Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the primary activity, allowing people to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda is regarded as one of the premier destinations for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda occurs within Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park, situated in Musanze in the northwest of the country and encompassing an area of 160 square kilometers, is part of the Virunga massif. This park is inhabited by several mountain gorillas in Rwanda. These mountain gorillas are exclusively located in two additional countries: Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The practice of going through the forest to locate mountain gorillas is referred to as gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is facilitated by the presence of numerous mountain gorillas and approximately ten habituated gorilla families accessible to tourists. In the park, only habituated gorilla families, which have been conditioned over several years to tolerate human interaction, can be tracked or visited by tourists. In Volcanoes National Park, the accessible gorilla families include the Hirwa, Bwenge, Amahoro, Ugenda, Titus, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Umubano, Agashya, and Susa families. The conservation efforts of the Rwanda Development Board, which has implemented severe procedures to protect and conserve these endangered mountain gorillas, will result in an increased population.
Travelers must secure and purchase gorilla trekking permits well in advance for an adventure in Volcanoes National Park, as these permits are limited and in high demand. A minimum of 3-4 months’ notice is recommended to ensure acquisition. Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park are priced at $1,500 per individual per hike, inclusive of Rwandan nationals. A portion of the cash generated from gorilla trekking permits is allocated to gorilla conservation initiatives and the enhancement of the local community. Gorilla permits can be acquired through a reputable tour operator or directly from the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali. Passport information of a traveler must be submitted to the RDB when acquiring a gorilla tracking permit. A maximum of 8 individuals may trek a single gorilla family each day, resulting in only 80 gorilla permits available daily. To obtain a gorilla permit for a specific tracking date, travelers are highly encouraged to make advance reservations.
How to prepare for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
To optimally prepare for an exemplary gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, one must; Prepare thoroughly, both physically and psychologically, in advance. Brief workout activities, such as jogging around the home over time, may be sufficient.
Prepare the required items for an ideal gorilla trekking expedition. One must have waterproof hiking shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof rain coats, a waterproof bag for item protection, and insect repellent lotions. The possession of these items will either enhance or detract from your gorilla trekking experience. It is recommended to consume energy-boosting foods and water.
Be aware that it can rain at any moment here, occasionally with significant intensity.
Gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park commences early in the morning with a briefing by park rangers at 7 AM at Kinigi, the park’s headquarters. During the briefing, trekkers are organized into groups of eight and assigned a specific family to monitor. Gorilla families are assigned based on the trackers’ fitness levels, with treks commencing at 8 AM. While trekking, guests are advised to remain vigilant for other wildlife within the park, including forest elephants, bush pigs, and many bird species. The park rangers will provide you with pertinent information regarding the park, forest, and further relevant topics they consider significant.
Upon encountering these sweet creatures, you will be astonished just by observing them. Mountain gorillas, particularly juveniles, exhibit playful behavior and display curiosity towards humans, often approaching closely to engage in play. Travelers are urged to adhere to the directives of the rangers, maintain composure at all times, and avoid abrupt movements. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can last from 30 minutes to over 5 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, as they do not remain in one area for extended periods. Porters can be hired at the beginning of the trek to assist with pushing or pulling as needed and to carry your luggage.
Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Similar to any activity governed by rules and regulations, gorilla trekking is subject to specific guidelines designed to ensure the safety of trackers and the conservation of mountain gorillas. Examples include:
Individuals must be 15 years of age or older to track gorillas.
Maintain health to facilitate tracking. Individuals with infections and illnesses are urged to refrain from tracking, as these mountain gorillas are susceptible to transmission and are significantly impacted.
Always maintain a distance of 7 meters from the mountain gorillas.
Remain with the assigned group. Do not stray or separate
Refrain from establishing direct eye contact with the mountain gorillas, as this poses a hazard to them.
Noise is prohibited; please whisper if absolutely necessary.
Please refrain from littering in the park.
Refrain from contacting the gorillas
Maintain composure when confronted by a charging mountain gorilla and adhere to the rangers’ directives at all times.
Refrain from consuming food in proximity to the mountain gorillas. This must be executed at a minimum distance of 200 meters from them.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Volcanoes National Park is readily accessible by car from Gisenyi or Kigali International Airport. The journey to the park may require a maximum of 2 hours, thereby facilitating a one-day gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. The park offers a variety of hotel options that cater to all travelers, ranging from opulent to rudimentary facilities. Regardless of your budget, ensure you discover what resonates with you.
An experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can include additional activities both within the park and in other national parks such as Nyungwe, Akagera, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, or Serengeti, all of which offer exceptional African safari experiences. Allocate time to visit and engage a reputable tour operator to build an unforgettable safari experience.
When is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons, specifically from December to early March and from June to September. The period from December to March is typically a prolonged dry season in Rwanda, with temperatures reaching up to 29 degrees Celsius on certain days. Conversely, the months from March to mid-May and July to September are considered the rainy season in the country.
