Double Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Everything you must know about double gorilla trekking in Rwanda. An hour alone with mountain gorillas often leaves many trekkers yearning for more of the African jungle. Gorilla trekking is such a sensational moment that you can’t afford to miss. Like any enthusiastic gorilla trekker, joining our double gorilla trekking in Rwanda presents a unique opportunity for you to encounter mountain gorillas twice on just a single Rwanda safari. This is perhaps one of the exceptional opportunities that await you this coming gorilla safari season. Explore our complete guide to enjoy a successful double gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Our ultimate guide provides insights into the iconic gorilla destination in Rwanda, gorilla groups to be assigned to you, the cost of permits (as of to date), available accommodation options (lodges, hotels, and camps), what to expect as a trekker, and how to book your unforgettable double gorilla trekking safari.
Best place to experience double gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Are you visiting Rwanda for the first time and aren’t familiar with where your gorilla safari will be conducted? Volcanoes National Park remains Rwanda’s most celebrated destination for tourists seeking the unique mountain gorilla trekking experience. Whether you plan to go on a single gorilla tour or a double gorilla safari, Volcanoes National Park in Musanze warmly welcomes you.
Volcanoes National Park lies spectacularly in the Musanze area of Northwestern Rwanda. It takes 2 to 3 hours from Kigali to Musanze. Transport is usually in a 4×4 safari vehicle. This park is set in the magnificent Virunga volcanoes. You will appreciate every breathtaking natural beauty offered here.
Over 30% of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas thrive in the jungles of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The trekking journeys often start from Kinigi after a briefing. Before you embark on a trip to enjoy a double gorilla encounter in this pristine destination, you need to explore some of its amazing habituated gorilla families.
Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park currently has 13 families that have completed the habituation circle. Each gorilla group is visited only once a day. To enjoy a double trek, you may consider the second day to be a return to the jungle. The following are some of the interesting gorilla groups to visit on a double gorilla trekking in Rwanda: Muhoza, Susa A, Agashya, Kwisanga, Sabyinyo, Isimbi, Noheli, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Hirwa, and Bwenge. On a guided trek with Volcanoes gorillas, an expert accompanies you and offers deep insight into the distinct behaviours of these apes.
A lot awaits you on a double gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, including exploring more about the composition of gorillas, their social behaviours, and taking pictures. Being a double gorilla trekking tour, you have the opportunity to have 2 hours of close interaction with a family of mountain gorillas.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits
To enjoy a double gorilla trek, you should book two permits. Each gorilla permit takes you on different sessions to explore mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Currently, permits in Rwanda cost USD 1,500 per person. For visitors interested in the double gorilla trekking tour, expect to pay USD 3,000. Booking your Rwanda permits can be done through the registered company. Feel free to get in touch with the team at Native Africa Tours. Have your double gorilla permit booked at least 2-3 months before your actual gorilla visit.
Best Time to Experience the Double Gorilla Trekking
The dry season (June to September, December to February) offers the most ideal conditions for double gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The trails in Volcanoes National Park, Musanze, remain firmer and easier to navigate through as you look for a group of gorillas. This is perfect for you to enjoy less-interrupted gorilla treks, unlike during the low or off months of the year— March to May and October to November. If you aren’t sure about the timing, feel free to contact our team for further guidance, given the frequent shifts in weather conditions that can disrupt traditional travel calendars.
Book the Right Double Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Below are some of the amazing suggested gorilla safari packages that offer double mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda. They include the 4-Day Rwanda gorilla tour, the 5-Day Rwanda double gorilla trekking tour, the 6-Day Rwanda double gorilla encounter, and the 7-Day Rwanda gorilla with wildlife tour. When considering a double gorilla tour, you should prepare to spend more days than on a typical short tour. This is because you have up to 2 days to dedicate to yourself to enjoy the first and second gorilla trekking sessions.
A sample of a 4 Day double gorilla tour to Volcanoes National Park
Day one: Pick-up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. The focus on day one is to have you meet and greet an experienced driver-guide from Native Africa Tours. After the warm welcome, you can have your first tour of the city. Explore the historical sites in Kigali, notably the Kigali Memorial Centre. In Kigali, you can also include visits to other places such as craft markets, the Kandt House Museum, and Kimironko Market.
After the enriching Kigali excursion, you can continue to the Northwest to visit Volcanoes National Park. But the journey to volcanoes begins after lunch in Kigali.
Day two: Engage in your first gorilla trekking experience, which begins in Kinigi after a briefing from an official from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Day three: Concentrate on the 2nd gorilla trekking adventure. On this day, you can choose to visit the previous group or be allocated to a new one. You may combine the morning gorilla trek with an evening cultural experience in the Iby’Iwacu Village.
Day four: Any activity that you want to engage in can be golden monkey tracking. But afterwards, you can be transferred to Kigali for departure.
Book Accommodation near Kinigi
As you plan to secure a place for your double gorilla safari, you should consider the proximity of the lodge to Kinigi. This is where your actual trek is intended to commence. While planning your gorilla tour, we consider the distances to the lodges from where trekking begins. Here are some of our suggested accommodation choices to consider booking. Luxury gorilla safari accommodation include One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Kwitonda Lodge. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and Bisate Lodge.
Mid-range lodging options available in Rwanda’s Volcanoes include Garr Hotel, Urugano Virunga Palace, Eagle View Lodge, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, La Palme Hotel, and more. The budget lodges to choose from include Kinigi Guesthouse, Virunga Inn, Muhabura Hotel, and many more.
Plan your tour well –consider key items to pack.
Any gorilla trekking tour can be enjoyed successfully, provided you prepare adequately. This should include preparing yourself physically and packing. The packing list, for starters, should include a good camera without a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a daypack, long trousers/pants, insect repellent, a safari hat, gardening gloves, and many other essential gear/equipment.
In conclusion, book a double gorilla trekking in Rwanda with ease through an expert, Native Africa Tours. Trust us with all the planning and let us make your gorilla vacation memorable.
