Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Kisoro

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Kisoro

Planning to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking, but want to start your journey from Kisoro? Traveling from Kisoro to Volcanoes National Park is an easy and scenic experience. You’ll cross the Cyanika border, located in the Cyanika Sector of Burera District, approximately 121 kilometers northwest of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. This border crossing is one of the three main routes between Uganda and Rwanda, with the others being Gatuna/Katuna and Kagitumba/Mirama Hills.

Once you cross the Cyanika/Kyanika border (located in Kisoro District, Uganda), it’s a short drive of under an hour to Volcanoes National Park. The roads are well-maintained, with only the last section requiring extra attention, which is why we use comfortable 4×4 vehicles for all-inclusive packages. Be sure to secure your gorilla trekking permit or pay the park entrance fees to enter Volcanoes National Park.

About Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, known as Parc des Volcans in French and Pariki Yigihugu yibirungu in Kinyarwanda, is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, in a town called Musanze. This park is one of the oldest and most significant in Africa, famous for its endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. It is also home to various bird species, primates, and other wildlife like forest hogs and bushbucks.

Part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, Volcanoes National Park is surrounded by five extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke. The park shares borders with Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park, creating a vital conservation area that spans three countries. This unique cross-border conservation effort has helped ensure the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Activities for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda from Kisoro

Gorilla Trekking

For the ultimate adventure, spend at least one night at Volcanoes National Park before embarking on your gorilla trek from Cyanika Border. Gorilla trekking is the main highlight in Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll have the chance to visit the habituated mountain gorillas in their natural environment. There are 10 habituated gorilla families, and only 8 visitors are allowed to trek each family daily, ensuring an intimate and respectful experience.

Trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the gorillas are located. As you’re guided by experienced trackers and park rangers, you’ll get to witness the gorillas in their natural habitat—feeding, resting, and interacting with each other.

To participate, you’ll need to secure a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 1,500 per person. This permit allows you one hour with the gorillas, giving you plenty of time to take in the experience and capture incredible photographs.

Excursia Adventures can help you book your gorilla trek and tailor your trip to suit your budget and preferences.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Another amazing activity at Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey trekking. This experience lets you track and observe the rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat. The park has two habituated golden monkey communities, each with about 80 members. The trekking experience is less restricted than gorilla trekking, as there’s no cap on the number of visitors allowed.

Golden monkey trekking permits cost USD 100, and you’ll need to secure your permit through the Rwanda Development Board. The trek starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at 7:00 AM before heading out into the forest with park rangers and guides. Depending on where the golden monkeys are located, the trek can last from 30 minutes to a few hours. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe these delightful creatures before heading back to the park headquarters.

Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike is one of the most popular activities in Volcanoes National Park. This hike, which lasts about one hour, takes you to the final resting place of Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. Fossey was tragically murdered by alleged poachers and was buried in the park, where a memorial was erected in her honor.

The hike follows a 2,500–3,000-meter trail to her tomb, offering a chance to reflect on her incredible legacy of conservation. Fossey’s work, alongside her involvement in the film Gorillas in the Mist, helped raise awareness about the plight of mountain gorillas. This experience is a moving tribute to her dedication to wildlife protection and gorilla conservation.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience: Discover Rwanda’s Rich Heritage

African cultures are vibrant, fascinating, and incredibly unique, and experiencing them in the heart of Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable adventure. If you’re starting your trip from Cyanika Border, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can dive into Rwanda’s rich traditions and heritage.

Historically, the local people once lived in the forest and were even involved in poaching endangered species. However, they were later relocated and organized into a village. The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is located in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, within the Musanze District of Rwanda’s Northern Province, right next to Volcanoes National Park.

At Iby’Iwacu, you’ll connect with the local people and learn about their way of life, including traditional practices, artifacts, dances, and daily activities. You’ll gain insight into how they lived in the past, their cultural practices, and the steps they’ve taken toward conservation and sustainable living. This cultural experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community while also supporting local efforts to preserve Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park

If you’re a bird enthusiast, Volcanoes National Park is a paradise for birdwatching. With over 300 bird species calling the park home, you’re in for a treat. The park is especially known for its unique and rare species, such as the Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori turaco, and the Rwenzori double-collared sunbird.

You can also spot the Archer’s ground robin, red-faced woodland warbler, dusky crimson-wing, and many more. Whether you’re an avid birder or a casual observer, our professional birding guides will help you identify these beautiful birds and provide fascinating insights into their behavior.

Excursia Adventures offers specialized birding packages for both Rwanda and Uganda, ensuring you get the best experience in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

When it comes to accommodation during your gorilla trekking trip, Volcanoes National Park offers a range of options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the top choices:

Luxury Options:

• Bisate Lodge
• Gorilla Nest Lodge
• Virunga Lodge

Mid-Range Options:

• Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Lodge
• Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Kinigi Guesthouse
• Hotel Muhavura
• Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge

Please note that rooms at these lodges can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance to secure your stay. Additionally, staying multiple nights can often earn you a discount on your accommodation.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is your expert partner in organizing incredible experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, birdwatching, cultural tours, or golden monkey tracking, we have you covered.

Our team is a mix of young, energetic professionals and experienced, passionate guides who are committed to delivering authentic and unforgettable adventures.

Excursia Adventures has been highly rated and reviewed on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, so you can trust that your journey with us will be filled with excellent service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Contact us today to book your tailored trip to Volcanoes National Park and let us help you create memories that will last forever!