Gorilla tracking permits are so high on demand that at times its advisable to buy your permit in advance at least one year ahead. Ask us to advise you on issues concerning the permits. The permit cost includes parking guides fees. It’s always strongly advisable to book gorilla permits many months before your visit: currently there are four gorilla families habituated for tracking in Buhoma sector of Bwindi; Rushegura (R), Nkuringo (N), Mubare (M) and Habiyanja (H). Only 32 tourists are allowed to track gorillas per day here. 2 group are found in Ruhiza eastern sector of Bwindi; Oruzogo with 23 members and Bitukura 14 members, Kyaguriro research of 15 members. Rushaga in the southern sector of Bwindi with 5 families ; Bweza 7 members, Mishaya 7, Kahungye 13 Busingye 9 Nshongi the oldest group 18 members, the western sector of Bwindi has 1 group of 8 members- Nkuringo gorilla family on the side of Kisolo.

Parc National Des Volcans Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is the most excellent memorable experience you will ever experience in a life time!! by visiting such wonderful primates, you are giving them an opportunity to survive and also supporting the surrounding community. Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park still operates as a vital base for international research; some study the gorillas, biologists come and go while some focus on other aspects of the environment and its wildlife.

Bwindi is still funded by the “Digit” fund, however it has been recently re-named “The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund” and also by International Gorilla Conservation Program. Gorilla tourism is one of the most vital asset over which Uganda has a total and complete comparative advantage compared to other countries. Gorilla tourism offers significant economic advantages to Uganda entirely, the tourists, Uganda Wildlife Authority, various levels of governments, and the local communities.

ABOUT GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA:

Rwanda is one of the three countries in the whole world that are gifted with populations of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. These ape creatures thrive in the Volcanoes National Park in the north east of Rwanda adjoining the greater Virunga massif which is co-shared by Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Of the 880 mountain gorillas that exist in the world today, 480 mountain gorillas dwell in the Virunga massif of which Rwanda’ s Volcanoes National Park is proud to be part of.

Having these critically endangered species is by no means a minor consideration and in return, Rwanda has capitalized on this precious natural resource to develop the great gorilla trekking activity which has lured a cross section of world travellers to undertake safaris to Rwanda.

Gorilla Safari in Rwanda

The Rwanda gorilla trekking experience is conducted in the gorilla haven of Volcanoes National Park 116km about 3 hours’ drive from the city of Kigali, Rwanda’s main capital. The activity starts at 08:00am at the park headquarters –Kinigi with short briefing from the park warden or the rangers to give an insight about the conduct of gorilla trekking encounter. After briefing, you make your way to the jungle of Volcanoes National Park with dense shrub and short vegetation that have ensured the survival of the animals for centuries past. The jungle sounds and sights of birds, wildlife like wild pigs, monkeys, amazing flora and great hiking encounters will accompany you up to where the gorillas are foraging from. One full hour is availed to you to maximize your gorilla trekking experience and at the same time minimizing the disturbance to these shy critically endangered apes. Taking photos and asking questions is up to your discretion.

The gorillas conduct like maintaining a 7m distance has to be adhered to accordingly. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda is not a free activity. It comes with acquiring a gorilla permit at Rwanda Tourism Board offices in Kigali city and Ruhengeri town at a cost of $750 for foreign nonresidents, 375USD foreign residents and 30,000Frw for Rwandan citizens.

The Rwanda gorilla trekking families to track are allocated after briefing and 10 groups are available for trekking including; Susa group, Amahoro, Sabinyo, Group 13 (Agasha group), Umubano, Kwitonda, Bwengye, Hirwa, Ugenda and Karisimbi (Susa B). Trekking gorillas in Rwanda is less strenuous compared to Bwindi due to short walking distances and relative terrain involved.

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