How to see East African Mountain gorillas in Rwanda

Discovering East African Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Unveiling the mysteries of East African mountain gorillas in Rwanda offers an unparalleled encounter with a global population of these majestic creatures, estimated at only 1080 individuals, residing in limited areas of habitat across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The focal point of this thrilling adventure lies in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a sanctuary for these endangered creatures.

For travelers contemplating how to witness these remarkable mountain gorillas, Trek Africa Expeditions stands as your premier Rwanda gorilla safari company. Our expertise lies in orchestrating the entire experience – from booking Rwanda gorilla permits with the Rwanda Development Board to securing safari lodges, arranging top-notch tour guides, and handling various safari-related services. Our dedicated team of East Africa experts ensures that your journey transcends expectations. Beyond gorilla tracking, we curate safaris to Kenya’s Masai Mara for the wildebeest migration, Tanzania’s Serengeti for the Great Wildebeest Migration, Botswana for the iconic herds of elephants in the Okavango Delta, and Namibia’s Etosha National Park.

How to Encounter East Africa’s Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

Given the geographical distribution of mountain gorillas in the mountains of East and West Africa, the primary means to observe them in Rwanda is through trekking into East Africa’s dense tropical rainforest.

Understanding Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking involves tourists embarking on a foot journey to locate habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The process commences with a delightful breakfast as the sun graces the day. After donning full tracking gear, travelers meet their safari guide for a transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi. Here, amidst sipping coffee, your guide registers your gorilla tracking permit. Subsequently, you are assigned to your gorilla group and introduced to your guide, who will lead you into the forest. Following this, you enter your jeeps to drive to the starting point, where porters and escorts await. The trek kicks off, with your guide communicating with trackers who have already scouted the gorillas using signs such as previous nests, broken scrubs, and fresh droppings.

Essential Information for Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

• Gorilla tracking activities in Volcanoes National Park commence at 7 am Rwandan time at the park headquarters.
• Clients intending to participate must pre-book their gorilla permits, as on-the-spot purchases are not guaranteed.
• The activity duration can range from 2 to 8 hours, requiring travelers to be prepared for a potentially strenuous forest walk.
• Proper gear is essential for the trek, and Trek Africa Expeditions provides a comprehensive list of what to wear for gorilla tracking.
• The gorilla tracking experience allows a strictly regulated one-hour interaction with the mountain gorillas.
• Porters are highly recommended to assist with carrying bags and navigating challenging terrain, providing vital support to local communities.
• A minimum of one person and a maximum of eight people are allowed to trek a gorilla family.
• Flash photography is strictly prohibited, as gorillas interpret it as fire, potentially prompting them to charge.
• Gorilla tracking exclusively takes place in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
• Rwanda safaris commence and conclude in Kigali.

Optimal Timing for a Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Adventure

While Rwanda welcomes tourists year-round, the preferable months are June to September and December to February during the dry season. However, the other months, March to May and October to November, are ideal due to fewer tourists and an ample food supply for the mountain gorillas. Trek Africa Expeditions ensures a seamless and unforgettable gorilla tracking experience, offering the opportunity to explore Rwanda at its best.