Where Can I See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda?
On your Rwanda gorilla safari, you can only spot gorillas at one destination.
Below it is:
Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
After Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda holds the highest number of gorillas. The other mountain gorilla population dwells in Congo Virunga National Park and Mgahinga, Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park holds 12 habituated gorilla families and a few for research purposes. Most of these gorilla family groups have more than one Silverback gorilla, numerous females, and youngsters. The dominant silverback heads the family.
The 12 gorilla groups in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park are:
- Hirwa gorilla group
- Karisimbi
- Amahoro
- Sabyinyo
- Agashya
- Susa
- Igisha
- Umubano
- Kwitonda
- Bwenge
- Muhoza
- Ugyenda
Not only is Volcanoes National Park famous for gorilla tours, but it’s also a paradise for tracking the endangered Golden Monkeys.
More amazing activities in Volcanoes National Park include:
- Volcano climbing—for instance, climbing Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke
- Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey and her Karisoke Research Center: Dian Fossey laid the foundation for gorilla conservation in East Africa. Unfortunately, this great American primatologist was found brutally assassinated with a machete in her cabin. She was cut twice in the face!
- Bird-watching tours
How Is the Gorilla Trekking Experience Like in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla tours in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park begin with the briefing of visitors at the park headquarters by the park ranger. Usually, the briefing starts around 7 a.m.
The ranger will share with you the park’s history and the dos and don’ts while on the gorilla hike. For instance, never feed or touch the endangered mountain gorillas!
Later, you’ll be assigned a family to trek with. Then, real adventure into the jungle will begin. In the company of trackers and rangers, you’ll enter the jungle to search for that gorilla family. On the lovely gorilla trek, expect to find several amazing wildlife species, such as stunning birds.
Finally, upon spotting these cool giants of the forest in their natural habitat, you are limited to one hour with them. Come with your camera!
Most travelers who have taken safaris in East Africa rank mountain gorilla tours as the most amazing experience!
Is Rwanda Known for Gorillas? | Does Rwanda Have Gorillas? | What Kind of Gorillas Are in Rwanda?
Globally, Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is famous for its standard gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park.
Destination Rwanda only holds mountain gorillas; there are no Eastern Lowland Gorillas. If interested in tracking Eastern lowland gorillas, you should visit Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Other areas to track mountain gorillas on earth include Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, as well as Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Note:
Lowland gorillas of Congo Kahuzi Biega National Park is bigger than mountain gorillas; however, they have less coarse hair.
How Long Is a Trek to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
Gorilla expeditions in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park often take over 2–8 hours. But note that some gorilla families live near park headquarters and can be spotted within a 30-minute hike.
The movements of these gentle giants have a significant impact on the length of a gorilla trek.
The above time also applies in other gorilla national parks, such as Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga National Park of the Congo.
Rules and Regulations to Follow During Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
These guidelines were put in place mainly to conserve the lives of the endangered mountain gorillas. Furthermore, they keep you safer on the gorilla trek.
Here are the major guidelines to follow as you explore Rwanda gorillas:
- Don’t litter the park while on the gorilla trek. Follow this even in the Congo
- Visitors with infectious diseases are not allowed to trek gorillas
- Flash cameras are not allowed to take photos
- You are not allowed to touch a gorilla. They are wild animals!
- Never eat, smoke, or drink in the presence of Gorillas
- Visitors below 15 are strictly not allowed to explore the gorillas of Rwanda
- Only 8 people can visit a gorilla family a day
- Visitors are limited to 1 hour in the presence of Gorillas
- You must keep a 7-meter safe distance for Mountain gorillas
- While on the gorilla trek, keep maximum silence
- You must always follow the instructions of the park ranger as you explore Rwanda gorillas
If you are to take Congo gorilla tours in Virunga National Park or Uganda gorilla tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you must abide by the above rules. They also apply to most primate safaris, like chimpanzee trekking tours in Kibale National Park, Uganda.
How Much Does It Cost to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Are Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda? | How Much Does it Cost to See Gorillas in Rwanda?
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda? Travelers planning to explore Rwanda primate safaris should note that the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) charges permits differently. This is based on nationality!
For example:
- Foreign Non-Residents: $1500
- African Foreign Residents: $500
- Citizens of East Africa: $200
How Much Is a 1-Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda? | How Much Is a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
We don’t have a fixed cost for gorilla tours in Rwanda, as numerous factors influence this cost.
Among these are the means of transportation you are using, your accommodation class, your group size, and the season of the year. But, on average, a 1-day gorilla trek in Rwanda costs about 1700 US dollars per person.
The above rate includes gorilla permit fees. It can cover or not cover fees for your private guide as well as accommodation.
Your tour operator will clearly show you all your daily experiences.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
The best time to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, is during the dry season (peak season) when rainfall is minimal.
The dry months in Rwanda include June to early September as well as December to February. A gorilla hike in drier months is easier since the trail is drier, and this applies in the Congo and Uganda.
