How long does gorilla trekking take in Volcanoes National Park

How long does gorilla trekking take in Volcanoes National Park? The length of the trip and the degree of difficulty vary, depending on where the gorilla family is gathering on the day of your visit. The briefing starts at 7:00 am at Kinigi Park headquarters, where you are split up according to the trekking group you are with. Based on their age and degree of physical fitness, the trekkers are split up into groups. The average end times for an easy or shorter trek are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. for a medium walk and 5 p.m. for a strenuous hike. Once you have met the gorillas, you are permitted to spend no more than an hour with them.

Trekking often involves elevations of 2000 meters above sea level. For this reason, Rwandan gorillas are mountain gorillas rather than lowland gorillas. A team of trackers keeps tabs on the gorillas’ whereabouts every day. Therefore, there is an almost 100% chance of being sighted. Rwanda cannot afford tourists to complain after spending USD 1500 on a trek, so if you are extremely unlucky and do not see any gorillas, you are permitted to go again (for free) the following day

Best time to visit volcanoes national park

While Volcanoes National Park is accessible year-round, some weather conditions should be avoided to observe endangered mountain gorillas. The majority of travelers favor arid months due to the absence of slippery pathways and enhanced accessibility.

Arid season

The dry season occurs from June to mid-September and again from December to February, making it the optimal period to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and canopy walks, as the routes are dry, non-slippery, and easily accessible. Due to the tropical rainforest of Volcanoes National Park, it is advisable to carry a jacket in the event of rain.

How long does gorilla trekking take in Volcanoes National Park

Hiking in Volcanoes National Park is far more manageable during the dry season, and wildlife observation is optimal as most animals congregate near water sources to hydrate, increasing the likelihood of encountering them in a concentrated area.

Rainy season

The wet season at Volcanoes National Park occurs from March to May and again from October to November, coinciding with Rwanda’s rainy months. However, this does not imply that it will rain daily during your safari; when it does rain in Rwanda, it often lasts only a few hours, with sunshine prevailing for the remainder of the day, unlike several countries in West Africa. For those interested in birdwatching, this is the optimal time to visit Virunga National Park, as the flowering plants during this season attract various bird species.