East Africa houses the world’s smallest population of mountain gorillas. Slightly more than half live in the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
This endangered subspecies traces its roots back to 1902 and had reduced in number over the years following events of war, hunting, habitat destruction and severe disease-threats within the region, that it was once thought that the species might be extinct by the end of the twentieth century. An encroaching human population in areas around their habitat over the years also resulted in their move higher up the mountains.
The mountain gorillas live in the forests high in the mountains, at elevations of 8,000 and 13,000 feet. They have thick fur compared to other great apes to help them survive in a habitat where temperatures drop below freezing. Fortunately, in recent years, conservation efforts have been consistent and what looked like a bleak outcome for the sub-species a couple of decades ago has brightened, as the population of the mountain gorillas continues to increase.
Why gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda re-opened for tourism in 2021 after the decline of the Covid-19 outbreak. The Government opened its borders for international visitors to visit Rwanda and it has provided further guidelines to consider before planning your trip to Visit Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking gives you a thrilling, breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime personal experience as you hike through the dense forest and walk through steep hills, rivers and water streams before finally encountering a gorilla family. It is ideal for solo travelers, couples, group or adult-family travel adventures, or for someone looking for that one activity to catapult you into your next best self. It is perfect for anyone who has a thirst for adventure and is taking stock of incredible, unreal and tangible memorable excursions and Africa is just the best hub to initiate the move.
The Volcanoes National Park is located in the far northwest of Rwanda. It is approximately a three-hour drive from the country’s capital city, Kigali that also hosts the Kigali International Airport. The Park protects the steep slopes of the Virunga Mountains – a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, in the area where Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda meet. This range is located between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. The name “Virunga” is an English version of the Kinyarwanda word ‘ibirunga’, which means “volcanoes”. The mountain rage consists of eight major volcanoes. Most of them are dormant except the Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, both situated in the DRC.
If you are interested in gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park, a gorilla trekking permit must be obtained. This permit usually attracts a fee of USD 1,500 per person, generally, all year round. However, there is currently an attractive package running up to December 2023 for visitors, Rwandans, Foreign Residents and African Foreign Residents to see the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and to walk high above the canopy in Nyungwe National Park. Gorilla permits are now available at USD 200 for Rwandans & East African Citizens; USD 500 for Africans, Foreign residents and African Foreign residents and USD 1,500 for international tourists. Find more details here.
Photo by Faustin T
Accommodation
The Volcanoes National Park is a 3-hour drive away from capital city of Rwanda, Kigali and the Kigali International Airport. It is in Musanze in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
As a rule of thumb, it is best for accommodation to be situate in proximity to the port of travel. However for this experience, we recommend, that for the duration of the actual the gorilla trekking adventure, it would be suitable to reside within the environs of the Volcanoes National Park. It is estimated that an excursion would take about 2 to 3 days subject to other planned activities within the Park.
It is possible to take a drive to the Park from Kigali and vice versa on the scheduled dates for the trek. This can be arranged and confirmed by the selected hotel of stay at or around the Park, by reaching out to them to reserve your pickup and drop-off as and when you have confirmed your days of the trek up the mountains. It is advisable to spend your nights around the Park for the ease of exploration of these activities. There is absolutely also no need to worry about where to stay in Kigali before and after the trek as the city also offers a myriad of options for stay.
Here are our recommendations of stay around the Volcanoes National Park:
The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated next to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters – where visitors of the Park converge to get a briefing ahead of the activities of the Park. The luxurious lodge was built under the Governor’s Camp Collection. Governor’s Camp was Africa’s first permanent luxury tented camp and has been a pioneer in classic safaris enabling guests to live a full safari experience – sleeping under canvas while being fully immersed in the wild. The ownership rights, however, belong to the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), which was started in 2006. The main aim of SACOLA is to push for the socio-economic initiatives as well as conservation in the local communities.
Visitors who choose to stay at the lodge get an authentic experience. Guests can take a walk from the lodge to the Park reception for the briefing. It is nestled at the foot of the famous Virunga ranges offering a spectacular and breathtaking view. It has vast landscaped gardens. The lodge is reminiscent of an English country home and offers other activities such as a trek to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, bird walks and other hikes.
The lodge is at the heart of an amphitheater formed by eroded volcano cones. It opened in 2017 and is arguably Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centered on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience. It consists of six conically shaped thatched forest villas tucked in the lush forest opening out to the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The suites highlight Rwandan culture, while the delectable interiors maximize comfort and warmth while accentuating the scenic views.
It is adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park, an easy driving distance to the Park Headquarters. It has an amazing staff, eccentric rooms and rich cultural excursions outside of the gorilla trek experience.
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is located in Musanze – Ruhengeri on the road to Kinigi. It is about a 10-minute drive from the Park headquarters. It is a beautiful mid-range vacation accommodation with 8 deluxe bedrooms, a family suite and the volcano manor. It has lovely gardens with a variety of trees, shrubbery and colourful flowers.
It features a picturesque and serene view of the volcanic Virunga peaks from the park with a variety of amenities for entertainment and relaxation within its environs
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Resort
Cushioned in the jungles of the breathtaking Virunga range is the magical One & Only Gorilla’s Nest. It is actually a particular area of interest for gorilla trekkers in Rwanda and Uganda due to its location. This luxury resort is situate in a strategic area, about a 20-minutes’ walk from where the gorilla trekking starts within the Volcanoes National Park. It is a perfect fit for visitors seeking a luxurious treat while seeing the Volcanoes National Park. This lodge is available for reservations any day of the year because it is open all year round.
The One & Only Gorilla’s Nest currently has an exclusive offer when visiting Rwanda. This offer runs from 01 October 2023 – 14 December 2023, and is limited to bookings that have made full payment, and is valid on all room types.
This is another one of Rwanda’s most loved lodges. It is perched high on a ridge with fantastic views overlooking the volcano range, Musanze valley, Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo. It has a timeless, hand-made style and is the first accommodation choice for trekking the mountain gorillas. The lodge won Africa’s Most Romantic Hotel at the 2016 World Boutique Hotel Awards.
It hosts the Dian Fossey Map Room, which was opened on 2nd March 2017. This was built in honour of the late Dr. Dian Fossey, the pioneer primatologist who set up the Karisoke Center high in the Virunga volcanoes in 1967. It highlights the exploration and conservation of the Virunga volcanoes.
The lodge offers a relaxing complimentary massage to each guest on arrival. The beauty of this lodge is you get the opportunity to sit out on your private terrace in the morning and watch the clouds blanket the slopes of the mountain below you. The lodge is beautifully and uniquely decorated with vibrant Rwandese fabrics and locally inspired furniture.
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trek is during both the long and short dry season. This season is from June to September and from mid-December to early February. These periods offer the best hiking conditions with little to no mud especially on steep paths.