The Volcanoes National Park is a national park in northwestern Rwanda. It covers 160 km2 (62 sq. mi) of rain forest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It is home to the mountain gorilla and the golden monkey, and was the base for the primatologist Dian Fossey.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking but the park is also rich with many other exotic activities to engage in. Rwanda hosts almost a third of the world’s estimated population of about 900 mountain gorillas. These great apes are protected in the Volcanoes National Park.
The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible.
Gorilla Trekking Guidelines in Rwanda are put in place so that travelers abide by them to ensure that at the end of the activity trekkers and gorillas are safe.
The cost of a gorilla tour is expensive but an encounter with mountain gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience. Whereas a safari to spot the big five is great, nothing beats watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – Gorillas are our relatives. It is estimated that only about 1000 Mountain gorillas now survive in the wild – mountain gorilla permits sell like hot cake. Half of these are found in Uganda and the other half shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. Because of their small remaining overall population worldwide, Mountain gorillas are considered endangered by organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Where to find mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Just over half of the world’s 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains of central Africa – a range of volcanoes extending about 50 miles along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo. The best place to see these rare creatures is in Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) in northwest Rwanda. Mountain Gorillas are regarded as the largest primate on earth and the second closet relative of man after the chimpanzee which shares almost 98% of human DNA make-up. Mountain gorillas are known as endangered species and their only about 880 individuals left in the world and these are shared by three countries that the Republic of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, however Rwanda is known as the best gorilla safari destination in the world housing almost a half of these remaining giants.
Not like other gorillas species that can be kept in zoos, mountain gorillas are only found in their national habitat, making mountain gorilla tracking activity the most interesting activity done on earth. Many tourists whole over the world live their beautiful homes and offices to come to this small country but gifted by nature to spend at least one or two days with these giants in the wild. Mountain gorillas are found in the volcanoes national park Rwanda’s protected area housing these species. Gorillas can be seen on an organised Rwanda gorilla safari guided by local ranges through the tropical rain forest within the park and others prefer staying in the high slopes in the Karisimbi, Sabyinyo Mountains.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda
Conservationist Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and it’s thanks to her work that poaching was curtailed in time to save these majestic animals. The park features in the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ (1988) which chronicles Dian’s work.
There are currently 12 habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking groups are allocated a specific gorilla family to track and the number of people in each group is strictly limited to 8, which means that only 96 permits are available per day (see below for more information on permits).
The Gorilla Trekking Process
Before accessing volcanoes national park to carry out gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You have to go through the security check point where you will have be checked for any security threats such as knives, deadly weapons, fire arms than can harm other trekkers and animals .
Tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes while in search for endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Gorilla trekking is a strenuous yet also the most rewarding primate adventure that requires you to be physically well. A trek to view mountain gorillas can last you about 3-6 hours but depends on your hiking speed, nature of habitat and location of mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park usually starts with briefing at 7:00am on the set safety measures and actual trek begins at 8:00am. Visitors are accompanied by a professional park ranger guide after you have been assigned to gorilla group to trek.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is not only about viewing mountain gorillas in the wild but it also gets you opportunity to see other wildlife species. Volcanoes National Park is a home to over 200 bird species and many other primates, mammals, unique flora most of which will be spotted while on a trek to view mountain gorillas.
If you miss the briefing, you will not be allowed to take part in the Rwanda Gorilla Safari even in the event that you’ve purchased a gorilla permit. Noting this, it goes without saying that being on time is very important.
Meeting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda
When you meet the gorillas you’ll have the chance to spend between 40 minutes to one hour quietly observing them in their natural habitat.
The gorillas are likely to be just a few metres away from you and they will continue to go about their daily lives – feeding and interacting with each other, under the watchful gaze of the silverback.
You should talk in a low voice while you’re with the gorillas and you must try not to make any loud noises or sudden movements. Of course you’re going to be excited, but you should try to express this quietly. You’re requested to keep a six metre distance from the gorillas and you must not touch them under any circumstances.
Even though the gorillas are used to seeing people on a daily basis, they are wild animals and they can sometimes react unexpectedly. It is essential that you listen to the instructions from your guides and trackers at all times.
Duration of the mountain gorilla trek
You’ll have up to one magical hour with the gorillas, however this never feels long enough and we recommend that you consider doing two treks.
No two gorilla experiences are ever the same and a second trek offers the opportunity to track a different family in a different area of the park.On a second trek you’re more likely to put the camera down, relax and enjoy the experience.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
Visiting mountain gorillas in Rwanda is strictly managed to protect these critically endangered animals in their natural habitat and increase their chance of survival.
