Tourists can go for remarkable Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park. There are 12 habituated Gorilla families that you can see on your Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Keep in mind that any Gorilla group in Volcanoes Park has a dominant silverback.
Volcanoes National Park not only has gentle apes that you can see on the Explore Rwanda safari, but it also has Golden Monkeys and many birds of different species.
Rwanda Development Board sells Gorilla permits and before the Rwanda Gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, it starts with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters and you can visit the grave of Dian Fossey to give your respects for the work she did for the conservation of the gentle giants.
After meeting the gentle giants in Volcanoes Park, you can embark on wildlife safaris in other countries of Africa, especially Tanzania and Kenya and you also have the opportunity to walk on the white sand beaches.
East Africa is amazing to be on an African holiday, as you get to explore Rwanda for the best primate safaris just like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tanzania and Kenya are thrilling when it comes to a wildlife safari holiday.
How Long Is A Trek to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
A Gorilla trek is different from wildlife safaris as it has a specific time and a normal Gorilla trek depends on the movement of the apes. The experience is mostly between 2 to 8 hours and it begins with briefing and cultural experiences.
You be with the apes for one hour just like in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mgahinga Park.
Travelers should know that the time they spend on the Gorilla trek is more than that of Chimpanzee trekking within Nyungwe National Park and Kibale National Park.
How Much Are Gorilla Trekking Permits In Rwanda?
Rwanda Development Board a government body is responsible for selling all the permits in the land of a thousand hills.
Gorilla permits for non-residents cost $1,500, $500 for foreign residents, $200 for residents and East African citizens, and $500 for African citizens or foreign residents in Africa.
Rwanda Development Board sells 96 permits daily within Volcanoes National Park as there are 12 Gorilla families though only 8 individuals are allowed to track Gorilla family groups.
You can use a reliable tour operator to purchase the gorilla permit in advance if you are interested in meeting Rwanda Gorillas. This works the same for Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to See the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda?
There is no specific price for Gorilla trekking safaris though keep in mind the cost of a gorilla permit is constant being at $1500. Considering other factors, you may come up with an actual cost of the expedition.
A Gorilla safari starts at $2000 and this is way too high for tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Virunga National Park of Congo. There are no discounted Gorilla permits in this country.
How Much Is a 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?
Tourists on a tight schedule can explore Rwanda in the shortest time possible and go for a 1 day Gorilla track adventure. This 1-day Gorilla trip can cost about $1700 inclusive of the Gorilla permit, transport fares, meals, and drinks, and can be exclusive of lodge and hotel stopovers.
Keep in mind that a 1-day tour is not possible to explore Rwanda Uganda or Congo.
How Much Is A Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | How Much Does A Gorilla Safari Cost in Rwanda?
Many factors influence the cost of a Gorilla safari in East Africa. When going for a Gorilla tour, you need to choose the right accommodation style that suits you, as there are budget, mid range, and luxury facilities.
Gorilla trek safaris in East Africa can be costly if you are spending more days on a gorilla tour.
Also keep in mind that if you combine wildlife safaris with a Gorilla safari, then the tour can be costly.
The trip also depends on the group size, if there are many people going trip, then it becomes less costly but if you are alone, then it can be costly since you will be paying all costs alone.
A Gorilla safari can cost from $1700 and beyond depending on the factors.
What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?
Tourists can explore Rwanda at any time of the year though you need to visit Rwanda Africa in the dry season or peak season for the best experiences. You can trek the apes within Volcanoes National Park from December to February and from June to August as they are dry months.
During this time, the hiking trails are dry and easy to access during a Gorilla tour. However, tourists can enjoy tracking gorillas during the wet season and the treks can be short though challenging as the apes are near.
The dry months are also the best time for wildlife safaris when you visit East Africa as you get to see wildlife as many animals gather at the remaining water sources. These explore Rwanda safaris are epic in Akagera National Park and be extended to Tanzania and Kenya.
Rules and Regulations to Follow During Your Gorilla Tour in Rwanda
Tourists going for a Gorilla tour need to know these rules. They work the same for those going for Rwanda Uganda Congo trips.
They work in the national parks of Virunga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes Park.
Rules when going to see the apes;
a) 15 years and above is the age limit for meeting gorillas.
b) For conservation purposes, 8 people are permitted to trek a Gorilla family
c) If you have any illness like flu and a cold, then you don’t need to visit the giants
d) Your hands should be washed before going for a trek
Rules when you meet the apes
a) Keep silent when on a Gorilla trek in Volcanoes Park
b) You should not litter in the park
c) Tourists need to keep 7-10m distance away from the apes
d) Bury human waste at least 30 cm deep so that you don’t spread diseases
e) You are not allowed to touch the apes
f) Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the presence of the apes
g) On your Gorilla trek, avoid leaving your group
h) You can be with the apes for one full hour
i) Using the flashlight when taking pictures of the apes is not allowed
What to Pack for Gorilla Trip in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
You need to pack all essential items when going to explore Rwanda Uganda Gorilla trips especially within Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Virunga National Park of Congo.
Some of the items to pack are;
- Gorilla trek permits
- Binoculars, especially for wildlife safaris and other primate safaris
- Insect repellent
- A good camera with extra memory batteries
- Walking sticks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- A day backpack
What to Wear On A Gorilla Tour in Rwanda?
