Rwanda “the Land of a thousand Hills” is one of the three countries where gorilla trekking is conducted. Gorilla trekking is therefore the key reason as to why thousands of tourists flock Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These mountain gorillas live in the high altitudes of Volcanoes National Park, where tourists hike to encounter these Giant Apes. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of 160 square kilometers, and is situated about 105 kilometers West of Kigali town. With this short distance of Kigali to the Park, it is about 2-3 hours drive to Volcanoes National park. This magnificent Park was gazetted in 1925, making it one of the oldest Parks in Africa. There are currently 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park hence Rwanda Development (RDB, the governing body) sells a maximum of 80 gorilla permits per day (based on the maximum of 8 persons who can visit the group).

On a gorilla safari in Rwanda, tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas but the process of tracking can take between 30 minutes and over 6 hours before the gorilla group is sighted.

The price of a gorilla permit

With effect from 6th May 2017, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) increased the price of Rwanda Gorilla permits from $750 to $1500 per person. According to Claire Akamanzi the CEO of RDB, the new prices aim at ensuring sustainability of Conservation Initiatives, Intensifying Visitors’ Experience and supporting the development of local communities that live around Volcanoes National Park. This price also has some advantages because tourists who spend a minimum of 3 nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park are offered a 30% discount. Much as it is also assumed to be high, tourists are entitled to several services before tracking including a cup of coffee/tea and free entertainment which are not offered in Uganda and DRC.

When is the Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park can be visited anytime of the year. Any season (dry or wet) can be ideal for gorilla trekking. However the dry season (from early-December to late-January and June to mid-September) is more favorable for this remarkable adventure. Hiking is less arduous in the dry seasons. In This season, the possibility of rainy is greatly reduced and the trails are most likely to be less muddy and slippery. But don’t get your hopes too high because Volcanoes National Park being within a Tropical rainforest makes the possibility of raining higher. Besides that, areas above 2000m above sea level can receive rain anytime of the year. The rainy season (April to May and in November) is not preferred by most tourists because hiking itself can be difficult and the trails can be muddy and slippery.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park

If you wish to spend your night within Kigali, it is not a bad idea but if you desire to be within or around the Park so that you arrive earlier for the adventurous activity, then you can choose from these classic accommodation facilities near Volcanoes National Park. They include Le Palme Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Jack and Hannah Cottages among others.

Therefore, Volcanoes National Park being just a two hours’ drive from Kigali is a perfect location for gorilla trekking safaris. With the classic accommodation facilities and the less tedious tracking conditions in this park, tourists can visit it for a memorable gorilla trekking experience.

TIPS FOR THE BEST GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN RWANDA

Secure Gorilla Trekking permits early

Gorilla Trekking is the most popular foreign tourist activity for Rwanda. This means the competition is quite high for the few gorilla permits in Rwanda and it becomes hard to secure gorilla trekking permits a few days to your Rwanda gorilla tour (although it is often possible with luck more so in the green season months of October, November, April and May).  It is best to have your gorilla trek permit fully confirmed at least 4 months in advance. Permit is for 1500 USD

Assess your fitness levels

There is a likelihood you could walk for 3-6 hours on a gorilla trek. Gorillas are located deep in Bwindi forest with thick undergrowth over several steep volcanic slopes. Gorilla groups keep roaming this forest looking for their favorite food. They are never stationed in the same place over days. Your gorilla trek will follow this same trend and it is quite unpredictable knowing how long or tough your gorilla trekking shall be. The longer trek is not necessarily a problem, just something to be prepared for.  A bit of moderate physical fitness is needed for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Guides & Porters for the gorilla trek

You will be guided through the forest on your gorilla tracking guide whom you will meet at the departure point in the morning of your trek. Your guide can help you book a porter (or two!) so that you can track without having to carry the few essential items listed below in a day pack which you should bring with you. The porters are from the local community and very used to the local conditions and can assist in pushing, pulling and supporting you during your trek to the gorillas. They are usually an additional fee, over and above your safari cost, and you should budget on approximately USD15-20 per porter per day as a fee with additional tipping being optional.

As the porters do not have tracking permits they will be stopped a short distance from the point you will be viewing the mountain Gorillas. Please remember to take whatever you may need from your bag to view the gorillas and rather leave valuables at the lodge/camp.

You will be allowed up to one hour for viewing of the gorillas from when they are sighted by your group. This is to ensure that the wild animals are not overexposed to human presence. Whilst in their presence you will also be required to keep minimum distances from them – generally between 5-7 metres and your guides will ensure this is enforced.

What to pack on gorilla trekking in Rwanda

  • Plenty of water – 1-2 litres per person
  • High energy snacks in addition to your packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp
  • Spare film and batteries for videos and cameras
  • Gloves (gardening type are good)
  • Waterproof bag to protect photographic equipment
  • A hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and band-aids might be useful
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho
  • Walking sticks are made available at the start of the trek for some of the steeper and more slippery tracks and may prove to be very handy.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Age Limits

The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and the authorities are very strict on this.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, along its border with Tanzania. The national park sits on 433 square miles of land and was founded in 1934. Most of the park features savannah, montane and swamp vegetation.

The national park derives its name from River Kagera which flows through the national park and on-wards into Uganda. Most Akagera national park is dominated by swamps, marshland, savannah grasslands, woodland, forests, lakes and rivers. The national park has a total of 10 lakes that are located in different areas within the park, with the most popular ones being; Lakes Ihema, Shakani, and Rwanyakazinga among others.

The southern gate of the national park is situated in Kayonza district while the northern gate, which is an exit only, is located in the district of Nyagatare. The park previously covered 2,500 square kilometers of land but most of it was destroyed following the return of refugees who had fled the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.

Although a lot was lost in Akagera national park, the park has managed to revive from its tragic past following the formation of Akagera Management Company which manages the national park. The company was formed after a joined agreement was made between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, a non-government conservation agency that oversees the management of other national parks in Africa.

Visitors on a wildlife safari in Akagera national park can take part in a number of activities that are offered by the park, which include; a guided day or night game drive, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, sport fishing on Lake Shakani, birding, behind the scenes Akagera tour, walk the line tour, camping, and a community visit to mention but a few.

There is so much for tourists to see during their visit to the national park and these include sighting stunning wildlife like; lions, elephants, hippos, baboons, buffalos, zebras, impala, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, leopards, and Sitatunga among others. The national park also has more than 480 bird species, some of which include; the African Open-bill stock, the rare shoebill stork, papyrus Gonolek, Grey Crowned Crane and so many more.

In addition to this, visitors who wish to spend a night or more in Akagera National Park can stay in the following accommodation facilities located within the national park, and these include; Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp, and Karenge Bush Camp to mention but a few. There are also designated camping sites that are located within the national park for visitors interested in camping, and these include; Shakani Akagera Campsite, Mutumba Campsite, and Muyumbu campsite.

Conclusion, Travellers on safaris in Rwanda can combine a wildlife safari in Akagera National park with a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National park because it brings out the greatest adventure.