For elderly travelers and those with disabilities, embarking on a Gorilla tracking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a dream that can be realized with the right support. Trek Africa Tours, your trusted tour operator, specializes in organizing Gorilla tracking tours customized for elderly seniors. Mountain Gorillas, magnificent and elusive creatures, find their habitat on the forested highlands of the Virunga Massif and in Bwindi Forest. The Virunga Massif spans across Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, respectively. Given their habitat in highland elevations, Gorilla tracking inherently involves hiking. Rwanda boasts 10 habituated Gorilla families, ready for tracking every day.
Volcanoes National Park is located in the small village of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri, which is easily accessible by public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali City, or Kigali International Airport. The journey to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2-3 hours, allowing for Gorilla tracking on the same day with a return trip to Kigali after the trek. It is essential to arrive at the National Park headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 am, so early departures from your starting point are recommended. Please note that there is no public transport available from Musanze to the National Park headquarters in Kinigi.
Gorilla tracking tours in Rwanda are possible throughout the year. However, certain seasons are more favorable:
It’s important to note that even during the dry seasons, it’s advisable to carry waterproof clothing due to the unpredictable equatorial climate.
Upon arriving at Kigali International Airport, our driver/guide will greet you, and your adventure commences with a complimentary tour of Kigali City. Known as the “land of a thousand hills” and named by Dr. Richard Kandt in 1907, Kigali is surrounded by lush green hills. Explore captivating spots such as the craft market, Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, and Kigali museum. Afterward, depart for Ruhengeri, the second-largest town in Rwanda, boasting a stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains—the Virungas. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Drive time: 2-3 hours
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the National Park headquarters to meet your ranger guides. After completing park formalities, embark on the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking Mountain Gorillas. Once you spot them, you’ll be allowed to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures at close proximity. The trek through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga Massif is a magical and strenuous experience. Tracking these massive primates, with fewer than 900 living today, is a wildlife encounter like no other.
After an early breakfast, proceed to the National Park headquarters for your second day of Gorilla tracking. Just like the day before, once you spot the Gorillas, you’ll have an hour to observe them up close. Take this opportunity to connect with these remarkable creatures in the heart of the rainforest. The trekking experience may be physically demanding, lasting up to six hours or more at a relatively high altitude. It’s recommended to be in good physical condition for your enjoyment.
Return to your hotel for lunch, followed by dinner and overnight. If time allows, you may visit the Iby I’wacu cultural village, where former poachers share cultural insights and entertain visitors with their rich heritage.
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and depart for Kigali. Enjoy some last-minute shopping in one of Africa’s friendliest capitals before heading back to the airport for your onward international flight.
Drive time: 2-3 hours End of Service