Rwanda Gorilla Trek Cost 2023/24

Rwanda Gorilla Trek Cost – Rwanda Safaris : Primate Safaris .

Volcanoes National Park is a national park in northwestern Rwanda. It covers 160 km2 (62 sq. mi) of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It is home to the mountain gorilla and the golden monkey, and was the base for the primatologist Dian Fossey.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is best known for mountain gorilla trekking but the park is also rich with many other exotic activities to engage in. Rwanda hosts almost a third of the world’s estimated population of about 900 mountain gorillas. These great apes are protected in the Volcanoes National Park.

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

The mountain gorillas are the prime attraction in volcanoes national park with gorilla trekking happening all year round. Because of the high altitude it is generally cold, especially early morning and the evenings, you are advised to carry a light sweater for these times. The park is located only 2 hours from Kigali in the north of Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking price in Rwanda

A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows you to visit the mountain gorillas, be it in Uganda and Rwanda. With this permit per person, you pay to spend one hour in company of one family of mountain gorillas.

The fees for a gorilla permit are important because they limit the number of tourist access to the parks and also contribute to the conservation efforts of the gorillas. It doesn’t matter how long you take to see the gorillas, it’s still the same price and for one hour.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $ 1500 per person. Rwanda provides luxury trekking options and high end accommodation options for those who intend to enjoy a luxury gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Rwanda gorilla permit availability

You can buy your permit up to two years in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or through a registered tour company.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines in Rwanda are put in place so that travelers abide by them to ensure that at the end of the activity trekkers and gorillas are safe.

  1. Gorilla permits

Gorilla trekking permits are a must to have for every trekker intending to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors can obtain their gorilla trekking permits at $1500 per person through a recognized, reliable and trustworthy tour operator or through reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). A group of eight individuals per day are able to visit each group of gorillas in Rwanda for about one hour.  This means that there are 80 gorilla permits available in Rwanda on a single day.

Please Note: Permits get booked quite early and it’s very necessary to book well in advance.

  1. Gorilla trekking process

Before accessing volcanoes national park to carry out gorilla trekking in Rwanda. You have to go through the security check point where you will have be checked for any security threats such as knives, deadly weapons, fire arms than can harm other trekkers and animals .

Tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes while in search for endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Gorilla trekking is a strenuous yet also the most rewarding primate adventure that requires you to be physically well. A trek to view mountain gorillas can last you about 3-6 hours but depends on your hiking speed, nature of habitat and location of mountain gorillas. A gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park usually starts with briefing at 7:00am on the set safety measures and actual trek begins at 8:00am. Visitors are accompanied by a professional park ranger guide after you have been assigned to gorilla group to trek.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is not only about viewing mountain gorillas in the wild but it also gets you opportunity to see other wildlife species. Volcanoes National Park is a home to over 200 bird species and many other primates, mammals, unique flora most of which will be spotted while on a trek to view mountain gorillas.

If you miss the briefing, you will not be allowed to take part in the Rwanda Gorilla Safari even in the event that you’ve purchased a gorilla permit.  Noting this, it goes without saying that being on time is very important.

  1. Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations serve as guidelines or safety measures not only to ensure survival of mountain gorillas but also to safety of trekkers while in the wild with these creatures. Visitors are always briefed on the set gorilla trekking safety measures early in the morning at Kinigi park headquarters prior embarking on actual trek.

They include among others-gorilla trekking is restricted to only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day, only persons above 15 years are allowed to take park in gorilla trek or obtain gorilla permit, no visitor is allowed to trek gorillas when he or she is sick or not feeling well, visitors are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke while on trek to view mountain gorillas, a distance of 7 meters should be kept at all times away from gorillas, keep your voice low but feel free to ask as many questions as possible and many others.

  1. Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is only conducted in habituated gorilla families, each of which offers trekkers a unique experience. Every habituated gorilla family is assigned to visitors to trek in a group of 8 visitors each day. The habituated groups that have been set for gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park include;

The Amahoro group this group is usually found between the Karisoke and the Visoke peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. This group has about 17 gorillas. Together with the Umubano group of 11, they are the furthest from the park headquarters.

The Sabinyo Group is usually found between Mt. Sabinyo and Gahinga. It has about 12 individuals, with a couple of silverbacks in the group.

Agashya Group, formerly referred to as “Group Thirteen”, is often found close to the Sabinyo group, and has about 25 gorillas including two silverbacks.

