Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the three national parks in the Virunga Conservation area along with Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park. These parks are renowned for being the only mountain gorilla trekking destinations in the world and therefore attract tourists from various countries. Volcanoes National Park was named after the dormant volcanoes in the Virunga massif. It is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda and covers an area of 160 square kilometers and encompasses 5 mountains that is; mount Bisoke, mount Gahinga, mount Muhabura, mount Sabinyo and mount Karisimbi.

Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park live on the bamboo covered slopes of these Virunga Mountains.  Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the most selling tourist attraction in Rwanda with Rwanda considered the best place to see mountain gorillas in Africa. The chances of seeing gorillas on a visit to Volcanoes National Park is always 99%.

A gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park involves hiking through the difficult terrain, dense bamboo vegetation, up steep slopes and down valleys in search of these gentle yet highly endangered species. This hike usually takes about 2 to 8 hours before you come face to face with the mountain gorillas but before the hike begins, trackers are sent out early morning to find the location of a specific gorilla family. Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park can be a bit challenging but the final encounter when you come face to face with these magnificent creatures makes it worth every step of the way.

How is gorilla trekking done in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park starts very early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters at around 7:30 am. During the briefing, a ranger guide will take you through the code of conduct and what to expect as you penetrate the forest and come face to face with the mountain gorillas. After the briefing, then it’s time for the real adventure to begin. Groups of 8 individuals will be formed for all the 12 habituated gorilla families since each family is allowed to be visited by only 8 people a day.

After this, in the company of ranger guides, potters assisting with the luggage, and a scout creating a path through the vegetation, hiking into the forest begins in search of the mountain gorillas. These hikes range between 2 to 8 hours depending on how far the gorilla family has moved since it was last visited.

Once the gorilla family is found, the group is allowed 1 hour with these creatures then they will begin another hike back to the starting point.

Cost of gorilla permit to Volcanoes National Park

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs 1500 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 500 USD per person for foreign residents and 200 USD per person for Rwanda and East African citizens. The price of the entire safari to Volcanoes National Park is not only determined by the price of the gorilla permit but also the time of year of the safari, the number of travelers, accommodation and transportation.

How to book a gorilla permit to Volcanoes National Park

A gorilla permit to Volcanoes National Park can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator.  Book a gorilla permit to Volcanoes National Park at least 2 months before the trekking date as it may be difficult to secure one at last minute more so during the peak seasons.

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is carried out throughout the year therefore any time of the year is a good time to go Gorilla trekking. However, the best time to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is during the two dry seasons. The long dry season which runs from June to September and the shorter dry season which runs from December to February.

During these months, the trails are dry and not slippery therefore easy to maneuver, the views are much clear since the bushes are less thick therefore the gorillas are much easier to access. This season though is characterized by large numbers of tourists within the parks therefore expect to encounter higher prices compared to the rainy seasons.

Classification of gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park are classified as short, medium and long treks depending on the time it takes to locate the gorilla family. The location of the gorilla family is determined by how far that particular family has moved since they were last visited.

The choice of which nature of trek to take depends entirely on an individual’s wants, capabilities, age and health status. Short treks are encouraged for people who have trouble walking such as those with disabilities, health issues as well as the elderly. When on a short gorilla trek, expect to come face to face with these magnificent creatures in about 1 hour, on a medium trek it will take between 2 to 3 hours, and a long trek takes 4 hours or even more to find the gorilla family.

Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park

There are 12 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that are fully habituated and are open to tourists. These families are differentiated from another by specific characteristic of each group such as having babies or twins. These families include;

Susa

This is the largest gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park with over 38 gorillas and a set of 5 year old twins (Byishimo and Impano). It is also the hardest gorilla family to trek since they live high in the mountains.

Sabinyo

This group is made up of 17 members led by a dominant silverback named Guhonda. This is one of the easiest groups to access.

Amahoro

This gorilla group has 19 gorillas headed by Ubumwe. The trek to this gorilla family is relatively fair.

Agashya

This group was named after the dominant silverback Agashya and is made up of 25 members.

Kwitonda

This troop is headed by Akarevuro and has 23 members. This group was initially habituated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it moves a lot hence its trek is moderately difficult.

Umubano

This gorilla group is made up of 13 members and it’s led by a dominant silverback, Charles. This group was formed by gorillas that broke off from Amahoro.

Kwisanga

This is one of the newest gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. It is headed by a dominant silverback called Kigoma who broke off from the Kwitonda group. It is made up of 16 gorillas.

Noheli

This group has 7 gorillas and it was named after the dominant silverback, Noheli heading the group. It is the newest gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.

Hirwa

This troop is made up of 18 gorillas led by Munyinya. It was formed by members from the Sabinyo family and Agashya family.

Bwenge

This group is led by Bwenge and has 11 gorillas. The trek to this family has a steep slope therefore requires assistance from the rangers or porters.

Karisimbi

This gorilla troop was formed in 2009 and lives on the slopes of mount Karisimbi thus the name of the group. It is led a dominant male called Nyagakangaga.

Muhoza

This group is located in the center of the park therefore it is an easy trek. It is made up of 17 gorillas led by Muhoza.

Igisha

This gorilla troop is among the biggest gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park with 34 members led by Igisha.  

Isimbi

This group was formed as a result of splitting of the Karisimbi family. The group has 16 gorillas led by Muturengera.

How to choose a gorilla family

Every gorilla permit purchased allows only one traveler to a visit one of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Largely, most of the travelers would prefer to visit the easiest gorilla family to trek so as to fully enjoy the gorilla trekking experience.

However, the choice of the gorilla family to visit depends largely on the management since they are responsible for the allocation of gorilla families to the different groups therefore they could either change or accept the travelers choice.

