Embark on a captivating journey with Trek Africa Expeditions on Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Tours and Safaris, venturing into the lush tropical rainforest jungles of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, to witness the enigmatic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Our tours and safaris meticulously handle all aspects of a Uganda safari, including Gorilla permit arrangements, park entry fees, comprehensive safari planning, seamless transfers, and ensuring your accommodation in the finest facilities.
Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in crafting tailor-made Rwanda Gorilla tracking safaris, tours, and holidays, as well as African safaris in select East African destinations. As local tour operator experts based in Uganda, we excel in booking escorted tours, city breaks, hiking holidays, Mountain Gorilla adventures, and other jungle experiences. Whether you seek to hike through tropical rainforests or immerse yourself in African culture, we provide the finest dedicated safaris in East Africa, with a focus on Mountain Gorilla safaris and tours in Rwanda.
Mountain Gorilla tracking is a must for every traveler exploring East Africa. Trek Africa Expeditions takes pride in creating indelible memories by guiding tourists through the dense, misty, and impenetrable jungles, offering the privilege of spending a cherished hour observing these majestic creatures and their families.
We specialize in organizing Gorilla tracking safaris and tours to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, providing valuable insights into Gorilla permit costs, availability, the best time to visit Mountain Gorillas, packing tips, getting to the National Park, and choosing the ideal accommodation. Trek Africa Expeditions offers both private and group Gorilla safaris, with a scenic drive through Kigali, Rwanda, ensuring you enjoy an exceptional Gorilla tracking experience.
Volcanoes National Park is nestled in Musanze, a small village formerly known as Ruhengeri, easily accessible by public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali City, or Kigali International Airport. The drive to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2-3 hours, enabling same-day Gorilla tracking followed by a return trip to Kigali. To ensure a timely start for Gorilla tracking, arrive at the National Park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 am. Please note that there is no public transport directly from Musanze to the National Park headquarters in Kinigi.
Rwanda is a year-round destination for Gorilla tracking. The optimal times to visit are during the drier seasons, from December to early March and from June to September. December to March marks the long dry season, with occasional temperatures reaching up to 29 degrees Celsius. Conversely, the months of March to mid-May and July to September constitute the rainy season.
While Rwanda generally enjoys favorable weather year-round, the dry season is preferred. During this period, wildlife viewing is more prevalent due to the minimal chance of rain during the trek and favorable hiking conditions in the rainforest. It is advisable to bring waterproof clothing, even during the drier months, as the Equatorial climate can be unpredictable. The dry season is also a peak season, potentially leading to higher prices for accommodation, car rentals, and other services.
Alternatively, budget-conscious travelers, particularly those seeking cost savings, may opt for the wet season. During this period, hotels experience lower occupancy, offering travelers discounted rates for food and accommodation. Additionally, there is reduced demand for Gorilla permits, ensuring that visitors have ample opportunities to see these endangered species without the competition of large crowds.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our dedicated driver/guide will warmly welcome you to Rwanda. Your journey commences with an informative tour of Kigali City, renowned for its picturesque setting amidst lush hills, earning it the nickname “the land of a thousand hills.” Explore intriguing sites such as the craft market, Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, and Kigali museum.
Subsequently, depart for Ruhengeri, the second-largest town in Rwanda, graced by the stunning backdrop of the Virunga mountain range. You will reach your hotel in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy dinner and unwind for the night.
Drive time: 2-3 hours
Rise early for a fulfilling breakfast, preparing you for an extraordinary day. Head to the National Park headquarters to meet your knowledgeable ranger guides, and upon completing the necessary park formalities, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience: tracking Mountain Gorillas. You will have the privilege of spending one hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This encounter is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on our planet. As you stand within seven meters of these colossal primates, an indescribable connection forms, and you’ll find yourself gazing at one another in silent wonder.
Trekking through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains is a magical experience, offering a rare opportunity to observe these massive primates. Mountain Gorillas are incredibly rare, with fewer than 900 individuals remaining in the wild. The trek may be fairly strenuous, lasting up to six hours or more at a relatively high altitude. To ensure an enjoyable experience, it’s advisable to be in good health and reasonably fit.
After your Gorilla tracking adventure, return to your lodge for a relaxing break before embarking on a cultural walk to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. This immersive experience grants you the opportunity to engage with local people and learn about their culture and traditions. The warm hospitality of the community members will make you feel like a special guest as they proudly share their cultural heritage with you.
During the guided community walk, you’ll visit various sites and gain insights into the everyday lives of the local people. Your cultural guide will take you to see a replica of the king’s house, providing interpretations of all its components and sharing stories related to this cultural treasure. You’ll even have the chance to be enthroned as a king for a brief period, participating in ceremonial rituals led by a village elder.
Additionally, you’ll be treated to captivating traditional dances like the Intore dance, accompanied by famous Gorilla-themed songs performed by the renowned Ngayabatema. The melodies will be created using traditional musical instruments, including African drums.
Conclude your day with dinner and overnight at your hotel.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to your gracious hosts and commence your journey back to Kigali. Take advantage of some last-minute shopping in one of Africa’s friendliest capitals before arriving at Kigali International Airport for your onward international flight.
Drive time: 2-3 hours
Your remarkable Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Tours and Safaris have come to an end, leaving you with cherished memories of this exceptional adventure.
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Trek Africa Expeditions invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you will encounter the majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Our expertly crafted tours and safaris are designed to provide you with a seamless and immersive experience, taking care of all the logistical details so that you can fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, our Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Tours and Safaris offer something extraordinary for everyone.
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