Where Can I See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda?

Rwanda gorillas can only be spotted in one destination unlike those of Uganda found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga park.

Here is the site for Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris:

Volcanoes National Park

Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park sits within Virunga Mountains adjacent to Congo Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga park.

Volcanoes National Park Africa is a scenic park with a rich montane ecosystem of ever-green bamboo forests, heather, open grasslands as well as swamp.

This beautiful park of Rwanda in the chain of Virunga Mountains holds over 12 habituated gorilla families and a few others for research. Volcanoes National Park holds the highest number of 604 Gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area.

Most of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park Africa feature at least one dominant Silverback, several females, and youngsters.

12 Mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes national park include:

1. Karisimbi
2. Sabyinyo
3. Kwitonda
4. Amahoro
5. Hirwa
6. Muhoza
7. Susa
8. Igisha
9. Agashya
10. Umubano
11. Bwenge
12. Ugyenda

Apart from gorilla expeditions, other amazing activities in Volcanoes National Park East Africa are:

• Volcano hiking, for example, Mount Karisimbi as well as Bisoke
• Golden monkey tracking
• Bird watching
• Exploring the grave of Dian Fossey– Dian Fossey was a great American primatologist who laid a foundation for conserving Mountain gorillas in East Africa. It’s alleged that Dian Fossey was killed by poachers. She was found in her cabin struck twice with the panga on her head and face.

How Long Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | How Long Is a Trek to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?

On spotting the Mountain gorillas on your gorilla tours in Volcanoes Park, you’ll be limited to one hour with these gentle giants. This time applies to other Rwanda primate safaris such as Golden monkeys as well as Chimpanzee tracking tours in Nyungwe forest national park.

Gorilla walks in Rwanda- the Land of a thousand hills usually take about 2-8 hours depending on the movement of the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

This time is also similar to that of Congo Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga Park.

How Much Are Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?

These permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board and it’s a must-have for you to visit these amazing cool giants.

Here is the cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda:

• Non-residents: $1500
• Foreign residents: $500
• Residents of East Africa: $200
• Foreign resident in Africa: $500

This permit is inclusive of park entrance fees in Volcanoes National Park.

Normally, travelers coming for gorilla tours in Rwanda book their permits through tour operators but, one can also buy them directly from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices in Kigali or directly from the park.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Does It Cost to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda?

How much is a gorilla safari in Rwanda or how much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda are common questions asked by travelers planning to visit Rwanda on top of their wildlife viewing safaris in Tanzania or Kenya.

A gorilla safari in Rwanda- the Land of a thousand hills starts at around $1700 per person per day. This rate includes fees for the gorilla permit however it’s also affected by several factors. These include your accommodation class, transport means, and group size, among others.

A tour operator will break down for you your daily expenses!

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda Vs Rwanda? | Is Gorilla Trekking Cheaper in Uganda or Rwanda?

The permit for a gorilla trek in Rwanda is $1500 while a Mountain gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700. Therefore, the gorilla permit in Uganda is cheaper than that in Rwanda.

A permit in Virunga Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo costs $400.

How Much Is a 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Rwanda Safari?

A 1 day gorilla trek Rwanda costs over $1700 for each person inclusive of the permit. This rate might include or not include the fees for your private guide, meals as well as transportation service.

A private guide will drive you in a vehicle to the park and this private guide makes sure that you are safe.

Is There a Discount on Gorilla Permits in Rwanda?

It’s hard to get a discounted permit to visit gorillas in Rwanda! Therefore, if you are a budget traveler, we advise you to undertake a Rwanda Uganda gorilla trip. A permit to visit gorillas in Rwanda costs $700 while that of Rwanda is $1500.

Taking Rwanda Uganda gorilla expeditions means saving $800 on only permits.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Worth It? | Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Worth It?

Yes, the gorilla trek in Rwanda is 100% worth the money. It’s one of the most amazing adventures on the African continent, imagine the thrill of meeting these amazing cool giants in their natural habitat.

