This is a comprehensive guide to affordable and unique Rwanda gorilla safari packages for amazing gorilla trekking in Rwanda to Volcanoes National Park.
Explore Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris - The Most Accesible African Gorilla Tours
We tailor-make memorable Rwanda gorilla tours offering amazing Rwanda gorilla trekking expeditions to see the majestic Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda - land of a thousand hills is popularly known for Mountain gorillas! And therefore, most visitors to East Africa are always interested in undertaking these amazing Rwanda gorilla tours.
Trekking gorillas in Rwanda or walking with Gorillas in Rwanda is one of the top memorable adventures in Africa! This charming gorilla trek allows you to encounter the world's largest primates in their wonderful misty environment.
Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda With Congo & Uganda Gorilla Treks
Rwanda Gorilla safaris are done in the great Volcanoes National Park and the only Rwanda gorilla park and sanctuary. Volcanoes Park is said to boast the highest population of the 604 Mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Mountains. Note that, Virunga ranges span national parks like Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Uganda's Mgahinga park, and the Virunga National Park of the Congo Democratic Republic. Virunga National Park is the main area for gorillas tours in Congo.
Unlike other gorilla safaris in Uganda and Congo gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla safari treks are easier and nearer, hence ideal for time-bad travelers. Usually Rwanda gorilla treks take about 30 minutes to 7 hours. Normally, visitors trekking gorillas in Rwanda, get a chance of visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey, a legend in gorilla conservation.
Combining Rwanda Gorilla Safaris & Tours With Other Rwanda Safari Activities
There are other amazing Rwanda safari tours worth undertaking on your gorilla vacation. And among these include Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, Kigali city tour, cultural experiences, and visiting genocide memorial centers.
It is common for many tourists to do wildlife safaris in Kenya or Tanzania in addition to Gorilla safaris in Rwanda. In East Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are known for memorable game-viewing safaris.
Gorilla tours in Rwanda are generally safe and can be done all year round. However, the dry months (June-August and December-February) are ideal.
Below is more important information about Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris & tours.
Below are some of the most popular Rwanda gorilla tours. Book the best gorilla safari itineraries for you to take as is or customise to suit your interests.
Exploring Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park: A Gorilla Trekking Handbook
Frequently, visitors planning to have gorilla tours in Rwanda and go for the ultimate Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures are curious about where they are done! Is Rwanda known for gorillas? Yes, there are gorillas in Rwanda, and gorilla tours in Rwanda can only be done in:
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to over 14 fully habituated gorilla families. And a few others are solely habituated for scientific research. Most of the gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are amazing; they have at least one silverback with several females as well as youngsters.
Gorilla groups in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park include:
Susa
Igisha
Karisimbi
Sabyinyo
Amahoro
Agashya
Kwitonda
Umubano
Hirwa
Bwenge
Ugyenda
Muhoza
Note that gorilla family groups have many silverback gorillas; however, a dominant silverback heads the group! During your Rwanda gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, all the treks start at 7 am at Kinigi (park headquarters). You’ll be assigned a gorilla family to trek with according to your level of fitness! On your safari Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, expect to spot some of the 200 colorful bird species recorded here. Also, on a lucky day, Golden Monkeys can be encountered.
Rules and Regulations of Trekking with Rwanda Gorillas
These gorilla trekking rules help secure your life during your adventure. Furthermore, these guidelines help to protect the health of these endangered primates as well as humans who visit them. Here are the rules to follow during your gorilla tour Rwanda:
Guidelines Before Departing into the Jungle
The age limit for trekking gorillas in Rwanda is 15 years. This is so because young people are prone to childhood diseases such as mumps and measles. These are so deadly to gorillas. This applies to Uganda and Virunga National Park, Congo.
Strictly, only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family per day. This helps to minimize stress for these shy giants.
Please don’t take part in a gorilla trek if you have the flu, a cold, or any other infectious disease. These massive primates can easily catch human communicable diseases!
You must wash your hands before embarking on the gorilla trek. This should also be applied in Congo Virunga National Park as well as in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi national parks.
