Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

A guide to gorilla safaris in Rwanda, best time to go, gorilla trekking safaris, the best companies for gorilla tours in Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda gives you one of the greatest wildlife experiences as it leads you into intimate experience with mountain gorillas, listed by IUCN among highly endangered species. The iconic mammals are a symbol of the great diversity on this continent but also of successful conservation efforts.

There are less than 1000 mountain gorillas on our planet. So to trek and go meet them in their natural habitat, cannot be described with ease—it is a priviledge of a lifetime that will leave all whose make this journey remember it forever.
Uganda is fortunate to be one of the few countries that has Gorilla Treks with so many habituated gorillas which are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The other best location for this is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which forms part of the Virunga Massif. As a result, this post will walk you through all things gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: when is the best time to go, what does it cost and how do you have prepare for one of their most unforgettable adventures.

When is the Best Time To Go For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

While it’s possible to spot gorillas year-round in both Uganda and Rwanda, some months give you better chances. The ideal season to visit would be the dry seasons which are June-September and also December – February.

These periods contain less mud, chances of rain are reduced and backpackers experience a more delightful walk.

The dry seasons are also the best time to visit for tourists, which means permits often sell-out. If you would rather less of a crowd, the green seasons (March to May & October and November) are also possible times. The trails however are a lot more slippery and less maintained, the rainforest is at its peak in all greenery vibes possible and there will be much fewer tourists.

How To Get A Gorilla Trekking Permit To Uganda & Rwanda Plus Visas

The most important step of your adventure is to secure a gorilla trekking permit. Permits are restricted to minimize the impact on gorillas and their habitat, so it advised that you book yours earlier. For Uganda, they can get the same gorilla trekking permit at $800 per person unlike in Rwanda where shall have to fork out as much as $1500. All of these fees that go directly to help the conservation efforts and local projects.

You will also need visas to enter Uganda and Rwanda. Each country has set up a website and you can do everything through an online visa processing. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date on which you plan to leave, and that you carry proof of a yellow fever vaccination (required for entry).

What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Even the term “Gorilla Trekking” conveys a strenuous discovery expedition. Gorilla trekking starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters where you will be allocated together to small groups and specific gorilla families. On the ground you might hike anywhere between 1 to 6 hours (based on how far away the gorilla group that was assigned your permit is/how difficult and thickets terrain).

The trek will lead you to lush rain forest, and steep mountain slopes before bringing you face-to-face with an entire gorilla family. This is your opportunity to observe these majestic animals living their lives, spending an hour feeding, playing having a rest and interacting with other individuals The experience is as humbling as it all at once exhilarating and provides a unique window into the lives of our closest animal kin.

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park Cost

A permit to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda ‘s Volcanoes National Park will cost you $1,500 per person. This fee covers your entry to the park, expert trackers and an hour with the gorillas. Although the price is almost twice the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda, money that plays an important role to conserve gorillas and helps local communities. Other things you may have to spend on, in addition of the permit itself are accommodation, travel and tips for guides & porters. The price for a 3-day gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda (mid-range with transportation) can vary between $2,920 – $3,650 per person.

How is Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Like?

Trekking through Volcanoes National Park offers an adventure under misty bamboo canopies and within dense, verdant forests. Home to around six hundred mountain gorillas, the park is part of the towering Virunga Massif. While the winding, sometimes muddy trails demand physical fortitude, encountering a gorilla clan in their untamed realm is a reward beyond compare.

An introductory meeting at the headquarters in Kinigi outlines expectations for the journey into the woodlands. Safety guidelines and fascinating facts about the gorillas are shared. Venturing forth with an experienced guide and porter, the group navigates intricate paths through the greenery. With patience and stealth, the gorillas may be found. Only a small band of visitors is permitted with each family group, for intimate glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural surrounds.

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Preparation is key to ensuring a successful and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Months in advance, acquire the required permits and visas allowing entry into the national park. Physically and mentally fortify yourself for the hike through cardiovascular training, strength building exercises, and understanding the trek’s challenges will be compensated by rewarding encounters. Pack thoroughly for every situation the mountainous terrain may bring. Durable boots and layers appropriate for fluctuating temperatures are imperative. Nutritious foods and ample water should also be carried. Supplementary items include a camera, binoculars, and field guides for identifying the area’s abundant flora and fauna. At an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, Volcanoes National Park’s oxygen is scarce. Give your body time to acclimate before undertaking the strenuous trek. Monitor how altitude affects you and adjust exertion accordingly. Medical help is distant in the steep volcanic foothills, so prepare fully to minimize risks. With diligent planning and preparation, the unique experience of a gorilla family encounter can be achieved and remembered forever.

