Rwanda gorilla trekking safari 2022; Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary activity in Rwanda which involves moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorilla families and once found spend one hour with them in their environment. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze village. Volcanoes national park is a home of about 11 habituated mountain gorilla families which are available to trekking daily. Apart from Rwanda gorilla trekking is also done in other countries like Democratic Republic of Congo where it’s done in Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park and Uganda where it’s done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.

Rwanda gorilla trekking experience

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing at Kinigi Park headquarters about the rules, regulations and expectations. After the briefing you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with different gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view different primate species, mammals, birds among others and when the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their habits, lifestyle, behaviors, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, rest, take photos and record videos.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal card or document that is issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes national park. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities. The amount includes the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas, entry fees, and services of a park guide, security during trekking and a certificate that is provided after the trekking experience.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park can either be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board by contacting the head offices via email or telephone calls. A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through a tour operator, you will contact us with the dates when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda should however be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and get sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February, therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments you are advised to book in advance.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the national park receives less rainfall therefore vegetation will be thin which gives you an opportunity to view the mountain gorillas clearly and also the gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the rainy season when the trails are wet, muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.

What to carry for your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in 2022

There are a number of items to carry when going for your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in 2022 including long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, a camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos, a pair of binoculars, energy snacks and drinking water, a backpack to carry your trekking items among others.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari

There are a wide range of accommodation facilities in Volcanoes national park where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari in 2022. The accommodations range from luxury, midrange and budget including Ruzizi Tented Camp, Kinigi Guesthouse, Gorillas Nest Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Karenge Bush Camp, La Palme Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Garr Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Best View Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge among others.

How to get to Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is located in northwestern part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means where by you will fly to Kigali international airport and then drive to the park headquarters which takes about 2 to 3 hours’ drive.

For more information about Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in 2022, you can reach out to us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable gorilla trekking packages.