Rules to Follow While With Gorillas:
You should maintain maximum silence while on the gorilla trek. But this shouldn’t limit you from inquiring about the ranger.
On your gorilla trek, littering in the park is not allowed. This is against eco-tourism principles.
You should always keep a 7-meter distance from these great apes.
It’s illegal to touch gorillas. They can misunderstand your touch. Remember, there are wild animals, however much there’re habituated!
More so, smoking, eating, and drinking around these amazing giants are illegal! This applies in Ugandan parks and the Congo in Virunga National Park.
You’re advised to remain in a group on your gorilla trek expeditions (primate safaris).
If you want to sneeze in the presence of gorillas, you should turn away or cover your face. Infectious diseases like cough and flu are lethal to these great giants.
On a gorilla trek, you’re only limited to one magical hour of encountering these great apes.
Using flash cameras for photography is strictly not allowed. It stresses these shy giants.
If you feel like easing yourself on a gorilla trek, you should go off track. After, cover the waste 30cm deep in the soil.
Packing List for A Gorilla Trip in Rwanda
If intending to have a gorilla tour Rwanda, you’re advised to be well set for a memorable experience. Below is a packing list for Rwanda’s gorilla holiday safari:
A camera: This is a must-have as you plan to track with gorillas in Rwanda. It helps you take amazing photos for remembrance.
Rain jacket: Safeguards you in case rain gets you on a gorilla trek or gorilla tour in Rwanda.
Solid hiking boots: This helps you on a gorilla trek as you hike through the hilly, fairly challenging slopes.
Insect repellents: During your gorilla safaris in Rwanda, these protect you from any possibility of biting insects, such as mosquitoes.
Gaiters: On your gorilla tour in Rwanda, these protect you in case of safari ants along the trail.
Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts: help protect your skin from stinging nettles as well as biting insects.
Gardening gloves: Help to safeguard your hands as you hold tree branches as well as other vegetation during the hike.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat: These protect you from sunshine, especially in dry months.
A daypack: On your primate safaris in Rwanda, this helps you keep all your essentials, like a camera, toiletries, and packed lunch, safe. It’s ideal even on your Rwanda wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.
Packed lunch and normally energy-giving snacks are ideal on a Rwanda gorilla trek.
Enough drinking water: This is so vital during this fairly strenuous adventure.
During your gorilla tour in Rwanda, there are a range of Rwanda safari accommodation classes for you to choose from!
And among these are luxury, mid-range, and budget options.
Popular Luxury Lodges to Use
Bisate Lodge Volcanoes
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Virunga Lodge
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Best Mid-Range Lodges to Use
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
La Palme Hotel
Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Garden Place Hotel
Recommended Budget Lodges to Use
Villa Gorilla
Hotel Muhabura
Kinigi Guesthouse
Other Amazing Types of Safaris in Rwanda
For a charming gorilla Rwanda tour, you’re advised to undertake other thrilling safari experiences! This allows you to fully explore Rwanda and Africa. Among these include:
Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. Undertaking game-viewing safaris in Rwanda on top of your gorilla tours allows you to explore Rwanda’s rich wildlife. On your Rwanda wildlife safaris, expect to encounter the Big Five and other classic games of Africa, which are known to be spotted on Tanzania or Kenya safaris. On your wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, you’ll look out for Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, and several Antelope species, etc. In Akagera National Park, game drives are typically how you spot the majority of game animals during your wildlife safaris and tours.
Bird-watching safaris in Rwanda. For bird lovers, endeavor to supplement birding watching on your Mountain gorilla in Rwanda vacation. In East Africa, the land of a thousand hills is one of the best sites to spot the Albertine Rift endemic birds. Nyungwe forest national park offers the best experience for birdwatching. Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest boasts over 322 bird species, counting about 29 Albertine endemics like Rwenzori Turaco and Handsome Francolin. Apart from Nyungwe Forest National Park, other amazing sites for birding tours in Rwanda and Africa include Akagera National Park as well as Volcanoes National Park. Water birds as well as other wildlife can be found around Lake Kivu shoes or white sand beaches.