The management allocates the gorilla groups randomly unless a traveler has particular specifications and interests such as visiting gorillas with babies, twins, families that are easy to trek, families that are far for long treks, among others. This interest should be made known to the ranger guides either directly or through your driver guide before or during the briefing session.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Volcanoes National Park

  • Visitors are required to maintain a distance of 7 meters (about 22 feet) from the gorillas to minimize the transmission of diseases to the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious diseases do not visit the gorillas.
  • A group is limited to only one hour with the gorillas.
  • A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to visit a gorilla group per day. This helps minimize disturbance of the gorillas.
  • Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
  • Should you feel the need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
  • When with the gorillas, keep your voice low so that the gorillas do not feel threatened.
  • Do not to make rapid movements near the gorillas as that may frighten them.
  • Should a gorilla charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
  • Do not litter in the park.
  • Tracking can only be done by persons of age 15 and above.
  • Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas. Eating or drinking should be done at least 200metres away from the gorillas.
  • Do not surround the gorillas so that they do not feel threatened.
  •  Do not use flash photographs when taking videos and photographs

Packing list for a gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes National Park

Here is a list of items that are essential for a gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes National Park. This will help you pack right and light.

-Lightweight pair of hiking boots

-A pair of gaiters

-Garden gloves

-Waterproof jacket

-Long-sleeved dull-colored shirt/ blouse

-A pair of trousers that can easily be tucked into the socks

-Thick long socks

-Energy snacks

-Enough water

-Cameras and extra batteries

-Pair of binoculars

-Light waterproof backpack

-Face mask

Other things to include while packing are; valid passport, gorilla permits, toiletries, a First Aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellents, biodegradable tissue, and sunglasses. Try not to wear bright-colored clothes or use sweet scents as they attract insects such as wasps.

Other activities to do in Volcanoes National Park

  • Mount Bisoke hike and Mount Karisimbi hike

Hiking to these mountains of Bisoke and Karisimbi are some of the most exciting adventures in Volcanoes National Park. These are usually strenuous though worthwhile hikes that start with a briefing at the park headquarters before proceeding to climb the mountain. During these hikes, expect to come across numerous bird species and primates such as the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas and as well enjoy a beautiful view of the landscape of Volcanoes National Park.  Travelers are advised to go mountain hiking during the dry seasons when the mountain slopes are less slippery and the bushes are not so thick.

  • Golden monkey trekking

Golden monkeys are a subspecies of the blue monkeys and are endemic to the Virunga conservation area. Golden monkey trekking is one of the most sought-after activities in Volcanoes National Park. It involves penetrating the forest in search of the golden monkeys. This will last for about 1 to 4 hours and once you find them, you will be allowed one hour of observing them then you will return to the starting point.

A golden monkey trekking permit to Volcanoes National Park costs 100 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 60 USD for foreign residents as well as East African citizens. It can be obtained easily through a trusted tour operator or directly from the RDB.

  • Hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey

This is a 1 to 4 hours hike to the grave of the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey who was killed due to her gorilla conservation efforts. A visit to the Dian Fossey tomb gives travelers an opportunity to learn about the works of the famous American primatologist and conservationist who dedicated her life to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Since this tomb is located near the Karisoke research Centre, the hike will also bring you face to face with the gorilla conservation research of Dian Fossey.

  • Birding

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 200 bird species including 17 out of the 25 Albertine rift endemics, afro tropical highlands biome and the migratory birds among others. During bird watching, you will encounter bird species such as the lovely francolin, weird weavers, Rwenzori turaco, Red-faced woodland warblers, and double-collared sunbirds.

Birding is one of the best activities to do in Volcanoes National Park. A birding safari can be combined with other safaris such as nature walks and gorilla trekking. Unlike gorilla trekking, a birding safari does not require a traveler to obtain a permit but rather just to pay a few dollars and he/she is good to go.

  • Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres museum

This is a museum built in memory of the late primatologist Dian Fossey. It was founded by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi with an aim of protecting the mountain gorillas, promoting their study and conservation and as well educating and training the next generation of conservationists. This museum houses laboratories, classrooms, student accommodation and other facilities for supporting conservation and science. It is open for visits from travelers all over the world throughout the year.

A visit to this museum will enable you learn a lot more about Dian Fossey, her beloved gorillas and how this gorilla conservation initiative benefits both the local people as well as protect the gorillas from extinction.

  • Visit to the gorilla guardian village/ Ibyi’wacu

A stop over at the gorilla guardian village gives travelers an opportunity to interact with the local Rwandese community, their culture, beliefs and traditions. During this visit you will take part in activities such as community walks, visiting the King’s hut, participate in traditional dances and music as well as interact with the Batwa people.

  • Visit to the twin lakes of Ruhando and Burera

Located in Musanze, these lakes of Ruhando and Burera are referred to as twin lakes because they are situated in the same location and share a physical connection. The waters of this lake look green due to the presence of vegetation surrounding the lakes. While on a boat ride on these lakes, you will enjoy a fresh breeze from the waters, a beautiful view of the landscape, wetland habitat, and water birds such as the common moorhen, grey throated tit, and long crested eagle, among others.

Accommodation around Volcanoes National Park

There are a variety of accommodation to choose from when on a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury. Budget accommodation in Volcanoes include: Hotel Muhabura, Kinigi guesthouse, Villa Gorilla, among others. Mid-range accommodation includes: Le Bambou Hotel, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Da Vinci gorilla lodge, Sambora Kinigi lodge, and Eagle View Lodge among others. Luxury accommodation includes: Wilderness Sabinyo, Wilderness Bisate, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda lodge, Bishop’s House among others.