Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park Safari Guide & Permit Costs

Ultimate Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

If you are thinking of a holiday that brings lasting memories, think about Rwanda gorilla trekking. Rwanda Gorillas are special animals that live in mountain areas, covered with thick green forest.

During the trek, you go deep into the jungle and get the chance to enjoy moments with the mountain gorillas, your close relatives.

The trek in Rwanda is not as hard as in some parts of Uganda and also includes short hikes. While trekking, you walk up some of the Virunga Mountains and often find gorillas near their lower slopes.

These mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. This makes the trekking experience in Rwanda different and interesting.

Volcanoes National Park has beautiful views. You can see other mountains in the Virunga range, bamboo forests, and natural trails, which make the trek more enjoyable.

Rwanda is one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in the world. It is the smallest country in East Africa, landlocked and located a few kilometers south of the equator, in the Great Lakes region. The country has cool weather, many hills, and rich plant and animal life.

The Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda

Mountain gorillas are only found in Africa, in the thick jungles of the Virunga Mountain range, which stretches across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These gorillas are a special group of primates and are very interesting to see. Their genes are more than 98% similar to humans, and they also share many character traits and behaviors.

They are social animals that live in groups called troops, each led by a dominant silverback. A silverback is a fully grown male, usually around 13 years old, with a silver line on its back.

He becomes the leader after breaking away from another group or defeating the current leader.

The silverback protects the group from threats, often from other gorilla troops. He also takes care of the young ones, finds new places to live, and keeps the group together. Every evening, gorillas build new nests to sleep in, wherever they are when the sun sets.

Gorillas are most active in the morning when they eat, move, and play. Mothers nurse their babies while the silverback keeps watch. The young ones run around and play games.

Gorillas mostly eat plants, such as bamboo shoots, stems, leaves, and fruits. They have large, hairy bodies, but their eyes, thumbs, and nose are hairless. Gorillas are shy and wild, but they can also be playful and gentle.

When they feel threatened, they may scream, tear leaves, beat their chest, hoot, or run on all fours. This is their way of defending themselves or showing strength when two groups meet. If this happens during a trek, do not run or fight. Instead, look down, step back slowly, and squat.

Rwanda gorilla trekking is one of the best activities you can enjoy on a safari in Africa. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the forests of Africa. The activity is done on foot and starts with a short briefing at the park office before the trek, which can last from 2 to 7 hours.

You do not need special experience to take part. All you need is determination and some fitness. There are also special packages for people who are elderly, disabled, or have other needs.

Some gorilla families live near the park entrance, while others stay deep in the forest.

All trekkers must arrive at the park office by 7:00 am for the morning briefing. Park rangers will give information about the gorillas and the trekking process.

Your permit will be checked, and you will be assigned to a gorilla group before heading out with a ranger. The trekking follows the trail where the gorillas were last seen the day before.

As you walk through the bamboo forest, you will enjoy the sounds of the jungle and may see birds, monkeys, forest mammals, and mountain views.

The terrain is not too steep, but the direction the gorillas take can make the trek longer or shorter. When the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour with them.

You can take photos, watch them closely, and ask your ranger questions about their behavior and lifestyle.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s main gorilla trekking destination. It is home to mountain gorillas where they live, eat, and rest. The park is in the northwest of Rwanda, in the Musanze District, at the base of the Virunga Mountains.

It borders Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of 160 square kilometers and includes mountains like Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno.

This is also where the famous researcher Dian Fossey did her studies, which helped raise awareness and protect the mountain gorillas.

Trekking here is safe and well-organized. Activities begin at 7:00 am with a short briefing, followed by the trek. Park rangers lead the way from the start to the end of the adventure. They guide you and explain everything about gorilla trekking.

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

To see the gorillas, you must have a trekking permit. This is issued by the Rwanda Development Board. You can get it through a trusted tour operator or on your own.

Only people aged 15 and above are allowed to buy a permit and trek gorillas in the wild. A regular permit costs $1,500 per person per day and is valid only on the booked trekking date. If you are sick or unfit, special arrangements may be made.

If you want to trek without other visitors and spend time alone with a gorilla family, you can buy an exclusive permit for $15,000.

If you are visiting Rwanda for other purposes, like business or meetings, but decide to go gorilla trekking before leaving, you can pay $1,275.

Tourists who visit during the low season (from November to May) pay a discounted rate of $1,050.

The permit covers park entry and conservation fees, but it does not include accommodation, porter services, or other personal costs. If you miss your trek because of poor timekeeping or forgetfulness, there is no refund or rescheduling.

Booking the permit on your own can be hard, so it is better to use a trusted tour operator. To reserve a permit, you need to provide your full name, nationality, age, and status.

Dos and Don’ts of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Before Meeting the Gorillas:

• Only 8 people are allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family each day. Small groups help protect the forest and reduce the risk of passing human diseases to the gorillas.
• All trekkers must attend a pre-trek briefing. This is important and must not be missed.
• Only people aged 15 years and above can take part in gorilla trekking.
• Wash your hands before meeting the gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Do not litter. Keep the park clean and natural. All rubbish should be properly thrown away before leaving.
• Listen to the park rangers. They know the gorillas well and will guide you during the trek. They will also tell you when to take photos.
• Move calmly and quietly. Do not make noise or run after the gorillas. It can upset them.
• Pay attention to other animals and plants in the park, such as birds and forest mammals.

While with the Gorillas:

• Stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas to avoid spreading human diseases to them. If one gorilla gets sick, the whole group is at risk.
• Stay quiet even when talking to the park rangers. Loud noise is not good for the gorillas.
• Do not eat or drink when near the gorillas. Never try to feed them.
• Sometimes young gorillas may come close to you. Do not panic or get excited. Do not touch them or run away. This may scare them or cause the adults to react. Stay calm and act like you didn’t see them.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas. If a gorilla charges at you, do not run or fight. Listen to the guide, stay calm, bend down, and do not shout.
• Do not use a camera flash. The light can disturb the gorillas. Move slowly and carefully when taking pictures.
• You are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas. If they show signs of stress, the time may be shorter.
• Wait until you are about 200 meters away before talking about your experience. The forest is a quiet place and must be respected.
• Breaking these rules can be dangerous for you, the gorillas, and the forest. The gorillas are peaceful animals. Let them stay that way so they can live longer and grow in number.

General Health Precautions While with the Gorillas

Gorillas can catch human illnesses like flu, cough, and viruses. If you are sick, it’s best to wait until you are better before going trekking.

If you fall sick after booking your trek, follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe:

• Always follow the park rules.
• If you need to cough or sneeze near the gorillas, turn your head and cover your mouth with your elbow.
• Keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas. If a young gorilla comes close, do not touch it. Slowly move back until the group is relaxed.
• Do not run. Running causes panic and may lead to an attack.
• Only spend one hour with the gorillas. This helps reduce stress on them.
• If you feel unwell at the park, tell the park team. They may reschedule your trek or offer a refund to keep the gorillas safe.
• If you need to use the bathroom, dig a hole and cover it with soil after use. There are no toilets in the forest.
• Leave no rubbish behind. Always carry your trash with you.

Gorilla Trekking Packing List for Rwanda

Since gorilla trekking involves walking through rough and muddy paths, only carry important items.

You don’t need to pack too much, especially if the trek is short. Here is a list of useful items:

• Passport
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Hiking boots (good for mud)
• Rain gear or raincoat
• Camera
• Drinking water
• Hat
• Gloves
• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Warm clothes
• Extra storage for photos
• Smartphone for communication

If carrying your luggage is hard, you can hire a porter to help you. They will walk with you from the start of the trek to where the gorillas are, and back. This service comes at an extra cost.

What Clothes to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Since trekking is done in the forest, wear clothes that cover your skin and head. A jacket is very important because it often rains in the afternoon.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is a very interesting activity, but if done at the wrong time, it may not be enjoyable, even though it is available all year round. The best time to go trekking is in the morning, when the gorillas have just woken up, are full of energy, and are looking for fresh food and a good place to rest.

The best months to go gorilla trekking are from June to September and December to February. These months have little or no rain, which makes trekking easier and the weather more comfortable. But remember, rain in the forest can come at any time, in any month. So always dress in clothes that are good for the jungle.

If you are a budget traveler or love photography, the rainy months (November, late March, April, and May) are a good time to visit. The forest is greener, and the lighting can be good for photos.

Possibility of Adopting a Gorilla After Trekking

Yes, it is possible to adopt a baby gorilla after trekking. But this is only done through the right government and conservation channels.

However, gorillas do not survive in warm or captive environments, so adopting one does not mean taking it home.

Instead, adoption helps support the care of the gorillas in their natural habitat at Volcanoes National Park.

Raising gorillas is also very expensive and requires special care.

Accommodation Facilities for Gorilla Trekkers

There are many places to stay near Volcanoes National Park for trekkers. Options range from budget lodges to luxury lodges, campsites, dormitories, and hotels. You can choose what fits your budget and comfort needs.

Other Activities in Rwanda

Besides gorilla trekking, you can enjoy other exciting activities. These include seeing the African Big Five on a game drive in Akagera National Park, visiting chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, touring the Musanze Caves, and exploring Kigali city.

It is a good idea to combine some of these activities with gorilla trekking. They are affordable and make your trip more enjoyable.

Rwanda is one of the best places in Africa for gorilla trekking. It is not only safe for tourists, but also offers many other attractions. About one-quarter of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Rwanda and can be seen every day.