Chimpanzee Tours in Rwanda:Nyungwe Forest National Park. Chimpanzee tours in Nyunwge Forest are among the notable adventures worth undertaking on top of your Rwanda vacation. It gives you a captivating encounter with Chimpanzees in their wonderful environment. Chimpanzees are man’s closest cousins, sharing over 98–99% of DNA similar to that of man! During the chimpanzee trek, you’ll meet amazing wildlife like the rare L’Hoest’s Monkeys. Note that, after Uganda’s Kibale National Park, Nyungwe Forest is another ideal site for primate safaris in East Africa. Kibale National Park offers the best Chimpanzee tours in East Africa as well as Africa.
More thrilling tours in Rwanda to undertake on top of Your Gorilla tour
Cultural experiences in Rwanda Africa, for example, visiting Iby’iwachu cultural village for sensational traditional dances.
Visit the genocide memorial sites such as Gisozi, Nyamata, Murambi, Ntarama, and Bisesero. A local private guide will explain to you the touching history of Rwanda’s genocide! Also, this private guide makes sure that you are safe on your tour.
Visiting the grave of the renowned Dian Fossey. You can also decide to visit her Karisoke Research Center.
Taking a Kigali city tour.
Relaxation on the white-sand beaches of Lake Kivu. This lake (Lake Kivu), with its white sand beaches, is Rwanda’s biggest lake.
Mountain hiking safaris in Rwanda, Africa: for example, hiking Mount Karisimbi as well as Bisoke.
How much is a gorilla safari in Rwanda?
How much does it cost to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Please be aware that there is no set price for a gorilla safari in Rwanda because it depends on a number of factors. But a Rwanda gorilla permit costs 1500 USD for Foreign non-residents and 500 USD for foreign residents, and an all-inclusive 1 day gorilla safari costs, about 2300 USD on average.
Below are the factors that determine the cost of a gorilla safari in Rwanda:
Accommodation Class Your Wish to Use. The type of lodging you choose to use greatly affects the cost of gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda. Using luxury accommodation raises your safari cost more than it would be when you decide to go budget.
Safari Vehicle You Wish to Use on Your Safari. Furthermore, this also affects your gorilla vacation cost. For example, using a safari van is relatively cheaper than using a 4×4 safari land cruiser. This is because these two have different fuel consumption rates.
Number of Days You’re to Spend on Your Gorilla Holiday. Generally, the more days on your gorilla, the higher the safari cost. This is so because it raises safari expenses, for instance, accommodation and transport costs.
Other Safari Activities to Undertake During Your Tour. Each activity you add to your gorilla tour in Rwanda raises your safari cost. Therefore, the more safari activities you undertake on your gorilla holiday, the higher the gorilla safari price. A few activities minimize your safari cost.
Number of People on A Vacation. Generally, the cost of a gorilla vacation increases with the number of people undertaking a safari. This is because each person on a vacation calls for additional expenses, such as accommodation. But, on the other hand, traveling as a group is cheaper. It allows sharing of expenses like accommodation and transport costs.
Top Rwanda Gorilla Safari Companies: Tour Operators
Although there are many safari companies in Rwanda, getting a trustworthy gorilla tour operator isn’t easy! Thus, choosing an ideal tour operator offers you the best experience as you visit Rwanda.
You’re advised to check the company’s reviews on Tripadvisor!
Best Rwanda Gorilla Tour Packages
Note that, since Rwanda is just adjacent to Uganda, Rwanda-Uruguay tours are possible! Undertaking a Uganda and Rwanda safari is a thrilling experience worth undertaking.
Note that you can top up a gorilla tour in Rwanda on your Kenya or Tanzania safaris! Remember, there’re no gorillas in Kenya or Tanzania!
Here are some of the best gorilla tours in Rwanda for you:
If you’re interested in encountering the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Africa, Rwanda is the best place to be. Rwanda gorilla tours (primate safaris) are done in the misty Volcanoes National Park, which holds the highest population of gorillas in the Virunga ranges.
