Can I See The Gorillas in Rwanda?

Can I see the gorillas in Rwanda? Is it possible to trek gorillas in Rwanda? Worldwide, there are strictly 3 countries where mountain gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei) live- Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Whether it is possible to trek/see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or not, still remains every gorilla trekkers’ main area of concern, and to be honest, it is very possible.

Where can I see the gorillas in Rwanda?

Gorillas in Rwanda only live in Volcanoes National Park/Parc Nationale Des Volcans, located in Ruhengeri region about 2-3 hours’ drive away from Kigali city. This is a 160sq.kms stunning park located in Northwestern Rwanda and it set right within the Virunga Conservation Area/Region.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda protects only mountain gorillas (gorilla beringei beringei) and with not more than 1063 of them left on planet earth, an encounter with a habituated family of these large apes in the wild is amazingly life changing experience.

As of 2022, Volcanoes National Park protects about 300 mountain gorillas with about 12 habituated gorilla families each trekked by only 8pax per day. The presence of habituated gorilla group families means there is possibility for tourists to indulge in gorilla trekking to see and explore in-depth about mountain gorillas and how they behave while in the wild.

Unlike other primates or wildlife, mountain gorillas can’t be seen in the zoo. This means a visit to Rwanda for gorilla trekking is a lifetime opportunity to meet these great apes right in their natural habitat- making it unusual wildlife experience. While on Rwanda safaris, an addition of gorilla safari onto your wildlife or cultural safari in Rwanda is incredibly the best thing an enthusiastic nature traveler can do.

What do I need to see/trek gorillas in Rwanda?

A valid gorilla permit is an important document every trekker must carry and present before Rwanda Volcanoes National Park authorities in order to be allowed to go track mountain gorillas. All Rwanda gorilla permits are available for booking provided that you are 15 years and above.

Each of the gorilla permits in Rwanda costs USD1500 per person per day and about 96 permits are available for reservation every day. Part of the gorilla permit fee collection is used to aid mountain gorilla conservation initiatives. Note, for mountain gorillas to thrive for future generations, there is need for collective conservation and protection efforts.

You can also obtain a permit for special gorilla trekking experience costing USD15000 or enjoy the behind the scenes gorilla tour for 3 consecutive days at USD30000 for 3pax. For film crew/production companies interested in filming gorillas in Rwanda, you need USD5000 for 3 consecutive days and 8pax pay USD12000.

How much is a gorilla trek in Rwanda?

The cost of your gorilla trek in Rwanda varies depending on a number of factors and essentially, how many days you plan to spend on gorilla safari. A 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour may cost you from USD1700 to 1850 USD. A 2-day gorilla trek can cost you from about USD1900 to USD2000 and if you embark on a 3 days’ gorilla trekking Rwanda, the rates may vary from USD2100 to USD3000.

There are hundreds of tour operators/gorilla safari companies allover Rwanda but to enjoy the most affordable rates with great offers, simply contact the reservation team at Maranatha Tours and Travel. Get the best gorilla safari packages introducing you not only into the lush Volcanoes National Park but also to Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park.

When to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking?

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda can be spotted at any time of the year. However, for excellent gorilla treks and clear views free from interruptions, the dry season is the best time to consider visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This is from the dry months of June to September or December to February. It is also possible to arrange gorilla safari in Rwanda even during the wet season that is from March to May or October to November.

What should I expect from Rwanda gorilla trek?

An early morning breakfast at the classic lodge, followed by briefing about gorilla trekking rules and allocation of gorilla families (Susa A, Hirwa, Ugenda, Sabyinyo, Susa B, Agashya, Umubano, Titus, Amahoro, Pablo, Beetsme, Bwenge, Kwitonda and others). The actual Rwanda gorilla trek to see mountain gorillas begins at 8:00am from Kinigi and you will be led by a professional park guide, taking up to 2-6 hours.

The whole Rwanda gorilla trek involves navigating via the dense vegetation to look for mountain gorillas. You challenge yourself on high elevation of about 2300-4500m and upon meeting mountain gorillas, there is absolute one hour to have a face to face encounter with these massive apes, taking pictures.

This is a moment when the park official will explain every bit about their behaviors to you, interpret their body gestures to you and so much more. While interacting with family of mountain gorillas, expect to maintain a distance of 7-8 meters away- this should be done at all times to avoid spreading human infectious diseases to these endangered species.

What to carry for your Rwanda gorilla trek?

There are plenty of items to carry but, consider only essentials such as valid gorilla permits, long sleeved shirts or t-shirt, sweater, insect repellent, camera free of flashlight, trousers, daypack, waterproof hiking boots but find the light weight ones. Also, don’t leave out first aid kit, rain jacket or poncho, pair of socks, high energy giving snacks, bottled water for drinking, gardening gloves, sunscreen and others.