Rwanda Gorilla Safari
A Rwanda gorilla safari allows you to experience great apes in their natural habitat. Rwanda is one of only three countries that host mountain gorilla populations.
Tourists who embark on a Rwanda safari often describe the special experience with the gorillas as a lifetime discovery. Sharing 99% of their DNA with humans, these close relatives offer a unique encounter that shouldn’t be missed on a safari.
Although the world holds over 200,000 gorillas, they are critically endangered due to various threats. The mountain slopes of the Virunga Mountains are home to the eastern gorilla species, specifically the mountain gorilla subspecies. Eastern gorillas are found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo within various protected areas.
In Rwanda, you can experience gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park, the only primate protected area in the country. Located in the northwestern province of Musanze, the steep slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park provide a home for these majestic mountain gorillas.
National Parks
Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s three national parks, along with Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park. It is the only park in Rwanda where you can go gorilla trekking.
The park covers 160 square kilometers of rainforest, home to a diverse array of fauna and beautiful flora.
On a Rwanda gorilla safari, you can witness the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park by trekking through the slopes of Mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, and Mount Karisimbi. These mountains are part of the eight mountain chain, five of which are within Volcanoes National Park.
As you trek through the thick marshes, trails, and slopes of Volcanoes National Park, you will encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, feeding and playing. Experienced guides will lead you to the gorillas, ensuring a memorable one-on-one encounter.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
The gorilla trekking experience begins with a briefing at Kinigi, the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Based on your preferences and physical wellness, you will be allocated a gorilla family. Reaching a particular gorilla family usually takes about 2 to 4 hours.
Volcanoes National Park is home to about twelve habituated gorilla families, with a few others set aside for research. These families include Susa, Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Ugyenda, Bwenge, Muhoza, and Igisha.
Gorilla Permit Booking
Before visiting any gorilla family on a Rwanda gorilla safari, you must book your gorilla permits in advance. You can acquire permits from the Rwanda Development Board for $1,500 or indirectly through tour agencies. Only 96 permits are issued daily, with six trekkers allocated per gorilla group.
While experiencing the gorillas, you will also encounter other attractions, fauna, and flora. Besides mountain gorillas, the park is home to other mammals and primates, with golden monkeys being a major highlight for those interested in trekking other primate species.
Dian Fossey Grave Hike
A hike to the grave of Dian Fossey, a legendary primatologist, is a worthwhile visit while at Volcanoes National Park. Fossey spent years studying and conserving mountain gorillas in the park, establishing the Karisoke Research Center between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. She was murdered and buried near her favorite gorilla, Digit.
Cultural Experiences
If you visit the park in September, don’t miss the Kwita Izina ceremony, an annual gorilla naming event. This festival features traditional performances of music and dance, along with the naming of infant gorillas, offering a unique cultural experience.
Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of activities for tourists, from hiking adventures around the mountain slopes to cultural encounters with the Iby’Iwacu community, visits to the historical Garama cave, and birding expeditions.
Accommodation options near and within the national park cater to all budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay. You can find accommodations ranging from budget to midrange and high-end options, making an extended visit to Volcanoes National Park both convenient and enjoyable.