A permit is required to trek with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. As there are only 12 habituated gorilla families available to see, and only 8 people who can visit each gorilla family each day, the gorilla permits are strictly limited to 96 per day.
Rwanda gorilla permits sell out months in advance, so you’ll need to obtain your permit early to secure your preferred dates, especially during the busy months.
Although the rainy season of April to May and October to November are not as competitive, the dry seasons of December to March and June to September are extremely popular and permits sell out quickly.
On the actual day of the trek, you will be allocated a gorilla family to track, based on your age, fitness level and number of pre-booked treks. Some gorilla families are harder to track and require a high level of fitness, while other families require shorter trekking times.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Your gorilla trekking adventure starts early – you’ll need to arrive at the Kinigi park headquarters in Volcanoes National Park at 7:00am for a briefing from one of the park rangers. You’ll begin your search for a gorilla family around 8:30am, and are required to return to the campground by 7:00pm at the latest (although your trek may take less time).
One of the key elements in determining which gorilla family you’ll trek to see is the duration and difficulty of the trek you wish to undertake. Your trek could last anywhere from two to nine hours, depending on the exact location of the specific gorilla family which you’re tracking.
You don’t have to be super-fit, however it does help if you have a reasonable level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience.
Your professional guide and tracker will lead you through the forest trails in search of your gorilla family. The conditions in the forest can be slippery and muddy – even in the dry season – and it can also be very humid under the forest canopy. The trek is fairly challenging and you may find it tough as you pass through the dense undergrowth. The high altitude and the steep, slippery trails can make the trek exhausting, but it’s definitely worth the effort to spend time with mountain gorillas in the wild.
When you finally find these gentle giants you’ll have the opportunity to spend up to one hour in their company, before returning to your lodge to reflect on your moving and magical encounter with the wild mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
What are the Prices for Gorilla Permits?
The permits currently cost US$1500 per person. We can secure your gorilla permit at no extra cost when you book your gorilla safari holiday with us.
The price includes park entrance, expert guides and trackers, the security of a tourism police force in the parks, and one precious hour of time with the gorillas. Tipping your guides and trackers on your gorilla trek is optional, but not necessary, and is entirely at the discretion of the traveller.
Refunds/Cancellations of Gorilla Permits
You will be refunded 50% of the gorilla tracking fee if you are showing signs of illness, as you will not be allowed to track the gorillas if you are declared unfit by the Warden in Charge.
Gorillas can be easily infected by human diseases, and as they don’t have the necessary immunity to fight these diseases, any sick people can be a huge threat to the gorilla population.
Age Restrictions for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Due to safety reasons, you must be at least 15 years of age to track gorillas in Rwanda.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda
It’s important to come well prepared for the incredible experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, however you don’t need to over pack with too much gear. Note that domestic flights usually have luggage limited to 20 kilograms per person and it’s best to use a soft case to maximize space.
Here’s our advice on what you should pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda,
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Make sure your shoes are well worn-in before departing to avoid any nasty blisters.
- Light, breathable, waterproof jackets and trousers, and long-sleeved shirts. It’s important to wear light, long layers due to the variable weather and to avoid any bites from insects.
- Warm layers for the chilly mornings and cold nights.
- Long, lightweight woolen socks.
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Toiletries such as sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, bite relief cream and lip balm.
- Garden gloves to protect your hands as you grip the vegetation during your trek.
- A small backpack to carry your water, lunch, extra clothes, binoculars and camera.
- Camera with extra lenses and batteries. Bring more memory than you think you need.
- Binoculars to have a clear view of everything and to spot other wildlife such as birds and monkeys.
- Snacks – the trek can be quite strenuous, lasting anywhere from two to nine hours, so bring some snacks for extra energy.
- A reusable water bottle to limit waste – you’ll need to bring plenty of drinking water on your trek.
- Multi-way travel adaptor. Rwanda uses plug types C (two round pins) and J (two round pins and a grounding pin), and operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz standard frequency.
When is the Best time to visit Rwanda?
You can track gorillas in Rwanda throughout the year. The best time tends to be during the dry period from June to September as the jungle is less muddy and the paths are less slippery, although you should bear in mind that it can rain any time of year.
The wettest months are April and May, bringing tricky muddy trails, however you can still track gorillas at this time. The gorillas often climb higher up the mountain during the dry season and descend during the rains.