Tourists going to explore Rwanda safaris in Africa need to get the right wear and these include;
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers of neutral colors
- Comfortable hiking boots
- A hat or cap to protect you from the sunlight
- Sunglasses, especially when in Akagera National Park
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Long stockings and gaiters
- Garden gloves
How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
The adventures of Gorilla trekking safaris are not so challenging as you need to have a bit of physical fitness. Explore Rwanda Gorilla trekking safaris take you deep into the jungle on slippery trails and that’s why you require fitness levels.
For you to enjoy a Gorilla trek in Rwanda Uganda, then you need to work on your fitness before coming to Africa. Let know one discourage you from coming to track apes in Rwanda Uganda that it is challenging.
Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Worth It?
Rwanda Gorilla trekking is indeed worth the money when you visit Rwanda. The money collected during the explore Rwanda Gorilla trek to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas is used in Gorilla Conservation like paying the park rangers who protect their habitats.
A percentage of the permit is given to the surrounding local communities to help them in their development and this makes the adventures worth it since you help the communities.
Is It Better To See Gorillas In Uganda Or Rwanda? | Is Uganda Or Rwanda Better To See Gorillas? | Is Rwanda Or Uganda Better For Gorilla Trekking?
Rwanda Uganda Gorilla safari trips are amazing during the Africa safari. Tourists can meet the gentle apes in both destinations for unique experiences.
You can look at our comparison between the two destinations for an amazing Gorilla trek.
- If you are on a schedule, then you can go for a gorilla trek within Volcanoes National Park as you can do a 1 day tour which is impossible in Uganda as the maximum period required is at least 3 days in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
- Tourists coming for a Rwanda tour in Africa should know that Volcanoes National Park is close to Kigali International Airport making it a last-minute destination, unlike Uganda.
- You should know that a Gorilla permit costs $700 and it costs $1500 in Rwanda. This makes treks in Uganda cheaper than those in the land of a thousand hills.
- 160 permits can be sold in a day in Uganda though only 96 permits are the only ones that can be sold in the land of a thousand hills within Volcanoes National Park.
- In the entire East Africa, Gorilla habituation is only done in Uganda.
If you are interested in double gorilla treks, then you need to go for Rwanda Uganda trips. Also, these two destinations offer remarkable Chimp tracking as you can enjoy it in Kibale National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Most of the Gorilla trek trips in these two destinations are thrilling as you get to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat which is a memorable adventure.
Is Rwanda Known For Gorillas? | Does Rwanda Have Gorillas?
Yes, this country is known for having Mountain Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park though you can also find them in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda.
Primate safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are amazing as it has almost half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas and at least of the family has a dominant Silverback amazing to watch. Other families have more silverback gorillas.
More of these species are also found in Virunga Mountains and these make up Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park.
Congo offers other primate safaris like meeting the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Can You Visit The Gorillas In Rwanda?
In East Africa, you can see gentle apes in this country as long as you possess a trekking permit. Usually, after visiting the apes, you can also go for wildlife safaris within Akagera National Park and enjoy game drives.
You can also trek Chimpanzees within Nyungwe Forest National Park which is also the same experience in Kibale National Park of Uganda and other forest national parks.
Safari Lodges in Rwanda to Use during Your Gorilla Rwanda Safari
There are several accommodation facilities you can use during your Gorilla adventure.
- Luxury facilities include; Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge Volcanoes, Virunga Lodge, etc.
- Mid range facilities include; Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, etc.
- Budget facilities include; Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, Villa Gorilla, etc.
Are Gorilla Tours in Rwanda Safe? | Are Rwanda Gorilla Tours Safe?
All Gorilla safaris in Rwanda Africa are safe as long as you follow instructions of the park rangers along the Gorilla trek or the private guide. The apes that you trek are fully habituated making the experience safer.
Top Tour Operators to Travel With on Your Rwanda Safari
There are many companies that you use for better experiences. If you are planning to visit Rwanda, then you need to choose a reliable tour operator who will provide you with a rightful private guide for the entire tour.
- Gorilla Safari Rwanda
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
Best Rwanda Gorilla Tours | Best Gorilla Holiday Safaris in Rwanda
There are many Rwanda-Uganda tours that you can choose from for amazing experiences. These Gorilla trek adventures can be combined with wildlife safaris across the countries of East Africa that is Tanzania and Kenya and you can relax on the white sand beaches.
You need to use the right tour operator for the best packages;
- 4 days Rwanda holiday – Golden Monkeys, Gorillas & Lake Kivu
- 5 days safari – Gorilla adventure, game viewing & city tour
- 8 days Rwanda Uganda holiday – Wildlife, Primates, Local Communities & Hikes
- 9 days Rwanda Uganda tour – Kigali city, chimp tracking, wildlife encounters, boat cruise on Lake Kivu, Golden monkey tracking & Musanze cave experience
10 days Rwanda Uganda vacation – Wildlife, Chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Golden Monkeys, Lake Kivu, Mount Karisimbi & cultural experiences
14 days Rwanda Uganda holiday – Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Wildlife, Chimpanzees, Mount Karisimbi, Lake Kivu, and cultural experiences
In conclusion, Rwanda Gorilla vacations are the best way to meet the Mountain Gorillas in this country of East Africa. They take you to Volcanoes National Park with the slogan “Gorillas in the Mist” having unmatched endangered Mountain Gorillas.
Besides Virunga National Park, Volcanoes Park holds the highest number of Gorillas within the Virunga Mountains.
Most of our Rwanda Gorilla trekking trips are further tailored with wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania for thrilling Africa safari experiences.
Inquire for Best Rwanda Gorilla safaris
> 
Tourists can go for remarkable Rwanda Gorilla Trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park. There are 12 habituated Gorilla families that you can see on your Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
