Budgeting for a Gorilla Safari
Budgeting for your gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda and DR Congo appropriately guarantees you total satisfaction on gorilla safari. Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after adventures in Africa and prior considering taking part in this life changing experience, you must budget right for it. There is a long list of things anyone interested in participating in gorilla trekking should be put together.
In this article, we have come up with several things you should be put together when budgeting for your gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. We also offer variety of gorilla trekking safari packages that suit every visitors’ budget.
Budget for gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC
When planning or budgeting for your gorilla trek, first, you must consider a gorilla trekking permit. It is an essential tool you must have if you are to engage in a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 foreign residents and UGX 300000 for East African Community citizens. Visitors who may want to have more time with mountain gorillas, there is gorilla habituation experience offering you a sum of 4 hours face to face with these great apes. Permits for gorilla habituation are issued at US$1500 per person.
Rwanda, which is one of the three mountain gorilla trekking destinations in Africa issues out her gorilla permits at US$1500. The DR Congo which offers both mountain gorilla and Eastern lowland gorilla trek experiences, sells gorilla permits at US$450. You can have your gorilla trek tour and permits booked by our reservation team.
Budget for gorilla safari lodge/accommodation
Accommodation is essential to budget for if you are to have a complete gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or DRC. All the four mountain gorilla watching destinations (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park) have accommodation options ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury. You choose the best based on your wallet size. When booking for you accommodation facility for overnight stay, we make sure we find one that is near your gorilla trekking region.
Budget for transportation to and from the gorilla trekking destination
All gorilla safari parks are situated far away from city centres. This requires you to have appropriate means to connect to your preferred gorilla trekking park to enjoy your gorilla trek. The best way to reach the Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking is by hiring a 4×4 safari vehicle. The price for tour vehicles varies from company to company but our fleet of rental cars come at affordable rates whether you need a Safari Land Cruiser, Coaster for large groups, Safari Vans, Rav4 or Super Custom.
Alternatively, you may take flight services especially for travelers planning to visit Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are existing flight services for you to connect from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip.
Budget for other activities in addition to gorilla trekking
Uganda, Rwanda and DRC have a lot more to offer the world besides trekking to see mountain gorillas. There are several other activities to explore within the same gorilla safari parks or other national parks. You can add chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boat cruise, bird watching, cultural safaris, nature walks, hiking adventures on your budget for gorilla trek.
Budget for your packing list for gorilla trekking
For any plans to go on a gorilla trek, there is a long list of essential items you must have to have a successful gorilla experience. They include a good camera with no flashlight, hiking boots-waterproof, snacks, rain coat/jacket/poncho, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirt, hat, sunscreen, first aid kit, gorilla permit, toiletries, sweaters, binoculars, insect repellents, trousers, socks and many others.
Read MoreWhere To Travel Uganda Or Rwanda
Choosing between Uganda and Rwanda for a vacation can be challenging as both destinations have unique attractions worth exploring. To better plan your holiday, we bring you a complete guide sighting various factors as follows;
Destinations
Rwanda is compact with only 4 national parks available for tourists to explore different wildlife species. These include 3 primate parks-Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park; then one savanna park –Akagera National Park. In Uganda, visitors have plenty of options to choose from for primate and big game encounters. 10 National Parks all exist in Uganda offering exceptional experiences to nature lovers. They include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki, Kidepo, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountain NP.
Gorilla safari destinations
With mountain gorilla safaris currently being on the bucket list among most visitors on African holidays, choosing between Uganda and Rwanda isn’t an easy task. But here is what many do not know. First, Uganda has 2 places for visitors to encounter mountain gorillas and over half of the remaining 1063 individuals of these endangered species survive here. That is in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga, thus presenting more opportunities to guests to meet their great ape unlike in Rwanda where the option is limited to only Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla families
Visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking allows you to visit different gorilla families out of the 21 fully habituated groups distributed across the 5 regions –Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. In Rwanda, trekker’s choice of gorilla families revolve around the 12 habituated gorilla groups and your adventure starts from Kinigi.
