Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Costs, Gorilla Permits, How to book, and Tour Guide
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is the leading tour activity in this East African country with many people from different countries visiting to see the primates in Volcanoes national park. Currently, Rwanda has more than 300 mountain gorillas and this makes it the second country with the highest number of these great apes and these are ready to be trekked in the tropical rainforest of Volcanoes national park. Rwanda Parks arranges gorilla trekking safaris including both short tours and long holidays to Rwanda to see gorillas.
Before a tourist is allowed to trek gorilla in Rwanda, she/he is required to obtain a mountain gorilla trekking permit and this costs $1500 per person. We do help our clients obtain these permits at no extra charge and ensure that they get them in advance before their tour to Rwanda.
Although mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a success at any time of the year, there are months when it’s best to book a gorilla safari in Rwanda and this is called the peak season. This season is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). This is because the roads to various Parks in Rwanda are in good condition and easy to access. Also, it’s easy to see the mountain gorillas in the forest during the dry season unlike in the rainy season when they hide.
Trekking for mountain gorillas in the world is limited to only in Volcanoes National park Rwanda or in Uganda and DRC as part of the greater Virunga Mountain region massifs. The thick rain forests ranging at an altitude of 2,300m to 4,500 m above sea level makes it ideal habitat for the rare mountain gorillas.
There are over 480 individual mountain gorillas, with new gorillas number expected to be revealed in 2017 from the on going gorilla census in the Virunga massif that inhabit the park of which 10 gorilla groups or families have been habituated for tourism. Despite the description, characteristics and nature of each group specified to visitors before the actual tracking, the gorilla groups still bear distinctive and exceptional features different from one another.
Note that assembling for briefing from your expert gorilla guides at Kinigi the park headquarters is mandatory for visitors which stats early at 7:00 am about safety measures and etiquette. Tracking time is limited from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm in the evening and depends of your physical strength.
Through the anxious mist covered thick forests, visitors can trek a special gorilla family of interest including those that are accessed for adventure, study or research purposes. Tourists going to visit gorillas must be 8 in number per each group of gorillas which implies that 80 tracking permits are given out each day. Once the gorilla group has been found scattered over a small area of thick vegetation, visitors are allowed to spend only one hour interacting, photographing, watching how they feed and play. Remember that gorillas are in their natural habitat, sometimes searching for them may be difficult, experienced trackers and guides will tell to keep the 7 m distance and lead you face to face with those gentle giants before you realize the strenuous trek is worthwhile. The nervousness generally withdraws once you put eyes on the gorilla group.
Gorilla trekking may take 30 minutes to over 8 hours of walking in the forests; visitors must carry a backpack useful to take packed food or snacks, drinking water and dress up in solid hiking boots, water proof jackets, cameras, binoculars, insect repellents just a glimpse of things on your packing list. To add on that visitors are advised to hire porters who carry your heavy bags push along the trek of course at a cost that is well worth it.
How to book a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda
If you are interested in mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda then all you need to is contacting us through our contact page. Fill in the form with your details stating the dates you intend to track the gorillas and we shall get back to you immediately with the best Rwanda gorilla safari offers. We have also compiled a list of Rwanda tour operators from which you can select one to book a gorilla tour.
Gorilla Permits Rwanda – How to obtain and cost
Before a tourist is allowed to trek gorillas in Volcanoes national park, he/she is required to obtain a gorilla trekking permit and this costs $1500 per person. To obtain one all you need to do is contact us and we shall reserve one for you in advance. You can also book a gorilla permit in Rwanda by contacting Rwanda Tourism Board (RTB) directly.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The acceptable age limit for mountain gorilla trekking Rwanda is 15 years and above. A person below that age is not allowed. It should be noted that one is required to be physically fit before going gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park.
What to carry to gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Below is a list of some of the things to carry on a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda;
Gloves
Pair of boots
Drinking water