Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes from Kigali
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali offers a lifetime encounter with the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking gorillas is a unique way to embark on a journey to search for these rare and majestic creatures in the lush natural forest. A gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park involves spending quality time searching for a habituated gorilla family. Visitors are assigned to an already habituated gorilla family group to explore, and your group can comprise a maximum of 8 (eight).
Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking adventures begin from Kigali Capital City. From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes nature enthusiasts a short distance. Driving time taken to connect from Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park is about 2-3 hours. The easier access to Volcanoes National Park makes it possible to even organize a short gorilla trip, starting from a 1-day gorilla trip to a 5-day gorilla tour.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali involves embarking on a journey to enjoy up close with mountain gorillas. And explore in-depth the distinct behaviors of these apes. Visitors are expected to gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, who are found in the Kinigi area. At the Kinigi area, expect to get briefed about gorilla trekking regulations and also to be assigned a gorilla group to visit.
Prior to actual trekking to find gorillas, the park official puts you in a group consisting of 8 visitors. Each group of visitors is led by an experienced park ranger guide from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park was officially created in 1925, and presently. It extends up to 160 sq. km. Volcanoes feature varying vegetation zones, including bamboo forest, dense rainforests, hagenia-hypericum forest, afro-alpine vegetation, lobelias, and others.
The landscape of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is characterized by magnificent Virunga Volcanoes. The breathtaking volcanoes to expect to find in this park include Sabyinyo Volcano, Muhabura, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Gahinga Volcanoes.
Gorilla trekking families in Volcanoes National Park
While on gorilla trekking tours, expect to embark on a journey to explore the following gorilla families. The fully habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Sabyinyo, Susa B, Susa A, Ugenda, Hirwa gorilla group, Amahoro gorilla family, Umubano gorilla group, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Agashya, and more. Treks with these gorilla groups includes immersing yourself deep into the jungle. Each of the gorilla families here is visited by a maximum of eight pax, and only single gorilla treks are conducted. The gorilla treks begin early morning after a briefing session at the park offices in Kinigi.
Gorilla trekking permits
If you are planning to go on a Rwanda gorilla trek, a valid gorilla permit is a must to obtain. The gorilla permit in Rwanda can be secured at USD 1500 per visitor. A local tour company that plans a gorilla tour is books for you before the actual visit to the park. We can recommend that you book a gorilla permit at least 2 to 6 months before the real trek. Gorilla trekking permits are open for booking only for persons above 15 years.
When to travel for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali
Gorilla trekking adventures to explore mountain gorillas can be conducted at any time of the year. But the dry seasons/months still prove to be the best period. Tourists experience adventure to witness mountain gorillas with no worries of getting disruptions. The longest dry spell often begins from June, July, August, to September- the months that mark the extensive dry months of the year.
The shortest dry months begin from December, January, to February of each annual travel calendar. Traveling during the dry months to engage in a gorilla trek comes with enormous benefits. These include walking through the drier trails, less disruption from the rains, clear vegetation where you can enjoy a photography moment as you capture the great images of these apes while still in their natural habitat.
How to pack for your Rwanda gorilla trekking tour
A complete packing list for Rwanda gorilla trekking includes items such as waterproof and strong hiking boots, a daypack, bottled drinking water, insect repellents, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a pair of binoculars, sunglasses, extra batteries, and a safari hat. Expect to include a pair of socks, a pair of gardening gloves, a rain jacket, and others.
How to prepare for your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla tracking is a strenuous adventure and involves walking or hiking for some time before you come across a group of mountain gorillas. Ensure that you embark on a gorilla tour when certain about your fitness levels. Try as much as you can to practice taking advantage of the available high terrains as you get yourself familiar with tough altitudes.
Adequate practice before trekking gorillas puts you at the higher advantage of conquering the tough elevation to witness mountain gorillas in the jungle. Spending about 2-6 hours trekking through the jungle isn’t an easy journey. You must get yourself ready for an enchanting primate trekking adventure early enough.
Accommodation options for staying
The choice of accommodation options all depends on the kind of visitor. But the available categories include budget, midrange, and luxury lodges and hotels. If you are considering spending a night in Kigali, the notable hotel properties to book include Five to Five Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali, Heaven Restaurant Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel, and more.
In and around Volcanoes National Park, expect to retire in the accommodation options such as Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, One&Only Gorillas Nest, Fravan Eco Resort, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Rest Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, and La Palme Hotel.
What to do in Kigali, plus places to visit
The Kigali city tour offers a great opportunity for you to explore the city’s wonders. The main sites to consider exploring in Kigali include the Nyamata Church, Kigali Genocide sites, Kimironko Market, Kigali Convention Centre, Inema Arts Centre, and Mount Kigali etc.
Starting your trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park allows you to have a combination of city tour and gorilla trekking.The Kigali city excursion lasts for only 2 hours or more, depending on what to explore. The more sites you visit the more time it may take to complete.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali
Tourists with plans to explore Volcanoes National Park from Kigali can book a road transportation service. Driving to Volcanoes National Park requires 2 to 3 hours to get there. Or fly from Kigali International Airport up to Musanze or Ruhengeri Airport. From here you can be safely transferred directly to a lodge for relaxation.
Ready to go?
Organizing a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is possible. What is most essential is to contact our reservation to book a slot for yourself. Get yourself ready for a thrilling adventure. Expect to book a short or long gorilla tour. Each session guarantees you an epic adventure and great encounters with the rare mountain gorillas.
