Rwanda Gorilla trekking safaris/Rwanda Gorilla tours will take you into the jungle of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla safaris in Rwanda/Rwanda Gorilla safari tours will usher you to explore Rwanda the land of a thousand hills which is one of the remarkable countries in East Africa offering the best Gorilla tours.
The endangered Mountain Gorillas are only endemic to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and within the Virunga mountains in Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mgahinga. There are about 604 endangered Mountain Gorillas within the Virunga ranges and Rwanda holds the highest number making it a good destination for Gorilla tours Rwanda. Meeting the gentle giants in their natural habitat is one of the top highlights of a Rwanda safari and also on your Africa safari.
These Gorillas were made famous by Dian Fossey who first habituated the apes to ensure memorable Rwanda Gorilla treks. You can enjoy Rwanda Gorilla safaris with a thrilling experience and you are only 6 meters away from them. You can do double Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo and trek in Virunga National Park or enjoy more primate safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park to meet the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. The Lowland Gorillas are a bit bigger than the Mountain Gorillas.
Gorilla treks can be combined with wildlife safaris to give you a better experience on Africa safaris as you get to see Africa’s Big Five in Akagera National Park or visit the neighboring East African countries, especially Kenya. With the help of the tour operator, visit Rwanda in East Africa for the best Gorilla trek adventures and well-designed itineraries. We ensure that you enjoy adventures in Rwanda Uganda and Congo parks like Virunga National Park.
The gentle giants are only found in Volcanoes National Park. This park has about 350 individuals making it the highest number within the Virunga Mountains.
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated Gorilla family groups and Rwanda Development Board is in charge of conserving the apes.
Tourists on Gorilla tours can go through afro-montane forests, savannah grasslands, bamboo forests, swamps, and the 5 ranges at a slow pace in search of the apes.
Once you spot a Mountain Gorilla community, you only be with them for one hour.
Some of the families in Volcanoes National Park include; Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza.
Some of the families cross-boundary as they cross the Rwanda Uganda border.
Of all the Gorilla families within Volcanoes National Park, at least each of them consists of a dominant Silverback and others are Black backs, youngsters, and a few Silverback Gorillas.
Apart from Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also has other wildlife that you can see on primate safaris like Golden Monkeys, Chimps, and many colorful birds and you can also visit the Dian Fossey grave at Karisoke Research Centre.
What Is the Best Time of the Year to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
You can see Gorillas at any time of the year as you explore Rwanda though the best time is in the dry season as the trails are dry. However, it is easier to see the apes in the rainy season as they be at lower altitudes and hence finding them.
During the dry months, the tracks be dry, though the Gorillas tend to move in higher altitudes making the activity a bit more challenging. This is also the peak season when many tourists are in the country meaning that it offers the best experiences during Rwanda safaris.
Generally, the dry months are fruitful and rewarding for your wildlife safaris in the amazing country in East Africa and this applies to other national parks for a Gorilla trek.
How Is the Gorilla Walking Experience in Volcanoes National Park?
The adventure starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at 7:30 am from the park rangers and you can receive some cultural experiences like traditional dances from the locals. Only 8 trekkers trek one of the Gorilla family groups and the rangers lead on the trails.
Tourists should know that Volcanoes National Park is at a higher altitude compared to other East African destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Virunga National Park of Congo.
It is better to prepare your physicality before you go for a Gorilla trek and once you meet a Gorilla family, you be with them for one full hour.
Rules and Guidelines for Tracking Gorillas in Rwanda
These help in Gorilla conservation and protection of their habitat when on primate safaris. You are first briefed about these rules by the private guide or park rangers before you go for the Gorilla trek.
Also, these rules work both in Rwanda Uganda destinations and these include;
1. Littering in the park is prohibited
2. Do not go for a Gorilla trek in case of any illness like flu or cough as the apes can catch the disease.
3. When photographing the gentle giants, avoid using the flash as the Gorillas relate it with danger as they can charge at you.
4. Avoid trying to touch the apes as even though they are habituated, they are still wild animals.
5. Do not eat or drink near the animals as they will seek to have some of your edibles.
6. Only those who are 15 years and above are allowed to explore Rwanda on a Gorilla trek.
7. Only 8 people are allowed to track a Gorilla group.
8. You are only given 1 hour to be with the family led by a dominant Silverback.
9. Always keep a 7m distance from the gorillas as it one of the safety precautions
10. Human waste should be buried at least 30cm in the ground
How Much Are Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda?
For amazing Gorilla primate safaris, you require a permit which is got from the Rwanda Development Board.
Below is the price of a Gorilla permit cost for each category of visitors to Volcanoes National Park.
Visitor Category
Fee (USD)
Foreign nonresident
$ 1500
Rwandan foreign resident
$ 500
Rwandan citizen
$ 200
East African citizen
$ 200
Citizens of Africa or foreign residents living in other countries in Africa
$ 500
Most of the money collected by the Rwanda Development Board from the Gorilla permits is used in the conservation of Gorillas and a percentage is used in support of the local communities.
How Much Does It Cost to See the Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
The cost of a Gorilla trek is determined by many factors though the main one is the permit cost. Other factors are accommodation, number of days to spend, other activities on Rwanda safaris, and if you are using a tour company.
Price of the Gorilla permit; this is essential if you want to see Rwanda Gorillas and it goes for $1,500 from the Rwanda Development Board.
Accommodation; mind the price of the accommodation you are going to use. If you choose luxury accommodation, then the holiday will be costly and vice versa.
Number of days to spend on a trip; the more days of the holiday, the more expensive it becomes, and the fewer days, the less expensive it becomes.
Group Size; if the people on a vacation are many, the less costly the tour becomes as all expenses are shared.
Other activities to do the adventure; if you are doing more activities on top of the gorilla tour, the vacation becomes expensive like wildlife encounters.
Using a tour operator; using a tour company may seem costly though it is expensive. If you use an operator, you can spend about $3000 or more.
Tourists should know Gorilla trips are cheaper in Uganda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo because the Gorilla permit here is less expensive. A Rwanda Uganda Congo trip can help you get the best alternative.
How Much Is A 1 Day Gorilla Trek In Rwanda?
A 1 day Gorilla trek in Rwanda safari will depend on the number of people on the safari but consider a fixed fee of the Gorilla permit which is $1500.
This 1 day gorilla trek would cost from $1700 per person. This price must be inclusive of a tracking permit, private transport, a private guide, and meals.
Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for Gorilla Trekking? | Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? | Is Uganda or Rwanda Better to See Gorillas?
Gorilla trips are wonderful both in Uganda and Rwanda and that’s why most tourists do Rwanda Uganda tours. Each of the nations is special in a unique way and these can enable you to choose the perfect Rwanda Uganda adventure in East Africa.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers cheaper Gorilla permits with more families compared to Volcanoes National Park. Also, the terrains are easier in Bwindi compared to Volcanoes as it’s at a higher altitude.
You can trek Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in a day when you want to explore Rwanda which is difficult in Uganda as it requires at least 3 days.
In summary, Rwanda and Uganda offer amazing primate safaris with Uganda having Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park. Rwanda has Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park all offering amazing primate tracking encounters.
What to Carry for Your Tours in Rwanda
There are essential items you need to carry for your tours and these include;
Camera: This helps you to capture the best photos of the primates for remembrance.
Binoculars; give you clear sightings of far wildlife during the Gorilla trek, especially birds.
Insect repellent: when you want to see the apes without any disturbance, you need to use insect repellent to keep away bugs.
Sunscreen; protects your skin from direct sunlight.
Rain jacket or Poncho; keeps you dry with your belongings in case it rains.
Walking sticks; give you extra support, especially on slippery trails.
Bottled water: keeps you hydrated during your Gorilla trip.
Waterproof backpack: helps you keep your belongings with you always.
In case of big luggage, you can hire a porter who can help you carry the luggage.
How to Dress for Your Safari in Rwanda
On your Gorilla trek or wildlife safaris, there is proper wear that you need to have. The clothes you choose should make you comfortable and they should be with blending clothes.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts; keep you protected from the insects during the Gorilla trek and sometimes warm on cold days. These should be of neutral colors, khaki and brown are highly recommended.
Comfortable hiking shoes: will protect your feet and give you easy movements along slippery trails.
Gardening gloves; protect your hands from itching and thorny plants in the forest jungle.
A hat or cap; keeps your head and face protected from the strong sunlight.
Sunglasses; protect your eyes from the strong sunlight.
Top Tour Operators for Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Always choose the best tour operator for your Gorilla trek. For the best experience on your Gorilla trek and wildlife safaris, the tour operator will get you a private guide for guidance.
They can also combine primate safaris with wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and Congo in several national parks giving you full safari experiences.
Below are the best tour operators to use for exploring Rwanda Gorilla tours.
1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
4. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
5. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
6. Africa Safaris Tours
Best Tour Packages for Your Rwanda Safaris
For the best Mountain Gorilla trek in the land of a thousand hills, choose tailor-made packages inclusive of wildlife safaris for a better experience. Most packages combine Rwanda Uganda, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Ø 2 days Gorilla trip in Volcanoes National Park
Ø 3 days Rwanda Gorilla tour in Volcanoes Park
Ø 5 days primate safari in Volcanoes NP and Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Ø 6 days primate safari; Rwanda Gorilla, tracking Chimpanzees, Golden Monkey Tracking, and wildlife
Ø 10 days Rwanda Uganda; Lake Kivu, Primate Tour, and wildlife safaris in Volcanoes and Akagera National Park
Ø 12 days Rwanda Uganda; Primate adventures (Rwanda Gorilla) and wildlife safaris in Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park
Where to Stay During Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Volcanoes National Park offers the best accommodation ranging from luxury, mid range, and budget.
There are also amazing accommodation options in Akagera National Park and other countries of East Africa where you can stay when you want to explore Rwanda Uganda, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Below are some of the lodges to use on your tours;
Mid range lodges; Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, and Garden Palace Hotel
Budget lodges; Kinigi Guest House, and Hotel Muhabura
Why Go for Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?
There are many reasons why you should visit Rwanda for Gorilla trips and these are;
Rwanda is home to the Mountain Gorillas
This amazing country the land of a thousand hills is one of the few countries in East Africa with Gorillas. This species of Gorillas are only endemic to Rwanda Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda is a safe country for all tourists.
Everyone wants safety when traveling to a new country. Well, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa and worldwide. Even if you are in the national parks, they are well protected by rangers who can accompany you on your tours.
You can contribute to Gorilla conservation and support communities
These creatures are critically endangered, and you help with their conservation when you book your Gorilla trek safaris in Rwanda. The money obtained from the permits is used to pay rangers and 10% also from the permits is used for the development of local communities.
Gorilla tours can be combined with other holidays.
Rwanda the land of a thousand hills has other national parks which offer amazing activities. You can enjoy game drives on wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, birding safaris, cultural experiences, meet Chimpanzees in Nyungwe similar to Kibale National Park, track Golden Monkeys, and visit the Dian Fossey grave.
You can explore Rwanda with a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to enjoy its white sand beaches with views of Mount Karisimbi.
FAQS about Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda
Does Rwanda Have Gorillas?
Yes, Rwanda has Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park. You can also find these primates in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga and Virunga National Park of Congo.
There are also Eastern Lowland Gorillas within Kahuzi Biega National Park of Congo. On your primate tours, you can see both the Lowland Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park when you visit Congo.
You can also add Chimpanzees to your tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Kibale National Park.
Is Rwanda Known for Gorillas?
Yes, Rwanda is known for these apes and you can trek Gorillas within the land of a thousand hills.
You can enjoy Gorilla trek tours and also visit other places like the Virunga Mountains including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and the genocide memorial.
Can You Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda?
Anyone can visit the Gorillas on a visit Rwanda safari as long as they are over 15 years old. To see these gentle apes, you require Gorilla permits and these are available for everyone when they come to East Africa.
You can also see Gorillas in other destinations of East Africa like the national parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga of Uganda, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Biega of Congo.
Rwanda Uganda combined packages can give you sightings of these apes. From visiting the gentle apes, you can also go for wildlife encounters in Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth It? | Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Worth It?
Yes, a Gorilla trek is worth it as you meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas face to face which is a lifetime experience.
To make the adventure worth it when you explore Rwanda, you can combine it with other Rwanda safari activities.
These include.
· Cultural experiences
· Visiting the genocide memorial
· Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave
· Trekking Chimpanzees in Nyungwe
· Enjoying wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park
· Birding
· Exploring Lake Kivu for its white sand beaches
After seeing the apes in the land of a thousand hills, you can also enjoy other Africa safaris when you visit Virunga National Park in Congo, other national parks in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda Uganda primate safaris in East Africa.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda? | How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?
When you go for a Gorilla trek, it is not so hard though it can be challenging when you go through the steep slopes.
If you want to enjoy primate tours or any Rwanda safaris, you need to be physically fit so that you explore Rwanda without any challenges. This is a requirement even if you are visiting Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Congo.
Trekking Gorillas is easier in Virunga National Park of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gorilla tours are more challenging than Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda’s Kibale Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
How Long Is a Trek to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
A Gorilla trek takes about 2 to 8 hours and this depends on the movement of the apes. This is also the average time for other Gorilla destinations, especially Uganda and Congo.
How Many Hours Can One Spend with Mountain Gorillas?
You are only limited to 1 hour to be in their presence as this is for conservation purposes. This amazing hour is the best time to watch the Gorillas play and care for each other and it is also the best time for photography though do not use the flash.
This is the same time you spend with the Chimps and Golden Monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park which is like Kibale National Park of Uganda.
What Other Safari Activities Can You Do In Rwanda Apart from Gorilla Trekking?
To enjoy Gorilla trek safaris, there are safaris that you can add on when you explore Rwanda to get remarkable experiences and these include;
· Golden Monkey Tracking within Volcanoes
· Climbing the Virunga ranges
· Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe
· Birding
· Cultural experiences
· Canopy walk
· Kigali City Tour
· Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
In conclusion, Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are enjoyable in Volcanoes National Park allowing you to meet the Gorillas face to face and this offers lifetime experiences.
A Rwanda Uganda tour package will be more adventurous for safari enthusiasts or they can add on other countries of East Africa that is Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania, and explore the white sand beaches to give you outstanding African safari memories.
Reach Out to Us If You Are Planning to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Tours
