Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in the Dry Season

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in the Dry Season

Are you planning a visit to Africa to experience the magic of mountain gorilla trekking? Rwanda is one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking, especially during the dry season. A visit to the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is an unparalleled wildlife experience and one of the most unforgettable highlights of African travel.

Mountain gorillas are peaceful and fascinating creatures. Unlike many other primates, they are calm and often curious, sometimes even approaching visitors. The hour you spend with them is nothing short of magical. To be part of this incredible experience, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, which allows you to hike through the lush forest to find these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging, involving steep slopes, dense vegetation, and high altitudes, but the reward is priceless.

Why Visit Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking?

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda near the town of Musanze, is a haven for nature lovers. Known locally as Pariki y’Igihugu y’Ibirunga and in French as Parc des Volcans, this park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. It is home to a rich ecosystem of wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest hogs, and a variety of bird species. The park also boasts five extinct volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.

Rwanda’s conservation efforts have made Volcanoes National Park a top destination for gorilla tourism, which not only contributes to the country’s economy but also supports the preservation of these incredible animals. Gorilla trekking here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while supporting conservation and local communities.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Daily?

Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking each day. Only 8 visitors are allowed per group, meaning there are 80 permits issued daily. With an experienced team of trackers, guides, and park rangers leading the treks, the chance of spotting gorillas is close to 100%.

The day begins at Kinigi Park Headquarters, where a briefing on the trekking guidelines is conducted at 7:00 AM. While gorillas share 99% of their DNA with humans, they remain wild animals, and following the guidance of your trek leader is essential. Trek durations can vary, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families.

How Much Does a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda Cost?

To trek gorillas in Rwanda, you’ll need a permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board. The permit costs $1,500 per person and grants you one magical hour of observing and photographing the gorillas. While the cost may seem high, the experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural environment is worth every dollar.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Permit

At Excursia Adventures, we make it easy to secure your gorilla trekking permit. Simply let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll check availability through the Rwanda Development Board’s system. Once permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After receiving payment, we’ll confirm your booking and provide you with a receipt and permit details.

We highly recommend booking your permits months in advance, as they sell out quickly during the high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December). Early planning ensures you can secure your preferred trekking dates and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Last-Minute Gorilla Permit Bookings

If your trip to Rwanda is a last-minute decision, we can still help you secure a permit. Whether you’re attending a conference, on holiday in East Africa, or have a sudden change of plans, we’ll do our best to arrange everything for you. By working closely with the Rwanda Development Board or resellers, we aim to secure permits even at short notice. We’ll also organize your accommodation and other essentials to ensure your trek is seamless and stress-free.

Why Book with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator specializing in gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda. Our passionate team of knowledgeable guides and managers is dedicated to creating personalized and unforgettable safaris. With a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, we ensure that your experience benefits local communities and conservation efforts.

Don’t just take our word for it—our excellent TripAdvisor reviews speak for themselves. Whether you’re planning months in advance or need last-minute assistance, we’re here to make your dream of trekking mountain gorillas a reality.

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure Today

Rwanda’s dry season is the perfect time to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Contact Excursia Adventures today, and let us help you plan an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.