Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
When is the best time to go?
Knowing the best time for Rwanda gorilla safari is very important as securing a gorilla permit can become hard most especially in the peak, that is if you do not plan properly. The dry season offers the best weather for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the dry season runs from mid- December to early February and June to September. During these months of the year, gorilla trekking is more comfortable.
Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda as well experiences heavily rains between October – November and March – May, though this period is normally avoided by tourists, mountain gorillas are always around and them move relatively close to the lower slopes of the volcanoes because of the availability of fruits.
How tough is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking experience is relatively strenuous as you have to hike through uneven terrain to reach mountain gorillas, however the toughness of the experience depends on many factors including the location of the mountain gorilla family on that day.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done into two phases, the first phase is a hike from the park’s headquarters to the starting point which is normally a 30 – 60 minutes’ walk depending on the trekkers’ speed and the section where the gorilla family you are trekking is found. This trek is undemanding as the landscape hiked is relatively flat.
The second of the trek is into the forest, searching for the gorillas which takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours or more to find the mountain gorillas, it is more difficult to predict the time you will spend as it depends on the location of the gorillas on the day of trekking and the steepness of the terrain en route.
Generally, gorilla trekking in Rwanda requires a bit of physical fitness, we recommend you have a fitness training at least two weeks before you visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking.
Note: gorilla trekking happens in high altitudes of 7000 f and above, so there many be some difficulty in breathing.
How do I get a gorilla trekking permit?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board and a visitor can acquire one through a registered tour operator.
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs US$ 1,500 per person (only people above 15 years) and includes park entrance.
Note: You need to book for your gorilla permit, about 3 months before your Rwanda gorilla safari most especially during the peak season months of June to September.
Why is gorilla trekking so expensive?
Rwanda gorilla trekking is expensive primarily because the conservation programme to save these gentle giants is very costly, all the people taking part in providing security, health care and trekking services work in the remotest and most inhumane conditions. To ensure the safety, conservation and survival of mountain gorillas from extinction, these people work for many hours, days and even weeks away from their families.
Another reason to why gorilla trekking in Rwanda is expensive is that, Rwanda as a destination has positioned itself as high end tourism destination targeting only luxury travelers. Thanks to rich travel investors who have embraced tourism, Rwanda has some of the most luxurious hotels and safari lodges to accommodate indulgent travelers.
So yes, seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda is an expensive expedition reserved for indulgent travelers.
Should I hire a porter?
Definitely you should hire a porter on your Rwanda gorilla trekking excursion, the trek can be quite tough on many people. The porters can be useful in helping you navigate the challenging terrain by pulling your hand, pushing you up steep slopes and sometimes carry you when you cannot continue with the trek or get injured.
Porters will also help you pack or carry your gear so that you can walk freely.
Note: Hiring a porter is an excellent way to support the local communities directly, these men and women are from the communities around the park and they look after mountain gorillas for livelihood. The tip you give to the porters, you help the porters to support their families.
What should I pack gorilla trekking?
- Yellow fever and Covid-19 vaccination card
- Tourist visa ($50 per person, East African Visa for Kenya, Uganda, & Rwanda is $100)
- Lightweight, waterproof hiking or walking shoes
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hiking trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking gloves, sunhat or cape
- A fleece or light-wool sweater for cold mornings
- Waterproof backpack to carry drinking water, packed lunch and your gadgets
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera and binoculars
- Walking poles (provides at the park’s headquarters or at the trailhead) and porters
- Drinking water at least one liter and packed lunch (most lodges in Volcanoes national park provide packed lunch)
- A pair of disposable facemasks
- A basic first aid kit may come in handy: antiseptic wipes, antihistamine cream, insect repellent, plasters, painkillers, antimalarial and rehydration sachets.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
According to the experts, coming in contact with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which are habituated to human presence is considered safe, however visitors should maintain a 10- meter (32 ft) distance.
Although the gorilla groups open for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are habituated gradually to introduce them to human presence in the natural environment, researchers have developed ground rules to protect humans, gorillas and other animals in Volcanoes National Park.
These rules and regulations include
- All trekkers must stay ten meters (32ft) from the gorillas and should follow all the guidelines by rangers during the visit, this is to avoid any hostility and spreading of infectious diseases.
- If you have any signs of infectious illness like fever or cold, you are not permitted to take part in gorilla trekking as gorillas can contract these kinds of diseases.
- Avoid staring directly into the eyes of mountain gorillas, the leader of the group that is the silverback may mistake it for hostility
- When a gorilla comes close, stay still. When talking take quietly
- No eating, drinking or excreting near the gorillas
Uganda or Rwanda, which is the best?
Both Uganda and Rwanda offering excellent gorilla trekking experience, to decide the best destination for your gorilla trekking experience there are many factors based on including the terrain for physical fitness, driving distance from the airport, accommodation choices, permit pricing and entry restrictions.
Pricing: gorilla trekking in Uganda is cheaper than Rwanda, however if you are looking for a luxury experience, Rwanda is the best option. Although Uganda also offers an equally luxurious trip.
Access: Rwanda has an easy access to gorillas, from the airport that is Kigali International Airport, it is a drive of about 3 hours compared to Uganda, from the airport that is Entebbe International Airport it is a drive of about 10 hours or you can take a local flight adding on the expense of your trip.
Variety: Uganda offers a wide variety of what to see, where to stay and safari activities than Rwanda, Uganda has 10 national park and Rwanda has 4 national parks.
Gorillas: Uganda has two parks and five tracking points compared to Rwanda with a single park and one trekking point. Also, Uganda has two gorilla destinations with more than half of the remaining gorillas in the world within its borders.
Am I guaranteed to see the gorillas?
Daily guided Rwanda gorilla trekking excursions guarantee a 97% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas, there has been no incidence where one goes for gorilla trekking and leaves with out seeing these endangered great apes.
Normally a team of rangers goes out at dawn to find the gorillas before they leave the nest they built the previous evening, the team stays with them and they send back position coordinates to your lead trackers. They locate the position via walkie – talkie, the lead tracker/ guide will lead the tourists to where they will spend their time with these giant beasts.
How much should I tip the rangers and porters?
Although tipping is recommended, it is not mandatory. Please be kind enough to tip the gorilla rangers, guides and porters basing on your level of satisfaction.
Here is a rough guide on how much to tip on a mountain gorilla tour in Rwanda.
- Transfer driver – $5
- Service staff at safari lodge/camp – $15 per couple per day
- Trackers – $15 per couple per day
- Porter – $20 per person (This is the standard hiring fee per person)
- Butler – $15 per couple per day
These are the standard rates but you can give a bigger tip if you desire too.
When tipping, US dollar bill should be from 2019, you can also tip in local currency.