A trek through the steep slopes of Virunga Volcanoes to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda is such a thrilling safari experience worth your time, energies, money and entirely your trip to Africa. An encounter with these massive creatures in the wild is remarkably a magical experience that comes once in a lifetime. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are only in Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri region.
Volcanoes National Park was initially founded in 1925 purposely to protect mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This 160sq.kms conservancy area sits in the Northwestern Rwanda and it hosts not only mountain gorillas but also 5 of all the 8 Virunga Volcanoes. It became a popular gorilla safari destination after the 1988 Gorillas in the Mist movie and book by Dian Fossey whose efforts are greatly credited for mountain gorilla conservation and protection in the Virunga Volcanoes. Today, Volcanoes National Park inhabits about 30 percent of the 1063 mountain gorillas on earth and it is undoubtedly one of the most sought after gorilla trekking safari parks in Africa.
Gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are best done in anyone of the Volcanoes National Park 10 habituated gorilla family groups. Treks begin with a morning briefing on gorilla tracking rules and regulations which also involve assigning a group of 8 trekkers a gorilla group to explore. The 10 gorilla families to expect to trek on Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park include Susa A, Agashya, Bwenge, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, Hirwa, Karisimbi and Sabyinyo gorilla family groups.
How to preparation for Rwanda gorilla safari
One of the best ways to prepare for Rwanda gorilla safari is to consider which items to pack and most importantly, don’t miss to include insect repellents, sturdy hiking boots, plenty of bottled drinking water, long sleeved shirt, rain jacket, camera but with no flashlight, daypack, sun hat, gardening gloves, sun glasses, passports, gorilla trekking permits, snacks, walking stick but this can be found at Kinigi park headquarters on your briefing day, trousers, socks, blouses and others.
Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park commence at 7:00am with briefing at Kinigi visitor center on dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking. The park official shall assign to you a gorilla group and park ranger guide to take you through a search for these rare and endangered species in their natural habitat an adventure that may take you between 2 and 6 hours including 1 hour of magical encounter.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda
Anyone interested in tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park must carry a valid gorilla trekking permit. Every gorilla permit in Rwanda is obtainable at US Dollars 1500 per person and it is possible to reserve one through our reservation team or do it directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Ensure you have booked your gorilla permit early to avoid disappointment on last minute.
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda
Gorillas in Rwanda can be spotted at any time of the year since Volcanoes National Park experiences favorable climatic and weather conditions. However, the dry season is more recommended for gorilla trekking safaris because it the ground remains relatively driers thus making your search for mountain gorillas easier. The dry months to consider visiting to see gorillas in Rwanda start in June, July, August, September and December, January, February.
The wet or rainy season also presents opportunity for you to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This runs from March, April to May and October, November although these months are characterized by heavy rainfall making the ground muddy and slippery.
Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park
There are many accommodation alternatives set for tourists on Rwanda gorilla safaris to spend a night and they range from budget to luxury. They include among others Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Bisate Lodge and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
The simplest way to get to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is for you take a flight to Kigali Airport where you can start your journey to this premier gorilla trekking safari park which is set in Northwestern side of the country. It can take you about 2-3 hours to drive to Volcanoes National Park and unlike other gorilla parks; it is possible to go on 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour in this protected area.