Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the epitome of gorilla trekking experiences. Gorilla trekking is the number one activity of Volcanoes National Park. The park is a popular gorilla trekking destination in the Virunga conservation area. This conservation area is the remaining natural habitat for mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are the largest primate species in the world. They are considered endangered primate species of the world by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCU). This is because these primate species are only located in the Virunga conservation area. This conservation area stretches from the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks to Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925, making it the oldest park in the country. The park’s topography and terrain make this destination the best place to spot mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park spans over 160 square kilometers.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an incredible tourist activity that takes visitors through the dense vegetation of Volcanoes National Park on a search for the endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking mountain gorillas in the wild is every visitor’s dream, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park makes this dream possible. In Rwanda, the mountain gorilla trekking experience begins with a briefing in the early morning at the park offices. This briefing is followed by grouping the visitors into groups of 8 people and assigning a guide ranger for each group. Only eight people can trek a particular gorilla family in the park at a time. There are 10 habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park. Mountain gorillas are social beings who stay in groups known as gorilla families. Each gorilla family is headed by a dominant male called a silverback. After searching through the thickets, visitors finally encounter the mountain gorillas. They are allowed only an hour with the primates as they watch them feed, rest, play, and go on with their chores. Visitors can take non-flashy photos and just marvel at the moment as these endangered primates pass by you as they feed and play.
Talking about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park without mentioning Dian Fossey would be unfair. Dian Fossey was a primatologist and conservationist who fought for the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas. She arrived in the park in September of 1967 from Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dian Fossey established her work base between Mountain Karisimbi and Bisoke and named it Karisoke Research Center. This research center led to the habituation of mountain gorillas in the park as she studied the behaviors of these primates. She set up many conservation programs and anti-poaching programs that helped to protect the mountain gorillas from poaching. Her positive works attracted negative forces from the poachers. This led to the death of Dr. Dian Fossey after she was murdered on the 26th of December, 1985. Although her works were unfortunately cut short, her legacy has lived on for generations. Visitors hike to the buried place of Dian Fossey at the Karisoke Research Center to pay their last respects.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
The dry season is always the best time for gorilla trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park. The park receives a tropical type of climate and thus receives two dry and wet seasons per year. The dry season is characterized by humid temperatures and dry weather because of the little or no rainfall received. The vegetation in the park during this season is sparse, thus easing spotting the endangered mountain gorillas. The dry season runs from June to September and December and February.
How much do gorilla trekking permits cost?
Gorilla trekking permit costs in the Volcanoes National Park range between the nationalities of the visitors. Foreign non-residents pay USD 1,500, foreign residents pay USD 500, and East Africans pay USD 200. A gorilla trekking permit is a document that gives visitors access to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. These permits can be obtained through a local tour operator who purchases the permits on the visitor’s behalf.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking?
Volcanoes National Park is located in the Musanze district in the northern region of Rwanda. The park is located 120 kilometers from Kigali International Airport, which takes approximately 2 hours. Volcanoes National Park can only be accessed by road from Kigali as there are no charted flights from Kigali to the park. However, the park also be accessed using a helicopter from the airport in Kigali to the airstrip in Musanze. Visitors can arrive at the airport in Kigali and be picked up and driven for 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?
Having a favorable packing list as you embark on a gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is essential for the success of this incredible adventure. Below is what to pack for a gorilla trekking experience.
- First aid box
- Hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Jungle trousers
- Reusable water bottle
- Energy-giving snacks
- Insect repellents
- A camera and extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Binoculars
- Extra money for tips