What is it like to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with village walks

When planning a combination of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Village walks, prepare to enjoy the presence of the huge primates of Africa and do local community interactions. For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the home to these highly endangered primates.

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Some of the most essential requirements for gorilla trekking and village walks in Rwanda include securing a gorilla permit and a local guide. Do not forget to book other logistics that support Rwanda safaris including accommodation, transport, driver guide and more.

The guided village walks on Rwanda safari give you a glimpse into the day today life of the people of Rwanda.  You may plan to engage in some of the activities that people in the village do through homestay programs, village initiatives, visit schools and more. The proceed acquired from organized village walks are used to fund community projects and extra income for families of local guides.

Requirements for gorilla trekking safari and village walks in Rwanda

Rwanda Gorilla trekking permits

Booking the Rwanda gorilla permit is number one item necessary to confirming the gorilla trekking safari in the country. Rwanda opens 8 gorilla permits per day per gorilla family to the public but these cannot make up for the overwhelming demand world over.

To avoid getting disappointed when the permits sell out, it is prudent to check gorilla permit availability and reserve them as early as possible. The best choice is to purchase the Rwanda gorilla permit in full but alternatively instalment gorilla permit purchase is open too.

Keep fit Before the Rwanda safari

For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you need to bear some level of fitness because of the several highlands that make part of topography of Volcanoes National Park. The rest of the village is terrain is jagged too because of the volcanic actions that affected the country in general. To explore Volcanoes forest in search for mountain gorillas, you need to be have some level of fitness.

While traversing the village especially areas around Volcanoes forest, expect to hike to get to some areas.

No need to do vigorous exercises but seek assistance from your fitness instructor or do body exercises beyond normal walks.

Basket stretcher or sedan chair services are available for those wishing to do gorilla trekking but have physical challenges.  Advance arrangements are required to book this service.

Reserve Accommodation and Transport to Volcanoes National Park

In addition to the gorilla permits, accommodation and transport to Volcanoes national Park is another fundamental requirement. These play an important part in determining the type of Rwanda safari package you choose. During the peak season that is June to October, availability of accommodation and vehicle hire options run out or low so it is best to book both in advance.

Pack the right Rwanda safari gears to use for both Gorilla trekking and village walks

For gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda, you need to get notes from the list of items to pack for gorilla tour. This helps you not to forget the important gears necessary for this Rwanda safari. During the village walks on Rwanda safari, you need to wear comfortable attires that will not be a problem when you need to hike.

Where to go for gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes National Park is the only national park in Rwanda where gorilla trekking happens.  Volcanoes National Park is a pristine forest with misty hill tops where mountain gorillas, other primates, birds, reptiles, various natural tree species and others.

Currently, about 12 gorilla families are open to the public but these are mobile because they are free to traverse the forest.

On gorilla trekking day, tourists gather at the ranger station for briefing then embark on the journey to find the mountain gorillas using the trails constructed by regular park visitors.

When you locate the mountain gorillas only one hour is allowed with them but make maximum use of every second. Watch as you take photos of the gorillas to keep memories of your experience.

Where to go for Village walks Close to Volcanoes National park Rwanda

The village walk around Volcanoes National Park immerse you in the rich culture of the Rwandese people who are proud to share it with whoever cares.

Iby’iwacu cultural village is mainly under the care of reformed poachers who have resorted to better their live by engaging in activities that a pro sustainable eco-systems. While on this guided village walk, you may get to participate in bow and arrow making, crafts making, visit the kings’ palace, enjoy an arranged local dance troupe and more.

Buhanga Sacred forest walk where you get to visit this mythical forest believes to posses Rwandese cultural beliefs including spirits. This is a lush rain forest with fully grown natural tree species, stunning trees, wildlife, birds and more. The different features around the forest form a beautiful backdrop for nature photography. The lake Ngezi trail takes you to the primate haven of the forest and several birds flock this area too. You can extend the village walk towards Lake Ruhondo and Buhanga which are referred to as twin lakes.

Nyange community walk is an amusement village walk where you get to see the local artifacts made from the local materials of Rwanda. Here you get to see iron smiths, local banana beer brewery, participate in pottery, mat and basket weaving and more.

There chances of witnessing local Rwanda food preparation and enjoy a taste too.

Nyakarimbi cultural village walk takes you to the tradition art fact spot of Rwanda. While at this crafts village, you may get to find the famous cow dung paint locally called Imigongo. You may participate in crafts painting and sculpturing, purchase some souvenirs, ceramics, basketry and more.

Note having a local guide to take you through all the village walks helps you to get in-depth information about the people of Rwanda. These guides are from the local community so they have better knowledge of some local ideas that may not be documented any where by amazing.

