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How to Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris from Uganda
Planning to book a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda from Uganda? Rwanda is one of the best destinations for seeing mountain gorillas, and Volcanoes National Park is where you’ll find these magnificent creatures. Situated in the Virunga Mountain range, Volcanoes National Park shares borders with Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.
At Excursia Adventures, we’re ready to help you plan and book your gorilla trek in Rwanda. We ensure your booking follows all safety guidelines and protocols established for visitors. Get in touch with us for more information and to secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure!
Where is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Done?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place at Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of the country. This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and features rich, lush landscapes of bamboo forests and grasslands.
Trekking is done daily, with only 8 visitors per day assigned to each gorilla group. Visitors must arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices at 7 AM for a briefing about what to expect and the important dos and don’ts. After the briefing, you’ll be divided into smaller groups and paired with an armed ranger guide.
The trek can last anywhere from a few minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find the gorillas, you can stay with them for one hour. It’s important to follow the guidelines during your trek for your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
Booking Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Advance
To book your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit through Excursia Adventures with the Rwanda Development Board. Once you’ve finalized your travel dates, simply email us, and we’ll check the availability of permits for you. After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice for payment.
Once your payment is processed, we’ll immediately purchase your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a premium experience, and the cost of the gorilla permit plays a significant role in the total price of your safari.
- Foreign non-residents: USD $1500 per person
- Foreign residents: USD $500 per person
- East African citizens: USD $200 per person
The permit grants you access to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas. In addition to the permit, you’ll need to account for other costs such as transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which includes everything, starts at $2,375 per person for two people sharing.
Contact us for more details or to inquire about other safaris in Rwanda, and we’ll help you book your dream gorilla trek!
Best Time to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to October and December to March. These months bring mild rainfall, making trekking conditions easier, and the vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility and clearer paths.
During the wet months of April, May, and November, the vegetation is denser, making sightings harder. However, these months offer shorter treks since the gorillas tend to stay within a smaller range due to the availability of food in the forest.
Despite the weather, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well-organized throughout the year, with a 99% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.
Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda
When planning your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you’ll find a wide range of accommodations near Volcanoes National Park, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Luxury Options:
If you’re looking for a lavish stay, you’ll find a selection of exclusive lodges offering incredible comfort and views. Some top luxury accommodations in Volcanoes National Park include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. Prices for these luxury lodges typically range from USD $300 to $1000 per person per night.
Mid-Range Options:
For a more affordable yet still comfortable stay, consider mid-range lodges such as Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, and Davinci Lodge. These options provide great service and amenities while being more budget-friendly than luxury options.
Budget-Friendly Options:
For those on a tighter budget, there are many accommodation choices, from basic guesthouses to campsites. Some of the budget-friendly options in the area include Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.
All accommodations in Volcanoes National Park are equipped to host visitors with the necessary health and safety protocols in place, following guidelines from the Rwanda Health Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
How to Access Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible by road. The drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, takes approximately 2-3 hours. As you journey through the picturesque 1000 hills of Rwanda, your driver-guide will provide you with a brief introduction, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Why Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari with Excursia Adventures
At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. We have a proven track record, with glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Our safaris are designed to offer a perfect mix of eco-friendly adventures, wildlife experiences, and cultural encounters, all while supporting biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, and local community development.
In addition to gorilla trekking, we also offer a variety of other incredible safari experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game drives, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural experiences, allowing you to explore some of the most popular African safari destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to book your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari from Uganda!
