Mountain gorillas are one of the most mysterious and almost mystical creatures you will ever come across in a lifetime. Thanks to their majestic behavior, huge body size, their phenomenal similarity to humankind, as well as the virtual impossibility of having them in captivity, there is so much to discover and learn about these Gentle Giants in their natural habitats. Yet, owing to their incredible level of intelligence, social behavior, humble, shy and gentle nature, their heavy bodies (can weigh up to 220 kilograms), many primate lovers always feel a remarkable connection to these Giant Apes and getting up-close and personal with them in their natural habitats is one of the life-changing and unforgettable experiences.
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda
There is currently only one place offering gorilla trekking in Rwanda and it is found in the Northern Province of the country. Here, at least 35% of the entire world’s population of mountain gorillas are sheltered. The 160-square-kilometer Protected Area lies within the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) that also comprises Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Volcanoes National Park sits within the Northwestern side of Rwanda and is popular for being Dian Fossey’s base for 18 years as she undertook mountain gorilla research. Over 12 (twelve) gorilla families were habituated in this park and each of them can be visited by a maximum of eight (8) visitors each day.
What to expect during gorilla trekking in Uganda
A typical gorilla trekking day in Volcanoes National Park begins with briefing at 7:00 am within Kinigi Park Headquarters. You will then leave the park offices at 8:00 am with your guide, armed Ranger and porter (hired but optional) for the 20-30-minute drive to the trailhead. You will then start searching for the mountain gorillas slowly and the duration of the trek is unpredictable because it depends on movement of the mountain gorillas but expect anything between 2 and 6 hours or more. Afterward, make use of your one hour to watch and take photos.
Gorilla Trekking isn’t a simple walk and therefore physical fitness is required to enjoy a stress-free and very successful gorilla trekking experience. When you finally meet the habituated gorilla family, the Ranger guide will allow you to spend one hour enjoying a close interaction and taking pictures of these massive creatures. While interacting with these Giant Apes, a safe distance of 8 meters should be maintained at all times.
Additionally, avoid flash cameras when taking photos, avoid swift and sudden movements, maintain minimal noise (you can whisper) to avoid starting the Giant Apes and also, avoid direct eye contact with them.
What is the best month to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Volcanoes National Park is open all year round and therefore, gorilla trekking can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, the dry season-June to September and December to February are the most perfect to witness the day routines of these giant Apes. There are less or no rains during these months thus making trails drier, less slippery or muddy to walk through.
The wet season-March to May and October to November is avoided because rains tends to be heavier and therefore forest trails become muddy, slippery and very challenging to walk through. The vegetation also becomes denser hence making it difficult to maneuver through but this also means mountain gorillas have more food. They won’t need to move deeper into the forest to search for food thus making treks shorter than during the dry months.
Gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla permits cost $ 1500 per person per trek. However, at the time of writing, Rwanda is offering discounted gorilla permits for certain categories of visitors lasting until 31st December 2023. In this case, Rwandan and East African Community Residents pay only $200 per person while foreign Residents, and African travelers pay only $500 per person per trek for Rwanda gorilla permits. Thanks to the 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, a total of 96 gorilla permits are issued each day by Rwanda Development Board.
What should I carry or wear for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
While preparing for your forthcoming gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, you need to know what to carry/wear during your adventure. The golden rule is packing right and light, and avoid overpacking. Therefore, carry extra layers (long-sleeved shirts, long safari pants, and a sweater), lightweight rain jacket because you are likely to experience rain showers while enjoying your gorilla trekking adventure, a safari hat, gardening gloves, comfortable hiking boots, sunglasses, insect repellant, sunscreen, a re-usable water bottle, cotton socks, gaiters, first aid kit, a camera with extra batteries, binoculars, travel documents (e-tickets, visa if required, travel itinerary and yellow fever inoculation certificate) and toiletries (hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair comb, lotion, deodorant, others).
Where to stay during gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park boasts a wide array of accommodation options for travelers interested in enjoying gorilla trekking tours and these range from budget, midrange to luxury. They include Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Bishop’s House, Hotel Muhabura, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Best View Hotel, to mention but a few.
Getting to the Gorilla Trekking destination (Volcanoes National Park)
Volcanoes National Park is only about 106 kilometers from Kigali City and that’s about 2-3 hours’ drive. However, you can opt for the 30-minute Helicopter transfer to this beautiful Park situated in Ruhengeri, the Northern Province of Rwanda. Visitors traveling to Volcanoes National Park from Uganda have an option of crossing via Katuna or Cyanika border point.