For a rewarding gorilla tour in Rwanda, you should undertake a wildlife tour, visit Dian Fossey tombs and also make a Kigali city tour. Among others, don’t miss visiting Rwanda genocide memorial centers! Remember, you can top up this remarkable adventure on your safari tours in Kenya or Tanzania.
Book with us now an affordable Rwanda gorilla trekking tour for a remarkable African gorilla trekking experience!
All Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Frequently Asked Questions
These popular frequently asked questions about Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris & tours offer the perfect guidance and makes gorilla tour planning much easier.
Does Rwanda have gorillas? Rwanda boasts only Mountain gorillas. Please note that, globally, this gorilla species lives in two populations! The highest population is found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- gorilla sanctuary Africa. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds over 50% of the 1,063 on earth! While, the other dwells in Virunga Mountains, in national parks like Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, Uganda's Mgahinga, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On your Congo safari, Virunga National Park is a must not miss spot! Please note that, in East Africa, the Eastern lowland gorillas can only be spotted in Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. If interested in encountering these amazing gentle giants (lowland gorillas) in Congo, Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd can arrange your vacation. Eastern lowland gorillas of Congo Kahuzi Biega national park are slightly bigger than their cousins, however, have less coarse hair!
Normally, gorilla tours take about 30 minutes to 8 hours. In most cases, this depends on the movement of these great apes. Please note that this is the same case in Virunga National Park of Congo as well as in Uganda. If lucky, in Volcanoes National Park, some gorilla families can be spotted within a 30-minute trek! This applies to Congo Virunga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga national parks of Uganda. Upon encountering the shy giants, you'll strictly spend with them a maximum of one hour as you enjoy them undertaking their daily lives.
If you are to safari Rwanda gorillas, you're advised to wear Eco-friendly clothes. For instance: Khaki, brown, and grey are recommended! Also note that Bright colors like red, as well as clothes with animal prints, irritate gorillas. And thus, these should be avoided. Black clothes are not ideal as they absorb much heat, especially in the dry months. Waterproof hiking shoes are vital as you might come across challenging hilly as well as muddy points along the trail. Furthermore, it's ideal to put on long socks or gaiters. Normally, visitors tuck in their pants in socks to avoid safari ants that might be along the trail.
What is the best time of year to go to Rwanda to see gorillas? gorilla expeditions in Rwanda can be done all year round, however, the best time for trekking with gorillas in Rwanda is during the dry season. These months include December-February and June-August. But, note that this is always the peak season for tourism. Often, during these months, little rainfall inconveniences are expected in Volcanoes National Park. And therefore, the trails are drier and mud free, and easy to hike. On the other hand, taking a gorilla tour in Rwanda Africa during wet months is a blessing in disguise! Usually, in these months, there's much food in the jungle therefore, gentle giants hardly move in higher altitudes searching for food. And thus, the treks take a shorter time. You just have to get ready for some mud and rainfall showers! Please note that you can explore Rwanda all year round!
Can you visit the gorillas in Rwanda? This is a common query among most of the visitors planning to undertake gorilla trips in Rwanda Africa. Please note that, after the deadly Genocide of 1994, the Rwandan government has done its best to bring peace to the country! And currently, Rwanda ranks among the most peaceful countries in Africa. Therefore, undeniably, all tours to Rwanda gorillas are safe and no mishap has happened in past years! Below is how safe are (Rwanda primate safaris) Rwanda gorilla safaris:Throughout your gorilla trek, you'll always be escorted by armed rangers. These ensure your safety in the jungle. Every day, rangers patrol the park and this is intended to keep poachers out of the forest. Gorilla Rwanda safaris are only done on a habituated gorilla group. All these families are used to human presence and therefore, their aggression is minimal.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are fairly challenging, but this depends on one's physical level of fitness. Generally, this charming adventure involves hiking in the thick and misty rainforest. Also, you'll hike the fairly challenging terrain holding slippery trails, as well as valleys, etc. Regardless of the above challenges, Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are worth undertaking! Also, the above factors shouldn't stop you from taking gorilla Rwanda safaris: Always, there're porters to help you during your gorilla trek. These porters can carry you in a modern bamboo stretcher! Also, you can ask to be allocated a gorilla family which is closer. This saves you from the long treks Lastly, you're advised to always make physical exercise before your gorilla trip in Rwanda. This will help to raise your fitness level.
