Encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the home of thousand hills – Rwanda at a close distance during the gorilla trekking experience. The adventure is among the amazing and beautiful experiences one shouldn’t miss out since it creates the most lifetime memories as you set your eyes on the playful apes for the first time. A mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorillas and it is among the descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes and are mostly found in the African continent. These apes have unique features including the thick and longer fur and this allows them to live in colder temperatures. The hair at the back of these apes is shorter than that on other body parts and that on their arms is longer. They inhabit the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests including the Virunga Mountains.
Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
The Volcanoes National Park is the most famous destination for gorilla safaris. The park is well known for setting the famous ‘’Gorillas in the Mist’’ movie which was about the primatologist Dian Fossey who played a great role in the conservation of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is positioned in the northwestern direction of the country – Rwanda occupying an area of about 160 square kilometers of rain forests. Aside the rain forests, Volcanoes national park hosts five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo.
The Volcanoes National Park is a home to 12 gorilla families that are open for Rwanda gorilla safaris. Among these groups/families include; Amahoro gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Group 13/ Agashya group, Umubano gorilla family, Ugenda gorilla group, Susa A group, Susa B group, Karisimbi group, Titus group, Bwenge gorilla group and many others. The gorilla trekking experience involves hiking through the rainforests of the park in search of the endangered species and it starts with a briefing from the park ranger guides at the park headquarters where all the trekkers are gathered. After the briefing, you are allocated to different gorilla families by the lead of a ranger guide. Once they are found, the trekker is allowed to spend an hour in their presence as he/she enjoys their daily life practices like breastfeeding, playing, feeding and others.
What to Expect During a Luxury Gorilla Trekking Experience
Exclusive Lodging
While on your luxury Rwanda gorilla safari, expect to spend your amazing nights in exclusive and luxury accommodations that include; Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. These lodges are located near Volcanoes National Park and provide world-class amenities such as private villas, gourmet dining, spas, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Also, in your luxury trip, expect personalized service tailored to your preferences, including private guides, customized dining experiences, and exclusive activities.
Cost of Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
For one to take part in the trekking experience, he or she must possess a gorilla permit which costs $1500 for the non-resident foreigners. The permits can be obtained from Rwanda Development Board or through any trustworthy tour operators.
Best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking experience
The republic of Rwanda can be visited anytime round for gorilla trekking experience but the most suitable time is during the dry season which stands in the months of June to September. This is because the jungle is neither muddy nor slippery during these month
Luxury transfers to the park
The journey to Volcanoes national park typically starts in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, which is well-connected by international flights. From Kigali, it’s a 2-3 hours drive to the park. Also, you can have private transfers using private helicopter or chauffeured vehicles to ensure a seamless and comfortable journey.
Additional Activities to gorilla trekking
Apart from gorilla trekking, there are other activities that one can encounter during a luxury safari in Rwanda;
Cultural Experiences
Many luxury tours include visits to local communities, where you can learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. Among the cultural centers to visit include; Kigali genocide memorial, King’s palace museum, ethnographic museum, Banda cultural village, Gorilla Guardian village and others.
Nature Walks and Hikes
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, including hikes to scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and volcanic craters. Rwanda is known for protecting several mountains like Muhabura, Bisoke and others.
Wildlife Safaris
Combine your gorilla trekking experience with a safari in Akagera National Park, where you can see the Big Five and other wildlife.
Besides gorilla trekking experience, there are other activities that can be done in Volcanoes national park and among these include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, nature walking and community visit.