Rwanda, also known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," offers a unique and luxurious gorilla trekking experience. The country is home to the majestic mountain gorillas, and Volcanoes National Park in the northern region is the perfect destination for this unforgettable adventure. The progressive country is among the only 3 hosts of these rare primate species of mountain gorillas. Other hosts include Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The board responsible for Rwanda’s economic growth and development especially through tourism, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has put up word class infrastructure that meets the international demands and enable tourists have the most remarkable gorilla experience in the country. All gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda start from Kigali City to the Virunga mountains.
The most breathtaking opportunity of gorilla tours in Rwanda is how humans can stand just a few meters away and encounter these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Volcanoes National Park – an epic luxury gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda.
Located in the Northern region of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to five of the eight Virunga Mountains. Volcanoes national park is one of the major national parks in Rwanda, and Eastern African region.
The park is situated about 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, with over 250 mountain gorillas inhabiting the park. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP kicks off with an early morning briefing right at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi village.
It’s in here that visitors will get professional guides to take them through the pros and cons while on a gorilla trek in the park. There are 14 habituated gorilla families in this national park. After briefing, tour guides will now lead guests on guided walks following tracking trails through lush rain forests, volcanic slopes and bamboo forests.
Gorilla trekking involves long walks and hikes that are sometimes a challenge especially to the inexperienced hikers and therefore demands the best physicality. Only a group of 8 people are allowed to encounter each mountain gorilla family. This is done to suppress easy transmission of contagious diseases. Once the mountain gorilla family is located, visitors can only spend 1 hour in contact with these rare primates.
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda.
To go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you need to purchase a gorilla permit which costs $1,500 per person per trek. The permit fee includes: Park entrance fees, Guided gorilla trek and Community development fees. It's essential to book your gorilla permit in advance, as only about 96 permits are available per day.
It should also be noted that, in all the 3 hosts of the mountain gorillas, Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla trekking permit because of its aim to position itself as a luxury gorilla trekking destination in the world.
When to Do Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
The best time for luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during dry season, from June to September or December to February. These months offer dry and comfortable trekking conditions, clear weather for spectacular views and easier access to the mountain gorillas.
Both lush vegetation and muddy tracking trails will dry out during dry season hence enabling visitors to have a smooth maneuver and get to see these human-like primate species.
Trekking trails are muddy, slippery and almost inaccessible during wet rainy seasons making it a challenging experience for hikers. However, the dry season is also peak tourist season, and gorilla permits can be more challenging to book because of the high demand.
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Packing List.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable luxury gorilla trekking experience, one can pack the following essentials:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Comfortable trekking clothes
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection from the stinging insects
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks and energy bars.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Camera and charger
- Binoculars for bird watching and observing the gorillas from a distance.
Luxury lodges for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Rwanda also offers several luxury lodges that cater for high-end gorilla trekkers. Some of the top luxury lodges in Virunga National Park include:
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge: A luxurious lodge located near Volcanoes National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Bisate Lodge: A luxurious eco-lodge situated near the park entrance, offering comfortable and stylish rooms with breathtaking views.
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: A luxury lodge located near the park entrance, offering spacious and comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
How to get there? Take a helicopter to Volcanoes National Park.
The easiest and luxurious way to get to Volcanoes NP is by flying into Musanze city from Kigali International Airport (KGL) with a helicopter. Then from Musanze town, you will be picked in a private VIP car to your luxury lodge near Volcanoes National Park.