Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ranks among the best tourist activities in an African Safari. The Country is one of the three lucky countries in the World to have Mountain Gorillas. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park inhabits our cousins that share DNA with Humans 98%. The Park is part of the Virunga Volcanos that have eight Mountains stretching to three countries namely; Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
How to get there
Onto arriving at Kigali International Airport, it is two and a half hours drive from the City to Kinigi at the Park’s Headquarters in Musanze district. Expect to be blown away by the beautiful landscape of Rwanda through the mountainous countryside consisting of the ever-green vegetation covers, farmlands and rivers crossing beneath the valleys.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking resumes at exactly 7:00 AM Rwandan time. The activity begins with registering of Tourist permits and allocating Gorilla groups. Every group is assigned 8 Tourists accompanied by a Ranger guide and trackers that search for Gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking duration. It may take 2-7 hours depending on how far or close the Gorilla group may be. Tourists are offered an hour of viewing after locating them.
Requirements while on Gorilla Trekking. You are highly advised to carry enough drinking water at least 2 litres per person, packed lunch, Rain gear, closed shoes, hut, gloves and face masks.
Porters. Hiring a porter is highly recommended so as to help the traveler in carrying your backpack during Gorilla trekking. It is also one way of supporting the community. The cost for a porter is 20 Us Dollars.
How to get a Gorilla permit
Permits can be purchased online or by your trusted local Tour Operator like Bukiire Africa Wildlife Safaris from Rwanda Development board. It is important to note that permits Should be purchased in advance before the gorilla trekking date. This is because Permits are limited to the number of Gorilla groups and are highly demanded by travelers.
Cost of a Gorilla Permit. Foreign non residents pay 1500 United States dollars, foreign residents in Africa pay 500 dollars, Rwandese and East African Citizens pay 200 dollars.
Gorilla Trekking Age. From the age of 15 years and above are the only ones legible to Gorilla trekking.
Other activities to do around Volcanoes National Park
Cultural experience. After trekking Gorillas, immerse yourself in the cultural symposium of the Rwandese people whose population consists of three Clans; the Batwa, Tutsi and Hutus. The Gorilla Guardian Village that is located on the boundaries of Volcano National Park, introduces you to their culture in terms of their Kingdoms, marriage norms, cuisines, Herbal medicine, local brewing of banana juice, beer and Gin, Traditional dances and hunting skills among others.
Golden Monkey Trekking.
Golden Monkeys are a rare species that only exist in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Just like their name suggests, their fur is Golden coated. Travelers can only trek Golden Monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda. In Rwanda, they are trekked from Volcanoes National Park, majorly at the base of Sabinyo Mountain.
How to get Golden Monkey Permits
Golden Monkey Permits can be purchased online or by a trusted Tour Operator from Rwanda Development Board. It is important to note that permits be purchased in advance prior the dates of trekking. Permits cannot be purchased from Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.
Cost of Golden Monkey Permits. The permits cost 100 United States dollars for Foreigners, 65 dollars for foreign residents in Rwanda, 80 dollars for East African foreign residents and 65 dollars for East African Citizens.
Golden Monkey trekking duration. The activity takes 2-3 hours.
Age limit. Golden Monkeys can be trekked from the ages of 12 years and above.
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