In comparison with other safaris in Africa such as wildlife safaris in Kenya or Tanzania as well as primate safaris including chimpanzee tracking or golden monkey tracking tours, Rwanda gorilla tours are a bit more expensive.  However, worth the money!

Money collected as you trek gorillas is used to pay park rangers who monitor these endangered primates of Africa. Also, it’s used in conserving their habitats as well as developing local communities that surround gorilla national parks of Africa.

Therefore, as you take a gorilla tour in Rwanda Africa, you indirectly contribute to gorilla conservation!

How Do I Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Usually, most travelers who visit Rwanda gorillas book their permits through Rwanda safari companies. However, it’s still possible to purchase a permit directly from Rwanda Development Board (RDB), though it’s barely done by travelers.

This is the same case even in the Democratic Republic of Congo Virunga National Park.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda Gorillas- When to Visit Rwanda Gorillas? | What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?

When can you see gorillas in Rwanda? Gorilla Rwanda safaris are possible all year round. However, the best time for gorilla tours in Rwanda is during the dry season (peak season) in June to August as well as December to February. Trails for the gorilla hikes are usually drier and easier to trek.

Although dry months offer the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda, you should note that lodges are busy and it’s relatively challenging to book a gorilla permit. Therefore, you should book in advance your gorilla safari holiday.

Note that:

The dry seasons are also ideal for wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park as well as game viewing trips in Kenya and Tanzania. Gorilla treks in Congo Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega are also ideal in this season.

Boat rides and relaxation on the white sand beaches of Lake Kivu are also wonderful in dry months.

In wet months (March to May), rainfall is expected in most hours of the day and the gorilla trek can be challenging due to mud! This can apply even on a chimpanzee tracking trail in Kibale National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Rwanda

While on your gorilla trek in Rwanda- the land of a thousand hills, there are guidelines you must follow. These rules were set to protect the life of the endangered Mountain gorillas as well as travelers who visit them.

Here are the guidelines to follow on your gorilla expeditions in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park:

1. Individuals with 15 years and above are allowed to explore Rwanda gorillas or undertake a gorilla trek in Rwanda.
2. Littering in the park while on the gorilla trek is illegal. This should be followed even in Virunga National Park Congo or in Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Keep your rubbish, you’ll dump it at park headquarters in dust bins after the activity.
3. It’s illegal to undertake a gorilla trek if you have a contagious disease like flu or cough.
4. You’re not supposed to use flash cameras as you take photos of these giant apes
5. Touching a gorilla is illegal.
6. Also, it’s illegal to feed gorillas.
7. Smoking, eating, or drinking near these endangered Mountain gorillas is illegal. This might cause illness to the lovely gentle giants.
8. Only 8 people are strictly allowed to visit a gorilla group a day.
9. Visitors are limited to 1 hour in gorilla presence.
10. Maintain always a 7m distance from the gorillas.
11. Always maintain maximum silence on the gorilla trek.
12. You must follow always park rangers instructions.

The above should be followed even as you track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as Congo Virunga National Park of Congo.

Packing List for Gorilla Tour in Rwanda- What to Carry for Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

As you prepare for a gorilla trek in Volcanoes Park or a gorilla tour in Rwanda, there are some essential items you should have. It’s the same packing list as you visit Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Virunga National Park of Congo.

Here is the packing list for gorilla tours in Rwanda:

• Insect repellents– This is so ideal even as you undertake chimpanzee tours in Uganda’s Kibale National Park
• A camera with a big storage space
• Rain jacket- So helpful in case rainfall gets you on the gorilla trek
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
• Comfortable hiking boots
• A backpack to keep your daily essentials such as sunscreens, insect repellants, rain jacket, etc. It’s also ideal while on game drives for instance on Kenya game viewing safaris.
• Bottled water helps to keep you hydrated.
• Sunscreens to protect your skin from tropical sunlight
• Garden gloves
• Sunglasses– Regulates tropical sun rays entering your eyes. It’s ideal while on wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park as well as game viewing trips in Tanzania or Kenya.

What to Wear for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris?

