Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in May

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in May: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you dreaming of visiting Africa to see mountain gorillas and considering trekking in Rwanda during May? A visit to the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of Africa’s most cherished wildlife adventures.

Gorilla trekking in May offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Despite the rainy season, the experience is unforgettable, as gorillas are incredibly gentle and curious animals. They often interact with visitors, sometimes approaching closely or even touching guides as they pass by.

To embark on this magical journey, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit, which allows you one incredible hour in the presence of these endangered animals. The trek through the bamboo forest to find the gorillas involves steep slopes, dense vegetation, and possibly muddy conditions after rain, adding to the adventure.

Discover Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, known as Parc des Volcans in French and Pariki Y’igihugu y’Ibirunga in Kinyarwanda, is located in Musanze, northern Rwanda. It’s one of Africa’s oldest national parks and home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

The park is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, which includes five extinct volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Gahinga. Besides gorillas, the park is teeming with diverse wildlife, including various monkey species, bushbucks, forest hogs, and over 200 bird species.

Gorilla tourism has significantly contributed to Rwanda’s economic growth, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness these extraordinary primates in their natural environment.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available Each Day?

Volcanoes National Park hosts 10 habituated gorilla families, and each family can be visited by up to 8 tourists daily. This means only 80 permits are available per day.

Your chances of seeing the gorillas are exceptionally high (99%) as experienced guides, trackers, and park rangers lead the treks. Every morning at 7:00 AM, a briefing is conducted at the Kinigi headquarters, where you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. The duration of the trek can vary from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located.

How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost in May?

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person, regardless of nationality. This fee includes one hour with the gorillas and is a key contribution to their conservation.

Excursia Adventures offers tailored gorilla trekking tours to suit your preferences and budget. Booking your trek in May is an excellent choice, as this shoulder season often means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit for May

Booking a permit is straightforward with Excursia Adventures. Simply share your desired travel dates, and we’ll check availability with the Rwanda Development Board. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and provide a receipt with a booking ID.

To ensure you get your preferred dates, it’s best to book months in advance, especially since permits sell out quickly during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December).

Last-Minute Gorilla Permit Bookings

If you decide to go gorilla trekking at the last minute, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in Rwanda for a conference or have a sudden change of plans, we’ll do our best to secure a permit for you. We can check with the Rwanda Development Board or other sources to find available permits.

Once you contact us, we’ll create a tailored itinerary, book permits, and organize your accommodation to ensure a seamless experience.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek in May with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted local tour operator specializing in gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda. Our dedicated team combines youthful energy with years of expertise to craft authentic and memorable adventures.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and are highly rated on TripAdvisor, with glowing reviews from travelers worldwide. From permit booking to creating a customized itinerary, we handle every detail to give you a stress-free and unforgettable safari experience.