The Susa Group is the largest in volcanoes NP with about 40 individuals, including 3 silverbacks. This group is usually found high up on Mount Karisimbi, which makes for a relatively more challenging hike, but it is well worth the effort.

The Karisimbi Group, which split from the Susa group a few years ago, can be found in the Mt. Karisimbi area. Tracking these two groups requires a full day hike.

The Kwitonda Group has 18 members and was habituated in the DRC. They crossed the border into Rwanda in 2005, and are now open for visitation.

The Hirwa Group has around 11 members including one silverback and a pair of twins.

The Bwenge Group, named after the group silverback, has 11 members and can be a tough trek.

The Ugende Group, whose name means “on the move” – because its 11 individuals are always moving to new areas is also quite difficult to track.

  1. When to go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can be done at any time of the year. However, it is best to visit Volcanoes National Park to trek mountain gorillas during the dry season which starts in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. During the dry season, gorilla habitat remains relatively drier which makes it a bit simpler for trekkers to hike through the dense rainforest and steep slopes of Volcanoes National Park while in search for mountain gorillas. But you can also pay a visit to Volcanoes National Park to trek mountain gorillas during the wet or rainy season and this usually begins in the months of March, April, May and October, November. The challenge with rainy or wet season is that there is plenty of rainfall and the habitat normally becomes muddy, slippery thus making it a bit challenging to hike through the slippery steep slopes and dense rainforest.

 

  1. Packing list for gorilla trekking

Visitors going for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park are required to pack appropriately starting with essentials first. In your packing list, make sure you include water proof hiking boots that are light weight and offer support to your ankle, water proof day back, drinking water, energy giving snacks, camera but with no flashlight and if it has, please turn it off when taking photos, gardening gloves, long sleeved shirts, trousers, walking stick-this can be got at the park headquarters or lodge, first aid kit to mention but a few.

 

  1. Where to stay in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park comprises of many accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget. They include Mount Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), and Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget).

 

  1. Getting to Volcanoes National Park

A gorilla visit to Volcanoes National Park starts by you landing at Kigali International Airport and then drive to northwestern Rwanda to the park about 2-3 hours. Alternatively, drive from Kabale/Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park which is about 3-4 hours’ drive via Katuna or Cyanika border.

 

In conclusion, the popular Volcanoes National Park is that one exceptional destination that allows you get close to mountain gorillas while in the wild-a magical encounter you need not to miss out in Rwanda.

 

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda– Primate Safaris

Such a high price for the permits makes the adventure of trekking the gorillas to be the most expensive safari holiday experience in Africa. Many travelers have taken part in this amazing life-changing encounter with the gorillas while others continue to plan their gorilla tours for the nearing future. What is interesting about the gorilla permit fees is that you can pay this money throughout the year regardless of the season. To trek the gorillas in Rwanda, the permit fees remains the same for both nationals and non-nationals.

Price for Gorilla trekking Permit

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of the most expensive activities in Rwanda. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is very expensive but truly worth it. In Rwanda, a gorilla trekking permit costs US$ 1500. Mountain gorillas are only found in the three African countries which are Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits of all the countries.

When talking to one of the authorities of wildlife conversations at Rwanda Development Board, we were highlighted about some of the reasons why gorilla trekking is so expensive. The reasons among others include;

  1. The Mountain Gorillas are highly endangered

One of the top reasons as to why gorilla trekking is so expensive in Rwanda is that the gorillas are highly endangered and therefore requires the authorities to reduce their interaction with big crowds of people. According to recent statistics as of 2016, it is estimated that only 900 mountain gorillas are remaining in the whole world surviving in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore, this calls for a high cost of the gorilla permits to perhaps discourage some people from traveling hence saving the highly endangered species from the crowds.

  1. Mountain Gorillas Susceptible to Human Diseases

Another reason perhaps is that the mountain gorillas are close relatives to human beings which make them vulnerable to being infected by human diseases. This means, to save the mountain gorillas from being overcrowded by many humans, the permits have to be put on a high so as to limit some people from trekking them and also to avoid over exploitation and exceeding the carrying capacity of gorilla national park, which is Volcanoes National Park.

  1. The need to conserve and offer sustainable gorilla tourism

After experiencing a great loss of mountain gorillas in the 1980s due to poaching and human encroachment on the mountain gorilla habitats.

