Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris: Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are quite a memorable experience when you book your gorilla tour with Explore Rwanda Tours. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the north-eastern part of Rwanda in the province of Ruhengeri.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe gorillas in their native environment is unforgettable, and for others, life-changing. Encounters with gorillas in their natural habitat are meticulously orchestrated, with skilled trackers and guides taking small groups of visitors up bamboo-covered hills to spend a rare and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.
Gorillas, Africa’s biggest living primate, are found over much of the equatorial African rainforest. The species is divided into two subspecies: lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.
The endangered mountain gorilla lives in the volcanic range that covers Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is safe and rather easy to track gorillas in Rwanda.
There are around 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif, according to the most recent count. The population is gradually expanding as a result of collaborative efforts by our governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Volcanoes National Park is home to twelve habituated gorilla families, with a few others kept strictly for scientific research. The groupings, or soldiers, are made up of at least one silverback, as well as multiple females and children.
The soldiers’ composition is rather flexible, although they tend to stay to a favorite location. They are continuously watched and safeguarded by park officials, with each group only interacting with tourists for one hour every day.
How many Gorilla Permits are issued in Rwanda on a daily basis?
Six gorilla trekking permits are issued per gorilla family every day in Volcanoes national park, ensuring an intimate and discreet interaction. With just 96 gorilla permits available each day in Rwanda, it is strongly advised to reserve ahead of time, either online or through a reliable tour operator.
Visitors arrive at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7 a.m. and are assigned to a family group for the day based on fitness levels, as well as being instructed on gorilla procedure and restrictions.
How many gorilla families are available for tracking in Rwanda?
Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza are the habituated gorilla families that visitors can trek during a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.
How long does gorilla trekking in Rwanda take?
Hikes up to their different sites can range anywhere from 30 minutes to four or more hours, with altitudes ranging from 2,500m to 4,000m. Porters are available to transport bags and cameras, as well as to lend a hand along the way.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda cost?
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per day and a gorilla permit in Rwanda can always be acquired directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB); or through a trusted and licenced tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours. 10% of the permit proceeds is directed to local communities for the construction of schools, health centres, and roads. There is a compensation fund for local farmers in the event that gorillas damage their crops, which contributes to harmonious coexistence. Many people are employed in gorilla tracking, from rangers and trackers to porters, drivers, and personnel at tourist lodges.
What other activities can one do during a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari?
During your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park, visitors can always engage in other activities in the park such as;
Hike to Dian Fossey Gravesite.
For anyone interested in following in Dian Fossey’s footsteps, her mausoleum is a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters, followed by a two- or three-hour climb through the forest to above 3,000m height.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park as well as Gishwati Mukura national park. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park, there are two groups which can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day.
Iby’iwacu Village Tour
Iby’iwacu Village is located in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. If you include a visit to the village in your schedule, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time to when kings ruled over the country of Rwanda. The village provides visitors to the nation with an unique peek into an age-old culture, which might include spending the night there to experience the ancient way of life. The activities are determined by the guests’ interests.
On a guided community tour at the iby’iwacu village, you will be impressed by the warmth and friendliness of the locals. They are delighted to show you their traditional way of life, which includes songs and dances accompanied by energetic drumming. You may listen to “gorilla songs” sung by well-known musician Ngayabatema (better known as Kayuku) or witness the Intore dancers perform a unique dance form accompanied by traditional instruments. Learn how to make therapeutic elixirs from local herbs, grasses, and shrubs from a traditional healer, or peep into a classroom at one of the local schools.
Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris can also be combined with a wildlife safari in Akagera national park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park. Gorilla trekking wildlife safaris in Rwanda are also available and quite affordable even for budget travellers. Simple contact us on info@rwandawildlifesafaris.com and we shall gladly help you with all the information you need on gorilla tours in Rwanda, as well as give you some of our best offers on Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
