The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.
The largest living primate, gorillas are spread across much of the equatorial African rainforest. Broadly speaking, the species is split into lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas. The volcanic range which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible.
At the latest count, there are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif. The population is slowly increasing, thanks to concerted efforts between our governments, communities and NGOs.
There are 12 gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops consist of at least one SILVERBACK along with several females and youngsters. They are constantly monitored and protected by park rangers, with each group coming into contact with tourists for a strict maximum of one hour per day.
The families are known as SUSA, IGISHA, KARISIMBI, SABYINYO, AMAHORO, AGASHYA, KWITONDA, UMUBANO, HIRWA, BWENGW, UGYENDA and MUHOZA.
Hikes up to their various locations can last anything from 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude of between 2500m and 4000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route. For those interested in tracing the footsteps of Dian Fossey, her tomb is a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters and then 2 or 3 hours hike through the forest, to above 3000m altitude.
DURATION: 2 days
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: Kinyarwanda, French and English
AGE RANGE: 10 years and above
PRICE: Rwandans:
East Africans
Foreigners:
WHAT TO INCLUDE:
ACCESSIBILITY:
DON’T FORGET TO BRING:
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Gorilla Trekking Itinerary in Rwanda (2 Days):
Day 1: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
– Early morning: Arrival in Kigali
– Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative.
– Depending on your arrival time, you may have a brief orientation about the trip.
– Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, which is approximately a 2 to 3-hour drive from Kigali.
– Check-in at your lodge near the park, and take some time to relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
– Afternoon (optional): Visit the Twin Lakes or Musanze Caves
– If time permits, you can opt for an afternoon activity, such as visiting the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, or exploring the Musanze Caves, which are known for their geological formations.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
– Early morning: Gorilla Trekking
– After an early breakfast, head to the park’s headquarters for registration and a briefing on the gorilla trekking guidelines.
– You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family group to visit based on your fitness level and preferences.
– Embark on an exhilarating trek through the dense forest, accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, in search of the mountain gorillas.
– The duration of the trek can vary, ranging from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
– Once you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour observing and photographing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Witness their behavior, interactions, and familial bonds.
– Afternoon: Departure
– After the gorilla trekking experience, return to your lodge to freshen up and check out.
– Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge.
– Bid farewell to the captivating Volcanoes National Park and depart for Kigali.
– Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or explore more of Kigali.
– Our representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.
Please note:
– Gorilla trekking permits are limited and need to be obtained well in advance. It is essential to secure your permits through Bora Safaris or Rwanda’s tourism authorities before planning your trip.
– This itinerary is designed for a short 2-day gorilla trekking experience. If you have more time available, additional days can be added to include other activities or attractions in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking is a truly unique and unforgettable adventure. We at Bora Safaris are dedicated to making your 2-day gorilla trekking journey in Rwanda a memorable and enriching experience. Contact us to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure!
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