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Travel Company: Dav Safaris

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Do you know how many days you need for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda? The duration of a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda can vary depending on several factors, including the tour package you choose. However, the most common and popular option is the 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. This article will delve into the details of this incredible journey, the cost, the best time to visit, and why Rwanda is rated among the top gorilla trekking destinations in Africa.

A typical 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda includes:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Return to Kigali and departure.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival to Kigali, our driver guide will first brief you about the details of your itinerary and what to expect on your three days before driving to Volcanoes National Park (Parc des National), which is about 80 kilometres and a 2-hour drive from Kigali. In cases where you get to Kigali early, you get a brief tour around Kigali and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or the Museum before proceeding to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Day two is the the day of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and starts with an early breakfast at your lodgings after that our driver guide will take you to the park headquarters where a briefing about the rules and what to expect is done by experienced guides. During the briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family to trek, and after that, the trek and search for the gorillas starts.

The trek takes between 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of your allocated gorilla family but once you locate them, every group gets an hour with the gorillas watching them feed, take care of their young ones, and go on about their day. During the trek, you will also be able to spot other wildlife like forest elephants, buffalos, bird species, and primates like golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. You also get to visit the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera and visit the local communities before heading back to the lodge.

Day 3: Return to Kigali and departure.

Day three is the last day of the gorilla trekking safari, and after an early breakfast at the lodge, it is time to check out and head back to Kigali if you do not have any other safari planned to other destinations in Rwanda.

The three-day safari usually includes gorilla permits, accommodation (full board), safari activities mentioned, our English-speaking experienced guide, drinking water, and transportation. The trip does not include international flights, tips, premium beverages, extra activities, laundry services, and extra days spent.

Besides gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, there are other activities that you can engage in, and these include bird watching, guided primate walks, cultural visits, joining the Kwita Izina ceremony, and other activities of your choice.

This itinerary provides a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, ensuring you get the most out of your Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.

Gorilla Trekking rules and regulations

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of Dian Fossey, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the gorillas.

Feeding of the Mountain gorillas is prohibited.

After locating the gorillas, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas studying their behavioral patterns and taking photos and videos.

You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas.

Gorillas are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.

A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek the assigned gorilla families.

Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.

Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.

Do not in any way get close to the gorillas to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.

No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas.

Avoid staring at the gorillas in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.



Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, and $300 for East African citizens and the Rest of Africa pays $500 per person. This fee includes entry into Volcanoes National Park, the services of experienced ranger guides, and an hour spent with the gorillas. The cost of the permit is higher as compared to Uganda, where the permit is $800 for foreign non-residents and $400-$500 for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers a discount on the permit (30% discount) to $1050 during the low season. However, this only works if you have booked a safari to either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe after the gorilla trek.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking

The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy, making the trek easier and more enjoyable. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences.

How to Get to Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Site

Getting to the gorilla trekking site in Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major international hubs. From Kigali, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their Rwanda safari packages, making the journey hassle-free.

Where to Sleep When There

Rwanda is dotted with curio shops and five-star hotels that offer a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly options. These establishments provide comfort, proximity to Volcanoes National Park, and a touch of luxury, ensuring a restful stay after a day of trekking.

Why Choose Dav Safaris for Your First Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference in your gorilla trekking experience. Dav Safaris offers expertly guided tours, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.

Note that the Rwanda Tourism Board prints only 86 permits per day, so it is important to book early for your trip. After purchasing your permit, expect to track gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, including the Hirwa gorilla family with 13 members, the Sabinyo gorilla family with eight members, Umubano with 11 gorillas, and Amahoro with 17 gorillas.

Whether you opt for a 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or a longer itinerary, you need to book for the gorilla safari in advance because of the high demand for gorilla permits and easy planning. Contact Us to help you book the gorilla permit and organize your entire safari to Rwanda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.