March, April, May, October, and November are wet months in Rwanda. Normally, most areas receive rainfall most hours of the day, and some points along the tracking trail get muddy.
Note:
- In dry months, most lodges in Rwanda are full and permits are limited
- During wet months, some lodges can give out discounts to guests
Is Uganda or Rwanda Better to See Gorillas? | Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? | Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for Gorilla Trekking Safaris?
While all of these nations make excellent gorilla tour destinations in Africa, the following factors may help you narrow down your options:.
Here is a comparison between Rwanda gorilla tours and Uganda:
- The Gorilla permit for Rwanda costs 1500 US dollars, while that for Uganda costs 700 US dollars
- Uganda has over 20 gorilla families found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda only has 12 gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park
- Within East Africa, Uganda is the only place to enjoy the gorilla habituation experience. There is no gorilla habituation experience in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are ideal for short-time travelers, unlike Uganda gorilla tours. In Rwanda, a 1-day gorilla trek is possible, which is not the case in Uganda or the Congo
- Uganda boasts numerous amazing safari destinations compared to Rwanda. Among these, there is Kibale National Park, the best place for primate safaris in Africa “chimpanzee tracking.”
If interested, you can opt to explore the Rwanda-Uganda gorilla tour.
Packing List for Rwanda Gorilla Tours
As you prepare for Rwanda safaris, there are some crucial items you should have for a successful gorilla tour. Some of them cut across as you undertake game-viewing safaris in Kenya.
These items include:
- A camera for taking photos
- Insect repellant: As you explore gorillas in Rwanda, it protects you from biting insects while on the gorilla trek
- Hiking boots are so helpful on the gorilla hike. Even they are useful on Congo gorilla expeditions
- Garden gloves: keep you warm on the gorilla trek
- A rain jacket will keep you dry in case of rain while on the gorilla trek
- Sun protection gear, for instance, sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreens
- A simple backpack for keeping your day’s essentials
- Packed lunch (energy-giving snacks)
- Bottled water to keep you hydrated on the gorilla trek. We recommend it even on game-viewing safaris in Kenya or Tanzania
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
What Do You Wear to See Gorillas in Rwanda?
While on your gorilla tour in Rwanda, you should put on eco-friendly and comfortable clothing. This should be followed even while on your wildlife safaris in Tanzania or Kenya. Also, they are of help on Congo gorilla tours.
Below is a guide on what to wear while tracking gorillas in Rwanda:
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Will protect your skin from biting insects as well as body cuts while in the jungle! On wildlife viewing safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, shorts can be put on game drives.
Make sure that these outfits are in khaki, brown, and grey. Shouting colors irritate gorillas.
A rain jacket with a hood will help you in case rain finds you on the gorilla trek. During wildlife safaris in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, as well as those in Kenya and Tanzania, it’s helpful during nature walks.
Protect yourself from touching thorns while on the gorilla trek in the jungle. Furthermore, these gloves keep you warm.
On the gorilla trek, these shoes help you walk even on slippery and hilly slopes.
They are of help as they will protect your eyes from direct sun rays
In dry months, it protects you from direct sunlight. On wildlife viewing safaris in Akagera National Park, Kenya, or Tanzania, it’s of help as well.
Best Tour Operators in Rwanda to Book With Your Rwanda Gorilla Trip
Make sure you book your trip with a reliable tour operator, as he ensures that you get the best safari experience as you visit Rwanda.
Most of these tour operators are capable of arranging Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tours as well as wildlife safaris in Tanzania or Kenya. They can even go ahead and organize Congo gorilla tours.
Here are the best tour operators in Rwanda:
- Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Gorilla Safari Rwanda
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
- Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
Popular Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda, Best Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Our gorilla tours in Rwanda- the land of a Thousand Hills can be tailor made to suit all your travel needs on Rwanda safaris. Some of them feature wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, as well as visits to local communities. Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours are also possible!
If interested, you can supplement your gorilla tours in Rwanda to Congo where you’ll track the lowland gorillas.
The following are the best tours to Rwanda gorillas:
Best Lodges in Rwanda Volcanoes National: Where to Stay in Rwanda?
There are several lodges and hotels in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, and they are ideal for all types of travelers. They are grouped into luxury, mid-range, and budget facilities.
All of them offer standard services. We are available to guide you to the best lodges to use.
The following are the:
Top Luxury Lodges In Volcanoes National Park
- Bisate Lodge
- Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Common Mid-Range Lodges In Volcanoes Park
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Garden Palace Hotel
- Garr Hotel
Best Budget Lodges In Volcanoes National Park
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Villa Gorilla Hotel
- Hotel Muhabura
- Kinigi Guest House
Please note that other accommodations in Rwanda can be found in Kigali, and within Akagera Park, as well as Nyungwe Forest National Park. Also, you’ll find accommodation in any destination you visit while on your Congo safaris or wildlife safaris in Kenya and Rwanda.
