Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Kabale

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Kabale

If you’re planning to experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, starting your journey from Kabale is a fantastic option. Kabale is conveniently located near the Cyanika Border, which connects Uganda to Rwanda, offering a smooth transition into Rwanda’s breathtaking Volcanoes National Park. This park is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas, and from Kabale, it’s a scenic drive that will take you directly to one of Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park from Kabale

To reach Volcanoes National Park from Kabale, you’ll cross the Cyanika/Kyanika border, located in Kisoro district, Uganda. This border crossing is less than an hour from Volcanoes National Park, making it an ideal starting point for your adventure. The drive from Kabale to the park is a scenic one, and the roads are mostly tarmacked, with the final stretch requiring a 4×4 vehicle, which Excursia Adventures provides for your comfort and safety.

Once you’ve crossed the border, you’ll be heading towards the heart of Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze, Rwanda. Here, you’ll find a rich array of wildlife, including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, nestled amidst the stunning backdrop of five extinct volcanoes.

What to Do on Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure from Kabale

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the main highlight of a trip to Volcanoes National Park, and it’s an unforgettable experience. The trek begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where guides will go over important safety and behavior guidelines. Although mountain gorillas share 99% of their DNA with humans, they remain wild animals, so it’s crucial to follow the rules to ensure a safe experience for both visitors and gorillas.

The trek itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. There are 10 habituated gorilla families in the park, and each day, only 8 visitors are allowed to trek with each family, ensuring a personal and intimate experience. The chances of seeing gorillas are 99%, and once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat.

To participate in gorilla trekking, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The cost of a gorilla permit is $1,500 USD, and Excursia Adventures can assist in booking this once-in-a-lifetime experience for you.

Golden Monkey Trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers the opportunity to trek golden monkeys, one of the most captivating primate species in Africa. Golden monkeys are beautiful, endangered creatures, and spending time with them is a magical experience. The park has two habituated golden monkey families, and each has about 80 members.

Golden monkey trekking permits cost $100 USD and can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board. The trekking experience is similar to gorilla trekking, with a briefing at the park headquarters followed by a guided hike to find the monkeys. Once you’ve located them, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph these lively creatures as they move through the forest.

Visit Dian Fossey’s Tomb and Hike in Volcanoes National Park

One of the most meaningful and iconic activities in Volcanoes National Park is the Dian Fossey Tomb Hike. This one-hour trek takes you from the Karisoke Research Center to the final resting place of Dian Fossey, the famous American primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Fossey’s research and conservation efforts, along with her tragic death at the hands of alleged poachers, have made her a legendary figure in wildlife protection. She was buried at the site, and a memorial was built in her honor.

The hike to Fossey’s tomb is approximately 2,500-3,000 meters and offers not just a walk through the beautiful forest, but a chance to reflect on her incredible legacy in gorilla conservation. For those who have seen the movie Gorillas in the Mist, this trek adds a deeply personal connection to her story and the work she did for gorillas.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience

Rwanda is rich in cultural heritage, and when you visit Volcanoes National Park from Cyanika Border, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience is a must-do. Originally, the locals in this area lived in the forest and even participated in poaching. They were later relocated and formed the Iby’Iwacu village, now a vibrant community that showcases Rwandan traditions.

During your visit to Iby’Iwacu, you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals, learning about their way of life, traditional crafts, dances, and activities. It’s an incredible cultural immersion where you’ll not only witness but also participate in authentic Rwandan customs. This experience is a beautiful contrast to your gorilla trekking adventure, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.

Bird Watching in Volcanoes National Park

For birdwatching enthusiasts, Volcanoes National Park offers an exceptional opportunity to spot a variety of unique bird species. With over 300 species inhabiting the forest, birders will find plenty to marvel at. Notable species include the endangered Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, and the red-faced woodland warbler. The park is also home to rare species like the Rwenzori Double Collared Sunbird and the Dusky Crimson-Wing.

Excursia Adventures offers tailored birding packages, where our expert guides will assist you in spotting and identifying these beautiful species, making it an unforgettable experience for any bird lover.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure from Kabale

When visiting Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, you’ll have a range of accommodation options to choose from, catering to all budgets. For a luxury stay, consider Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest, or Virunga Lodge. For mid-range options, you might enjoy Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, or Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Budget travelers can find comfort at places like Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

Keep in mind that rooms tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodation in advance. And, if you plan to stay for multiple nights, you may even qualify for discounts!

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Excursia Adventures from Kabale?

Excursia Adventures offers a unique and seamless experience when it comes to booking your trip to Volcanoes National Park. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking, birding, cultural tours, or golden monkey trekking, we can tailor your trip to suit your interests.

What sets us apart is our passionate and energetic team, with a blend of experienced guides and staff who are dedicated to creating authentic and memorable experiences for every traveler. With positive reviews on TripAdvisor, Excursia Adventures is trusted by travelers from around the world for unforgettable safaris and tours in Volcanoes National Park.

Contact us today for personalized packages and discounts, and let us help you plan your incredible adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park!