Gorilla permits
Whether you plan to visit Rwanda or Uganda to see gorillas, a valid gorilla permit is essential. Obtaining a permit for you to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda requires USD 800 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents USD 700 and East African citizens/Ugandans inclusive pay shs. 250,000 per person. For those who want to spend more time with the great apes, you can opt to go for gorilla habituation in Bwindi at USD1500(you spend 4 hours with the gorillas). Traveling to Rwanda for gorilla tours means you need USD 1500 to have your permit secured.
Accessibility
Both gorilla trekking destinations and other tourist sites in Uganda and Rwanda are all accessible. But the difference is that in Rwanda, you can drive from the heart of Kigali city for about 2-3 hours to Volcanoes National Park, and in Uganda, expect long hours of navigating from Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga that is about 8-9 hours. The beauty of the road trip in Uganda to see mountain gorillas is that, you have plenty to see en-route including photography at the Equator, visiting other parks depending on the route but most importantly, Lake Mburo National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The highest concentration of chimpanzees and other primates
Uganda and Rwanda are all most famous for their exhilarating primate experiences. In East Africa, the highest concentration of primates dwell in Uganda, with an estimated population of about 5050 chimpanzees all surviving in different habitats. These can be spotted in the wild, especially in all 5 locations including Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Semuliki NP.
Birding opportunities
Beyond the big five and primates, Uganda boasts of its huge concentration of bird species, accounting for about 1090 species. This translates to about 10% of the bird species in the world which exist in various habitats like woodland, savanna, forest, wetlands, and rivers and lakes. Rwanda on the other hand protects over 700 species of birds and the birding excursions are limited to the 4 parks and other sites.
Game drive opportunities
A visit to Uganda for game drives is of great advantage as you have several options to choose from. The savanna wildlife safari destinations worth considering for game viewing in Uganda include Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Murchison Falls NP, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth NP. In Rwanda, visitors have only one option which is Akagera National Park but interestingly, this protects all the Big Five game members.
Cultural encounters
Every destination has its unique cultures and traditions. In Uganda, there are over 57 tribes each with its distinct cultures, practices, norms and traditions unlike in Rwanda with less variation.
In summary, consider visiting Rwanda and Uganda on a combined safari package to experience unique things from both destinations. This can enable you make better comparisons between the 2 great African safari destinations.
Read MoreRwanda Gorillas and Rwenzori Hike
A visit to the two best African countries – Rwanda and Uganda is one of the amazing encounters in ones’ lifetime. The countries encompass the best African destinations including national parks where adventurous travelers go for memorable experience. One can visit both country for a safari and take part in different experiences including a combined Rwanda gorillas and Rwenzori hike. This combined package is one of the most adventurous trips one will dream for a lifetime, as you will have an incredible hiking experience as you trek the gorillas on the mountains of Volcanoes national park, and later, head for a great hiking experience in the Rwenzori mountains, to experience the beauty of the ice covered and glaciated peaks.
Where to go for a combined safari
Volcanoes national park
Located in the northern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the destinations to go during the combined gorilla and mountaineering experience. The park is located in Musanze town formerly known as Ruhengeri which is known as the base for gorilla trekking activities in Rwanda. With a total area of 160 square kilometers of rainforests, the park comprises of beautiful landscapes which is composed of five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga and protects half of the world’s mountain gorillas that are divided into 10 gorilla groups. These majestic creatures can be seen and watched during mountain gorilla trekking safari after a purchase of a gorilla permit from RDB at USD 1500 per person per trek.
Gorilla trekking experience
This is one of the most booked activity on the African continent and it takes place in only four destinations with Volcanoes national park inclusive. Gorilla trekking starts from the park headquarters with a registration and briefing of the trekkers about the dos and don’ts during the activity. After, you are directed to the gorilla group which you are trek and then follow the appointed ranger guide to the park rain forests in search of the mountain gorillas and once found, you will be allowed to spend some time in their presence as you enjoy their daily lifestyles feeding, grooming, playing and others. After, you will head back to the starting point where you will pick your certificates of recognition.
