Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s top tourist activity. This unique experience involves hiking through mountains and forests to find mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the northwest of Rwanda and features a diverse ecosystem. Specifically, it includes evergreen and bamboo forests, as well as open grasslands. Additionally, Volcanoes National Park spans 160 square kilometers. Moreover, it borders Virunga National Park in the DRC and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Furthermore, Volcanoes National Park is just a two-hour drive from Kigali in the north of Rwanda.
Volcanoes national park has 30% of the over all population of mountain gorillas remaining on the earth. 10 fully habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes national park that are available for gorilla trekking.
Price of Rwanda Gorilla Permits
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the most expensive amongst the three countries. Gorilla permits cost USD 400 in the DRC and USD 800 in Uganda. In Rwanda, the same permit costs USD 1500. One can book a gorilla trekking permit directly from the Rwanda Development Board.
Its advisable to book your Gorilla Trekking permit atleast 3 to 06 months in advance. This is essential to avoid inconveniences, as permits are in high demand, particularly during the peak season. Once booked, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park begins with an early morning briefing session at the park headquarters. During this briefing, you will receive insights on what to expect, as well as the rules and regulations of trekking. There are both longer and shorter treks available. Allocations are based on factors such as physical fitness, age, personal preferences, and the availability of gorilla families. Finally, at exactly 8 a.m., you will start your journey, following your guide and the park ranger.
How long is the Trek
Trekking typically takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours or even more, depending on the location of the gorillas. This is because gorillas tend to move far in search of food. Once you finally find the Gorillas, you will be allowed one hour to be with them. Additionally, allocations for the trek are based on factors such as physical fitness, age, personal preferences, and the availability of gorilla families. At exactly 8 a.m., you will start your journey, following your guide and the park ranger.
As you go gorilla trekking, keep in mind that Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to 10 fully habituated gorilla families. In total, there are about 380 mountain gorillas. These gorillas live in family groups, each led by a dominant silverback. Furthermore, the mountain gorillas in Rwanda are divided into two distinct groups. Specifically, one group is dedicated to research, while the other is focused on gorilla tourism.
Here is the list of the mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes
Susa A gorilla family
Susa B gorilla family (Karisimbi)
Sabinyo gorilla family
Amahoro gorilla family
Umbano gorilla family
Agashya gorilla family
Kwitonda gorilla family
Hirwa gorilla family
Bwenge gorilla family
Ugenda gorilla family.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park.
Volcanoes national park is not limited to any visits one can go there any time all year around. For a fun and easy gorilla trekking experience, it’s best to visit during the dry season. This period is also the peak season in the park. During this time, the park will be dry, which means favorable temperatures and weather. Roads and pathways will be passable and accessible. The vegetation will be short, offering clear views and easier hiking. The dry season typically runs from December to February and from June to August, including early September. Expect to see crowds during this peak time.
You can still visit during the wet season, although it may be more challenging. Expect muddy, slick, and slippery roads and pathways. Consequently, accessing the park and trails can be difficult due to the wetness. Additionally, the park will be colder, and the overgrown vegetation can obstruct hiking and viewing. However, there are some advantages, such as discounts on hotel accommodations. Typically, the wet season occurs in March, April, May, October, and November. Therefore, if you choose to trek during this time, be sure to bring heavy jackets and other warm clothing to stay comfortable.
What to carry while going for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda?
Carry a water proof back pack having some essentials like sun cream, insect repellent, energizers, enough water.
A pair of long trousers, long sleeved shirt, hiking boots, garden gloves and stockings, waterproof hat and sunglasses.
Carry enough packed lunch.
A pair of binoculars to help you see distant attractions, a camera with extra batteries.
A hiking stick that I’ll be giving you support.
Where to stay in Volcanoes national park?
One can choose a place of stay according to their budget coz all kinds of ranges are available. These facilitate all kinds of tourists lets list some of the facilities you can choose from Kinigi guest house, Five Volcanoes lodge, Sabinyo silverback lodge, Virunga Volcanoes lodge, Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Da Vince gorilla lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Gorilla solution lodge, La Palme hotel village lodge, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel Muhabura among other.
There are other activities one can engage in while in Volcanoes national park apart from gorilla trekking.
Golden monkey tracking:
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is an exciting adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors hike through lush bamboo forests to see the rare golden monkeys in their natural home. These monkeys, known for their bright golden fur and playful antics, are a joy to watch. The trek usually involves a moderate hike with a guide who explains the monkeys’ behavior and conservation needs. While tracking is available year-round, the best times to go are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. This activity not only provides a unique wildlife experience but also helps with conservation and supports local communities.etation since they love the bamboo shoots and they are very active.
Hiking:
Hiking mountain Bisoke takes about 6hours and mountain Karisimbi takes 2 full days. Before going for hiking visitors are first briefed at Rwanda Development Board and after the ranger guide leads you to hiking. Hiking on mountains is an interesting and amazing activity which will earn with beautiful sceneries, views of the animals, primates and bird species.
You also have an option to hike to the Dian Fossey tombs. Dian Fossey’s tombs are located at the Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist and conservationist, dedicated much of her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas.
Take time and visit the Musanze caves, 2km long with a walk way and stairs that take you to the dark interior of the cave.
How to get to Volcanoes national park?
You will fly to Kigali international airport and connect to Kinigi park headquarters by road which will take you about 2hours drive. U can opt for the public means of transport where you will board a bus from Kigali to Musanze then hire a private car to the headquarters because the public means to reach the park.