The authorities decided to increase the gorilla permits in both countries so as to accrue revenue which can then be used to conserve the gorilla habitats and also to promote a sustainable gorilla tourism environment. This tells why Rwanda, for example, doubled the gorilla permit fee from $750.00 USD in 2017 to $1500.00 USD aiming to conserve the shrinking habitat of mountain gorillas.

To the Wildlife Authorities Conserving the gorillas, this is an indirect way of promoting sustainable gorilla tourism in Rwanda. Imagine if there was no limit on the number of travelers allowed to trek mountain gorillas? There would be crowding and overstepping which destroy gorilla habitats. A high number of travelers also make mountain gorillas uncomfortable in their natural habitat, which destructs their social happy life.

  1. Safety and Easy Monitoring

Being that the mountain gorillas are highly endangered species, it is necessary to continuously monitor them so as to ensure they are safe which may not be possible if too many people are allowed to visit their habitats. According to the authorities, the funds collected from selling gorilla permits are partially used remunerate the ranger guides who monitor the well being of mountain gorillas in their habitats such as tracking their movements, feeding, and health status.

Tourism police and other armed rangers have also been hired to ensure the safety of mountain gorillas from any external attack by the poachers, and rebel groups who in the past used the gorilla habits as their hiding places. Incase travelers are connecting from one destination to another at night, tourism police escort them which ensures their safety throughout.

  1. Gorilla Trekking is one way of improving the livelihood of the locals

Gorilla tourism has become an indirect source of Local livelihood for the communities adjacent to gorilla national parks. Responsible governments share part of the revenue earned to local communities to improve their standards of living. Rwanda gives 10% to local people.

Sharing with local people has created a positive attitude of local people towards gorilla tourism and conservation hence reducing the natural resource conflicts between local people and the management of respective national parks. Before the introduction of gorilla tourism and wildlife conservation, local people had full access to all resources in the forest.

  1. Monopoly

Scarcity is one of the foundational principles in economics, whenever resources are scarce; there is always a high demand for the product which leads to inflated prices as well.

Mountain Gorilla tracking is not an exception; it cannot be carried out anywhere else in the whole world apart from these three countries. This implies that you only have limited options in case you are considering tracking mountain gorillas.

Rwanda; is more of luxurious gorilla trekking destination and gorilla trekking safaris; unfortunately due to insecurity and Ebola threats, Democratic republic of Congo is still facing stiff competition from Uganda and Rwanda.

Until Democratic republic of Congo gets back on the competition scene, the permits will still be charged expensively due to the only two secure destinations.

Conclusion

However you cannot consider booking the activity as a group to reduce the expenditure. This might not apply for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda Congo Uganda Safari

Rwanda has a good weather throughout the year but the dry season is more preferable. The weather is generally good in addition wildlife viewing is also more common during this time. For tourists interested in visiting gorillas this is also the best time for gorilla tours since there is a minimal chance of rain during the trek and a good hiking terrain in the rainforest. We still suggest your waterproof clothing even during these drier months, as this Equatorial climate is very unpredictable. This period is also a peak season; hence the prices can be higher on things like accommodation, car hire etc.

On the other hand, some travelers especially those on budget like visiting in the wet season. During this season, hotels have low occupancy and hence give travelers discounted food and sleeping services which is an added advantage. Also, there is low demand for gorilla permits which guarantee visitors a chance to see these endangered species with no competition.

Visiting Rwanda for gorilla tracking can be done all year round. The best time to travel to Rwanda is during the drier seasons, periods between December to early March and June to September. December to March is a long dry season for Rwanda, with temperatures going up to 29 degrees Celsius for some days while the months of March to Mid-May, July to September, on the other hand, are regarded as the rainy in the country.

 Best Time for Gorilla Trekking, Month by Month

January (peak/dry season, best weather)

January lies in the region’s short dry period, meaning it is an incredible time for gorilla trekking in both countries and game viewing in Rwanda. The dry paths make driving the untarmacked roads to the gorillas and walking in the jungle effortless. Despite being one of the hottest months of the year, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is pleasant because of the cooler temperatures that dump down the heat at high altitudes.

There may be some rainfall because of the tropical weather, but it’s unlikely to affect your gorilla adventure and safari game activities. Therefore, January is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda; it falls within the peak season when most travellers flock to these safari holiday destinations. January is also the best time to combine the exceptional big five game drives in Serengeti and Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

February (peak/dry season, best weather)

Although February is part of the dry season, we begin to see a drop in the number of travellers during the month. As with January, February is the best time for gorilla trekking, bird watching, taking game drives to view the savannah animals before the March rains disperse them.