All travelers interested in visiting gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes park are advised to put on:

1. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

While tracking gorillas in Rwanda, such clothing keeps your skin from cuts and insect bites along the gorilla trek. These have to be in eco-friendly colors such as khaki, brown and grey. Bright colors like red irritated gorillas.

This clothing works while on gorilla expeditions in Bwindi park or Congo Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. It’s ideal even on Uganda chimpanzee tracking tours in Kibale National Park.

2. Waterproof hiking boots

Protects your feet from piercing objects that might be along the trail as you explore Rwanda gorillas.

3. Sun protection gears

These include sunglasses, sunscreens, and a sunhat. Protects you from the tropical sun rays, especially in the dry seasons.

4. Garden gloves

We advise you to wear garden cloves as you visit gorilla family groups in the Land of a thousand hills. These protect your hands from touching thorns as you hike along the gorilla trek.

5. A rain jacket or poncho

In case rain finds you along the gorilla trek, a rain jacket will help you a lot.

How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Are you wondering how difficult is the gorilla trek in Rwanda? Gorilla expeditions in Rwanda are not all as hard as many people might think. Every person with a minimum fitness level can track Rwanda gorillas!

However, note that a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking & passing through thick vegetation and challenging hillside terrain as it is in other African gorilla safari destinations like Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Congo Virunga NP.

The above shouldn’t stop you from undertaking a gorilla tour in Rwanda! During the gorilla treks, you can always hire porters to carry some of your heavy staff.

We advise you to do some body physical exercise to raise your body fitness level prior to your trip. Also, get to know that 99% of travelers who undertake tours to Rwanda gorillas accomplish them!

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better to See Gorillas? | Is Rwanda or Uganda Better for Gorilla Trekking? | Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Most of our clients planning to undertake gorilla tours in East Africa inquire whether is it better to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. All these countries offer standard gorilla trekking safaris!

Below, we have tried to compare Rwanda Uganda gorilla tour holidays:

1. Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500 while those in Uganda are at $700.
2. Uganda has more gorilla family groups than Rwanda. In Rwanda Volcanoes Park there are about 12 gorilla families while in Uganda there are over 20 gorilla groups in Bwindi and Mgahinga Park.
3. Although both destinations have superb lodges, Uganda holds numerous cheaper lodges
4. Short gorilla trips are possible in Rwanda unlike in Uganda. It’s about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali airport to Volcanoes NP. In Uganda, you have to drive for over 9-10 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
5. Destination Uganda holds other numerous safari destinations compared to Rwanda which has only 4 national parks. In Uganda, you’ll enjoy other wonderful safaris such as primate safaris (visiting chimps), wildlife safaris, etc.

We can arrange for you Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari tours for a notable African safari experience in East Africa.

Does Rwanda Have Gorillas? | Is Rwanda Known for Gorillas?

Yes, there are Mountain gorillas in Rwanda and they make up the prominent attractions in Rwanda. Gorilla Rwanda safari tours can only take place in Volcanoes NP. The other only countries to spot gorillas in East Africa include Uganda and Congo.

More still, Rwanda is known for its Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest park, as well as its beautiful Golden monkeys in Volcanoes Park. Rwanda’s cultural experiences and a boat cruise on Lake Kivu are also wonderful!

What Kind of Gorillas Are in Rwanda?

The volcanic ranges of Rwanda Africa boast Mountain gorillas. Travelers interested in spotting the Eastern lowland gorillas should visit Congo in Kahuzi Biega Park.

Lowland gorillas are bigger than their cousins!

Can You Visit the Gorillas in Rwanda? | Are Rwanda Gorilla Tours Safe?

Gorilla tours in Rwanda Africa are safe and open to all travelers from all parts of the globe. For you to explore Rwanda gorillas, you have to first obtain a permit which is only issued to persons above 15 years.

For a rewarding gorilla tour in Rwanda, we advise you to also explore other adventures in Rwanda. Among these include wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park, have a Kigali city tour, Kigali, and explore Rwanda genocide memorial site, etc.

Accommodation – Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Tour in Rwanda?

This accommodation is luxury, mid range, or a budget safari lodge. Most of these lodges are found around Volcanoes NP.