Rwenzori mountains national park
Also known as the Mountains of the moon, Rwenzori mountains national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after magical and ice glaciated Rwenzori mountains – the highest in Uganda and the third highest on the African continent. Located in the south western Uganda, Rwenzori ranges are among the best destinations for hiking experiences on the African continent aside Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania. It stretches over districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole and they stand at a height of 5,109 meters with Margherita on Mount Stanly as the highest summit.
There are different packages for the Rwenzori mountains from the 1 day to 9 days mountaineering hike. There are different routes used to hike to the summit of the mountains and among these include the Kilembe route, a privately-owned route and the central circuit route which is owned by the community or locals. All the routes offer amazing views of different features like lakes, rivers, beautiful plant life, waterfalls and glaciers.
Best time to visit the countries for a combined trip
Both Uganda and Rwanda can be visited all year round but the best season is in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December where there is less rainfall and sometimes no rain at all. During these months, the trails are always dry and unslippery thus making the movement and hiking experience a bit easier.
A sample itinerary of the combined Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Rwenzori Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes national park
Day 3: Gorilla trekking experience
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and cross to Uganda
Day 5: day 5 to 11 (hike Rwenzori mountains)
Day 12: Drive back to Kigali for departure flight.
In conclusion, combining mountain gorillas and Rwenzori hiking require a moderate level of physical fitness, so it’s important to be adequately prepared. Make sure to obtain the necessary permits for gorilla trekking in advance, as they have limited availability and are often booked several months in advance.
Read MoreHow to Save Big on Your Rwanda Safari
Saving money on a safari is one of the most challenging things most travelers often encounter. The cost of your Rwanda safari starts right from the moment you think about departing your home country till you fly back home after appreciating what Rwanda has to offer the world when it comes to nature. Yes, there is plenty to explore in the spectacular Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills but often, it comes at a cost to get there.
Rwanda positioned itself as a luxury safari destination with gorilla permits costing US$1500 per person. Despite this factor, there are several opportunities for travelers to save big on their Rwanda safaris. Here are some of the incredible tips on how to save big on your Rwanda safari.
Choose affordable destination to visit in Rwanda
When you talk about Rwanda safaris, the world has been to believe as if there is only one place to visit that is Volcanoes National Park which is visited for gorilla trekking tours. The fact is Rwanda has many other unique destinations to be visited and if you can’t do gorilla trek, you can combined it with visit to Uganda. Other than Volcanoes NP, the other available travel destination options in Rwanda include Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park –the excellent destinations for you to get up close with chimpanzees and many other primates.
Akagera National Park is such an incredible savanna park that is also worth visiting on Rwanda safaris. This is the only place in Rwanda where you can see the big 5 game species in a single habitat. Away from wildlife parks, tourists can also go for Kigali city tour to explore different historical sites including genocide memorial centers like Kigali memorial site.
Consider visiting Rwanda during the low/off season
Rwanda is an open destination to travelers all year round. While the dry season also most referred to as the peak season is the most desired period of the year to enjoy Rwanda safaris, it is possible to also visit the country during the wet or off season. It is during the off season/months when most accommodation cut down on their rates thus giving you opportunity to stay in a classic lodge at a price within your wallet size. On your travel calendar, the wet or off months of the year to consider are March, April, May and October, till November.
The dry season is most desired due to its favorable weather conditions, especially if you plan to go gorilla trekking, mountain climbing/volcano hiking. The disadvantage though is that it is a peak season and the demand for accommodation plus even gorilla permits/chimpanzee permits is high.
