In early 2017 the Rwandan government doubled the cost of gorilla trekking permits from $750 to $1,500 in a move which initially proved to be controversial and was met with dismay within the tourism sector. However, the move was part of an attempt to provide greater benefit to the local economy, while limiting the amount of tourism into the region. Parc National De Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) – part home to Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains and possibly the best place in the world for mountain gorilla trekking – is Africa’s oldest park and as such makes for an extraordinary experience.
The park homes endangered mountain gorillas which are only found in three countries including Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo. Chances of sighting mountain gorillas in this park are absolutely high since the trekking of gorilla families Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in this park involves hiking and getting through lush bamboo forests and steep slopes. Some of the passionate visitors will go ahead and do what is commonly known as “double trekking” by getting through the Ugandan boarder for the same purpose.
Beckoning to the seasoned traveler, Mozambique’s remote islands, and untamed national parks offer the perfect combination for a beach and bush safari. Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala/Entebbe via masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive. And it means that the experts need to limit the number of interfaces of the gorillas with people. This is also important as one of the biggest threats to the gorillas’ survival is a disease.
For example, you may stay in comfortable less expensive lodges or camp alternatively. The best time to visit both destinations during your safari is thus in the dry seasons. Moreover, the country is generally safe for travel, thus a danger-free destination for your safari. Kigali City especially is safe and clean, with very friendly local people to visit on your safari trip.
From here your guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours. Luxury and VIP Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is best during the start and end of high season to avoid crowds and competition for the gorilla trekking permits, with this it is good to book during the months of March to May and November.
These areas have some of the best accommodation facilities among st other African wildernesses. An upmarket spice to your adventure will make it more enjoyable to you. In Uganda, scheduled or chartered flights are used to cut down the 9 hours road distance to only a maximum of two. For those that prefer travelling by road, customized safari land cruisers are organized for your trips. All these are put in place to ensure you get extreme comfort from the time you land in the country till your departure.
Although mountain gorillas are visited throughout the year, the best time to enjoy the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience is the dry season between June to September and December to February. Mountain gorillas live at high altitude in rugged montane rainforests which can be so difficult to trek in wet season through due to slippery and muddy conditions caused by heavy rains. Gorillas tend to be very difficult to find in rainy days since they tend to stay at one place for a long time whereas they roam freely in their habitat during warm days hence very easy to find. However, regardless of the season, travellers who want to trek gorillas are always encouraged to pack important gear like rain jackets and hiking boots since it may rain anytime in these gorilla trekking parks. Gorilla trekking is considered to be one of the best wildlife experiences in the world by many travellers that have taken on the encounter in the montane rainforests of east and central Africa.
Sitting on your room balcony with a cup of tea watching reveals another beauty of the mountains. A sunset boat cruise in Akagera Park may be a good way to urge a novel perspective on the wildlife there. You’ll cruise up close (but not too close!) to hippos and crocodiles, spot baboons settling sure the night within the trees around the lake, and see an abundance of aquatic birds nesting on the shore. Contact our expert Travel Specialists who can create a tailor-made itinerary around gorilla and monkey trekking in Rwanda, for an African safari like no other.
Together we fully customize the tour to your personal preferences, wishes and budget. Our team of friendly and service-minded Tour Consultants is available in Europe and Africa to assist you making a personalized tailor-made travel proposal and to answer all questions you might have. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence. We are so much proud to be part of the tour and travel associations below. Our Rwanda tours combine well with our private tours in nearby Kenya and Tanzania.
Spend time observing the gorilla family up close, watching them climb, play, nap and eat. After, you may enjoy an afternoon guided bird walk or watch the vivacious Intore Dancers. Since 2018, mountain gorillas are no longer an endangered species as their numbers surpassed 1000. A big thanks to all the people that trekked gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo.
Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites. This 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kigali is best for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. On this 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla tour you visit Volcanoes National Park which is home to about 400 mountain Gorillas. Mountain gorillas in Rwanda are all fully habituated and open to Rwanda Trekking Gorilla within their natural habitat. Rwanda’s gorillas are the easiest to trek as they live on the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes and live within an easily reachable range.
Use our Africa Safari Travel Guide to make it the best it can be as you connect with one of Zicasso’s safari experts for access to off-the-grid preserves, the best big game experiences, and so much more. After a last indulgent breakfast, you’ll be brought to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda are found in the Volcanoes National Park that is in the northwestern part of the country, stretching on a total land area of 160 square kilometers and encounters the large rainforest in the Virunga Mountains.
Private Rwanda tours
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