Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holidays from Spain

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holidays from Spain

Embarking on a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Spain is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Africa. If you’re based in Spain—whether in Madrid, Barcelona, or any of the 17 autonomous regions—planning your adventure to Rwanda can be both exciting and straightforward. Below, you’ll find essential guidelines to help you create a memorable journey to the land of a thousand hills, where breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality await.

Discovering Rwanda: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Rwanda, renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, boasts four national parks:

• Volcanoes National Park: Home to the magnificent mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
• Akagera National Park: A haven for the Big Five.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park: Where chimpanzees and other primates thrive.
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park: A new addition to Rwanda’s parks, featuring both chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

This diversity makes Rwanda an ideal destination for gorilla trekking and safari holidays.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Holiday

Before booking your adventure, consider these important factors:

• Choosing a Tour Operator: Decide whether to go with a local tour operator or plan your trip independently. Trusted operators can streamline your experience and provide valuable insights.
• Gorilla Trekking Options: Explore various trekking options and packages that fit your schedule and interests.
• Best Time to Visit: Understanding the best times to go will enhance your experience.
• Must-Visit Locations: Identify the key parks and areas you’d like to include in your itinerary.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest region. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, surrounded by lush montane forests. Each day, only eight visitors are allowed to track a specific gorilla group.

The experience begins at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices, where you’ll arrive at 7 AM for a briefing about the trek and essential guidelines to follow. Afterward, you’ll be assigned a gorilla group and guided by an armed ranger into the forest. The trek can last anywhere from a few minutes to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find the group, you’ll enjoy an hour in their presence, adhering closely to the guidelines provided during the briefing to ensure the safety of both you and the gorillas.

Experiencing Rwanda Beyond Gorilla Trekking

If you’re looking to explore wildlife beyond gorillas, consider a safari at Akagera National Park. As Rwanda’s only game park, Akagera offers a chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. Located in the eastern region, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and lions.

Established in 1934, Akagera features diverse landscapes of savannah, montane areas, and swamps, making it a rich ecosystem for both wildlife and birdwatching. With around 480 bird species, it’s a paradise for bird lovers as well.

Popular Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Packages

Here are some of the most sought-after packages for your Rwanda adventure:

• 2-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
• 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Securing Your Gorilla Permit

The first step in planning your Rwanda gorilla trekking holiday is to secure your gorilla permit through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This permit confirms your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park on your chosen date.

Once you’ve finalized your travel dates, reach out to us via email. We’ll check the availability of permits with the RDB. If permits are available, we’ll notify you and send an invoice for payment. After we receive your payment, we will promptly purchase your permits and provide you with a scanned copy for your records. This confirmation ensures your spot for an incredible experience with the mountain gorillas. After securing your permit, we will also handle the booking of all other services needed for your holiday.

Cost of a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are priced as follows:

• $1,500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

Each permit grants you a one-hour encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With 12 gorilla families, a total of 96 permits are available each day, so early booking is advisable.

You can purchase permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator like us, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.

Pricing Your Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holiday from Spain

When budgeting for your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure, remember that the cost of the permit is just one component. In addition to the $1,500 for the gorilla permit, you will also need to account for transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. For example, our all-inclusive 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour starts at $2,375 per person based on double occupancy. Contact us for more information about various packages and pricing options tailored to your needs.

Best Time to Book Your Trip

The best times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is generally mild, making for easier trekking conditions as vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility and great photographic opportunities.

Though trekking is possible year-round, the wet months of April, May, and November bring challenges with taller vegetation. However, shorter treks may be more likely during this time since the gorillas don’t venture far for food. Regardless of the season, you have a 99% chance of spotting these incredible creatures due to well-organized treks.

Accommodation Options for Your Safari Holiday

Lodging near Volcanoes National Park ranges from budget to luxury.

Luxury options include:

• Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
• Bisate Lodge
• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Hotel
• Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge
  Prices range from $300 to $1,000 per person per night.

Mid-range lodges consist of:

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
• Davinci Lodge

For those on a budget, options include:

• Kinigi Hotel
• Hotel Muhabura
• Gorilla Solution Lodge
• Villa Gorilla
• Virunga Hotel
• Faraji Hotel
• La Palme Hotel or Home Inn

In Akagera National Park, popular lodges include Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Camp, with prices between $200 and $300 per person per night.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible by road. The drive from Kigali takes about 2-3 hours, providing scenic views of Rwanda’s famed “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Your driver-guide will meet you for a brief orientation before setting off, offering opportunities for stops along the way to capture stunning photographs.

Additional Activities on Your Safari Holiday

While gorilla trekking is a highlight, there are other enriching experiences to consider during your stay:

Golden Monkey Tracking

Another exciting option is golden monkey tracking, also in Volcanoes National Park. With two habituated golden monkey communities, this experience allows you to observe these rare creatures. Permits for golden monkey tracking are priced at $100 per person.

Visiting Dian Fossey’s Tomb

A visit to the Dian Fossey Tomb is one of the most cherished activities in Volcanoes National Park. This remarkable journey involves a one-hour hike from the Karisoke Research Camp to the final resting place of the renowned primatologist and conservationist. Dian Fossey dedicated her life to protecting the endangered mountain gorillas and raising awareness within the local communities about their conservation. Tragically, she was killed by alleged poachers, and a memorial was established in her honor. Fossey is also well-known for her role in the film Gorillas in the Mist.

The hike itself covers a scenic trail at an elevation of approximately 2,500 to 3,000 meters, leading you to her tomb, where you can reflect on her legacy and commitment to gorilla conservation. This experience not only celebrates her life but also emphasizes the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitat.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience

Rwanda boasts a rich cultural heritage that is truly captivating, especially when visiting Volcanoes National Park. Experience the vibrant traditions of the Rwandan people by exploring the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Once inhabitants of the forest, the locals were evacuated to form this village, allowing you to engage with their history and lifestyle.

During your visit, you’ll interact with local people, sharing in their heritage and traditions. This includes learning about their daily activities, traditional dances, and unique artifacts. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers an immersive glimpse into the lives of the Rwandan people, making it an unforgettable part of your journey.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park

In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers exciting chimpanzee tracking experiences in Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. These excursions allow you to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat, providing a fascinating insight into their behavior and social structures.

Game Viewing in Akagera National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, Akagera National Park is a must-visit destination in Rwanda. This park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo—offering some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in East Africa. A game drive through Akagera is a thrilling experience, where you can witness the diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity of the park.

Boat Excursions on Lake Kivu

Rwanda’s stunning landscapes include beautiful lakes and rivers, with Lake Kivu being one of the most prominent. Enjoy a range of activities on the lake, from relaxing boat cruises to swimming and hiking along its shores. Don’t miss the chance to explore Nyamirundi Island or visit the Imbabazi Orphanage, where you can engage in meaningful community interactions. Water sports, windsurfing, and other activities make Lake Kivu a perfect spot for adventure seekers.

Mountain Hiking Adventures

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a hiker’s paradise. The Volcanoes National Park features five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there are trails suitable for all levels of adventurers.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Rwandan Adventure?

When planning your gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Spain, Trek Africa Expeditions is your ideal partner. We specialize in creating personalized primate safari experiences in Rwanda, ensuring your trip is tailored to your preferences. Our dedicated team of professional tour consultants responds to inquiries within 20 minutes, helping you design the perfect travel itinerary.

We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, booking all your services in advance to ensure a seamless experience. Our knowledgeable safari guides cater to various language preferences, providing insights and making your adventure even more enriching.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking and safari holiday in Rwanda!