Where Can I see Gorillas in Rwanda

Where can I see gorillas in Rwanda? When it comes to gorilla safaris in Rwanda, one may wonder if he or she can see gorillas in Rwanda. Where do gorillas live in Rwanda? Can I see gorillas in Rwanda have become the frequently asked questions among most travelers on gorilla safari?

What kind of gorillas live in Rwanda?

Rwanda protects typically the endangered mountain gorillas- the world’s unique primates that live in only 3 countries- Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. A handful of these rare apes call Africa home and in Rwanda, they occupy Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri.

All gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are conducted in one place- Volcanoes National Park (VNP). Where is Volcanoes National Park located in Rwanda? Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s top visited gorilla safari parks and it is located in the North-western part of Rwanda. The park spans around the Ruhengeri region, about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali City.

Volcanoes National Park mountain gorillas reside on an elevation range of 2300-4500m. The park hosts up to 13 habituated gorilla families including Agashya/Group 13, Bwenge, Hirwa, Karisimbi, Susa A family, Amahoro, Muhoza, Umubano, Uganda, Titus, Kwitonda, Pablo, Sabyinyo, and many more.

Volcanoes National Park became one of the 4 National Parks in Rwanda, established in 1925, and occupies a land area of only 160sq.km. The park hosts more than mountain gorillas and additional species the park boasts of include golden monkeys, bushbucks, black-fronted duikers, elephants, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, over 200 species of birds.

The birds of interest in Volcanoes National Park include Kivu ground thrush, the collared Apalis, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, Rwenzori turacos, Grauer’s rush warblers, Archer’s ground robins, handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, dusky crimson wing, and many others.

Visitors on Volcanoes National Park safari can as well enjoy birding tours, golden monkey tracking, nature walks, visit the local communities especially Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and so much more.

How many gorillas live in Rwanda?

A total of 1063 mountain gorillas are shared amongst the 3 countries and about 300 individuals of these unique apes thrive in Rwanda’s tropical rainforest. These rare primates range within Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), a large area that encompasses also Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and in D.R. Congo, Virunga National Park. As of the current census, over 604 mountain gorillas live in the Virunga region/Area.

What to expect on a gorilla tour in Rwanda?

While on a gorilla tour in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas, expect to rise up early in the morning to adequately prepare for your long day exploration in the jungles. Briefing on gorilla trekking rules follows starting at 7:00 am at Kinigi where you get to meet the park official and according to safety measures, you will be allocated to a single gorilla family to visit in a group of 8 tourists.

At 8:00 am, the actual adventure to see endangered mountain gorillas begins with a park official on lead. The entire Rwanda gorilla safari trek experience takes 2-6 hours and this is inclusive of 1 hour that park authorities allow you to enjoy a close encounter with the massive mountain gorillas in the wild.

Cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit 2022

A single gorilla permit for trekking gorillas in Rwanda is issued at USD 1500 per person per day. Special exclusive gorilla tour costs USD15000, Behind the scenes gorilla tour for 3 days at USD30,000 and this is for 3 people. For gorilla lovers who are interested in photography, filming, videography, permits are issued at USD5000 for three days consecutively and for big groups/crews of up to 8pay, you incur a charge of USD12000.