Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari 2025.
Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda 2025: Gorilla trekking is a unique activity in Rwanda that entails entering the tropical jungle to find habituated mountain gorilla families and spending an hour with them in their natural habitat. at Rwanda, gorilla trekking is conducted at the Volcanoes National Park, which is situated near Musanze Village in the country’s northwest.
There are around eleven habituated mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, and daily hiking is possible. In addition to Rwanda, other nations that provide gorilla trekking include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is practiced in the Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national parks, and Uganda, where it is practiced in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda
At Kinigi Park headquarters, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park begins very early in the morning with a briefing on expectations, rules, and regulations. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, and each group will be assigned a gorilla family to travel with and a park guide who is knowledgeable about the various gorilla trekking routes.
Because the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park like to roam about in search of food, trekking with them may take anything from thirty minutes to six hours, depending on their location. You will be able to see various primate species, mammals, and birds while trekking. Once the gorillas are located, you will be able to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat, where you can observe, take pictures, record videos, and learn more about their habits, lifestyle, and behaviors.
The price of a Rwandan gorilla trekking permit
Any person over 15 who wants to visit a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park must get a gorilla trekking permit, which is a legal card or document issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). For all nations, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 USD per person. The cost covers the one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas, park guide services, admission fees, security throughout the walk, and a certificate given at the conclusion of the hike.
How to reserve a Rwandan gorilla hiking permit
You may make a direct reservation for a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park by calling or emailing the Rwanda Development Board’s central office. A reputable tour company like Maseke Adventure Co.Ltd may also be used to reserve a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park. You will get in touch with us regarding the dates you would want to see the mountain gorillas when making a reservation via a tour operator.
After getting in touch with us, we will verify if permits are available. If they are, you will be required to pay a deposit. As soon as the funds are received, we will buy the permits for you and confirm with a scanned copy of the receipt.
However, because gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are competitive and sell out quickly, particularly during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February, it is recommended that you book three to six months prior to the trekking date to avoid last-minute disappointments.
The ideal time to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trekking expedition
Although it is possible to go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park at any time of year, the ideal time to do it is in the dry season, which runs from June to February. Because there is less rainfall in the national park during the dry season, there will be less vegetation, making it easier to see the mountain gorillas. Additionally, the gorilla trekking trails will be dry and accessible, unlike during the rainy season when they are muddy, slippery, and wet, making trekking challenging.
Things to pack for your 2025 Rwandan gorilla trekking expedition
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to keep you warm, a waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rain, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, a camera and extra batteries to take pictures and record videos, binoculars, energy snacks and drinking water, a backpack to carry your trekking gear, and more are all necessary for your 2025 Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.
Accommodations for your gorilla trekking expedition
During your 2022 gorilla trekking trip, you may choose from a variety of lodging options in Volcanoes National Park. Ruzizi Tented Camp, Kinigi Guesthouse, Gorillas Nest Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Karenge Bush Camp, La Palme Hotel, Villa Gorilla, Garr Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Best View Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and Gorilla Solution Lodge are just a few of the luxurious, midrange, and affordable lodging options available.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park
The northwest region of Rwanda is home to Volcanoes National Park, which is accessible by road transportation. To get there, you must first fly to Kigali International Airport and then drive for two to three hours to the park headquarters.