Rwanda Gorilla Photography Safari Experience — Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers a unique opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty and magnificence of its renowned gorillas. The vegetation in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, compared to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is not as dense. This distinction grants photographers an exceptional advantage in clearly viewing and photographing gorillas in Rwanda.
Rwanda stands as one of the premier destinations in Africa, and Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the capital city, Kigali, ranks among the most visited parks in the country. This park is a sanctuary for endangered mountain gorillas and the enchanting golden monkeys. It is home to 11 fully habituated mountain gorilla families, residing beneath the shadows of the five Virunga volcanoes: Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, and Bisoke.
Volcanoes National Park, a mere three-hour drive from Kigali, is the crown jewel of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking safari destinations. The park is home to an estimated population of over 300 mountain gorillas, living in their natural habitat within the park’s lush tropical rainforest.
Beyond gorillas, the 160-square-kilometer park is not only a haven for these magnificent creatures but also houses the captivating Golden monkeys. Furthermore, it serves as the hallowed ground where the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey established her research laboratory to study mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorilla tracking stands as the most sought-after activity in Volcanoes National Park. These majestic creatures are visited every day, making it an activity conducted year-round. For more details, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions.
In addition to mountain gorilla tracking, tourists can also embark on golden monkey tracking adventures within the same park. This activity is available year-round. For further information, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions.
Apart from hosting primates, Volcanoes National Park is a bird enthusiast’s paradise, thanks to its lush tropical rainforest. The forest teems with a rich variety of bird species. For more information, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions.
The park is surrounded by villages that have coexisted with the park’s wildlife for generations. As a result, these villages have preserved their unique cultural practices, which they eagerly share with visitors. For further details, please contact Trek Africa Expeditions.
Rwanda warmly welcomes tourists throughout the year. However, for the best experience, it is advisable to plan your visit between June and August or from December to February. During these periods, the region typically experiences less rainfall, offering more favorable conditions for photography and exploration.
Conversely, visiting between March and May or from September to November may not be ideal, as the rainy season tends to bring substantial rainfall. Tracking during this time can be challenging, and it may not yield the best photography opportunities.
While gorilla tracking is more favorable in the dry season, it’s important to note that Rwanda’s rains are typically brief and often occur in the late afternoon or evening.