Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris (Guided Gorilla Trekking Tours)

In the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda is renowned for its gorilla trekking safaris tour opportunities. In the 1960s, mountain gorillas were studied and trained here by Dian Fossey. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but the nation has a lot more to offer. Even if gorilla trekking is out of your price range, Rwanda is still worthwhile to visit as a developing nation that offers primate walks, volcano hikes, and bird-watching in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. As well as Rwanda boat safaris on Lake Kivu in the Rift Valley and a traditional safari in search of the Big Five in quiet Akagera National Park.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tour Packages

8 Inquiries Regarding Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda

What Time Of Year Is Ideal For Traveling to Rwanda?

The best time to take safaris in Rwanda depends somewhat on your interests and tolerance for rainy weather. Safaris in Rwanda can be taken at any time. Gorilla trekking, which is a year-round activity, is the main reason visitors to Rwanda come. Trekking in the Virunga Mountains, home to the gorillas, can be difficult due to the region’s humid climate, particularly during its peak in March, April, October, and November. It is best to go on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda during the driest months (June to August), and Nyungwe Forest National Park hiking is also advised during these months.

The majority of the primates in Nyungwe can be found at any time of year, but chimpanzees are simpler to find during the Wet because they tend to retreat deeper into the forest when food supplies are low. Having said that, the Wet season months can be advantageous if you have good weatherproof gear and don’t mind occasionally getting caught in the rain because they are frequently less crowded and lodges offer lower rates. Additionally, gorilla permits are simpler to obtain during the wet season. “.

What are the Main Attractions In Rwanda and Why Should I Go There?

The genocide of 1994 is the main reason for the beauty and small size of Rwanda. The good news is that the nation has largely recovered from this terrible incident and is now extremely safe and completely prepared for tourism. Through all of this turmoil, the Rwandan government was able to maintain the safety of its gorillas, and now seeing these gentle giants is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa.

Therefore, seeing mountain gorillas is by far the top reason to visit Rwanda, and most visitors come for that reason alone, frequently extending their trip by a few days to include Rwanda in addition to safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. Gorilla trekking safaris tour is just one of many things to do in Rwanda, though. Golden monkey treks and climbing a Virungas volcano are two additional attractions. It’s also worthwhile to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.

13 species of primate, including chimpanzees, call this lovely, high-altitude forest home. It is also remarkably accessible. Rwanda’s sole savannah reserve is Akagera National Park. Although it can’t quite match the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in terms of size and wilderness appeal, this picturesque park is home to the Big Five thanks to recent reintroductions. “.

What does a Gorilla Trekking Safaris Tour in Rwanda Cost?

It is expensive to go on a mountain gorilla trek. The price of a gorilla trekking safaris permit in Rwanda doubled in 2017; it now costs US$1500. There are only eight habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists in Volcanoes National Park, and each group can only have a maximum of eight visitors per day, which serves as justification for the high fee.

As a result, there are a maximum of 64 permits per day. If you have the means to do so, it is worthwhile. How can you put value on such an incredible experience, which many people who have had it say was one of their life’s travel highlights?

How is Rwanda’s Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing?

“In comparison to most traditional East African safari vacations, Rwanda safaris tour is quite different. Rainforest hiking is required for the majority of activities. In addition to tracking gorillas, it is also possible to track chimpanzees and golden monkeys. It’s difficult to compare seeing any of these primates too, say, going on a safari in the Masai Mara, though seeing any of them is a very rewarding experience.

A visit to Akagera National Park for a more traditional safari can be included in longer Rwanda vacations. Due to African Parks’ dedication, human encroachment and poaching in Akagera have significantly decreased. A visit to Akagera shouldn’t be missed, even though animals there are still quite wary and you have to search a little bit harder for sightings than in some other famous savannah parks. “.

How secure is Rwanda for Visitors?

“Rwanda is a secure country. The genocide, which resulted from a long-standing conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi peoples, regrettably still leaves a stain on the nation. There haven’t been any incidents since the genocide 24 years ago. Today, Rwanda seems to be a fairly well-run nation, and most people are very kind and welcoming.

Due to the large number of people who have returned to Rwanda after long periods of exile—many of whom studied abroad—the country has a decidedly cosmopolitan feel. Visitors should exercise normal safety precautions in cities and urban areas because, as in any developing nation, poverty is a contributing factor to crime. All of this shouldn’t be an issue if you reserve Rwandan gorilla trekking tours with a reliable provider. ”.

How do I Choose a Reputable Rwanda Safaris Tour Company?

Any African safari can include a Rwanda gorilla trekking package, according to the majority of specialized African tour operators. If you’re thinking about taking a vacation in Rwanda rather than just visiting as an add-on to another destination, you should carefully select your operator to make sure you’re in good hands. Checking out the tour guides and operators listed on tripadvisor.com is a good place to start.

Always read the customer reviews (but never base your decision solely on a small sample of reviews), and think about using a local operator to avoid middlemen with pricey offices in London or New York. This means that all of your money will benefit the Rwandan economy, and you will be contributing to the well-being of the neighborhood. The drawback is that small operators may not always have the support and resources needed to handle a situation if something goes wrong, like a vehicle breakdown. Alternatively, international tour operators can bundle your flights with a safari in Rwanda. ”.

On Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris, What Kind Of Lodging Can I Anticipate?

Since its first safari tourism boom 15 to 20 years ago, Rwanda has come a long way. In all the major tourist destinations, there are now first-rate lodging options. There are now tourist-class hotels in or near Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park, where there were previously only a few local guesthouses to choose from.

In recent years, a number of the tiny, exclusive safari lodges that are so well-liked in more well-known safari nations have also opened. This ought to help Rwanda gain recognition among seasoned African tourists who enjoy traditional safari vacations. “.

What can I Anticipate from a Gorilla Trekking Safaris Tour in Rwanda?

“Although Akagera National Park is growing to be a fantastic savannah safari destination, safaris in Rwanda do not compare to those that are traditionally offered in nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. The term “safari” may therefore be a little misleading. The majority of visitors to Rwanda come for the outdoor pursuits available in the surrounding rain forest, such as gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, volcano hikes, and bird watching.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a mountain gorilla, and most visitors leave in awe of these magnificent gentle giants going about their daily lives in this breathtaking rainforest. It’s a true privilege to spend even an hour with them. This is why many general tourists now consider going on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda to be a must-do activity. It has also recently received more publicity. The more active traveler will mostly be drawn to other activities.

You’ll be walking a lot on slick forest paths and you might get wet a few times because the country receives a lot of rain throughout the year. Everywhere you go, there won’t be many tourists because of the daily cap on gorilla permits, giving you a sense of exclusivity and discovery. All visitors are warmly welcomed by the Rwandan people, who are incredibly proud of their nation. ”.