Booking Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Booking Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Are you ready to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park is one of the premier destinations in the world for seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Nestled in the breathtaking Virunga mountain range, this national park is home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas, alongside its neighboring parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’re committed to making your gorilla trekking adventure seamless and safe, following all guidelines and safety protocols in place for visitors to Rwanda. Contact us today for more information on how to book your gorilla trek!

Our Popular Rwanda Tours

• 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour
• 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Adventures
• 5 Days Chimps and Culture in Rwanda

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the scenic northwest of Rwanda. This park is renowned for its rich montane ecosystem, including lush bamboo forests and open grasslands, and is the primary habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Gorilla tracking occurs once daily, allowing eight visitors per day to visit a designated gorilla group. Guests are expected to arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices by 7 AM for a briefing on what to expect and the essential do’s and don’ts during the trek. After the briefing, you’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla group and guided by an armed ranger to start your trek, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. You will spend one hour with these gentle giants, so it’s crucial to adhere to the guidelines shared during your briefing to ensure the safety of both yourself and the gorillas.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit in Advance

To embark on your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, securing your gorilla permit in advance is essential. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you obtain your permit from the Rwanda Development Board to confirm your trek on your chosen date.

Once you finalize your travel dates, send us an email, and we’ll check the availability of gorilla permits for you. Upon confirmation, we’ll provide you with an invoice for payment. Once your payment is received, we will immediately purchase your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily revolves around the price of the gorilla permit, along with additional services such as transport, accommodation, and guiding. The current permit prices are as follows:

• $1,500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Our 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which is all-inclusive, starts at $2,375 per person when sharing with another traveler.

What Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, the ideal times to visit are from June to October and December to March. These months represent the dry season in Rwanda, characterized by mild rainfall, which makes trekking in Volcanoes National Park much easier and more enjoyable. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer trails and better visibility when spotting the majestic mountain gorillas—perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

Conversely, the months of April, May, and November fall within the wet season. While the lush, green environment can be beautiful, the high vegetation may obscure your views of the gorillas. However, treks during these months tend to be shorter since the mountain gorillas remain closer to their food sources. Overall, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be enjoyed year-round, thanks to its well-organized operations and a remarkable 99% success rate in spotting these incredible animals.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

Accommodations near Volcanoes National Park cater to a variety of budgets, from luxury to budget-friendly options.

Luxury Lodges

If you’re looking for a lavish experience, consider staying at:

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

Mid-Range Options

For a comfortable stay without breaking the bank, you can choose from:

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

Budget Accommodation

If you’re looking to save, there are plenty of budget options available, including basic lodges and camping facilities, such as:

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

All lodges in Volcanoes National Park are well-equipped to host tourists, adhering to various safety protocols set forth by the Rwandan Health Ministry and WHO to ensure the health and safety of all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is most conveniently accessed by road. The drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Your driver-guide will greet you for a brief overview at your hotel before embarking on the scenic journey through Rwanda’s picturesque landscape, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You’ll have opportunities for photo stops along the way to capture the breathtaking views.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in both Uganda and Rwanda. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, we pride ourselves on combining eco-friendly practices with thrilling adventures that contribute to wildlife conservation and community upliftment.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a range of exciting activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. Our aim is to provide you with a memorable African safari experience across some of the continent’s most stunning destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Feel free to contact us to book your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda!