Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Trip with a French-Speaking Guide

Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Trip with a French-Speaking Guide

Are you planning to book a Rwanda gorilla trekking trip with a French-speaking guide? Rwanda is one of the best destinations in the world to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These majestic animals reside in Volcanoes National Park, which is part of the spectacular Virunga Mountain Range. The Virunga region also includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable Rwanda gorilla trekking tours with French-speaking guides. Contact us today for more information and to begin planning your gorilla adventure in Rwanda.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, located in the far northwest of the country. This beautiful park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and features lush montane vegetation, including bamboo forests and open grasslands.

Each day, a limited number of visitors (only 8 per gorilla group) trek into the park for an unforgettable experience. You’ll need to arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices by 7:00 AM for an important briefing on safety guidelines, trekking expectations and behavior around the gorillas. After the briefing, visitors are assigned to different gorilla groups and guided by an armed ranger.

Your trek to see the gorillas can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe these incredible creatures up close. Please remember to follow all instructions for your safety and to protect the gorillas during your encounter.

How to Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Advance

When booking a Rwanda gorilla trip with a French-speaking guide, securing a gorilla permit is essential. Trek Africa Gorillas can assist you in obtaining your permit through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), confirming your spot for gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, simply send us an email. We’ll check the availability of permits for those dates and notify you. If permits are available, we will send you an invoice for the payment. Once we’ve received your payment, we’ll immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This confirms your reservation for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari largely depends on the price of the gorilla permit, with additional fees for services like transport, accommodation and guiding.

Here are the gorilla permit costs:

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

This permit grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. In addition to the permit, you will need to budget for transport, accommodation and guiding services to ensure a successful trekking experience.

For example, our 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour, which includes all services (permits, transport, accommodation and guiding), starts from USD 2,375 per person (based on double occupancy).

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The ideal time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, from June to October and December to March. These months offer mild rainfall, which makes trekking through Volcanoes National Park much easier. The vegetation is not as thick, making it simpler to navigate the trails and spot the mountain gorillas, providing excellent opportunities for photography.

On the other hand, during the wet season (April, May and November), the vegetation tends to be denser, which can make sightings more difficult. However, the treks are usually shorter during these months, as the gorillas don’t travel as far for food due to its abundance in the area. Despite the rain, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an activity that can be done year-round, with a 99% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

There are a variety of accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget to luxury.

• Luxury Lodges:
  • Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
  • Bisate Lodge
  • Virunga Volcanoes Lodge
  • Five Volcanoes Hotel
  • Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge

Prices for luxury lodges range from USD 300 to USD 1,000 per person per night.

• Mid-Range Lodges:
  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
  • Davinci Lodge
• Budget Accommodations: There are also several budget-friendly options, including:
  • Kinigi Hotel
  • Hotel Muhabura
  • Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Villa Gorilla
  • Virunga Hotel
  • Faraji Hotel
  • La Palme Hotel or Home Inn

All accommodations in the area follow strict safety protocols in line with the recommendations from the Rwanda Health Ministry and WHO, ensuring a safe and healthy stay for all visitors.

How to Access Volcanoes National Park

The best way to reach Volcanoes National Park is by road. It’s a scenic 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful 1000 Hills of Rwanda, providing plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel for a brief orientation before heading to the park.

Why Book Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Trip with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes unforgettable gorilla trekking tours to both Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor for our top-notch service and exceptional safari experiences.

Our tours combine eco-friendly principles with high-end adventure, offering experiences that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a range of other activities, such as:

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Big 5 safaris and game drives
• Mountain hiking
• Boat cruises and cultural experiences

If you’re looking to explore Rwanda or other African safari destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia, contact us today to book your Rwanda gorilla trip with a French-speaking guide. We’ll ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.