Africa is home to the three best countries in the world for gorilla safaris in the wild. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have made a name for themselves in the safari industry as the leading destinations for travelers seeking gorilla treks through untamed, pristine rain forests in search of these elusive primates. The experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is said to be a life-changing and eye-opening moment that has become an unforgettable memory for all who have had the privilege to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Rwanda offers the shortest gorilla trekking excursion in Africa. Like 01 Day Rwanda gorilla trek that is designed for visitors who are probably already in Rwanda and want to go for a quick tour of one of the gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park. The park sits in one of Africa’s most mountainous zones including five volcanoes – Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Muhavura and Gahinga. Mount Karisimbi is the highest of them all at 4,507 meters.
Visitors can plan to fly over for a day or two just to track gorillas. There are several groups/ families to choose from and it’s important to select one based on your overall fitness. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be challenging but the experience of finally seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is beyond what you can imagine. The one hour spent with the gorillas in the wild is indeed a lifetime experience.
A guide will pick you from your hotel by 5:00 am early morning to set off for Kinigi where the volcanoes national park offices are located. The drive is approximately 2-3 hours through a beautiful mountainous country side which will confirm to you why Rwanda is referred to as “The Land of a thousand hills”.
You will arrive at the Kinigi offices by 7:00 am in time for the usual briefing from a head guide on the rules and procedures to be followed while watching mountain gorillas. Once you are done with the briefing, you can then proceed to track the gorilla family. Once you spot the gorillas, follow instructions from the guides.
Watching mountain gorillas is breath taking. You could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play – Unfortunately, you will only have one hour with these mighty apes. Mountain Gorillas are very playful and curious and will often come close you. Once again, while with the gorillas, listen to instructions from your guide and always stay calm. Never make sudden movements.
After gorilla trekking tour you will descend the forest and head back to Kigali reaching late in the evening to catch up with your flight should it be on the same day.
Another interesting short gorilla trekking excursion will take you to Bwindi in Uganda starting it direct from Kigali in Rwanda.
About half gorillas in Bwindi of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world are found in Bwindi. 17 of the 36 gorilla families in Bwindi are habituated and open to tourism. Thousands of international travelers come to the park to take part in one of the world’s most fascinating wildlife experiences.
Bwindi is perfect for gorilla trekking because the park has more gorilla groups than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Virunga National Park in Congo. You can always find the perfect group depending on your interests. Gorilla permits in Bwindi cost $700.
This 02 Day gorilla trekking tour package to Bwindi Forest is designed for clients who may not have enough time to spare but wish to track gorillas in one day before heading for work or a meeting/workshop. The package is therefore designed for those who are already in Kisoro or Kabale. The tour can also start from Kigali in Rwanda. This will require waking up very early in the morning (3:30 am) to start the 3-hour journey to Bwindi.
Briefing at the park offices usually starts between 7:30am to 8am and is meant to guide you on how to act around the gorillas and what to expect. You will be divided in groups of 8 (or less depending on season) and assigned different gorilla groups depending on your overall fitness and preference.
The trek could get tiring or go on for more hours than expected depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family that day. Bring with you gorilla tracking boots, long stockings, rain coat, caps, and rain-proof pants.
Park rangers will provide you with a trekking stick and be with you throughout the tracking – Listen and follow what they have to say. Porters for hire are available at about $15 to help relieve you of the burden of carrying extra heavy luggage- so you focus on gorilla watching.
You will only be with the gorillas for one hour so take as many photos and videos as you can as soon as you catch sight of them and are cleared. As soon as you are done watching the gorillas, the guide will pick you up and head for your hotel or drive back to Kigali.