Other Things to Do in Rwanda On Top of Your Gorilla Tour
As you visit Rwanda for Rwanda safaris, there are several amazing expeditions to undertake on top of your gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park.
The popular ones include:
- Wildlife safaris
Wildlife safaris in Rwanda Akagera National Park allow you to encounter several game animals of Africa. These animals include Lions, Elephants, Zebras, Buffalos, Leopards, Giraffes, Hippos, Rhinos, and numerous Antelopes, among others.
On your wildlife Rwanda safari in Akagera Park, the best way to spot these wild animals is by undertaking a game drive as well as a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
- Tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers you a golden opportunity to see chimpanzees—amazing close cousins of humans—in their natural habitat. Remember, these lovely humanlike primates share about 98–99% of their DNA with that of humans.
If you take a Rwanda Uganda tour, you will do chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Tracking Golden Monkeys
Travelers on Rwanda safari tours in Volcanoes Park normally track golden monkeys before gorillas. This adventure of encountering these beautiful monkeys is only possible in East Africa.
More safari activities in Rwanda:
- Cultural encounters in nearby communities: Iby’iwachu cultural village, for example, offers cultural experiences.
- Visiting memorial sites for the Rwandan genocide: A private guide from the area will walk you through the war’s history. Still, this private guide will make sure that you have the best experience.
- Climbing Virunga Mountains: The most popular hikes include Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
- Exploring Kigali city tour
- Canopy walking in Nyungwe
- Birding tours
- Relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches of Lake Kivu—the best way to explore Rwanda is by taking a boat ride on Lake Kivu. In most cases, travelers visit Lake Kivu after gorilla treks.
Other Questions About Gorilla Tours in Rwanda
1. Can You Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda?
Travelers can visit Rwanda gorillas only if they have a tracking permit and are over 15 years of age. This applies also to Congo Virunga National Park!
After signing a consent form, visitors below 15 years of age can enjoy the tracking experience in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Park as its terrain is relatively friendly.
2. Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Worth It? | Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth It?
Gorilla tours in Rwanda are worth the money, indeed! The money collected as tourists track gorillas is used for gorilla conservation. For instance, it’s used to pay the salaries of park rangers as well as start community development projects in areas around these national parks.
For that case, note that as you track gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo Virunga National Park, remember that you’re indirectly contributing to the conservation of gorillas.
Rwanda-Uganda gorilla trips are possible!
3. Is There a Discount on Rwanda Gorilla Permits?
There are no discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda. We usually advise our budget travelers to undertake Rwanda-Uganda gorilla trips. A gorilla permit for trekking gorillas in Uganda is 700 US dollars, and that for Rwanda is 1,500 US dollars.
Going on a Rwanda-Uganda gorilla tour allows you to save 800 US dollars on a permit.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Go Gorilla Trekking?
While on a Rwanda safari, there are several ways you can have an affordable gorilla tour. Among these are using budget safaris, booking your trip with a local tour operator, traveling in a low season, and opting for safari activities.
Also, you can choose to go on gorilla tours in Congo Virunga National Park. Tracking permits in the Congo costs 400 US dollars.
4. How to Book and Buy Gorilla Permits in Rwanda?
Several travelers book their permits through tour operators; however, it’s also possible to buy them directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
5. How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Though it’s a bit strenuous, any person with a minimum level of supervision can go on gorilla treks in Rwanda. Just be ready to hike through the rainforest as well as the challenging hillsides.
On gorilla expeditions, it’s wise to put on jungle boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and insect repellent.
The hike for the gorilla trek in Rwanda is almost similar to that of Virunga National Park in Congo.
6. Are Gorilla Tours in Rwanda Safe? | Are Rwanda Gorilla Tours Safe?
Gorilla tours in Rwanda are safe. For instance, while on the gorilla trek, you’ll be in the company of armed park rangers who ensure that nothing happens to you in the jungle. Also, these expeditions are done with fully habituated gorilla families; therefore, they are not aggressive.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | What to Expect From Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
The top highlight of gorilla expeditions in Rwanda is meeting face-to-face with gorillas, the gentle giants in their lovely habitat. Upon spotting them, you’ll enjoy watching their sheer size, broad chest, as well as large, humanlike hands.
Still, travelers get a chance to learn many interesting facts about gorillas, for example, how the Silverback behaves while in its family.
Trekking with gorillas in Rwanda is among the most amazing safari activities in East Africa. It’s a must-not-miss experience on Rwanda safaris!
Among others, normally visitors that undertake gorilla tours in Rwanda also enjoy the Kigali city tour, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, as well as a visit to Kigali genocide sites. Akagera National Park wildlife safaris also await visitors interested in game-viewing tours.
Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tours are possible.
As you plan to explore Rwanda’s gorillas, let’s travel together for a great experience. Talk to our responsive expert today!
