Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from the Netherlands

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from the Netherlands is an unforgettable adventure, bringing travelers up close with the endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Located in the northern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where gorilla trekking takes place. Here, visitors can trek through the dense jungle, hoping for a memorable encounter with these magnificent animals.

Traveling from the Netherlands to Rwanda

The distance from the Netherlands to Rwanda is about 6,513 km by air and around 9,732 km by road. The quickest way to get to Rwanda is by flight, taking approximately 11 hours and 35 minutes. This includes any necessary flight transfers. Driving is an option, though the journey would take around five days and six hours – quite a long trek. However, flying is the most practical option and can range in cost from $418 to $1,018, depending on the airline and time of booking.

Travelers have seven main routes they can take by air or train:

• Fly from Amsterdam Schiphol to Kigali – (11 hours, 35 minutes) for $418–$1,018.
• Train to Brussels, then fly to Kigali – (12 hours, 23 minutes) for $301–$723.
• Fly from Amsterdam Schiphol to Kamembe – (15 hours, 5 minutes) for $338–$868.
• Train to Brussels, fly to Bujumbura, then drive – (14 hours, 4 minutes) for $462–$1,157.
• Train to Düsseldorf, fly to Kigali – (15 hours, 44 minutes) for $389–$949.
• Train to Brussels, then fly to Kamembe – (15 hours, 43 minutes) for $301–$723.

Airlines operating flights to Kigali include KLM, Rwandair Express, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience

The trekking day begins early, with a 7:00 am briefing at the park’s Kinigi headquarters. During this briefing, visitors are divided into small groups and assigned to a gorilla family to track. The trek to meet the gorillas varies in time, sometimes as short as 30 minutes and other times taking up to five hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location in the forest.

Once with the gorillas, visitors can stay for one hour, watching these fascinating creatures up close in their natural environment. Trekking is physically demanding, with altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 meters, often on hilly, uneven terrain. Guides and porters are available to assist with carrying bags and offering support along the trek. Hiring a porter can also be a way to support the local community.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, including Bwenge, Hirwa, Sabyinyo, Ugyenda, Karisimbi, Susa, Amahoro, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, Igisha, and Muhoza. Each family has its unique characteristics and dynamics. A maximum of 96 visitors are allowed each day, divided into small groups for a more personal experience with the gorillas. Booking permits in advance is essential to secure a spot.

The forest’s thick vegetation, hilly terrain, and lack of clear paths make the trek challenging but rewarding. The guides are well-trained and knowledgeable, helping visitors navigate steep slopes by grabbing onto tree branches, roots, or bushes. Taking short breaks, drinking water, and carrying some energy snacks is recommended for a comfortable experience.

Encountering the Gorillas

After reaching the gorilla family, trekkers are advised to move quietly, avoid sudden movements, and not look directly into the gorillas’ eyes, as this may be seen as a challenge. In case a gorilla charges, remain calm, avoid eye contact, and lower your eyes to show submission. The experience with the gorillas is magical as you observe their behavior, such as feeding, playing, or resting.

During this hour with the gorillas, visitors are welcome to take photos, but flash photography is strictly prohibited. As the gorillas move, visitors can follow them, maintaining a distance of at least seven meters to avoid causing them stress.

The guides and trackers help clear any overgrown vegetation to ensure a better view of the gorillas, allowing visitors a closer look. Watching the enormous silverback males, weighing around 150 kg or more, is an experience like no other. Their strength, calmness, and social interactions within the family provide an incredible insight into their world.

Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person per day. The minimum age to participate is 15 years. Residents of Rwanda and East African Community countries may be eligible for discounted permits. Booking in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or using a licensed tour operator is recommended.

When preparing for the trek, wear solid walking shoes, protective gloves, and durable clothes to guard against the forest’s stinging nettles. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, as rain can happen unexpectedly in the jungle.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when paths are less slippery. However, even in the rainy seasons, gorilla trekking can be rewarding. The wettest months, April and May, bring lush vegetation, which can make trails muddy but may offer ideal conditions for photography due to the fresh, clear air. During the dry season, gorillas tend to move higher up the mountain, while they descend to lower altitudes during the rains.

The rainy season is also an excellent time for tracking chimpanzees, as they come down from higher trees when fruits are abundant. March through May and October through November provide great lighting for photography after rainfall, making gorilla encounters especially picturesque.

Lodging Near Volcanoes National Park

Staying near the park allows visitors to easily reach the 7:00 am briefing and enjoy the natural beauty of the Virunga region. Here are some recommended lodges:

Virunga Lodge:

This luxurious lodge offers panoramic views of the Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera, and the Virunga Volcanoes. Set on a ridge, each of its 10 bandas has a private terrace, fireplace, and luxury amenities, including a personal butler for every guest. Virunga Lodge is about a 40-minute drive from Volcanoes National Park and provides a comfortable base with breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge:

Located only 3 km from the park entrance, this lodge has nine stylish cottages made from local stone and terracotta. Each cottage has a fireplace, private deck, and views of the surrounding volcanoes and forest. Guests can relax at the onsite spa after a trek or enjoy bird-watching, with around 600 species in the area. As Rwanda’s first community-owned lodge, Sabyinyo actively supports local conservation and community projects, providing guests with opportunities to engage in community initiatives.

Both lodges offer easy access to Volcanoes National Park and a chance to immerse in Rwanda’s natural beauty, making them ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.