2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda leads you to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, also known as Parc National des Volcans in French and Pariki Y'igihugu Y'ibirunga in native Kinyarwanda. The park, borders Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda and Virunga National Park in DRC. Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is the most popular tour in Rwanda. The Mountain Gorillas are unique to only three countries including Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and takeplace within only four National Parks. Each of the three countries offers the gorilla trekking experience but Rwanda supercedes the others owing to the easy access of the park that is located approximately 2 to 3 hours from the country's capital-Kigali. Kigali is a phenomenal city that is punctuated by excellent infrastructure, a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and a spectacular backdrop of the Virunga mountains which host the exciting mountain gorillas. 5 out of 8 of these Virunga mountains are found within the park and this makes the landscape and nature views diverse, scenic and spectacular. Volcanoes National Park is known to be home to a population of over 400 mountain gorillas, including the 10 families or groups that are habituated for tourism. Each of these gorilla families can be tracked everyday within the forests by a maximum of 8 people. Besides the mountain gorillas, the park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, buffalos, black-fronted duiker among others. For bird enthusiasts, Volcanoes National park is an Important Bird Area which hosts an estimated 200 species of birds, 12 of which are endemics.

This 2 day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is one of the Rwanda short safaris and therefore a perfect ideal for those that have limited time but are in love with nature and culture. A gorilla tracking permit in Rwanda goes for 1500 USD, though more expensive than other destinations but this means more money goes into conservation efforts and benefit of the local population. You are also advised to book in advance as there's a lot of competition for the permits. You will have scenic views of nature and sights at the activties of the local people that live around Ruhengeri-Kinigi in Northwestern Rwanda. This short Rwanda gorilla excursion offers more than the usual pleasure. Start today for this gorilla tracking Rwanda tour.

Activities

Volcanoes National Park

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Volcanoes N.P.

Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Journey time: 2.5 hours
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Luxury), Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Upmarket) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Garden Place Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Your tour-driver shall pick you from your hotel and depart to the Volcanoes National Park in the north of Rwanda. Since the park is only 2.5 hours drive away,
the departure can be flexible depending on your schedule and so you can leave either in the morning or in the afternoon.
With a morning departure and getting to the park early, we shall have time do an activity near the park including a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village) where you are treated to cultural performances and demonstrations about the traditional lifestyle of Rwandans as it existed for centuries and some of it is still upheld in the rural settings.
Alternatively, we can do a half day tour of Kigali City and depart to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon.
return to the lodge for relaxation while having spectacular views of the rolling hills, since Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills.
Dinner and overnight

Day 2

Gorilla trekking

Drive back to Kigali

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Journey time: 2.5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Early this morning you will drive to the park headquarters at Kinigi in Musanze district by 8:00 am for Gorilla tracking registration and briefing about the trekking rules. Gorilla tracking can be physically demanding and you are likely to walk for about three to seven hours through thick jungles depending upon the gorilla's movements. The experience of observing these mountain gorillas in their natural habitant is memorable. You will be allowed to spend one hour with these phenomenal mountain gorillas, a time during which you will take photos and see them play, eat and groom each other. You carry packed lunch for the tracking. When you return from the trek the driver shall transfer you back to Kigali.

General Tips:

Please note the age limit of 15 years and above for gorilla tracking.
Book your permits well in advance as only 8 permits are issued per gorilla group in a day. There are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park.
You should be free from infectious diseases such as Flue which can be passed to the gorillas since humans share 98% DNA with gorillas. If you are found to carry an infectious disease you will not be allowed to track.
Every participant has the chance to hire a trekking assistance (porter) who will help carring the bags and support whenever it is needed. For the trekking assitant an additional fee of US$ 10 is charged.
Do not use flash photography.
Littering in the forest is not allowed!
You are required to maintain a distance of 7 metres when you rech the gorillas. In certain instances the young gorillas may come closer to you out of curiosity to touch you. However, you are not expected to respond because the silverback could respond violently as it tries to protect the young one from you.

What to bring:

Bring proper walking boots, long trousers and rain gears as you will be hiking through Bwindi Forest.
Insect repellant is recommended.
At least 1-2 liters of drinking water per person during the trekking.
Hiking boots, gloves, rain jacket.
Camera and extra batteries.
sunscreen and a sun hat, since the sun may be hot during the day.
waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking, just in case it rains.