Day trip Gorilla Tracking in the Volcanoes Park in Rwanda

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  • 1 Full Day
  • Guide : Expert
  • Difficulty : Strenuous
  • Minimum Age : 15
  • Duration: 8 hours

Detail

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, allowing visitors to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This unique adventure takes place in the lush, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to several habituated gorilla families. Guided by expert trackers, small groups of tourists embark on treks through dense vegetation, ultimately coming face-to-face with these magnificent primates.

The experience is not only thrilling but also contributes to conservation efforts. Strict regulations limit the number of daily visitors, ensuring minimal disturbance to the gorillas while generating crucial funds for their protection. Visitors are required to maintain a safe distance and follow specific guidelines to protect both themselves and the gorillas.

Activities

  • Dian Fossey Museum (extra)
  • Cultural Experience
  • Driving through villages
  • Gorilla tracking
  • Hiking
  • Photography

Price Includes

  • Gorilla permit
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private transportation

Price Excludes

  • Accommodation (we return to Kigali)
  • Lunch or dinner
  • Hiking clothing and shoes

What to Expect

This extraordinary adventure promises to be the highlight of your Rwandan experience, offering a profound connection with nature and a deeper understanding of these remarkable primates. As you observe the gorillas’ gentle nature and striking similarities to humans, you’ll gain a new appreciation for wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these endangered species for future generations.

The memories of your time spent with these majestic creatures will undoubtedly last a lifetime, inspiring a renewed commitment to global conservation efforts.

  • View the Nature
  • Hiking in the forest
  • Discover the famous view point “The Lark”
  • Sunset on the cruise

Itinerary

4:30AM - Pre-Departure (Early Morning)

Pre-Departure (Evening Before or Early Morning)
  • Preparation: Ensure you have your gorilla permit, passport, and trekking gear ready. Pack sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, waterproof jacket, gloves (for nettles), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, plenty of water, and a packed lunch.
  • Travel to Park: If staying in Kigali, depart by 4:30–5:00 AM for the 3 hour drive to Kinigi, the park headquarters.
  • Travel to Starting Point: A short drive (10–60 minutes) takes you to the trailhead, depending on your assigned gorilla family’s location.

  • Start Trekking: With your guide, trackers, and optional porter ($15–$20, recommended for carrying gear), you begin the hike. Porters also assist with footing on steep slopes.

7:00 AM: Arrival at Kinigi Park Headquarters

8:00–8:30 AM: Drive to Trailhead and Trek Begins
  • Travel to Starting Point: A short drive (10–60 minutes) takes you to the trailhead, depending on your assigned gorilla family’s location.
  • Start Trekking: With your guide, trackers, and optional porter ($15–$20, recommended for carrying gear), you begin the hike. Porters also assist with footing on steep slopes.
  • Check-In: Present your gorilla permit and passport for verification.

  • Briefing: At 7:00 AM, park rangers provide a 15–30 minute briefing. You’ll learn about safety protocols (e.g., maintaining a 7-meter distance from gorillas), trekking etiquette, and gorilla behavior. Local traditional dancers may perform, and coffee/tea is often served.

  • Group Assignment: Visitors are split into groups of 8, each assigned a habituated gorilla family (12 families are available for tourism). Assignments consider fitness levels—less strenuous treks for older or less fit individuals, longer ones for the more active

8:00 AM: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Park

8:30 AM–Afternoon: Gorilla Trekking
  • Duration: The trek can last 30 minutes to 6+ hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day. Trackers scout ahead, communicating their movements to your guide.
  • Terrain: Expect dense bamboo forests, muddy trails, steep volcanic slopes, and altitudes between 2,500–4,000 meters. You’ll navigate nettles, roots, and uneven ground—physically demanding but manageable with breaks.
  • Encounter: Once the gorillas are found, you’ll spend 1 hour with them. You might see them feeding, grooming, playing, or resting. Silverbacks, females, and juveniles offer a range of behaviors to observe.

3:00–6:00 PM: Return to Kigali

  • Descent: The hike back is typically faster (1–3 hours), as you’re retracing your steps downhill.
  • Debrief: Back at Kinigi (likely 1:00–3:00 PM), you’ll receive a certificate of participation and can relax briefly.
  • Drive Back: Depart Kinigi for Kigali (arriving 5:00–6:00 PM) or Musanze (30 minutes). If time allows, stop for lunch in Musanze or a quick souvenir shop visit in Kigali.
  • End of Day: Drop-off at your hotel or airport if catching an evening flight.
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Price

Wildlife Adventure

From$750
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