Guide to Gorilla safaris in Rwanda

Guide to Gorilla safaris in Rwanda: Gorilla trekking is with no doubt the key highlight of not only Rwanda safaris but also East African safaris. Each year, Rwanda and East Africa as a whole record a significant number of tourists visiting mainly to see the endangered mountain gorillas.

Where to see Gorillas in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, mountain gorillas make up the top list of unique attractions and a reason why tourists consider it a must-visit on safari in Africa. Mountain gorillas, the subspecies of Eastern gorillas live in Rwanda, and gorilla safaris are done in only Volcanoes National Park. This is a 160sq.kms bamboo and rainforest park located in Northwestern Rwanda, about 2-3 hours’ drive.

A total of about 30% of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas on earth are hosted in Volcanoes National Park. This park is found close to the border with Congo and it is encompassed by the extensive Virunga Conservation Area (VCA). Volcanoes NP in Rwanda lies in Ruhengeri/Musanze and it is the oldest park, founded in 1925.

Popularly referred to as Parc National des Volcans (French), Volcanoes National Park is a premier gorilla trekking destination. This is where the late Dian Fossey, one of the conservationists/primatologists conducted 18 years of research on gorillas. She is a reason why the plight of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda became popular. She left behind an incredible gorilla conservation legacy worth remembering and Dian Fossey tomb hike is a perfect option to explore more about her.

Gorilla group families Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla safaris are all done in already habituated gorilla families. Of the 4 parks in Rwanda, it is only in Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorillas live and trekked by tourists on Rwanda safaris. 12 habituated families of endangered mountain gorillas exist in Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla groups Rwanda include Ugenda, Hirwa, Amahoro, Group 13, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Karisimbi (Susa B), Umubano, Bwenge, Kwitonda and Titus.

Booking Rwanda gorilla safari permit

Maranatha Tours and travel is your trusted and best Rwanda gorilla safari planner. We arrange gorilla tours in Rwanda and beyond. Gorilla permits in Rwanda are open for booking at USD1500 per person with intentions to travel to Volcanoes National Park to enjoy guided gorilla trekking adventures. So long as you are above 15 years, you can have a gorilla permit booked for yourself and you get a chance to meet mountain gorillas in the wild.

With high demand for gorilla trekking permits, it is advisable that before you visit Rwanda, you have your permit booked.

What to expect on a gorilla safari in Rwanda?

A gorilla safari in Rwanda introduces you into the lush forest where you will have a magical encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild. The overall safari requires adequate preparation inclusive of securing gorilla permits, booking accommodation, plan for transportation and more.

On actual gorilla trek, you are expected at Kinigi, the offices of Volcanoes National Park are located. It is here where briefing on gorilla rules is done by the park official and allocation of gorilla families. The park guides are assigned to every group of 8 tourists to go visit a habituated gorilla group.

While in the wild to see mountain gorillas, some of the gorilla tracking rules and regulations to observe;

• A maximum of 8-10m distance is a must to be observed at all times while in the wild with gorillas.
• When you have got a gorilla family, only one hour is what you have to enjoy a magical encounter.
• Your voice should be low when talking to avoid scaring gorillas.
• During photography, flashlight cameras aren’t allowed or better, turn off the flashlight.
• Don’t touch gorillas even though they get close or rub themselves on you.

When to go gorilla safaris Rwanda?

Rwanda gorilla safaris don’t limit visitor exploration, you can visit Volcanoes National Park at any time of the year. The best time to go see mountain gorillas is during the dry season. There is long and short dry season to consider planning your gorilla safari. The long dry months in Volcanoes NP: June-September; December-February. The other months (wet season) are also open for gorilla safaris in Rwanda except the challenge is too much rainfall is recorded.

Where to stay

Lodging options in Volcanoes National Park are many to consider for overnight stay: luxury, mid-range, and budget. They include Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Best View Hotel, Hotel La Palm, etc.

Getting Ruhengeri Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park takes a shortest time to be accessed. You will spend only 2-3 hours to drive and you can be at the park ready to enjoy your gorilla safari or gorilla trekking adventure the same day or next day if you are on 2 day gorilla tour or more.