Start and End Times for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trekking day begins at 7:00 am with a mandatory pre-trek briefing at the Kinigi headquarters. This pre-trek briefing provides important information on the rules, safety guidelines, and the overall expectations during the trek. After registering, the actual trek into the forest begins around 7:30 am. The duration of the trek varies, lasting between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location and the terrain. Upon finding the gorillas, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour observing and photographing them. This hour usually falls between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The return trek is usually completed between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm, after which there is a debriefing and certificate presentation at the park’s headquarters. The entire gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park usually concludes between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. However, this schedule may be influenced by factors like the gorillas’ movements and weather conditions.
The specific start and end times for gorilla trekking are designed to ensure the safety of visitors and the wellbeing of the endangered mountain gorillas. Starting at 7:00 am allows trekkers to avoid the heat of the day, while also minimizing disruptions to the gorillas’ natural routines. The one-hour observation period, generally between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, limits the stress placed on the gorillas and helps prevent disruptions to their habituation process. By concluding the trek around 2:00 to 3:00 pm, visitors can safely exit the forest before it gets too dark or rainy. This structured schedule is crucial for regulating visitor numbers, preventing overcrowding, and ensuring the park’s rangers can effectively monitor the gorilla groups. It also supports the work of researchers studying gorilla behavior, promotes conservation efforts, and helps to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem. Most importantly, it prioritizes the welfare of the gorillas and the safety of visitors, while ensuring compliance with park regulations.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), working in collaboration with the authorities of Volcanoes National Park and its conservation partners, is responsible for setting the beginning and end times for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda
A gorilla trekking permit is a mandatory document issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), allowing visitors to participate in a guided trek to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The cost of a permit is USD 1500 per person, and it is valid for a single trek. This permit grants visitors one hour with a habituated gorilla group and covers park entrance fees, guided trekking services, gorilla monitoring, and conservation efforts. Additionally, part of the permit fee contributes to community development projects in the surrounding areas.
There is a daily limit of 80 gorilla trekking permits issued, with a maximum of 8 visitors allowed per gorilla group. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in the trek.
Location of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, bordering Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park. The park is approximately 160 km (100 miles) northwest of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and only 14 km (9 miles) from Musanze town (formerly Ruhengeri). Set within the Virunga Mountains, the park is home to five volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, with 10 habituated groups available for trekking. It is estimated that around 600 mountain gorillas reside within the park, making up about 20% of the global mountain gorilla population. Besides gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, bushbuck, spotted hyenas, and several other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys.
The park also boasts a rich variety of flora, with bamboo and Hagenia forests being the most prominent. Birdlife is also abundant, with species such as the Rwenzori turaco, crowned hornbill, black-and-white casqued hornbill, yellow-billed barbet, red-faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori nightjar, olive pigeon, bronze sunbird, regal sunbird, and Shelley’s crimson wing, among others. The diversity of habitats in the park, from montane forests to alpine zones, supports a wide array of bird species. In addition, reptiles and amphibians, such as the African rock python, forest cobras, and various lizard and frog species, can also be found in the park.
Booking a Gorilla Trekking Safari
To participate in a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, it is essential to first secure a permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through a reputable tour operator like Iconic Africa Safaris. Permits should ideally be booked at least six months in advance due to high demand, especially during peak trekking seasons. Iconic Africa Safaris not only assists with purchasing gorilla trekking permits but also arranges accommodation, meals, and transport for the duration of your stay.
After arriving at Kigali International Airport, your tour guide will transport you to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. On the day of your trek, you will attend a pre-trek briefing at 7:00 am at the park headquarters, where you will receive essential information about the trekking rules, safety measures, and gorilla behavior. After the briefing, you will set out on a guided hike through the park’s montane forests, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group you are tracking. Experienced park guides will lead you to one of the 10 habituated groups of mountain gorillas.
Upon locating the gorillas, you will be required to maintain a safe distance while observing these gentle giants. You will have one hour to take photos and videos while enjoying a truly awe-inspiring experience. After this, you will trek back to the park headquarters, where you will receive a certificate for participating in the gorilla trek.
It is important to note that trekkers must be at least 15 years old, physically fit, and have proof of yellow fever vaccination and valid medical insurance to participate.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which run from June to August and December to February. During these months, the weather is mild, with temperatures averaging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). These dry periods offer the best trekking conditions, with firmer trails, reduced mud, and clearer visibility, making it easier to spot and photograph the gorillas. The dry season also coincides with the gorillas’ peak activity, increasing your chances of an unforgettable encounter. Additionally, the risk of malaria and other diseases is reduced, contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable trekking experience.
While the peak season from June to August attracts a high number of tourists, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) offer fewer visitors and lower prices, making them a great alternative. It is advisable to secure your trekking permits at least six months in advance to ensure availability and consult with Iconic Africa Safaris for a seamless, unforgettable experience.