What is the cost of gorilla trekking and village walks in Rwanda

The cost of a combination of gorilla trekking and village walks in Rwanda depends on the destinations and activities to do during this Rwanda safari.

The cost of the Rwanda gorilla permit is the core of the gorilla trekking and village walks in Rwanda. Currently the cost of the gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $500 for other Africans or international residents and $200 for East Africans.

Additional costs expected to incur during the gorilla trekking and villages walks in Rwanda include cost of accommodation, transport, meals and more.

Carry some hard cash to use for additional  expenses like purchasing souvenirs, tipping, extra drinks and more. Credit cards are not easy to use in Africa.

What Assurance Can I Have To See The Mountain Gorillas In Rwanda

After paying a heft cost to purchase a Rwanda gorilla permit, one would like to be assured of seeing the mountain gorillas. There are 99% chances of seeing the Rwanda mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park because:

The mountain gorilla families under go a process called habituation from professional researchers and habituators. The gorilla habituation process helps introduce the wild gorilla family to human presence atleast for one hour. The researchers keep recording details about the gorilla family and each individual gorilla’s traits per their observation overtime.

The gorilla habituation process may take 2 years to more depending on how these gorillas adopt.

Early trackers follow up on the mountain gorillas to discover where they nested and try estimating the direction of their location for the day. Some of these clues are what rangers base on to lead trekkers.

The clues the gorillas leave behind are key in finding them so tourists are encouraged to try finding them including foot prints, freshly chewed celery and more. From the point where you locate such clues, the gorillas are normally closer.

The gorillas are never quiet when around each other so you get to hear them murmur before facing them. At this point the ranger guide requests you to wear a clean mask and get yourselves ready to face the mountain gorillas.

No matter the season when you do gorillas trekking dry or wet season, seeing the mountain gorillas is a sure deal.

What To Expect On A Combination Of Gorilla Trekking And Village Walks In Rwanda

Note that Rwanda is a mountainous country in general so expect to hike during gorilla trekking and Village walks in Rwanda. For Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking happens, there are five of the six famous Virunga Volcanoes that is Mountain Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhavura, Bisoke and Karisimbi.

The Village walks take you to the homesteads of the Rwandese people so expect some unique life from the indigenous people like the food preparations, unique farming methods and more. Try to blend with the local people so that you can immerse into the Rwandese culture and enjoy the best of Rwanda village walks.

During the rainy day, the hike to get to the gorillas or to some villages may get quite challenging from the slippery slopes. Wear comfortable foot wear to support you through the walk.

For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, expect to share this experience with other tourists especially in the peak season. This is because of the high demand for permits to engage in gorilla trekking from world over. Contact us for more information.

What more to do on Rwanda safari

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is open to the public too and this happens in Nyungwe National park. Uwinka is the headquarters of Nyungwe forest where briefing before any safari activities happen in this park. A number of trails in Nyungwe National Park such as Usamo trail, Igishigishigi trail lead you to a number of features including the Usamo sparkling water falls and more. Along the trails of Nyungwe forest you get to meet other primates including Dent Mona monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys and more.

To do chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, you need to purchase a permit from Rwanda Development Board. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park happens twice in the day that is morning and afternoon.

Game safaris in Akagera National Park

Taking a game safari in Akagera National Park is an opportunity to enjoy the best of growing game in Rwanda. Akagera national Park is a recovering game park after its past inhabitants faced poaching, relocation, human land grabbing, civil unrest and more that led to loss of several animals.

African Parks a nongovernment organization together with Rwanda development board are trying their best to revamp the glory of Akagera national Park and so positive progress is registered. While on game drive in Akagera National Park you may spot lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, waterbucks, reedbucks, zebras, elands and more.

A boat trip on Lake Ihema is an opportunity to watch a number of animals that enjoy spending time on the shores and an array of birds that flock its shoreline.

Kigali city tour

Kigali is where the heart of Rwanda beats and taking a Kigali city tour immerses you in the rich culture of the people of Rwanda. During the Kigali city tour, you may visit the genocide memorials, business centers, taste the Rwanda coffee and local cuisines in the Rwandese restaurants and more. 

Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

Enjoy the rich greenery of Nyungwe forest from a more elevated point on the canopy walk over Nyungwe forest. The suspension bridge which is 160 meters long and elevated at 70 meters high offers some of the best panoramic views of nature. If you wish to test your ability to withstand elevated points, you can try this adventure first.

Golden monkey trekking In Volcanoes National Park

Within Volcanoes National Park you can do golden monkey trekking. The golden monkeys are a unique monkey species with a body that is larger than the normal monkeys and golden hairs on the lower body. Even though they are habituated, the golden monkeys still posses their natural traits so expect them to traverse the forest freely hoping from one tree to another.

To do golden monkey trekking, you need to obtain a permit from Rwanda development board.

Contact us for more information.