Why is Rwanda the Best Place to See Mountain Gorillas?

The best place to see mountain gorillas is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), home to over 604 of these endangered apes. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are a major attraction for safaris in Rwanda. These magnificent creatures are protected in only three countries worldwide: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With fewer than 1,063 mountain gorillas left on Earth, their conservation is crucial. The VCA, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, provides a vital habitat for these gorillas, and Rwanda’s efforts to protect them make Volcanoes National Park one of the best destinations for travelers seeking a unique and impactful wildlife experience.

Accessibility

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the easiest gorilla trekking destination to reach from a major city. The park is only 109 kilometers (about a 2-3 hour drive) from Kigali city. This is the shortest distance compared to gorilla safaris in Uganda, where you need to travel from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, which takes about 8-10 hours by car depending on the route.

Because of the close distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, it’s possible to organize a 1-day or 2-day gorilla tour. You can fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) and easily connect to the park in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, in the Virunga area, and can also be reached from Mgahinga or Bwindi National Park in Uganda via the Katuna or Chanika border crossings.

Safety

Rwanda is one of the safest places in Africa for gorilla tours. Since the end of the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has made significant improvements not only in its economy but also in security. Peace and safety have been maintained in Rwanda, and all tourism destinations are safe for visitors. Tourists can enjoy their activities and return home safely.

Habituated Gorilla Families

As of June 2022, more than 12 gorilla families have been habituated in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, with others still undergoing habituation. This makes Rwanda, especially Volcanoes National Park, an ideal destination for gorilla trekking. The gorilla groups available for trekking in Rwanda include:

• Susa A Group: Named after River Susa and researched by Dian Fossey.
• Susa B (Karisimbi) Group: Named after Mount Karisimbi (4,507 meters), the tallest of the eight Virunga Volcanoes.
• Sabyinyo Group
• Amahoro Group
• Hirwa Family
• Umubano Family
• Ugenda Group
• Agashya Group
• Titus Group
• Bwenge Group

Each of the 12 gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park can be visited by 8 people per day. This means there are about 96 gorilla permits available daily, and each permit costs $1,500 per person for a single trek. Part of the gorilla permit fees goes towards mountain gorilla conservation and protection.

Support Conservation of Gorillas

Helping protect mountain gorillas takes teamwork. By visiting Rwanda for a gorilla safari, you help conserve mountain gorillas and other wildlife. There are many conservation activities aimed at keeping these unique animals alive. Currently, mountain gorillas are listed as “endangered” by the IUCN Red List.

Variety of Gorilla Safari Accommodation

Rwanda is a complete travel destination, with many places to stay for those visiting to see gorillas. There are budget, midrange, and luxury lodges in and around Volcanoes National Park and in cities like Kigali. Some lodges to book include Gorilla Solution Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Garr Hotel, La Palme Hotel, and Kinigi Guesthouse. Other options are Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.

Plenty of Things to Do Besides Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda is small, making it easy to explore its attractions. You can combine gorilla tours with visits to other places like Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe is the top spot for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda, home to 13 primate species including 500 chimpanzees, 400 colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, silver monkeys, and pottos.

At Akagera National Park, you can go on a Big 5 game safari to see elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinos. There are also 500 bird species. Activities include game drives, boat cruises, helicopter tours, cultural visits, rhino walks, birding, nature walks, and sport fishing.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a new park and a primate paradise. It’s great for chimpanzee tracking, birding, nature walks, and community visits. You can also track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

To have a successful gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda, pack well. Bring waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, a camera without a flash, a poncho or waterproof rain jacket, a daypack, a safari hat, high-energy snacks, a sweater, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, and bottled water.

When is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorillas?

You can visit Rwanda to see mountain gorillas any time of the year. The best time is during the dry season: June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. There is less rain and these months are popular. The forest trails are drier and easier to walk during this time.

The rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November. These are off-season months with fewer visitors compared to the dry season.

Cost of Gorilla Permit – Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s main attraction. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issues gorilla permits for USD 1500. You can get them through a trusted tour operator. It’s best to buy permits 2-4 months before your trip.