Rwanda stands out as one of the must-visit locations on the African continent for gorilla trekking safaris. The activity is available in Northeastern Volcanoes National Park, a two to three-hour drive from the country’s capital, Kigali. One-fourth of all mountain gorillas in the world reside here. It is located at the base of the massive Virunga Mountain range, which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park opens to tourists at 7:00 am, with pre-trek briefing starting at 8:30 am. The exercise lasts for 1-8 hours, depending on how far the gorillas have migrated, with an additional hour for photography and listening to the guides’ comments.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
For foreign non-residents, nationals, and residents, gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost 1,500 USD, which includes park access, a ranger guide, and conservation fees. It does not include further pursuits, lodging, transportation, or other personal services. Along with other things, you will appreciate the rich tropical forest’s splendor. Booking at least 3 months in advance is advised in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda should be booked through a reputable tour company or local tour operator. After you have made your booking with a company like Native Africa Tours, they will go ahead an book your gorilla permits to Volcanoes National Park.
A typical gorilla trekking safari or gorilla tour to Rwanda offers a thrilling adventure. It allows travelers to walk through the impenetrable lush green forests. With the help of an experienced guide, a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda becomes an easy venture. The terrain and vegetation of Volcanoes National Park make the whole gorilla trekking activity a rewarding adventure. Imagine dodging thorns, walking through slippery but beautiful trails as you listen to sweet melodies of the many bird species in the park.
How much does a gorilla trekking trip or tour cost in Rwanda?
The cost of a gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda is more than just booking an air ticket or gorilla trekking permit. It is rather a combination of many expenses like any other safari or trip. While many travelers perceive Rwanda gorilla tours as expensive, with the right planning, one can do a budget gorilla trekking safari or trip in Rwanda. There are many ways of cutting costs for a gorilla safari in Rwanda. Generally, the cost of a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda depends on several factors. These include among others but are not limited to the following; mode of transport, the number of days, they type of accommodation, and other safari activities.
To begin with, a 3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari may cost between USD 2500 and USD 3500 per person including a valid mountain gorilla trekking permit. Please note that a gorilla trekking tour does not necessarily have to include visiting the gorillas only. A Rwanda gorilla trekking tour can be combined with other Rwanda safari destinations. These include among others but are not limited to Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and Gishwati Mukura National Park. Within these parks several safari activities are done. These include; chimpanzee trekking, canopy walking tours, big five safaris, Kigali city tours, guided nature walks, boat cruise excursions, and many more.
What is the best time to take a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda?
The best time to take a tour in Rwanda depends on several of factors including; the seasons of your trip, your budget, and permit availability. To begin with, for many travelers, taking a gorilla trekking tour or gorilla safari in Rwanda is best during the dry seasons. These seasons run through June to September and December to February. During such times, the forests of Volcanoes National Park have a less thick vegetation and little undergrowth. Additionally, the gorilla trekking trails are less slippery and can be easily walkable. This is not the case with the wet seasons, where gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is physically challenging an demanding. During this period (October to November and March to May), there are high chances of rain and gorilla trekking becomes more than just a walk in the forest.
The wet season is never the worst time
However, taking a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda during the wet seasons can be equally rewarding. This is because, not every traveler wants an easy venture. In the past, we have had clients asking for a challenging gorilla trekking region especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Are you such a kind of traveler seeking a challenging gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda? The best time to visit is the wet seasons. More so, the wet seasons have less traffic and permits availability is guaranteed. Additionally, accommodation facilities or lodges in Rwanda offer discounted prices during low seasons. This is not the case with the high or peak seasons. If you are planning a Rwanda budget gorilla trekking safari, the wet season can be the best time to visit.
Overall, Rwanda is an all-year-round open safari destination for gorilla trekking tours or gorilla safaris. This is not restricted to gorilla safari destinations but also others. The parks are open for travelers including on weekends and public holidays. Therefore the best time to planning your safari to Rwanda is when you wish to. If you have any personal questions, feel free to talk to a tour consultant and plan your trip accordingly.
Budget and luxury gorilla safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the few African safari destinations with both luxury and budget safari destinations. One thing that makes Rwanda look like a luxury safari destination is the price of their gorilla permit (USD 1500 per person per trek). The truth is that one can trek gorillas of Rwanda on budget. Are you a traveler planning to do a budget gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, we are here to help you. With the help of our safari expert planners, you will not need to break the bank to do a safari in Rwanda. You can easily reduce costs on your trip and take an amazing Rwanda budget gorilla tour.
On the other hand, we understand that not every traveler wants to travel on budget. Some want to spend lost of money on a safari. Rwanda offers some of the best luxury gorilla tours or luxury vacations in Africa. On top of the seemingly expensive gorilla permit, you can stay in high-end accommodation facilities during your stay. Planning a Rwanda luxury gorilla safari, talk to us and we make the job easy.
