Are you looking for the best place to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Rwanda is a small country located in East-central Africa. The country is known as “The Heart of Africa.” Rwanda is a famous gorilla trekking destination in Africa and it takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary activity in Rwanda that involves travelers or tourists walking through thick forests in search of the gorillas.
Among the many safari activities done in Rwanda, gorilla trekking is a one-in-a-lifetime adventure. Rwanda offers the best places for gorilla trekking safaris in the Virunga Mountains stretching to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a thrilling safari adventure that involves travelers taking a walk in the forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of human-like apes. Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Volcanoes National Park starts early in the morning. By 8:00 am, visitors be at the park headquarters for a pre-gorilla trekking briefing. The briefing entails learning about gorilla trekking rules and regulations as well as gorilla trekking etiquette. It also involves grouping tourists or trekkers into small groups. Each gorilla family in Rwanda is restricted to only 8 people per day.
After the briefing at about 8:00 am or 9:00 am, trekkers enter the thickets of Volcanoes National Park in search of these magical apes. With the leadership of an experienced Rwanda safari guide or park rangers, trekkers will encounter the gorilla family. Upon encountering the gorilla family, trekkers are given one hour to spend in the presence of mountain gorillas. The experienced gorilla trekking guides in Volcanoes National Park make it one of the best places to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. During the one hour spent in the presence of the gorillas, trekkers learn about the behaviors of the gorillas and they take as many pictures as they wish. In the later hours, travelers return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
Gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park are usually accompanied by amazing cultural or community tours. Visiting the Ibyi’wacu cultural Villages makes Volcanoes National Park one of the best places to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Travelers dive into the amazing cultures of Rwanda. They participate in activities like basket weaving and making souvenirs. A lunch meal with the local members of the community creates a signature of memories. Such encounters make Rwanda the best place to go for gorilla trekking adventures in East Africa.
The terrain of Volcanoes National Park.
Located in the Virunga Mountains of northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to diverse wildlife species that offer a thrilling safari experience to its visitors. The Terrain of Volcanoes National Park is made up of lush green forests, bamboo forests, volcanic peaks, and open grasslands. The park is dominated by a chain of volcanic mountains covering the Virunga massif. The Virunga massif is a chain of volcanic mountains stretching from Uganda to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The highest peak of these is Mount Karisimbi which stands at an elevation of 4507 meters above sea level.
The slopes of Volcanoes National Park are covered by different vegetation ranging from one elevation to the other. The lower slopes are adorned with bamboo forests that provide vital habitats for various species, including mountain gorillas. As you ascend higher, the vegetation changes to a Hagenia-Hypericum forest, characterized by ancient trees draped in moss and lichens.
Numerous streams of rivers are scattered across the park and provide water for the biodiversity of Volcanoes National Park. They also provide habitat for the aquatic species of the park. The swampy areas are rich birding destinations in Volcanoes National Park. This nature of the terrain makes Volcanoes National Park one of the best places to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
The weather in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park is located within the equatorial region of Africa and thus receives an equatorial type of climate. The park receives two rainfall seasons and there is nothing like winter and summer in Rwanda. The weather and climate of Rwanda comprise the dry season and the wet season. The rainfall seasons run from October to November and March to May. The dry seasons run from June to September and December to February. During rainy seasons, temperatures drop drastically and rains are stormy with lightning and usually occur in the afternoon hours.
During the dry seasons, the skies are usually blue and some rain may fall for a short time. Temperatures rise drastically and there are always strong dry winds during the day and cooler temperatures during the night. Such conditions make Rwanda the best place to go for gorilla trekking tours in Africa.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park?
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda or Volcanoes National Park go for USD 1500 per person per day. It is important to book your Rwanda gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Other activities that can be done in Volcanoes National Park
- Birding safaris
- Hiking tours
- Community tours
- Guided nature walks
- Golden monkey tracking
- Cycling
How to access Volcanoes National Park?
Rwanda can be accessed from different parts of the world, and Kigali International Airport is connected to the rest of the world. You can book flights from Doha, Switzerland, Brussels, Manchester, South Africa, and other parts of the world. Upon reaching Kigali, you transfer to Volcanoes National Park by road.
What is the best time to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is always open for tourists throughout the year. Gorilla trekking can be done during weekends and public holidays. The dry months are usually considered the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda since there are lower chances of rainfall.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park. Where to stay?
Where to stay on your gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park has a diversity of accommodation facilities. These range from budget to mid-range and luxury depending on the travelers. Lodges are customized in an eco-friendly manner which gives clients a feeling of nature in the comfort of their rooms.
Their strategic locations also give clients an extraordinary stay. Book your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure now and understand why Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to go gorilla trekking in Africa.