As the month fades into the end of the dry season, Rwanda’s vegetation will become light. Therefore, it will be less challenging to spot wildlife as they start to gather around the barely remaining waterholes. Therefore, February is the best time for gorilla trekking and game viewing safari in Rwanda, Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Also, it is calving time in the southern Serengeti and an ideal time to see predators in action.

March (low/wet season, bad weather)

March marks the start of a three-month-long low travel season and the beginning of the wet season across the region. However, this does not mean that gorilla trekking is entirely off-limits.

Although safari adventure activities across East Africa are at their optimum during this time, some travellers find this time still favourable for gorilla trekking because the month lies outside of the high season when travel prices are likely to be lower. There will be plenty of availability at a wide selection of lodges, and also, there’s plenty of availability for gorilla permits during this time.

Even though it’s during the wet season, it’s unlikely to rain for more than two hours a day before skies brighten up for cool, relaxing weather during your adventure. Travelling with waterproofing can save you from drenching, and you will still have plenty of time to relax at your safari lodge.

April & May (low/wet season, worst weather)

The extended downpours of March and April continue into May, disrupting walking adventures. We consider April & May to be the worst time for gorilla trekking and game viewing.

However, if you’re not too anxious about walking under the rain in the thick gorilla jungles, it can be a delightful time to explore the region’s dazzling landscapes. During this time, the beautifully terraced rugged slopes will be lush and verdant after long rainy periods creating charming backdrops for photography. Besides, gorilla permits are widely available, and you’ll get the best offers on accommodation during this time.

A combination of Serengeti, Mara or Rwanda’s savannah parks with gorilla trekking is reasonably good. Game viewing is relatively possible because the rains are usually light-short showers in the afternoon and beautiful green scenery.

June & July (peak/dry season, best weather)

June is the start of the peak safari season in Rwanda that extends into September, but June & July have the best weather for gorilla trekking in both countries ( Uganda, Congo and Rwanda). There will be little to no rainfall during that time, making the trek to find gorillas manageable for most travellers. As its peak season, gorilla trekking costs will be higher, and you’ll need to book permits well in advance.

However, unlike other African destinations, a safari holiday in Rwanda in the peak season rarely feels busy or overcrowded, allowing you intimate, wild encounters and extraordinary experiences. Gorilla trekking excursions are highly controlled to not more than eight people per gorilla group, allowing personal connection during your precious one hour with the gorillas. Some boutique safari lodges may fill up fast during this time, so book months earlier to secure your room.

Being the first month after the rainy season, June still enjoys leafy landscapes, so it can be a great time to travel if you want to combine the gorilla adventure with game viewing and scenery photography.

Suppose you have more time on your safari holiday. In that case, the dry season of July to October is the best time for combining a gorilla trekking adventure with big-game viewing or wildebeest migration in Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Conclusion

The decision on when to go for gorilla trekking rests entirely with the client taking into consideration time constraints, budget, overall fitness, convenience and many of the things discussed above.

Best Gorilla Trekking Company in Rwanda

primte safaris

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Company- Primate Safari Experiences.

Are you planning a gorilla trekking tour to Rwanda, look no further, we are the best gorilla trekking company and still wondering which company has the expertise in Primate Safaris in East African Region that include DR Congo , Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi?

Primate Safari Experiences is a local Safari company that has the specialty in Tailoring Primate Safaris in the Region with over 7 years. We strive to ensure that each individual client gets the best out of their gorilla trekking safari and the communication will be calm and relaxed for unique safari Experience in the magical East African that has developed strong base in the airline industry to promote the Tourism industry.

How to Contact Primate Safari Experiences.

You can contact us by sending us your inquiry, we provide fast responses to your emails or whats app message ( +256392159498) , we provide correct and accurate information, and we give several suggestions that can help you get the best gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo even with the art of Multi country Adventures.

Facts for Ranking Primate Safari Experiences limited

Expertise in Gorilla trekking Tours

When booking your Gorilla trekking tour, you need to check availability of gorilla trekking permits, which we do for you as soon as you send your inquiry.

We offer several Gorillas trekking tours, our packages are designed by experts and as such the itinerary clearly indicates the location, the lodges, type of car, meals, driving distances etc such that you have the complete set of information while booking your gorilla trekking tour. Some of our top packages include: the 3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking, 5 Days Gorillas and Wild life safaris etc.

We work with the wardens. Expect to track the gorilla family you are most interested in depending on your physical abilities. Are you interested in a short hike, do you want a long hike, we are in good working relations with the park wardens and as such we can help you track the gorilla family that fits within your interests, that is one of the major advantages of working with the best gorilla trekking company.

Reviews of the best gorilla trekking company

Feel free to visit our Trip Advisor page and checkout the reviews left by some of our previous clients, when it comes to satisfaction, expect the best gorilla trekking experience with adventure in the wild safaris, the best gorilla trekking company. 

Best gorilla trekking company offers

At adventure in the wild safaris, we have several offers for gorilla trekking. Whether you are interested in budget gorilla trekking, luxury gorilla trekking, contact us and we shall provide the best Uganda gorilla trekking cost / quote.

A part from offering great gorilla safari offers, we offer gorilla permit booking services and if you are on self-drive gorilla tour, feel free to contact us such that we help you secure your gorilla trekking permit for a small fee.

Best gorilla Safari Company in Rwanda

There is no doubt we are the best gorilla safari company in Rwanda, contact us to plan your adventure to Volcanoes national park for your next gorilla trekking adventure.

 Our membership profile

We are a member of the Association of Uganda tour operators,licensed by Uganda Tourism Board, so you are guaranteed to have the services we indicate on your itinerary and more.

Conclusion about Primate Safari Experiences.

Are you looking for the best gorilla trekking company in Rwanda? Are you in need of budget gorilla tour operators or luxury gorilla tour operators in Rwanda? Primate Safari Experiences offers the best tours for Gorillas.

Kahuzi Biega National Park Suspends Gorilla Trekking

Kahuzi Biega National Park has suspended all the safari activities in the park, according to the meeting held yesterday at the park offices in Bukavu, they thought it important to close the park to conserve the eastern lowland gorillas .

Virunga Suspends Gorilla Trekking in Congo

Effective 18 /03 /2020. The Communication from Virunga national park states that Mountain gorilla trekking in the magic democratic republic of congo till 1/06/2020. it’s just an update following the closure of gorilla trekking in Gabon since these primates suffered more loss during those days that the Ebola disease extended to the western lowland gorillas.

As many of you may have heard, Virunga National Park has taken the decision to close all gorilla tourism in the park due to the rapidly unfolding situation regarding the global spread of COVID-19.

The Park’s temporary closure of mountain gorilla tourism is being undertaken as a precautionary measure and is in line with WHO’s recommendation to restrict movement and limit social contact. For Virunga in particular, it has been taken following advice from scientific experts indication that primates, including mountain gorillas, are highly likely susceptible to complications arising from the COVID-19 virus. We must remain steadfast in safeguarding our population of this endangered species.

We will not be taking any new bookings until the 1st June 2020 but we are committed to reopening our Gorilla tourism as soon as the situation allows.

For all of you who are holding bookings with us in the next two months, we will honor a postponement up to June 2021.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your continued support through this challenging time.

Gabon Bans Tourists Visit to Gorillas

Gabon closed tourist activities in their parks to avoid any risk of transmissions between the humans and the animals.  Gabon, a forest-covered haven for gorillas and chimpanzees, will stop allowing tourists to see its great apes fearing that humans could give the novel coronavirus to the animals, the country’s forest agency said Monday.

The Central African nation has one only confirmed COVID-19 case so far, but fears linger after an Ebola epidemic in 1995 wiped out more than 90 percent of the gorillas in the verdant north.

“We have decided to close tourist activities for viewing the great apes in our parks to avoid any risk of transmissions between humans and the animals,” said Christian Tchemambela of the country’s National Agency for National Parks (ANPN).

“The respiratory viruses that affect humans are easily transmitted to great apes because the two species are so closely related,” he told AFP.

Gabon has taken drastic measures to counter the spread of the virus, closing schools, bars and nightclubs since Friday, a day after the country confirmed its first case — a 27-year-old man who had recently returned from France.

Almost 80 percent of Gabon is covered by forests, and primate habitation programmes have been set up in its parks in recent years to attract tourism and use the income to further finance wildlife protection.

“Because of the new coronavirus, humans being in contact with gorillas pose a threat,” said Tchemambela.

He added that staff working in the parks will be placed in quarantine for 14 days before being able to enter areas near the gorillas.