Rwanda is one of the few places on Earth where mountain gorillas can be found in their natural habitat. In Rwanda, tracking mountain gorillas is done in Volcanoes National Park, the most visited of all Rwanda National Parks. There are many great accommodation facilities in Volcanoes National Park to ensure that tourists looking to track mountain gorillas are comfortable throughout their stay. Book our Gorilla Tours Rwanda and see these gentle giants.
What to expect on our Rwanda Gorilla Treks & Safaris?
Embarking on a Rwanda safari and Rwanda gorilla trek will introduce you to an adventure like no other. Getting up close and in-person with East Africa’s gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and knowing what to expect can prepare you and enhance your encounters.
You will be under the guidance of a qualified guide at all times, with the expertise of local gorilla guides and porters assisting you on your gorilla-tracking journey. They will brief you on appropriate behavior and pull you up mountainsides and through thick bushes as you search for gorillas.
Your Rwanda safari will teach you about the magic of the savannahs, swamps, forests and ravines in parks such as the Akagera National Park and the breathtaking Nyungwe Forest. You will be able to enjoy safari drives and walking adventures in search of wildlife and birds.
Spending time in Kigali admiring the city’s art galleries and museums is a popular inclusion in a Rwanda safari itinerary. Learning about the history of the country’s genocide is haunting and important for visitors to experience. Getting to interact with locals is a wonderful way to understand the local culture and traditions.
How to prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
When you start to plan for your gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it is helpful to understand you will have assistance along your trekking path, with porters available to carry your backpack or day pack, cameras and essentials like water and sunscreen. So pack the essentials in your bag … you won’t have to carry it all yourself.
When packing for your Rwanda gorilla trek, including light yet long-sleeve clothing and long pants are important and will keep you cool yet covered during your gorilla trek. Good walking shoes, plus thick socks are recommended, plus a sun hat to keep you cool should it be a warm day.
Gardening gloves are a great idea as there may be moments when you will need to move thick bushes or sticks aside. Waders are recommended to fit over the bottom of your pants. If you aren’t able to find these, there are some lodges and camps that may be able to provide you with them.
Read up about gorilla tracking and trekking in Rwanda and when you arrive for your trek, listen to the rules and safety guidelines set out by your trekking guide. Go at your pace and speak out if you need to stop along the way. Knowing how to behave in front of the gorillas is important so listen up and enjoy!
How much does it cost to trek with gorillas in Rwanda
Rwanda gorilla trekking is a unique and mostly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the opportunity to view them in their natural habitat comes at a hefty price. With a focus on protecting the gorillas of Rwanda, permits are currently sitting at USD 1500 per person.
Accommodation in the region ranges from comfortable to extremely high-end, and depending on where you choose to stay during your gorilla trekking adventure, the overall price of your experience could come in at quite a steep price tag. Taking advantage of the tranquil settings, the accommodations in the Volcanoes National Park truly set the scene for your gorilla adventure.
Some people choose to do more than one gorilla trek, either in Rwanda one day after another, or combine an East African gorilla adventure by trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. This will naturally increase overall costs.
If you choose to explore more than just the gorilla families in Rwanda, but look to enjoy a safari in the Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest…even considering a beach add-on on one of the Indian Ocean Islands, your costs will, of course, reflect.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be a physically and somewhat mentally difficult activity, but worth it! The level of trekking may be slightly more difficult than in Uganda, however, the parks and guides take precautions to keep it as safe and comfortable as possible.
Hikes can take between two and eight hours, with some parts being muddy or slippery even, depending on the time of year you trek. The reward, however, of spending time observing these incredible animals in their natural habitat makes the difficult journey incredibly worthwhile for most visitors.
Locating the gorilla families involves skill from the guides, patience, and possibly several hours of trekking. You may need to stop frequently to rest and catch your breath at high altitudes, and once you reach the gorillas, you’ll need to stay calm, and quiet, and follow strict rules during your limited viewing time.
Overall Physical Rating: Moderate to Strenuous depending on the gorilla’s location and trekker’s fitness level. Having the proper gear, hydration, listening to your guide’s instructions, plus realistic expectations about the trek’s demands are key to making it an unforgettable experience.
Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking?
Many have asked if either Rwanda or Uganda are better for gorilla trekking and we can say that both are just as fantastic as each other. They differ in terrain and surrounding scenery, and the trekking in each country differs in levels of difficulty.
Price may dictate your preference when it comes to Gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda, as the pricing for gorilla permits in Rwanda is currently $1500 per person while in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the price of a gorilla permit is currently $800 per person. In Mgahinga, gorilla trekking permits currently cost USD 700 per person.
Some visitors may find the less strenuous, yet longer gorilla routes in Rwanda, preferable to them, while in Uganda, the Gorilla trekking may take longer, however, the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking.
In Uganda, there are various routes one can embark on to visit one of the approximately 11 gorilla families, while in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are said to be around 10 gorilla families. With several options to choose from, visitors will be assured of seeing the gorillas during their trek.