The extended arid season in Rwanda aligns with summer in the northern hemisphere. As the majority of schools in Europe and North America are closed for the summer recess, this is an opportune moment to organize a family safari to Rwanda or Africa with your older children. During the winter months of December and January, travelers from the Northern Hemisphere often plan excursions to Southern Hemisphere nations such as Rwanda. Regardless of the season you choose to visit Volcanoes National Park, ensure you appreciate the stunning landscapes and the wildlife experience of following mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and observing the remarkable avifauna in this rainforest national park.
Rwanda generally experiences favorable weather year-round; however, the dry season is more desirable. The weather is typically favorable, and wildlife watching is more prevalent during this period. For travelers traveling to Rwanda, this period is optimal for visiting Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trekking safari, as the likelihood of rain during the walk is small and the climbing terrain in the rainforest is favorable. We recommend that you take waterproof gear even in these dryer months, as the Equatorial climate remains quite unpredictable. This period is a peak season; hence, prices for lodging, car rentals, and overall safari arrangements may be elevated.
Things to do in Volcanoes National Park
Activities in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, is situated in the northwestern region of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park served as both the residence and the primary research facility for the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey was a fervent advocate who dedicated her life to the protection of mountain gorillas, significantly contributing to their thriving population in this park. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city and the location of Kigali International Airport.
Rwanda comprises four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, primarily frequented for monkey safaris, and Akagera National Park, the sole savannah national park in the country. Volcanoes National Park is likely the most frequented of the aforementioned national parks; therefore, if you intend to come, you can allocate additional time to explore the various activities available, which are detailed below.
Gorilla Trekking
The mountain gorillas are the primary attraction of Volcanoes National Park, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter these peaceful yet formidable beings. Prior to the 1990s, mountain gorillas were classified as critically endangered on the IUCN species list; however, due to conservation initiatives in their habitats, their population has increased, and mountain gorilla trekking has become a flourishing pastime.
Mountain gorillas possess a 99.6% genetic similarity to humans, making their observation in the wild very intriguing. Volcanoes National Park is home to up to 12 habituated gorilla groups. These animals reside in groups known as gorilla families.
Each habituated mountain gorilla family permits a daily visitation of 8 tourists, with a gorilla permit priced at 1,500 USD. This indicates that just 96 gorilla permits are available for daily booking. Several of these gorilla families comprise the Susa group, Sabinyo group, Hirwa group, Ugenda family, Amahoro family, Umubano group, and Karisimbi family, among others. A daily mountain gorilla trek will commence with a morning briefing from the ranger guides at the park headquarters. Participants will spend approximately two hours in the forest in pursuit of the gorillas. Upon encountering the designated gorilla family, there will be an enchanting hour allocated for photography and videography to create lasting memories.
Golden monkey tracking
In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to other primates, including golden monkeys. The golden monkeys are an endangered and endemic species of the Albertine Rift, exclusively inhabiting this region. Golden monkeys can be observed in Volcanoes National Park; therefore, reserve this excursion if you plan to visit the park.
The golden monkeys exhibit significantly greater playfulness than the gorillas, so anticipate observing them swinging from one tree branch to another. You will observe their vividly yellow bodies in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park. You will participate in a briefing prior to this excursion and navigate a forest while traversing a less challenging track than that of mountain gorillas. Benefit from the insights provided by the professional ranger guide.
Ascend a volcano
Volcanoes National Park houses many of the Virunga Volcanic Mountains and provides permits for hiking each of them. In Volcanoes National Park, one can walk Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Bisoke for 75 USD per person, with each hike being a one-day experience. If you are an avid hiker, you may undertake the two-day overnight walk of Mount Karisimbi, for which a permit costs 400 USD.
Experience varying heights and examine the diverse vegetation across the trekking tiers of these volcanoes, which have bamboo flora, transitioning to Afro-montane and savannah grasslands. During the Mount Karisimbi climb, you will stay a night at a campsite along the ascent and complete the hike the subsequent day. From June to August, the trail’s peak is typically snow-covered during the dry season.
Activities in Volcanoes National Park: Mount Karisimbi Expedition, If you choose a trip that is not a volcano trek, alternative possibilities include the Dian Fossey hike, where hikers can visit the mausoleum of the late Dian Fossey, which also serves as an excellent track for birdwatching enthusiasts
Embark on a cultural excursion
Rwanda is a modestly sized yet culturally rich nation; therefore, allocate some time in the evening following a park activity to engage in a cultural tour at one of the cultural centers. The park features the Iby’iwachu cultural center, where visitors can experience Rwandan culture and traditional dances performed by a local group, engage in old lifestyles, and listen to folktales.
Guided Hikes and Mountain Biking Excursions: You may choose to visit the Musanze caves, the former site of the crowning of the Kings of Rwanda. This is where they were taken before assuming their authority. The Musanze caverns are rich in history and narrative. We will organize your safari to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to discover the park’s extensive offerings.
Volcanoes National Park is a tropical rainforest abundant in forest activities. Numerous bird-watching guided excursions are available around the park. Biking safaris are available there. Community walks occur in the neighborhoods next to the park.