The Best time to book Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda
The best time to plan your adventure for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is when you feel ready. Both types of tours are available throughout the year, but many visitors prefer the dry season.
The dry season usually occurs from June to October and December to February. During this time, there is less moisture in the forest environment. However, it’s important to note that Volcanoes National Park, where the gorillas reside, can still experience unexpected rainfall despite its dense canopy that limits sunlight reaching the ground.
When searching for mountain gorillas, the ground can be soft and slippery due to decomposing matter. Sometimes, the gorillas may be found on the slopes of mountains, requiring a challenging trek, especially for those who are not physically fit.
As the dry season is the peak tourism period in Rwanda, there is high competition for gorilla and chimpanzee permits worldwide. It’s advisable to book these permits in advance to secure your spot and allow time for arranging logistics. Last-minute availability of permits is less likely during this busy period.
Conversely, the wet season sees lower demand for permits due to regular rainfall and soft, slippery ground conditions. This period also corresponds to low tourism season with fewer visitors. If you desire a more exclusive experience with fewer disturbances from other tourists, the wet season may provide such an opportunity. Additionally, some service providers may offer discounts during this time to attract visitors.
How much is the cost of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda?
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda starts with permits. Right now, Rwanda charges $1500 for gorilla trekking permits for people from other countries, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for East Africans. For chimpanzee trekking, the fees are $150, $75, and $25 respectively.
Everyone visiting Rwanda for these treks, regardless of their budget, must pay these fees. The cost covers various aspects like park entry, guides, security, gorilla conservation, and community support.
To secure a spot for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, one must obtain a permit. Currently, there are 12 gorilla families available for public viewing, including Kwitonda, Amahoro, and Umubano.
Gorilla trekking permits cover park entry fees, guide fees, security, gorilla conservation, and community support. Booking a permit is essential to join a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. Other factors affecting the cost of a gorilla safari include the number of people in the group, the duration of the safari, and the activities included.
In simpler terms, if you want to see gorillas or chimpanzees in Rwanda, you need to pay for a permit. The price depends on where you’re from, but it’s necessary for everyone, no matter their budget. The permit covers various expenses like entering the park, having guides, ensuring safety, supporting gorilla conservation efforts, and helping local communities.
Getting a permit guarantees you a spot on a gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda. Currently, there are 12 gorilla families available for visits, each with its own unique experience to offer. Some of these families include Kwitonda, Amahoro, and Umubano.
Overall, if you’re planning to trek with gorillas or chimpanzees in Rwanda, be prepared to pay for a permit. It’s the only way to ensure you can join a tour. And remember, the cost isn’t just for you—it helps protect these incredible animals and supports local communities.
How sure can I be to see the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, there’s a high probability of encountering mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, estimated at 99%. Before being introduced to visitors, these primates undergo a process known as habituation. During this period, which can vary in duration, they gradually become accustomed to human presence without losing their natural behaviors.
The habituation process for gorillas or chimpanzees typically spans from about 2 years or longer, depending on how quickly they adapt. This adaptation allows them to tolerate the limited time humans are permitted to observe them. Due to their large and relatively slow-moving bodies, it becomes easier to spot these primates.
A team of ranger guides begins their day early, tracking the movements of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to determine their locations, including potential nesting sites and favored spots. These insights serve as valuable clues for guiding tourists on gorilla or chimpanzee trekking experiences.
During gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris, visitors follow trails leading to where these primates were last seen the day before. Typically, these animals do not wander far from their previous day’s resting places.