Book budget-friendly accommodation
Yes, Rwanda is a luxury destination, but do you know that there are also plenty of budget or midrange accommodation options to choose from? On Rwanda safari, visitors don’t book only luxury safari lodges, but also other available options. Every park or destination in Rwanda has budget-friendly lodges for instance Volcanoes National Park consists of comfortable lodges like Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Le Bambou Lodge, and others.
Contact the local tour operator
Planning a safari by yourself is possible but comes at a challenge, especially when it comes to finding affordable accommodation. This is why we recommend that you deal directly with the tour operator on the ground. The local tour operators have vast knowledge on the different tourism products and their rates.
Go for the activities that you can afford
On a Rwanda safari, there is more than gorilla trekking to be done. If you can’t afford a gorilla permit to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP, there are also other options including volcano hiking, Dian Fossey tomb hike, cultural visits, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, game drives, boat cruise, city tours, and many more.
Travel as a group
You can also save big on your Rwanda safari by traveling in a group. Group travel helps you share costs on a trip, especially on the car rental/transportation in Rwanda from your hotel to destinations. Sharing the trip cost is one of the best ways many travelers have managed to save much on their safaris not only to Rwanda but also in Uganda.
Read MoreHow to Organize a Gorilla trek in Rwanda?
Gorillas are the biggest attraction for tourist travelling to Rwanda. It is a big experience watching the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
In the dense jungles covering the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, located in central and East Africa, you we find the critically endangered mountain gorilla.
The exhilarating trek, in which you follow in the footsteps of the gorilla, the largest living primate on earth, starts in the foothills of the Virungas with stunning views in all directions
Upon entering the national park, the paths are littered with fresh spoor of the elusive buffalo and elephant, and trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with colorful birds and butterflies. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent Virunga peaks, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, are glimpsed in the distance.
Weaving through the forest the experienced trackers will soon bring you up close with a family of gorillas.
Once you have found them, you will stay observing them for one magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
From Rwanda’s capital city Kigali you would need to travel by bus to Ruhengeri, North of Rwanda, for about two hours. From there, gorilla permits can be arranged or alternatively acquire one from the conservation office at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
However, only approximately 56 gorilla permits are released per day, so you would be better booking in advance.
Charges for foreign non residents have increased to US$1500. For the whole of this year, Africans visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking are charged US$500 instead of US$1500 to trek the gorillas.
Most of the funds collected go towards the conservation of the gorillas and the preservation of their environment. You also need to pay a driver which is approximately $100 per day.
With the help of guides, this trek will allow you to get up close to these fascinating shy creatures and experience the magic of an encounter with one of our closest relatives.
Depending on your arrangements with the tour companies, you’ll be staying in comfortable accommodation on this three day tour and will also experience the life in rural areas of Rwanda, and highlights on Rwanda’s conservation policies among others.
To protect the gorillas from excessive disturbance the number of permits granted to see them is strictly limited, so if you would like to go on this tour please enquire sooner rather than later.
Rwanda’s gorilla conservation efforts have realized significant achievements. Currently, there are ten gorilla- groups which accommodate up to eight tourists each per day, a number that has almost doubled over the last five years.
Read MoreBest 5 Things to Do in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. This small country known as the land of a thousand hills, attracts millions of visitors from all over the world who visit the country all year round for gorilla trekking tours into the Volcanoes National Park (PNV), chimpanzee watching in Nyungwe Forest, wildlife game viewing and cultural tours. There is so much to see, from beautiful beaches at Lake kivu, to luscious tropical rainforests jungles, that it can be a hard task to decide where to go. Here are the top things to see in Rwanda, Africa!
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s most famous attraction. Gorillas are a star attraction that has attracted thousands of visitors to Rwanda. From celebrities to nobels, gorilla trekking is an adventure activity that has been undertaken for the last 30 years, and up to today, it is a rare experience that one should enjoy in Rwanda. On a gorilla trek in Rwanda, Visitors enjoy trekking through the dense tropical rainforest looking for the magnificient jungle giants that stole Dian Fossey’s heart and dedicated all her life to the jungles!
Kigali
No trip to Rwanda is complete without a visit to Kigali, a populous city in Rwanda that is not only the capital but also a place filled with attractions. Kigali boasts of a wealth of attractions, from incredible shopping, sight seeing, and of course the ommissible visit to its genocide memorial sites and cultural sites. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to this city, so be sure to create an itinerary of the things that you do want to see to avoid missing out.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is the best place to visit on a leisure holiday to Rwanda. Its beaches, that are not frequented by visitors have been kept natural, attractive and unspoilt, readily available for ecotourists to visit them. Lake Kivu is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Rwanda. In order to experience everything Kivu has to offer, you should go on a tour, or hire a four by four vehicle and drive around the island yourself. You can also immerse yourself in nature by camping under the stars.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This national park is one of the best places to visit in Rwanda, renowned for chimpanzee tracking. It is a unique nature reserve, which home to several primates that include chimpanzees and monkeys. The park is also home to interesting insects, amphibians, birds, and animals.
One of the best ways to experience any of the above attractions is to go on a guided tour through the forest or book a chimpanzee tracking safari in Rwanda. Guided tours will be able to conveniently transport you from one location to another, while experienced guides will be able to escort you around the best attractions each area has to offer.
Read MoreBooking a Gorilla Safari at Low Price!
There are many ways of encountering Mountain Gorillas at the cheapest means possible. Mountain Gorilla safaris are done in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. National Parks hosting Mountain Gorillas include:
- Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
- Virunga National Park – Democratic Republic of Congo
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda
In this article, let us asses the possible ways of going on a low priced gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo. What makes a cheap trip depends on the distance, the cost of gorilla permit, the price of accommodation, fair quotations from different tour operators among others.
Currently, Rwanda gorilla permit cost US$1500, Uganda at US$700 while DRC cost US$400 so, travelers at low budget can wisely choose Gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo to save big.
- Self-driving is another way of cutting the prices. Here, you just need to hire a car and then drive to the gorilla park. Self – drive saves driver cost.
- Book budget accommodation in case your budget is low. Budget accommodation charges pocket friendly prices compared to Mid-range and Luxury accommodation.
- Book a short trip – 1 day Gorilla tour in Rwanda, Uganda or DRC is ideal. Short trip saves the travelers from high cost of accommodation, car charges and so on.
- Travel in low season – low season results into low travelers turn up. During this period, accommodation cut off prices, tour operators offer pocket friendly prices and so on.
- Visit multiple parks – Rwanda offers discounted gorilla permits for travelers who visit more than one National Park and spend at least 2 nights in each park. While in Rwanda, target to visit Volcanoes National Park (Home of mountain Gorillas), add on a visit to Nyungwe National Park or Akagera National Park.
- Join scheduled gorilla tours – Some tour companies set scheduled gorilla trip for groups and once you confirm your slot, you are entitled to a cheap gorilla safari.
- Get other people to join – they can be relatives or friend to share transport cost and accommodation thus reducing safari costs.
- Trek Gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC is the cheapest destination as far as gorilla trekking is concerned. Currently, the cost of Gorilla permit in DRC is US$400 compared to that of Rwanda at US$1500 and Uganda at US$700.
- Use public transport to reach the gorilla parks – public transport seems to be cheaper than customized private transport. You just need to buy a gorilla permit and then use public transport to reach the gorilla park – trek Gorillas and leave the park.
Gorilla trekking is a life time event which every one should enjoy before death however; some people argue that the cost of gorilla permit is too high.
Read More
How To Spend 5 Days Safari In Rwanda
With only about 5 days in Rwanda, you are wondering whether there are exciting ways to explore the beauty of this small remarkable country. Make use of your limited time in this country to explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, see local handicrafts and try haggling at the busy Kimironko market during the legendary Kigali, indulge in a cultural experience by visiting Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, embark on a tour of Volcanoes National Park with options of trekking endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, enjoy a chimp trek and Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park. For our most selling 5 days in Rwanda package, we recommend spending your time to;
On the first day, you arrive in Rwanda early, where a Company Driver guide will be waiting to pick you up and drop you at the Hotel for meals (depending on the time of arrival). Explore the best of Rwanda’s Capital City (Kigali) and the spectacular countryside that surrounds it. Depending on the amount of time at your exposure, you try haggling at the Kimironko local market, take a tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, and craft market but these places are visited while paying attention to the time. This is because on this day you will proceed to Volcanoes National Park within the Northern Province while relishing views of the countryside and you will be there late in the evening for check-in.
Begin the second day with breakfast and preparation for the adventure of the day. This is followed by a registration and briefing process at the Kinigi Park Headquarters in anticipation of unforgettable experiences. Keep your backpack and other trekking gear on hand while exploring the jungles for mountain gorillas and in the afternoon you can opt to relax at the Lodge, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village or take a boat ride along the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.
On the third day, you will return back to the verdant and incredibly beautiful jungle, this time to track the endangered and frisky golden monkeys, and the pre-tracking process (briefing and registration) is similar to the one done the previous day. The morning begins as early as 6:00 am with breakfast then continues for a briefing by 7:00 am and so far two habituated troops occupy the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo. In the afternoon you are transferred to Lake Kivu shores for unwinding while enjoying views of the calm Lake as well as surrounding rolling hills.
The next day you continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where chimpanzees a trekked in addition to the canopy walk. This journey comes with a scenic drive while relishing views of the jaw-dropping countryside with terraced hills and views of the iconic Lake Kivu. In the afternoon you will already be in Nyungwe Forest National Park for a hot meal, cold shower and later have another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to exploring the breathtaking canopy walk where numerous species of primates, birds, and unique species of trees will be seen.
On the last day be up early for breakfast and another briefing/registration within Uwinka Reception Center then undertake the trek for Chimpanzees deep in their natural habitat. Once found, participants are provided one hour of observation and photography before continuing back to the Lodge. The thick Afro-montane forest makes chimp treks challenging but the playful and human-like traits of these creatures make treks worthwhile. Next, we drive back to Kigali City via the beautiful Royal Palace at Nyanza and Ethnographic Museum in Butare, if time allows. Note that this is just one of the ways how to spend 5 days safari in Rwanda.
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Guide To Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda
Camouflaged among the heavily forested and misty mountains of Rwanda, are the World’s most endangered Great Apes, threatened by habitat loss and other human factors. Mountain gorillas are one of the World’s most successful conservation stories and are so far the only primate species in the world with growing numbers, and Rwanda’s blossoming tourism industry has been centered on gorillas.
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an extraordinary opportunity and one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters you will ever experience in a lifetime. It is undeniably beautiful but also not an easy feat with several hours of maneuvering your way through the dense, muddy, and slippery African jungles but the moment you are already there to watch baby gorillas breastfeeding or playing, juveniles hanging on trees, and silverbacks sizing up, your life will never be the same again.
Interesting and emotional are the two main words used to describe the rare encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda
With more than half the World’s 1063 remaining mountain gorillas occupying the mountain slopes of Virunga Volcanoes of East and Central Africa-Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 35% of them are in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This Conservation Area is situated within the north-western corner of the country and has about 12 habituated gorilla groups. The number of visitors in each gorilla group is strictly limited to 8 persons; hence only 96 gorilla permits are available each day.
The Gorilla Groups in Volcanoes National Park include Karisimbi (Susa B), Susa A, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Agashya (Group 13), Umubano, Ugenda, Amahoro, Bwenge, Titus, and Pablo.
What to expect during gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Typical gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda begin early in the morning by assembling at Kinigi Headquarters in Volcanoes National Park by 7:00 am. This is done for registration and briefing from one of the Park rangers. Embark on the search for the allocated gorilla group, at about 8:30 am and take about 1-6 hours. Trekkers are required to return back to the Lodge by evening.
The duration and difficulty of trekking, personal interests as well as your level of physical fitness are some of the important factors in determining what gorilla group you will trek to. You don’t have to be a weight lifter or gym addict and super fit for gorilla trekking but instead, you need a reasonable level of fitness. The team of professional guides, armed rangers, and trackers will take you through the hiking trails in search of the allocated gorilla group. The forest trails can be muddy and slippery even during the drier months and sometimes humid under the forest canopy.
When you finally meet the mountain gorillas, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of spending up to one hour quietly observing and taking photographs in their natural habitat. Keep a few meters away from the gorillas as they go about their daily routine-interacting with one another, munching, resting, and grooming under the watchful gaze of huge silverbacks. Talk in low voices while watching the gorillas and sudden loud movements should be avoided.
Excitement is inevitable but try as much as possible to express it quietly. Maintain a 7-meter distance from the gorillas and avoid touching them under any circumstances. Much as they have been habituated to be accustomed to human presence, they are still wild animals. It is therefore important to keep in mind the guidelines issued by your guides during the briefing and while interacting with gorillas.
Rwanda Gorilla Permits
Trekking Rwanda Gorillas is strictly managed to protect the endangered Great Apes within their natural habitats as well as increasing their chances of blossoming. A permit is, therefore, a requirement for trekking gorillas within Volcanoes National Park. There are presently only 12 habituated gorilla groups open for trekking and only 8 visitors can visit each of them. This means permits are limited to only 96 each day.
These gorilla permits presently go for $1500 per person per trek (as of August 2021) and include Park entrance fees, expert trackers, armed rangers, and guides. This price doesn’t include hiring porters and tipping.
Age restrictions of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Trekkers of Rwanda gorillas have to be at least 15 years of age because of safety reasons. This also applies to gorilla safaris in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Important Things to pack for a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Enough preparation is an important factor to achieving an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda although overpacking is also disastrous. Our recommended packing list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda should include light and breathable safari pants, strong waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, warm clothing (sweater) for cold mornings and nights, gardening gloves, toiletries (bite relief cream, toothbrush, sun cream, toothpaste, lip balm, deodorants, and many others), a small backpack for carrying extra clothes, jacket, camera, drinking water, binoculars, snacks, and lunch box), reusable water bottle, a wide-brimmed hat, snacks, good non-flash camera with extra batteries and lenses, Multi-purpose travel adaptor, pair of binoculars, first aid kit and insect repellant.
Best Time to Track Gorillas in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda are trekked all year round yet the best time is usually during the dry season from June to September when the forest is less muddy and slippery much as it is also important to expect rains any time of the year.
The Months of April and May are always the wettest hence hiking trails tend to be muddy. Nonetheless, gorilla treks can still go on even during the rainy months, and treks are easier since gorillas usually climb higher up the mountains during the dry months and descend during the wet months. Wet months also offer the most beautiful backdrops and conditions for photography in Rwanda.
Places to stay when trekking Rwanda Gorillas
As far as trekking Rwanda Gorillas is concerned, we advise staying near Volcanoes National Park for easy connectivity to the Park Headquarters. Therefore, our selection for the best places to stay while trekking Rwanda Gorillas include Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Kinigi Guesthouse, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and many others.
How to Reach Volcanoes National Park
Flights are the main way to reach Rwanda via Kigali International Airport. On getting cleared with immigration at the Airport, you will be met by a representative of the Tour and Travel Company your gorilla safari was booked with. In this case, our professional safari driver will meet and drive to your place of stay. We advise that you spend a night/s within the City on the first day of your trip but if you arrive earlier, you can make your way straight to Volcanoes National Park. This amazing safari destination is only 65 miles from the Capital City and about 2-3 hours’ drive from the Airport.
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Guide to Renting a Car in Rwanda
Rental cars in Rwanda offer amazing opportunity for holidaymakers to indulge themselves into Rwanda’s magical wilderness area. Car hire services provide ultimate Rwanda experiences and visitors have variety to choose their best ride. Our fleet of rental cars in Rwanda range from budget Toyota Rav4, Mini Vans, Sedans, Super Customs, Land cruisers with and without rooftop tents to coaster buses for large group safaris.
We have the most affordable rental cars in Rwanda, full-serviced, comprehensively insured. They are also fitted with lots of amenities/facilities/features all aimed at making your Rwanda road trip memorable. Some of the features you will enjoy when you rent our cars range from air conditioners, CD player, FM radio to adequate space in the seats and at the boot for cargo.
Toyota Rav4
Looking for a comfortable budget ride? 4×4 Toyota Rav4 is the best recreational active vehicle anyone on budget tour in Rwanda should consider a must to hire. Rav4 rentals come in compact sizes which makes them the simplest to manage unlike others. They are suitable for solo travel, self-drive, city expeditions, business trips or conference. Hire our Toyota Rav4 and enjoy incredible features ranging from FM radio, air conditioner, adequate cargo and leg room, MP3/CD player.
Land Cruiser Prado
Rent our comfortable Land cruiser Prados- full time 4×4 drive that come in medium size with a capacity of 6pax. Hiring our 4×4 Land cruiser Prado lets you enjoy amazing features that come with it and these range from CD/MP3 player, air conditioner, FM radio and many more. We have a range of rental Land cruiser Prado rentals suitable for family tours, self-drive, airport transfers, conference and others. They come in various models ranging from Land cruiser TX, Land cruiser V8, Land cruiser LX or rent Land cruiser GX.
Safari Land cruiser
We have the best Safari Land cruiser with capacity of 7pax. Our Land cruiser rentals for safaris in Rwanda are suitable for camping, airport transfers, family tours, driver guided tours and others. The amenities to expect to cross in this particular rental car model include 2 spare tyre, air conditioner, inbuilt fridge, rooftop tent and MP3 or CD player.
Safari Mini Van
Rent Safari Mini Vans for all your Rwanda holiday safaris and you be left in regrets. We have comfortable Safari Mini Van rentals in their medium sizes and they are suitable for sightseeing in Rwanda. They are available with a carrying capacity of up to 9pax with adequate space, clean seats, air conditioner, FM radio. Other than sightseeing, our Minivans are also suitable for game viewing, family tours, picnics, group trips or camping.
Super Custom
Find the best Toyota Super Custom rental for all your safari holidays in Rwanda. Our Super Custom rentals are available and carry up to 6pax, fitted with incredible features that your road trip unforgettable. These range from CD/MP3 player, Sun roof, adjustable seats, air conditioner and they are suitable for city tours, guided tours, airport transfers or business tours.
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Patrol rental is comfortable and available with capacity of 4pax. It stands out of the many rental cars because of its ability to tackle all kinds of terrains, its adequate space and other features. We have the best Nissan Patrol for hire if you are interested in wildlife viewing, self-drive or driver guided tour.
Toyota Land cruiser TX
Enjoy a Rwanda holiday only using a full-time 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser TX. This is one of our classic Toyota Land cruiser rentals with capacity of 5pax. It is fitted with air conditioner and available in manual or automatic transmission.
Land cruiser V8 with rooftop tent
Land cruiser V8 with rooftop tent rental offers ultimate road trip in Rwanda. This is available with camping gear, 5 seats, unlimited mileage, diesel engine and manual transmission.
Land cruiser Hard Top Extended
A Rwanda road trip is enjoyable while in our full-time 4×4 Land cruiser Hard Top Extended rental. It is an ideal choice for game viewing in Akagera National Park Rwanda. It is fitted with amazing features such as mini-fridge, air conditioners.
Coaster buses
Small or large group safaris, we have you covered with our comfortable Coaster bus rentals. These are available with capacity range of 12 to 28pax all fitted with air conditioners, mini-fridge, clean and comfortable seats for you to have ultimate Rwanda road trip.
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