Booking a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda from Kenya

Booking a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda from Kenya

Are you a traveler on a Kenya safari and looking to book a memorable gorilla safari in Rwanda? Whether you’re in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Malindi, Eldoret, or any other major town in Kenya, a mountain gorilla safari in Rwanda is an experience you won’t want to miss. Located in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda is home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.

Exploring Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc des Volcans (in French) or Pariki Yigihugu y’ibirunga (in Kinyarwanda), is situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda, near the town of Musanze. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes five stunning, dormant volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke. It’s renowned not only for its incredible biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys but also for its rich cultural heritage. A visit here offers more than just trekking—it’s a chance to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and Rwandan tradition.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available?

Booking a gorilla safari from Kenya to Rwanda is simple, but it’s essential to plan ahead as permits are limited. Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families that can be visited each day, with a maximum of 8 visitors allowed per family. This means there are only 80 permits available daily for gorilla trekking. The chances of spotting the gorillas are 99%, and you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides, trackers, and park rangers to ensure your safety and maximize your experience.

Trekking begins every day at 7:00 AM in Kinigi, with a briefing on the guidelines for your trek. Despite their 98% genetic similarity to humans, gorillas remain wild animals, so it’s important to follow the rules set by the guides. The trek itself can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find them, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their peaceful behavior—watching them feed, play, and interact.

Gorilla Permit Costs for Travelers from Kenya

To trek the mountain gorillas, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit, which costs USD 1,500 per person. This price applies to all travelers, including those coming from Kenya. Booking your gorilla trek through Trek Africa Expeditions guarantees you an affordable, seamless, and unforgettable experience. Let us help you plan your Rwanda gorilla safari with ease.

How Long Is the Gorilla Trekking Experience?

The length of the gorilla trek varies. It could take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located in the forest. The trek involves hiking through steep slopes, dense vegetation, and sometimes slippery conditions, particularly after rain. You’ll also be at a high altitude, so it’s important to be physically prepared. We recommend allowing at least 2-3 days for your gorilla safari in Rwanda from Kenya to ensure you have enough time to explore and enjoy the full experience.

How to Book Gorilla Safari Permits in Rwanda from Kenya

Booking your gorilla safari permits from Kenya is simple with Trek Africa Expeditions. Just get in touch with us to discuss your travel dates and desired trekking experience. We’ll check availability on the Rwanda Development Board’s online system, and if permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once the payment is made, we’ll confirm your booking and secure your gorilla permit, sending you the receipt with your booking ID. It’s a straightforward and transparent process.

Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly, especially during the high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December), so booking in advance is highly recommended. If you’re looking for last-minute availability, we can assist with that too, trying to secure a permit for you through the Rwanda Development Board or from resellers.

How to Get to Rwanda from Kenya for a Gorilla Safari

Planning to visit Rwanda for a gorilla safari from Kenya? It’s one of the easiest routes to access the famous Volcanoes National Park and experience gorilla trekking. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.

Visa and Entry Requirements

For Kenyan citizens, all you need to enter Rwanda is your national ID. If you’re a Kenyan resident, simply present your work permit. For non-residents, you can apply for a Rwandan visa online for USD 50, or obtain it at Kigali International Airport or any border entry point into Rwanda.

Flights from Kenya to Rwanda are plentiful, with direct connections from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other Kenyan cities. You can book your flight with Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, Ethiopian Airways, Qatar Airways, or Emirates, among others. Once you land at Kigali International Airport, you’ll either spend the night in Kigali or drive straight to your destination, depending on your itinerary.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, the highlight of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking, is about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali. We provide comfortable 4×4 vehicles for all-inclusive safari packages, ensuring a smooth ride to the park. Our vehicles are equipped with drinking water, so you can stay refreshed during your journey.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous route, you could also travel overland through Uganda and cross into Rwanda, though this will take around two days depending on the border situation.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

To go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the minimum age requirement is 15 years. For minors, we recommend sharing a copy of their passport with us before securing the permits. While children under the age of 15 can’t join the trek itself, they can enjoy a range of activities while you’re on the trek, such as nature walks, games, or a community visit.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari

Packing for a gorilla safari requires thoughtful preparation. Since trekking through Volcanoes National Park involves hiking on varied terrain, here’s a list of essentials you shouldn’t forget:

• Hiking Boots: Light yet sturdy hiking boots are a must for navigating the forest’s slippery slopes and high-altitude terrain.
• Garden Gloves: These will protect your hands as you move through the forest, especially if you need to grab onto trees or branches for balance.
• Rain Jacket: The tropical rainforest can be unpredictable, so a rain jacket is essential to keep you dry during sudden showers.
• Long-Sleeved Clothes: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are a must for protection from insects like safari ants. Tuck your trousers into your boots for extra protection.
• Cameras & Extra Batteries: Don’t forget your camera to capture the rare moments with the gorillas! Remember to turn off your flash to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
• Hat and Sunglasses: While the weather can be cool in the forest, the sun can still be strong when you’re in transit. A hat and sunglasses will keep you protected.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Safari in Rwanda

Choosing your accommodation is an important part of your safari experience. In Kigali, there are a range of hotels to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly options to luxurious stays. For those heading directly to Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find plenty of lodging options within the park as well, including:

• Luxury Options: Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge
• Mid-range Options: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Budget Options: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge

It’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as rooms tend to sell out quickly.

Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari from Kenya with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda. Our team is dedicated to making your trip as seamless and enjoyable as possible, providing customized itineraries and discounted packages to Volcanoes National Park.

Trek Africa Expeditions is highly rated on TripAdvisor, with many satisfied travelers sharing their experiences. Let us help you plan your dream gorilla safari in Rwanda today!

Contact us now for more information or to book your Rwanda gorilla safari from Kenya.