Is it possible to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda on a weekend.

Yes, you can go on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda on a weekend, but it requires careful planning and advance booking. Volcanoes National Park is the only location for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it is open year-round including the weekends. However gorilla permits are limited to 96 per day as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during the peak season that is from (June to September and December). To ensure availability, book your permit and tour at least 3- 4 months in advance. Additionally, consider flying into Kigali on a Friday and trekking on Saturday or Sunday to make the most of your weekend adventure. At Encounter Africa Safaris we offer weekend gorilla trekking packages, including transport, accommodation, gorilla trekking permits for Volcanoes National Park, making it easier to plan your safari.

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Volcanoes National Park is an attractive safari destination located in northwestern Rwanda it’s a protected area home to the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and other unique wildlife. The park encompasses of the five volcanoes that is Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo and is part of the Virunga Mountains. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a habitat for over 200 species of birds, various reptiles and amphibians. Volcanoes National Park is the most famous for its mountain gorilla populations, with ten habituated groups available for the gorilla trekking safari, and is also a significant cultural site with evidence of human presence dating back to the Stone Age. Volcanoes National Park offers a range of activities like gorilla trekking golden monkey trekking, hiking safaris, bird watching and others thus making it a premier safari destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 as the small protected area, initially called Albert National Park, by the Belgian colonial authorities. At that time, it was the first national park in Africa. After Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the park was expanded and renamed Volcanoes National Park in 1969. The park underwent further expansion in 1979 to encompass the entire range of the five volcanoes, and UNESCO designated it as a Biosphere Reserve in 1982. Today Volcanoes National Park is a protected area of approximately 125 square kilometers (48 square miles), managed by the Rwanda Development Board, and is renowned for its conservation effort particularly for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity despite its relative size of (125 sq. km), the park’s unique geography, spanning five volcanoes, creates a variety of habitats montane forests is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants and among others.

Bamboo forests provide the habitats of bush pigs, duikers and others.

Afro-alpine moorlands support the rare plants, such as the giant lobelia and Senecio and animal species like the buffaloes, leopards and among others.

The grasslands inhabited by bushbucks, reedbucks, and among others.

Volcanoes National Park boasts over 200 bird species including the 15 endemic primates to the Albertine Rift, 13 primate species, 75 mammal species, 109 reptile and amphibian species and over 1000 plant species including the rare and the endemic species.

This remarkable biodiversity is due to the park’s unique geography and climate, proximity to the equator, altitudinal range (2500-4500 meters) and soil quality and moisture levels. Volcanoes National Park is a vital habitat for many endangered and endemic species making conservation efforts crucial to protect this exceptional biodiversity.

Packaging list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda on a weekend.

For a weekend gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you are advised to pack essential items like comfortable hiking shoes or boots, thick socks, waterproof gear (jacket, pants and backpack). Include layers for changing weather conditions, a warm hat and gloves for the chilly mornings. Bring a waterproof camera, binoculars and a backpack with snacks, water and a packed lunch. Do not forget sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat) insect repellent and a first-aid-kit. Additionally, pack a lightweight rain jacket, a portable charger and a small daypack for the trek. Wear neutral colors, avoid bright or shiny clothing, and consider packing a small gift for the local guides or communities. Lastly, ensure you have the necessary documents like your gorilla permit, passport and travel insurance.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda on a weekend.

In Rwanda, a gorilla permit is a mandatory document for trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, even on a weekend. It’s a conservation tool that helps manage gorilla tourism and protect endangered species. The permit costs 1500 USD per person per trek and grants access to one of the 10 habituated gorilla groups for a maximum one hour.

Only 96 gorilla permits are available each day, and they tend to sell out quickly, particularly during weekends. To secure a permit, book through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris at least 3-6 months in advance, that is providing your full name, nationality, and the travel dates. And once confirmed the permit will be issued and your will receive a trekking time and group assignment. The price of the gorilla permits includes the park entrance fees, expert guides and trackers the security of a tourism police force in the parks, and one precious hour of time with the gorillas.

You are kindly reminded that if you are showing any sign of the illness as you will not be allowed to track the mountain gorillas if you are declared unfit by the Warden in charge. As the mountain gorillas can be easily infected by the human diseases and as they do not have the necessary immunity to fight these diseases hence resulting to their death. Sick people can pose a significant threat to the gorilla population.

