What are the chances of seeing gorillas in Rwanda?

There is a 98% chance of seeing gorillas in Rwanda throughout the year. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an organized safari activity and the steps taken when trekking ensures that all tourists have a chance to spot the Mountain gorillas when they visit Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla habituation was introduced into the country by Dian Fossey and this led to the continued protection of the mountain gorillas which in turn has increased the number of Mountain gorillas in the world and Rwanda. This guarantees that you will have a high chance of spotting Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. 

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Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families and more are being habituated. Each habituated gorilla family has a maximum of 8 people trekking it per day and this has ensured that the bookings per day do not exceed the number of gorilla families available. This means that there are high chances of spotting gorillas in Rwanda.

There are only 96 gorilla permits printed and issued per day and each tourist who booked for the safari is assured of spotting the Mountain gorillas. On the morning of the gorilla trek as trekkers are attending the early morning briefing, trackers are sent out in search of the last seen locations of the mountain gorillas and this is done to make sure that all trekkers have a chance to see the primates during the wet and dry season. Trackers are always in close contact with the lead guides so you don't need to worry about spotting the gorillas because the guides will make sure the gorilla family you are trekking is seen and all tourists get to spend an hour after they are located. 

Volcanoes National Park

Located in the Virunga region, Volcanoes National Park is home to over 400 Mountain gorillas and is the only gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda. The national park has 12 habituated gorilla families some of which include the Titus gorilla family, Amahoro gorilla family, Ugenda gorilla family, Kwitonda gorilla family, Hirwa gorilla family, Umubano gorilla family, and Bwenge gorilla family. The gorilla trekking experience starts early morning with a briefing from the guides and during the meeting, trekkers are reminded about the trekking rules and regulations. Tourists are also assigned gorilla families during the briefing exercise and if you have any issues especially physical, this is also the best time to communicate with your guides. After being assigned a gorilla family, the gorilla trekking exercise starts, and with the help of the tour guide, you will be able to trek through the forest and be able to spot the gorillas. The trek has no limited time and can take hours before you meet the gorilla family that you have been assigned to and you have an hour with them. After the one hour is done, the group treks back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate for participating in the trekking and conservation of the gorillas.

There are other gorilla-related activities that you can carry out when visiting Volcanoes National Park and these include trekking to the Dian Fossey grave, participating in the Kwita Izina ceremony that happens annually and this is where baby gorillas are named and very many delegates including the president are always around and you can also visit the Ibyiwacu villages where former poachers are being rehabilitated from.

Purchase of the Rwanda gorilla permit

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda is only possible if you purchase a gorilla permit. This is a legal document that is issued by the Rwanda Development Board and it was introduced as a way of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas in the world. Rwanda on a daily prints 94 gorilla permits and these are issued to 8 groups of people per day trekking the 12 habituated gorilla families that are found in Volcanoes National Park. 

The purchase of gorilla permits is best done through a trusted tour operator although if you are planning on a solo safari, you can still book directly through the Rwanda Development Board. You have to get in touch with a tour operator with the trek dates you have planned and other details that will be asked like a passport to verify your age (passport number and name) among others. The tour operator then checks for the availability of the trek permits on the dates your chosen dates, and after confirming that they are available, an invoice will be sent to you to make the necessary payments after you have made payments, the purchase of the permit will be made and a scanned copy will be sent.

Cost of the gorilla permit

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are a bit expensive as compared to the permits sold in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and this is because Rwanda has always marketed herself as a luxury destination. The cost of the permit is also high because it is one of how the gorillas are being conserved. After all, part of the money paid for the permit is used for research purposes and to care for the national park and other gorilla-related activities.

The cost of the gorilla permit is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African citizens, and $500 for African residents. The cost of the permit includes ranger fees, park entry fees, bottled drinking water, and security. It does not include meals, accommodation, transport, tips, and other purchases among others.

Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda worth it and safe?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is safe and this is because the government of Rwanda has made sure that the activity is safe so that more tourists go to the country for gorilla trekking. Security cameras have been set up around Volcanoes National Park to reduce poachers in a bid to protect the endangered species, you will be checked at the park entrance for anything that might be regarded as dangerous to the gorillas and there are armed rangers 24/7 to ensure that the national park has all-round security.

Gorilla safaris are known to be on the extravagant side and luxurious as compared to the other trekking countries of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. All the money spent on your gorilla safari is worth it because you get to meet the Mountain gorillas face to face and at the same time contribute to their conservation.

