Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Rwanda

Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Rwanda

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, you’ll be pleased to know that your chances of seeing mountain gorillas are over 99%. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, including the odds of encountering these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

How Likely Are You to See Gorillas in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the most well-organized wildlife experiences and for over two decades, trekkers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience. In fact, sightings of the mountain gorillas have been consistently high, with reports of unsuccessful treks being practically nonexistent.

The trekking process begins early in the morning, when experienced trackers head into the forest to locate where the gorillas spent the previous night. They then follow the gorillas as they feed, relax and interact throughout the day. Communication between these trackers and the guides ensures that visitors follow the most efficient routes, cutting down on time and effort. This coordinated system greatly increases your chances of finding and spending time with the gorillas.

On average, the trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll have the opportunity to spend one hour observing these majestic creatures, taking photographs and learning about their behavior and habitat.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, located in the North-Western region of the country, near the town of Musanze. This park, also known as Parc des Volcans (French) and Pariki Yigihugu yibirungu (Kinyarwanda), is one of Rwanda’s most significant national parks and one of the oldest in Africa.

Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and a variety of other wildlife, including golden monkeys, birds and various species of primates. The park is set against a backdrop of the stunning Virunga Volcanoes, creating an unforgettable setting for your trek.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, which lasts from mid-December to early February and June to September. During these months, the weather is milder, with less rainfall, making the trails easier to navigate. The vegetation is also less dense, which makes gorilla sightings clearer, offering great opportunities for photography.

While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the wet months of April, May and November can be more challenging due to the higher rainfall. The trails become muddy and the vegetation grows thick, which can make spotting gorillas more difficult. However, during these months, the treks tend to be shorter because the gorillas stay within a smaller range in search of food, which is more readily available in the forest.

Overall, you can expect to see gorillas throughout the year, with excellent chances no matter when you choose to visit.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

When preparing for your gorilla trek in Rwanda, it’s important to pack the right gear for the challenging forest conditions. Here’s a checklist of suggested items to bring:

• Comfortable hiking boots (sturdy and waterproof)
• Long-sleeve shirt and long pants (to protect against nettles, ants and underbrush)
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight/torch and extra batteries
• Water bottle (hydration is key)
• Camera (for capturing unforgettable moments)
• Gardening gloves (helpful for handling brush while trekking)
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Sweater or fleece (for cooler mornings)
• Hat and sunscreen (for sun protection)
• Wet wipes (to stay fresh during the trek)
• Binoculars (for bird or wildlife watching)
• Swimwear (if you plan to relax after the trek)

Be sure to pack lightly but efficiently, as you’ll be trekking through rugged terrain. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits for Trekking Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, one of the first things you’ll need to arrange is your gorilla permit. The cost of a permit varies depending on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person, per trek
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person, per trek
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan): $200 per person, per trek

This permit gives you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park—an unforgettable experience. Rwanda has 12 gorilla families and each day, there are 96 permits available for trekking. These permits are limited, so it’s important to book well in advance.

You can easily get your gorilla permit through the Rwanda Development Board or by booking with a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

How to Book Your Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Booking your gorilla trekking permit with Trek Africa Gorillas is simple and straightforward. When you reach out to us with your preferred trekking dates, we’ll check the availability of permits through the Rwanda Development Board’s online system. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once we receive your payment, we’ll secure your permit and send you a receipt with a booking ID, confirming your gorilla trek.

It’s important to note that gorilla permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September and December). Booking several months in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get the exact dates you want.

However, if you’re looking to book a last-minute trek in Rwanda, we can still help! Whether you’re in Rwanda for a conference or had a change of plans, we’ll do our best to secure a permit for you, even at short notice. Simply contact us and we’ll provide a quote based on your travel dates, then take care of the permit booking, along with any other services like accommodation and transport.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

When visiting Volcanoes National Park to trek Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, it’s important to stay in a comfortable, clean and beautiful lodge or camp to enhance your safari experience. There are a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge and Virunga Lodge are top-tier choices.
• Mid-range: Consider Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge or Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Budget: Options like Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge offer affordable stays.

Keep in mind that accommodation can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance. Plus, staying multiple nights at certain lodges may earn you a discount on your accommodation costs.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in Musanze (also known as Ruhengeri), a small village in the north-western part of Rwanda. The park is easily accessible by car and you can travel from Kigali (the capital) or Gisenyi.

The drive from Kigali to the park takes about 2 hours, making it possible to do a one-day trek. If you’re flying out of Rwanda, you can trek in the morning, then return to Kigali in the afternoon, provided your flight departs after 6:00 PM and you leave for the park before 7:00 AM.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda. With years of experience, our team combines passion with expertise to ensure your trek is both memorable and seamless.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, with glowing reviews from past travelers who have enjoyed our customized tours and excellent service. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching or exploring Rwanda’s culture, we offer a wide range of experiences in Volcanoes National Park.

Contact us today to plan your gorilla safari with Trek Africa Gorillas—your trusted partner for an unforgettable adventure in Rwanda!