Individuals above the 15 years old should consider gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda on a weekend because it offers a unique and transformative safari experience. They can appreciate the physical and emotional demands of the trek, conservation efforts, and mountain gorilla culture at this age. The weekend trek provides an opportunity to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with nature, while also supporting sustainable tourism. Additionally the experience fosters personal growth, teamwork and the real understanding of the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. The memories and insights gained from this experience will last a lifetime, making it an ideal activity for individuals above 15 years old looking for adventure, education and inspiration.

Gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda on a weekend.

Gorilla trekking safari starts early in the morning at Kinigi Park headquarters in Volcanoes National Park at 7:00 am for a briefing from one of the park rangers about the rules, regulations and expectations during the gorilla trekking. After the briefing you will be allocated a gorilla family to trek depending on your abilities, you will begin to search for a gorilla family around 8:300 am. Gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park takes a period from 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the location of the specific gorilla family which you are tracking. You do not have to be super-fit, however it helps if you have a reasonable level fitness to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience.

Along the way looking for the gorillas, the park’s professional guides and trackers will lead you through the forest trails in search of your gorilla family, kindly note that the conditions in the forest can be slippery and muddy even in the dry season and also being humid under the forest canopy, the trek can be a bit challenging which can be tough as you pass through the dense undergrowth, but it’s definitely worth the effort to spend time with the mountain gorillas in one hour. Along the way looking for the mountain gorillas you will spot the beautiful biodiversity in the park like the fauna, flora which is rewarding. When you finally find the mountain gorillas you will have the opportunity to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas, the rangers advise that you should keep a good distance of about 7 meters from the mountain gorillas. But for the mountain gorillas, this does not apply to them being wild animals they will walk close to the people, in that incident when the mountain gorillas come close to you, you are advised to stay and not walk way, not chase it, shout, you are advised to stay calm because the mountain gorilla will eventually walk away on its own.

During the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas you are advised to keep quiet while observing them in their natural habitat or you should talk in a low voice, of course you are going to be excited but you should try to express this quietly. Due to the fact that mountain gorillas tend to be closer a few meters away from you going about their daily lives, you are going to watch them feed, interacting with each other, watching them play, watching them grooming themselves and among others. During the one hour you will have the opportunity to take pictures and record the videos of the mountain gorillas while using the cameras of the flash cameras.

After the one hour, in the presence with the mountain gorillas you will trek back to the starting point where you are going to receive the mountain gorilla trekking certificates for participating in gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park on a weekend.

Where to stay during a gorilla trekking in Rwanda on a weekend.

During a gorilla trekking safari on a weekend in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park. Tourists are catered with diverse accommodation options categorized from Budget-friendly, mid-range and the luxury accommodations. Some of these accommodations includes Virunga Lodge or Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and many others.

All these accommodations offer varying levels of comfort, amenities and proximity to the part entrance, but all provide a comfortable base for your trekking adventure making it an ideal base for your weekend gorilla trekking safari experience.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda on a weekend.

The best time to go gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda on a weekend is during the dry season that is from December to early March and from June to September. These months offer the perfect trekking conditions, with the less rain and muddy trails, making it easier to navigate the forest. The dry season also increases the chances of clear views and better photography opportunities.

Additionally the weekend treks during these periods are less crowded compared to the peak season (June to September), allowing for a more intimate and peaceful safari experience with the mountain gorillas. However if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, then consider the shoulder season (April to May or October to November) when the prices are lower and the forests are lush and green.

How to get to Rwanda for gorilla trekking on a weekend.

Volcanoes National Park can be accessed in two different ways that is both air transport and road transport that is;

By Air transport; to get to Rwanda for gorilla trekking on a weekend, you are advised to fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) the country’s primary airport which is served by major airlines like RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and among others. From Kigali, you will take a 2-3 hour drive to Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) the closet town to Volcanoes national park, or you can book a domestic flight to Musanze Airport (MVF) for the fast movement.

By road transport; you can also use road transport to reach Volcanoes National Park that is transferring from Kigali to Musanze to Volcanoes National Park which only takes two hours. Ensure you arrive in Kigali by Friday evening or early Saturday morning to make the most of your weekend gorilla trekking safari.

Contact us for more information.