Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an incredible experience that allows you to get up close and personal with one of the most majestic creatures on Earth, the endangered mountain gorilla. Rwanda is home to a significant portion of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with several habituated gorilla families living in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda gorilla treks are quite different from Uganda gorilla treks because of the distance of the gorilla trekking permit from the airport. In Uganda, you must spend a full day from Entebbe International Airport to any gorilla trekking park. In Rwanda, it will take less than 2 hours to transfer from Kigali international airport to Volcanoes national park.
It is more comfortable to trek gorillas in Rwanda than Uganda if you have very limited time on your disposal. It is very possible to trek gorillas in Rwanda on the same day you arrive at Kigali International Airport.
To embark on a gorilla trekking Safari in Rwanda, you’ll need to obtain a permit in advance, as the number of permits issued each day is limited to minimize the impact on the gorillas and their habitat. Once you have your permit, you’ll join a guided trek led by experienced rangers who will take you through the forest in search of the gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person. This is almost double the price that Uganda charges but it is worth it because of the convenience. As earlier stated, to trek gorillas in Uganda conveniently, you will need a minimum of 3 days at your disposal. But even with a 3 days gorilla safari, you will not be saved from the full-day transfers. The money spent on accommodation and the transfers can equally take you a long way towards topping up for your Rwanda gorilla safari.
Gorilla Trekking Duration
The trek can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re visiting, but it’s generally a moderate hike through lush vegetation and steep terrain. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to spot other wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Virunga Mountains.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe them in their natural habitat, observing their behavior, interactions, and social dynamics. It’s an incredibly intimate and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to participate.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Experience
Unlike gorilla trekking in Uganda; in Rwanda, it is possible to choose a gorilla trekking family of your choice. Elderly people are also assigned gorilla families in less strenuous areas.
Rwanda is also a more luxury destination than Uganda. You will have a wider range of luxurious lodges in Rwanda compared to Uganda. The road network in Rwanda is also more developed than that of Rwanda.
Rwanda gorilla safaris can also be complemented by a game drive in Akagera National Park as well as chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. For the lovers of Monkeys, Rwanda offers golden monkey tracking, black and white colobus monkey trekking among several other activities that can conveniently be included in a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.
If you have any questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda, do not hesitate to contact us for more details. Rwizi Africa Expeditions has over ten years of experience in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Our gorilla safaris are often tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your travel convenience. We are also among the few people capable of organizing Vegan gorilla safaris in Rwanda.