There is no better way to meet face to face with the mountain gorillas than opting for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, in Volcanoes National Park. In this park, experienced ranger guides take travellers through the jungle to explore some of its outstanding attractions.
Covering a significant area of north-western Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one of the four only places in Africa where mountain gorillas can be tracked. This remote and wild protected area offers one of the most unforgettable experiences of meeting face to face with the mountain gorillas, in their natural habitat.
Taking a trip to Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable way to start your journey into discovering the life and behavior of mountain gorillas as they go about their activities. For a total of 12 habituated gorilla families, 96 permits are issued each day by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) hence guaranteeing one hour with the mountain gorillas in their home.
For the price of permits, you will need to part with US $1,500 per person to acquire one of these permits and you can either book via a trusted tour operator or through RDB, directly.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Just 3-hour drive, from Kigali city – the capital of Rwanda, leads primate lovers to one of the remarkable places to spend time with Sabyinyo, Igisha, Bwenge, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Agashya, Ugenda, Umubano, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Susa and Muhoza as they go about different mountain gorilla activities. Many visitors will agree that having the opportunity to get up-close to the huge, intimidating but calm gentle apes is an unmatched signature experience.
For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, a whole day is set aside to explore the natural beauty of Volcanoes National Park, starting with a briefing at the park headquarters. Visitors are then allocated to any of the gorilla families to begin guided hikes through any of the trails that wind through areas that are deep in the forest. These trails reward visitors with unmatched views of Virunga Volcanoes as well as unique flora and fauna along the way.
After going through 1-6 hours of searching for the mountain gorillas, you will have one hour to watch and photograph the giant apes, as they go about their daily routines. These range from playing, resting, foraging, copulating to nursing their babies.
For the things you might need for the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, never forget a long-sleeved shirt, safari pants, wide-brimmed hat, hiking boots, sunglasses, a good camera, and lightweight rain jacket. A pair of binoculars, toiletries – especially toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, face towel, sanitary towels, hand sanitizer, and hair comb, are also important. Don’t forget cotton socks, first aid kits, insect repellants, and warm sweaters for the cold mornings and evenings.
You will also need to consider knowing the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking.