Where to see gorillas in Rwanda - Volcanoes National Park
Where to see gorillas in Rwanda, Imagine the day you join other nature lovers in the rugged terrain of the mountainous jungles of Volcanoes National Park for an exhilarating adventure of gorilla tracking.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, which is conveniently located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, just 2 hours drive from Kigali, the heart of the country. The voyage to the famous gorilla park takes you through an unending stretch of rolling hills, misty woodlands, and steep slopes of the Virunga ranges, thus providing an extraordinary.
Feel a lot of excitement at the long-awaited hour when you respectfully crouch under the forest canopy in a marginalized distance of 7 meters as you happily watch a group of the gentle giant apes, grooming, feeding, and playing while being led by a male silverback. With their breath hanging heavy just inches away, you may lose yourself in the gorillas’ graceful harmony of sounds, from their gentle grunts to their moist nibbles and the characteristic gnaw of their jaws, as they also study your moves and actions. The gorilla tracking adventure is a true highlight of adorable memories in the African wilderness.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga ranges covering five dormant volcanoes including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabinyo. The park is covered by a great variety of wildlife and ecosystems, mainly home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families readily available for daily tracking. This makes the park so popular, hence being referred to as one of the finest gorilla tracking destinations in the world. All treks in this park start with an early morning briefing at Kinigi Park Center. All trekkers are supposed to be there in time unless any hindrance is communicated before the briefing time. After the briefing, visitors are allocated to different gorilla groups depending on their fitness levels and requirements. Treks are led by armed rangers, and treks usually last from 30 minutes to six or seven hours. This time involves one festive hour you spend in the presence of the gorillas. This activity is a bit strenuous but equally rewarding, regardless of the family you are allocated.
Cost of gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
A gorilla permit is a legal requirement for one to be allowed to participate in the gorilla tracking excursion. In Rwanda, one must have a gorilla tracking permit that is obtained from Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the official body responsible for all tourism activities in Rwanda. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for non foreign residents, $500 for residents and $200 for Rwandan nationals and East African Citizens.
However, at times, Rwanda offers discounted gorilla permits in the low season. A discounted permit costs $1050. For one to qualify for a discounted gorilla permit, they must have proof that they are going to visit and spend two nights in other wildlife parks in Rwanda. They must provide proof of full payments for the two nights in either park, or one night in both parks. These parks are Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Attending important conferences and events may still get you an offer of a discounted gorilla permit.
How to book a gorilla permit in Rwanda
Booking a gorilla permit is highly recommended to be done three months prior to the tracking date. On the rarest occasions, you can get a last-minute permit, but never risk for this as it comes with a lot of challenges.
The safest and easiest way to obtain a gorilla permit to Volcanoes National Park is to deal with a trusted tour operator. This is because the process of acquiring the permit is a bit tedious. Tour operators are always on the ground and have quick access to RDB. Though you can also purchase the permit online, at times it may need physical representation, hence the need for a tour operator, and in this case, Active African Vacations, a trusted tour company that has connections to all East African countries(Rwanda inclusive), is the best solution.
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek And Bisoke Hiking
1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
2 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek And Bisoke Hiking
Who is allowed to go gorilla tracking in Rwanda?
Since gorillas are considered endangered and share 98% human DNA, one of the main recommendations for those who wish to engage in gorilla tracking is attaining the necessary age limit. Permits are only sold to persons of 15 years and above. This is because children below 15 are easily affected by respiratory diseases, which can easily be transmitted to the gorillas, yet treatment of these animals is not easy.
Tracking rules and regulations (guidelines)
Before heading out for the gorilla trekking activity in any gorilla park in Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, participants must report to their respective park center as indicated on their trekking permits. At the park center, they receive a safety briefing from the park officials. This briefing outlines the rules and regulations to be followed while in the park premises. The rules are the same in all gorilla parks and were designed to protect both the trekkers and the wild creatures. Some of these safety guidelines include,
Before trekking starts, the park authorities must first cross-check and verify your passport and gorilla permit to confirm your identity and eligibility for gorilla tracking. All treks must be conducted with the leadership of trained game rangers and guides. This helps to ensure the safety of both the trekkers and wildlife. Tourists with communicable diseases like flu, cough, and pneumonia are not allowed to trek for fear that they will spread the disease to these human cousins.
Since tracking involves hiking through varying terrain and altitude, and walking for hours, you need to be reasonably fit. Those who cannot walk long distances are assigned to the closest gorilla families upon request, and the elderly can hire sedan chairs so that porters can carry them to and from the gorilla family. Only eight people are allowed to visit a gorilla family a day. This helps to minimise disease transmissions and destruction of the gorillas’ daily behaviour.
Individuals suspected of having transmittable diseases are not allowed to travel. If you are found seriously ill, you will be refunded your permit money or given another chance to trek when you get better. Keep your mouth and nose covered with a mask, and if you want to cough or sneeze, turn away from the gorillas.
Listen attentively to the rangers as you trek to and when with the gorillas. Communicate in a low tone, a whisper, as loud noises frighten the gorillas. If bitten or stung by an insect, don’t shout; just inform the rangers or your co-trekkers to assist you.
Avoid clearing vegetation for easy views, you must position yourself correctly. Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking while with the gorillas. Leftover food should not be dropped as it may be poisonous to the animals, and left cigars can lead to fire outbreaks, hence the destruction of the habitat.
Avoid dressing up in brightly colored clothes because they may attract the gorilla’s attention to come closer to you. When gorillas try getting closer, don’t shout or run, just crouch down, stay calm, and avoid any other sudden movements; the gorilla will not harm you. When taking photos, avoid flashlights, limit your movements, and follow orders from your guide.
Volcanoes National Park covers the districts of Musanze, Bulera, Rubavu, and Nyabihu and is the central park for most travellers to Rwanda. This park is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and can be accessed by road and air transport.
Road transport can either be public or private. Publicly, you can take a bus from Kigali to Musanze. Since there is no public transport from Musanze to Kinigi, you need to hire a special vehicle or request other trekkers to join them as they drive to the park center.
Private transport is most convenient because it involves hiring a tour operator to transport you to and from the park at ease. Using private means, you can easily go for a one-day tracking from Kigali.
Using air transport, take a flight from Kigali International Airport to Musanze airstrip, which takes only 30 minutes. From here, connect to the park center using a vehicle.
As the gorilla parks lie in tropical and equatorial forests, the weather varies, leading to muddy and slippery terrain, thus the need for appropriate gear. Below is a list of items to pack as you prepare for gorilla trekking. These gears enable you to have an awesome experience.
- Gorilla tracking permits and passports: These documents are mainly required at the accommodation and park center before trekking and at the hotel for easy identification.
- Hiking boots: These should be of good quality and comfortable, not to hurt your ankles, and allow easy hiking through the muddy and slippery trails during the rainy season.
- Clothing: The following clothing are so essential for a gorilla safari: long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof jackets, sweaters, and long socks. For other activities outside gorilla tracking, pack light clothes like shorts, night pyjamas. A rain jacket and sweater are so helpful during the rainy weather and the cold evenings and mornings.
- Gloves: The gloves will protect your hands from being pinched by thorns when you hold tree branches as you trek through muddy and slippery trails.
- Other equipment to carry include hair ties and head bands that help you to tie your hair so that it does not get stuck into the small branches of the crippling plant stems you go through when trekking to the gorillas.
- Since the trekking activity takes longer hours, trekkers are advised to carry snacks, a packed lunch, and drinking water. These will help you to remain energetic and hydrated until the end of the activity.
- A walking stick is also essential to give you extra support, especially when hiking to higher altitudes during the trek.
- Trekkers are advised to hire porters to help them carry their small bags that contain their food and drinks. This will help the trekker not to get tired so easily and enjoy the activity. Porters are hired at $15 – $20, depending on the size of the pack.
- Cameras and binoculars are also necessary for photography and video coverage for the memory of the amazing gorilla tracking activity.
Accommodations to consider for your gorilla safari in Rwanda.
Most of the accommodations close to Volcanoes National Park are found in Musanze and are close to the park headquarters. These are categorized into luxury, mid-range, and budget facilities. Your choice depends on your budget.
Luxury accommodations
One and only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge: Is conveniently located at the foothills of the Virunga ranges with 21 elegant and spacious guest rooms. Services provided include free parking space, free WI-FI, sauna, fitness gym, luxurious swimming pool, well-stocked bar and restaurant, a spa, and airport transfers.
Bisate Lodge: Is a lavish sanctuary with a unique cultural design located at the southern border of the park. It’s just a 20-minute drive to the park center. Services offered include cozy first-class accommodation with well-facilitated rooms, fine dining style, open fireplaces, massage, and outdoor experiences like gorilla trekking, birding safaris, and cultural experiences.
Sabinyo Silverback Lodge: located close to the gate of Volcanoes National Park. comprises six cottages, family suites, and one family cottage. Provides a large sitting area, fireplaces, stylish en suite bathrooms, sheltered verandas, excellent dining facilities, and the best warm water supply. Other high-end accommodations include Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Go Lux lodge, and Virunga Inn Resort Hotel & Spa.
Mid-range accommodations
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel: It is located on the road heading to Kinigi the park center. It comprises 9 deluxe bedrooms,3 standard rooms, a family suite, and a honeymoon cottage. Additional services are a homey restaurant, pool, beautiful gardens and hospitable attendants.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge: Offers comfortable single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms all decorated with a natural blend of Rwandan art. Additional services include free Wi-Fi, a relaxation bar, and a fine dining setting with local and international dishes. This lodge provides quick access to the park center.
Sambora Kinigi Lodge: Is a 3-star accommodation located close to Ib’yiwachu cultural center. It has 5 comfortable, well-equipped, and self-contained rooms with well-furnished wooden beds. Additional services include a dining area with all meals of the visitor’s choice, served by hospitable attendants. A well-stocked bar, free parking space, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and airport pickups and drop-offs. Other mid-range hotels include Amikus Hotel, Fravan Eco Resort, Eagle View Lodge, Garr Hotel, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, Best View Hotel, and many others.
Budget accommodations
Hotel Muhabura: Is a budget facility with 30 rooms at a reasonable price. It has single, double, and twin rooms with private balconies that provide clear views of the Virunga ranges. This hotel has a special room that was used by Dian Fossey. More services here are a dining, a bar with all sot drinks, beers, and wines. Conference facilities are available, and children have a play area.
Kinigi Guest House: Is a popular, friendly accommodation located close to Kinigi park center. It has 20 comfortable rooms that can accommodate 40 people per night, dormitories that can accommodate 16 people, organised dining options, hot and cold-water supply, provides gorilla trekking services, Free parking, internet, bar, and lounge.
Other budget facilities in Volcanoes National Park include La Palme Hotel, Amahoro Guest House, Fatima Kinigi Hotel, Faraja Hotel Musanze, Red Rocks Rwanda Campsite, Villa Gorilla Hotel, etc…