Below are the:

Popular Luxury Lodges in Volcanoes Park

1. Bisate Lodge
2. Amakoro Songa Lodge
3. Karenga Bush Camp
4. Virunga Lodge
5. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
6. Ruzizi Tented Camp
7. Sabinyo Silverback Lodge
8. Kataza House

Top Mid Range Safari Lodges in Volcanoes National Park

1. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
2. Fravan Eco Resort
3. La Palme Hotel
4. Garden Palace Hotel
5. Eagle View Lodge
6. My Hill Eco Lodge and,
7. Urugano Virunga Palace

Recommended Budget Lodges in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

1. Kinigi Guest House
2. Hotel Muhabura
3. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge and,
4. Villa Gorilla Hotel

You can also find other accommodations on your wildlife safaris in Akagera Park. Travelers interested in Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours should also expect standard accommodation comparable to that in Kenya & Tanzania.

Best Rwanda Safari Companies to book with your Gorilla Trip

It’s wise you book your gorilla tour in Rwanda with a reputable tour operator. Most of these companies are in a position to organize Rwanda Uganda gorilla trips or wildlife safaris. Also, there are capable to arrange game viewing safaris in all national parks in Kenya, Tanzania as well as other adventures in Congo Virunga National Park Africa.

Below is a list of Rwanda tour operators you should book with as you explore Rwanda gorilla tours:

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Africa Safaris Tours
4. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
5. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
6. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

Best Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda | Popular Rwanda Gorilla Tours

Being an experienced tour operator in organizing Rwanda safaris, we have brought you the best gorilla safari tours in Rwanda. Most of them include wildlife safaris in Akagera Park, tracking chimpanzees, cultural experiences, boat rides on Lake Kivu, Kigali city tour, as well as visits to local communities.

While in Akagera NP, expect to encounter Africa’s big five safari animals (Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, & Rhinos), among other game animals.

We can tailor Rwanda Uganda safaris for our clients.

Here are the popular gorilla tours in Rwanda:

• 2 days Rwanda gorilla trip in Volcanoes National Park
• 4 days safari to Rwanda– Gorillas, Golden monkeys, Musanze, Lake Kivu, and Kigali city
• 5 days safari in Rwanda– Gorilla expedition, game viewing, and Kigali city tour
• 8 days Rwanda Uganda safari– Primates, wildlife, hiking, & Communities
• 10 days Rwanda Uganda safari tour– Gorillas, Chimpanzees, wildlife, and communities
• 14 days Rwanda Uganda tour– Gorillas, Chimps, Mount Karisimbi, Wildlife, Communities

What to Expect When You Visit Gorillas in Rwanda?

As you plan to undertake your gorilla expeditions on Rwanda safaris, you should be expectant to meet face-to-face with the world’s biggest primates in their natural habitat.

You’ll enjoy being in the presence of these mighty cool giants grooming, feeding, moving, and playing, among others. Watching the Silverbacks exercising their dominance (beating the chest) is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you’ll live to tell always.

More still, you’ll captivatingly love watching the broad chest as well as the large humanlike hands of these cool giants of the forest. Expect to learn several interesting facts and behaviors about gorillas.

How Close Can You Get to the Gorillas in Rwanda?

Travelers should keep 7-10m distance from gorillas. Though they are habituated and now familiar to people, these cool giants remain with some wild insticts! Keeping a safer distance is the best way to go.

Can You Touch the Gorillas in Rwanda?

It’s illegal to touch these cool giants of the forest. They are wild animals you never know what might happen next! Even they can misinter preat you touch, and this makes them charge.

How Far Are the Gorillas from Kigali?

It’s about a 2–3-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes Park.

In short, if interested in seeing gorillas on your African safari, consider taking gorilla safaris in Rwanda. This amazing adventure can be combined with other safari tours in Rwanda such as chimpanzee tracking, Akagera Park wildlife safaris, and Kigali city tours, among others.

Rwanda Uganda safari tour is also possible! With us, we can further arrange for you wildlife safaris in scenic national parks of Kenya or Tanzania.

Inquire Now for Outstanding Memories on Rwanda Safaris!