How much does it cost to see (trek or visit) gorillas in Rwanda? Gorilla trekking tours Rwanda costs 1500 USD.
In Rwanda, a gorilla trek for Rwandese costs 1500 USD.
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park holds about 12 habituated gorilla families. Therefore, about 96 permits are available for travelers every day in Rwanda.
There's no discount on all permits for gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. It's also the same case in Congo Virunga National Park and Uganda Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
Most visitors undertaking tours to Rwanda gorillas book their permits through a dependable tour operator. It's the most commonly used method. Alternatively, You can book your permit to see Rwanda gorillas directly from Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Rwanda Development Board is a government body responsible for tourism however, travelers rarely use it. Please note that, since permits are limited, it's ideal that you book in advance your permit.
Since Volcanoes National Park is a 2 hours drive from Kigali city, it's possible to undertake a 1-day gorilla trek Rwanda tour unlike in Uganda! Therefore, this means you'll save a lot on transport and accommodation. Rwanda 1 day gorilla safari roughly costs 1700 USD per person. This rate includes a gorilla permit, transport, an English-speaking guide as well as accommodation.
Frequently, travelers intending to undertake Rwanda gorilla safari usually wonder whether it's worth the money! Unquestionably, gorilla Rwanda safaris are worth the money, and below is how: Gorillas can't survive in captivity! And therefore, a portion of the money collected as tourist visit Rwanda to see Africa's big primate is used to conserve their habitats. Also, a big percentage of money is used in paying the salaries of park rangers. This personnel helps in monitoring the endangered Mountain gorillas in their environment. Furthermore, a 10% percentage of the revenue is channeled to develop local communities around. For example, it's used to develop schools and health centers as well as roads. There's also a compensation fund for farmers around in case these great apes destroy their crops. This ensures ensure peaceful co-existence. Encountering the gorillas in their misty amazing environment is worth the money. It's one of the top remarkable African adventure safaris a must not miss!
Is it better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? Often, travelers planning to have gorilla safari expeditions on top of their African safaris inquire whether to go trekking with gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda! Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorillas? Here is a comparison of which country is best for gorilla tours: The site for gorilla tours in Rwanda Africa is easily accessible. It's just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali Airport and this isn't the case with Uganda. A gorilla Rwanda tour is ideal for time-bad travelers on safaris in Africa. For example, Volcanoes National Park is situated close to Kigali Airport.
Uganda gorilla permit costs 700 USD while that of Rwanda costs 1500. Therefore, taking gorilla tours in Uganda means saving over 800 USD on your vacation. Gorilla safaris in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park are at a much higher altitude than Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Therefore, encountering gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is relatively simpler. Uganda boasts more permits a day than Rwanda. For example, in Uganda, there're about 160 permits daily while Rwanda has 96 only. Uganda is the only country offering gorilla habituation experience in East Africa and the entire world. Please note that you can have a Rwanda Uganda safari! The Rwanda Uganda tour is so ideal for visitors interested in double gorilla expeditions in (East Africa) both countries for a memorable experience.
Since gorilla tours rank among the top highlight of most safaris in Africa, travelers are always much more expectant. On encountering the gentle giants in their charming misty environment, you'll be limited to one magical hour with them! You'll observe these amazing massive primates feeding, roaming the ground, grooming each other and youngsters playing, etc. On this encounter, you'll believe that the endangered Mountain gorillas are humans just living in the jungle!
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If intending to have a gorilla tour Rwanda, you’re advised to be well set for a memorable experience. Below is a packing list for Rwanda’s gorilla holiday safari:
