Question 1

How does gorilla trekking work?

Accepted Answer

Rwanda’s critically endangered mountain gorillas live in the bamboo-blanketed slopes of Volcanoes National Park at an elevation between 2,500 to 4,000 meters. You won’t know which family you will meet until the day of your trek, which creates some ambiguity for first-timers. What we can say is that the uphill hike may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as six hours. Here’s how a gorilla trek will unfold: Wake up around 5:30 a.m. to catch an early breakfast at your lodge before setting out with your private driver to reach the park headquarters for 7:00 a.m. The kitchen will send a packed lunch with you. At headquarters, your driver will check you in, and you’ll be assigned to a trekking group (maximum of eight persons), organized by perceived hiking ability. Meet your expert guide and make quick introductions with the other hikers. Then, return to your vehicle for a road transfer to the trailhead, 30 to 60 minutes away. At the trailhead, receive a walking stick and hire a local porter (optional, but recommended) who will lighten your load and make trekking along the often-muddy trails easier. You’ll be supporting the local rural economy and generating meaningful employment that deters illegal wildlife poaching. After a briefing on hiking and gorilla safety, you’ll set out into the forest, led by an armed ranger (forest buffalo are the primary risk) and then your expert guide. Climbing through whistling bamboo groves and up into dense jungle, your guide will use a radio to communicate with a party of rangers who set out earlier that morning to scout your gorilla family’s precise location. As you hike, take care to avoid touching nettle (pack gloves) and ants. As you arrive upon the gorillas, mask up, ready your camera, and fall silent. You will follow your expert guide in single file—who might need to use a machete to cut through the dense foliage—for your awe-inspiring initial encounter. Once in the presence of the gorillas, you’ll spend 60 minutes in their company, watching them eat, lounge, and interact with one another.

Question 2

Where should I stay in Volcanoes National Park?

Accepted Answer

Travelers visiting the gorillas will stay at accommodations outside the park itself, often with lovely views of the Virunga Mountains. Three of the most luxurious gorilla lodges are Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Alternative lodgings include hygge-lush Sambora Kinigi, homey Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and leafy Bishop’s House, located in the town of Musanze. If you don’t mind a longer drive to gorilla trekking, Virunga Lodge sits high on a ridge overlooking two shimmering lakes.

Question 3

How long should I spend in Volcanoes National Park?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least two full days in the park, as gorilla trekking is a full-day commitment. You will set out early in the morning and wrap up some time in the afternoon, depending on which gorilla family you are assigned to.   Some travelers do multiple treks during their time in Volcanoes National Park, extending their visit. There are also plenty of non-gorilla activities to experience, too, from golden monkey treks to scenic hikes through volcanic terrain.

Question 4

How far is Volcanoes National Park from Kigali?

Accepted Answer

It’s about a three-hour drive from the capital city of Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.

Question 5

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?

Accepted Answer

It costs $1,500 USD per gorilla permit in Rwanda. This allows you to do one trek, spending an hour with a habituated gorilla group once you find them.  If your Rwanda safari occurs between November and May, and your visit includes Akagera and/or Nyungwe National Park, you may qualify for a low season discount of 30%.   A golden monkey permit in Rwanda costs $100 USD., Some travelers opt to do this instead of a second gorilla trek.

Question 6

Is gorilla trekking hard?

Accepted Answer

Your guide will help you join a trekking group that matches your skill level. Some of the gorilla family groups will be high up in the rainforest, requiring multiple hours of more technical hiking, and others will be located in the foothills where the walk is shorter and flatter. You’ll be provided with a trekking pole at the trail head, and hiring a porter to help carry your bag or camera equipment also makes the hike easier.

Question 7

Is gorilla trekking dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Gorilla trekking is generally very safe. The animals are habituated and are used to seeing both visitors as well as trackers and guides every day. When viewing any wildlife, however, it’s important to use common sense and take precautions, such as keeping the recommended distance from the animals, all of which you’ll learn about before you set out.

Volcanoes National Park Travel

Coming face-to-face with a magnificent mountain gorilla in Rwanda’s misty jungle is what draws most travelers to the country. Although Rwanda has a lot to offer outside of gorilla trekking, this is a moving and memorable experience that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time here.

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