What is the cost of the gorilla safari in Rwanda?

The cost of the gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is affected by several things that might reduce or increase the cost. The cost of the gorilla permit is constant and regulated by the Rwanda Development Board but this is not the case when it comes to other costs are independently determined by the tour operator you are using and these include:

Accommodation: Accommodation used when planning for a gorilla trek safari in Rwanda is categorized into three categories basic, mid-range, and luxury facilities and you can make your choice from the available accommodation facilities. The tour operator will help you make the right choice depending on your budget and the choice made will determine the cost of the safari. Make sure that you also book the safari in advance to get better deals because they are always in demand.

The size of the group: The size of the group traveling for the gorilla safari also affects the cost of the gorilla safari. Travelling solo or in smaller groups is expensive because the costs fall on one person whereas costs are shared when it comes to larger groups.

When to travel: There are two seasons which are the wet and dry seasons and tourists can visit Rwanda all year round for gorilla trekking. The dry season is also a peak season and the most expensive time to travel as many vendors increase their fees due to the many tourists in the country. The low season has fewer tourists and in a bid for vendors to attract more tourists, the fees on some services are reduced.

The Personal costs: Many personal costs affect the gorilla trek safari and these include tips, travel insurance, money for souvenir shopping during the safari, the gorilla trekking packing list, and tickets (to and from) because these are not covered by the tour operator and other safari activities that are paid for independently.

Rules and regulations

Some rules and regulations have been put in place to keep protecting the gorillas with continued conservation with the help of the Rwanda Development Board. These trekking rules and regulations are to be followed during the trek and when with the gorillas and they are re-echoed during the briefing on the morning of the trek. Below is a list of the rules and regulations that all trekkers have to follow throughout the safari.

During the trek

• Do not litter the national park. All the rubbish needs to be taken out of the national park so that the gorillas do not get infected.
• Always stay with the group at all times and avoid wandering off during the trek.
• Communication should be done in low tones because you will be able to see more unlike when you are using loud tones.
• Sick tourists will not be allowed to trek gorillas as a way of protecting the gorillas.
• The age limit for trekking gorillas is 15 years and this is because adults are much easier to deal with and follow rules, unlike children.
• Trekkers are separated into groups of 8 per gorilla family.
• Dig a hole of 30cm deep to use as a toilet and cover it up afterward.

When with the gorillas

• Eating is strictly prohibited at all times.
• Smoking affects the gorillas and is not allowed.
• You have an hour with the gorillas after trekking.
• Keep a distance of 7 meters between you and the gorillas to protect the gorillas from infections.
• When taking photos of the gorillas in Rwanda, you need to turn off the flash.
• Never touch the gorillas and when they approach you, follow all the instructions given to you by the guides.
• No one is allowed to feed the gorillas.

What to wear and pack for your gorilla safari

Long-sleeved shirts: The extra material on the shirts protects your skin from insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies. 

Trousers: Two pairs of trousers are enough for the gorilla trek safari and they should come in neutral colors. They should be lightweight and do not bring jeans because when they get wet, they are hard to trek in and they slow you down.

Garden gloves: Garden gloves are what is needed for the gorilla trek because they are made of durable and strong material protecting your hands from the thorns, scratches, and blisters as you hold onto the shrubs and bushes.

Hike boots: Strong hike boots are the best when it comes to gorilla trekking as they will help you through the terrain both during the dry and wet seasons. The trek boots should be comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof.

Gaiters: Adjustable gaiters are the best when it comes to gorilla trekking used both in the dry and wet seasons. They keep the dust and mud off your trousers when trekking.

Waterproof rain jacket: A waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker is a necessity to protect you from the pouring rain. Note that Volcanoes National Park is a tropical rainforest and rains can be received in both the dry and wet seasons.

Warm sweater and socks: These are to keep you warm when it gets cold.

What to bring for your gorilla trek safari in Rwanda

Some of the things that you need to bring on your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda include a first aid kit, camera, binoculars, flashlight and extra batteries, snacks, refillable water bottle, travel insurance, cash for tips, and personal purchases among others.

Trekking Mountain gorillas is the main tourist activity in Rwanda and this has led the government to improve the infrastructure, and amenities offered at the Volcanoes National Park so that more tourists visit the country for gorilla trekking. Contact us for more details about gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda.