas.
Swift and abrupt movement when in the presence of mountain gorillas scare them thus have to be avoided.
Avoid making noise when trekking the Mountain gorillas in Rwanda because it also startles them.

Packing list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

The climate, vegetation, and terrain of Volcanoes National Park require tourists to pack in a certain way. Do not pack like someone heading for a party or a casual walk hence the recommended packing list must have 2-3 long-sleeved shirts (depending on the number of days to be spent at the Park), safari pants, gardening gloves to protect your hands when hiking, a waterproof backpack that will be handy when carrying the things needed during trekking, a water bottle, a non-flash camera with enough batteries and memory space, a pair of binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head against the scorching sunshine, sunglasses, insect repellant, a first aid kit, energy-giving snacks, a rain jacket, a warm sweater for the coldness, toiletries (such as toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary towels for females, lip gloss, lotion, hair gel, and many others) and cotton socks among others.

When to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

When to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda has always been a topic of contention but to settle that, let it be known that gorilla trekking is an all-year-round activity. However, the drier months-January, February, June, July, August, September and December are always preferred by the majority of the tourists because hiking trails are less muddy and slippery.
The wetter months-March, April, May, October, and November are characterized by heavy rains that make trails slippery and difficult for hiking. This also explains why these months are also the low season. However, climate change has not spared the weather of Volcanoes National Park hence traditionally known dry seasons might receive rains and vice versa.

Where to stay while trekking gorillas in Rwanda

For memorable gorilla trekking experience for gorilla trekking in Rwanda tourists are required to find a budget, midrange or up-market accommodation facilities within Volcanoes National Park or the neighboring Musanze town. The best facilities to choose from are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Volcano Manor, La Bambou Gorilla Village, Kinigi Guesthouse, Bisate Lodge, Bishops House, One&Only Gorilla Nest, and Virunga Lodge among others.

How to get there

Volcanoes National Park, the hub for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is found in the north-west of the country about 105 kilometers by road from Kigali City. There is only one way of getting to this magnificent tourism gem and it’s by road. Upon landing in Kigali International Airport, drive for 2-3 hours by public or private means to Volcanoes National Park. Private means take you directly to the Park or even the accommodation facility but public transport means stop at Musanze Town then you will need a cab or motorcycle to Kinigi Park Headquarters.

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