What to Pack and Wear for Gorilla Trekking in the Dense Rainforest

The varied terrain and unpredictable weather demands carefully considering one’s attire for trekking to spot the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Light, breathable fabrics that blend into lush greenery are ideal. Long sleeves and pants protect against brambles while permitting free movement through thick vegetation. Both waterproof jackets and pants prove indispensable against torrential tropical downpours. For maintaining sure-footedness on slippery slopes and uneven ground covered by gnarled roots and loose rocks, sturdy hiking boots with strong ankle support rank high among essential equipment. Gaiters further fortify boots in keeping mud and debris out. Additional necessities incorporate a sun-protective hat, insect repellent applied generously to all exposed skin, a nourishing snack stash and water supply carried comfortably in a lightweight pack, and gloves for gripping vegetation when navigating intricate pathways in the lush junglescape.

Do's and Don'ts for Gorilla Trekking

When trekking to see mountain gorillas, it is crucial to obey the guidelines set forth by park authorities to ensure both the safety of oneself and well-being of the magnificent gorillas.

DO

– Remain at least seven meters (roughly twenty-three feet) from the gorillas at all times. While they may appear docile, one must remember that they are still wild animals.

– Heed your guide’s every instruction without hesitation. They have extensive experience in this delicate environment.

– Speak in hushed tones and refrain from any sudden gesticulations. Loud noises and erratic movements could cause distress.

– Silently capture memories with your camera’s flash disabled. The gorillas are comfortable in the tranquility of soft forest light.

– Don a facial covering if your guide mandates it for health precautions.

DONT

– Under any circumstances make physical contact with the gorillas. Maintain a respectful distance.

– Consume food or beverages around the gorillas. Carry your provisions out of the reserve.

– Leave refuse strewn about the protected parklands. Pack out what you pack in.

– Engage in behavior perceived as threatening, such as prolonged eye contact, which they may interpret as a challenge or sign of aggression.

Photography and Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda

Capturing up-close images of majestic mountain gorillas amid the dense foliage of the rainforest requires having the proper photography equipment. A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens ranging from 70-200mm will allow you to capture sharp portraits from a safe distance while respecting the gorillas’ space. For low-light scenes deep in the jungle interior, a wide-aperture prime lens around f/2.8 excels at enabling sharp handheld photography.

Don’t neglect to pack extra fully-charged batteries and high-capacity memory cards, as the humid climate can quickly drain battery life. An entirely waterproof camera bag is a necessity to protect delicate camera gear from the rain that frequently falls in the volcanic highlands. While the opportunity to observe gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, try also to simply observe their interactions and behaviors with an unplugged mind, living fully in the moment instead of through a lens.

Hiring A Porter

Hiring a Porter Porters are recommended and make the trek much easier on you. Porters Innca Trail local people well known with the surrounding that includes backpack assistance, helping in case of difficult interest and all kind sporterg.tplacement needed Porters generally cost -$10-$20 each and this money is an extra help to local families supporting their kids (and you then). Tipping is also well-received at the end of your trek to show that you appreciate all his hard work.

Observing the Gorillas

When you find the gorillas as a family, your time with them is one hour. You can even take photos and videos (do not use flash), but its also a moment to be in the present with these creatures living their daily life. The gorillas are mostly habituated to seeing humans thanks to years of careful means, your guide will give you specific communication signals and cues that all the time should be followed as it makes a safe shine journey for both human being and apes.

Other Activities Besides Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

While following the mountain gorillas through the dense forests is a highlight of any visit to Rwanda, there are several other noteworthy activities available in and around Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to encountering the rare golden monkeys bounding through the bamboo, one can immerse themselves in the legacy of Dian Fossey at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Delving into her pioneering work is a contemplative way to pay respects at her final resting place, located at the top of a lung-busting hike.

Cultural Experience

For a cultural encounter unlike any other, the remote Iby’iwacu Cultural Village transports visitors back in time with traditional Rwandan music, dance, and customs still practiced today. Those seeking scenic vistas can traverse the rugged trails winding through the Virunga Mountains, rewarded with expansive views of twisting valleys and the opportunity to spot other members of the area’s unique plant and animal communities.

Accommodation Options When Tracking Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Visitors to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park seeking to track mountain gorillas have an assortment of lodgings from which to select, whether preference be for luxury or thrift. Among the superior choices:

Bisate Lodge, an extravagant resort with stunning views of the smoldering Virunga Mountains, impeccable service, and lavish amenities unmatched elsewhere in the area.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, positioned conveniently near the park entrance for easy access to trails, provides comfortable quarters and vistas of natural splendor for the affordable cost.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers a moderately-priced alternative that still grants pleasant lodging and scenic panoramas, an ideal selection for travelers wishing to witness magnificent primates in their highland abode without exorbitant rates.

Regardless of where one decides to rest, the majority of hotels and resorts in the vicinity furnish simple transportation to the reserve boundaries and organize extra activities such as cultural excursions and guided safaris to enhance the experience of observing rare gorillas in their verdant high-altitude domain.