Why Should You Visit Rwanda for Gorillas?
Why should you visit Rwanda for gorillas? Why visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking, not Uganda or Congo? Is Rwanda the best gorilla safari destination in Africa to see mountain gorillas? There are many reasons why Rwanda should be your bucket-list African safari destination when it comes to gorilla safaris.
There are only 3 places in Africa and the world at large to visit to see mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. With fewer than 1063 of these massive apes still thriving on planet earth, an encounter with them in the wild is a lifetime experience. About 30% of them roam freely in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri region.
Why should you visit Rwanda for gorillas, not any destination? Here are some amazing reasons why Rwanda should be a must-visit to see gorillas in Africa.
- Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, no gorilla safari destination is more reachable than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Just 2-3 hours (105kms) drive from Kigali capital and you will be right at Volcanoes National Park fully set for an actual gorilla trekking experience. It is the shortest distance making it easier for visitors to connect and engage in the trek to see gorillas and then return.
Because of the park’s proximity to the city center, it is possible to go 1-day gorilla tour, 2 days, 3 days gorilla safari, and 4 days gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, traveling by road requires you 8-9 hours to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to visit gorillas. But there is an option of flying to Kisoro/Kabale and you connect to the park of your choice for gorilla trekking.
Safety and Security
For decades, Rwanda remains the safest gorilla safaris destination thanks to its committed leader H.E. Paul Kagame. It has greatly transformed from the dark history of the 1994 genocide to now the preferred high-end destination. Because of peace and security, most tourists flock to this landlocked country for gorilla tourism, wildlife safaris in Rwanda, business, MICE, and more. Visitor safety is key and at Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd, we take your safety as the priority that is why we carefully choose our destinations.
Abundant habituated gorilla groups
Rwanda has many opportunities for tourists on gorilla safaris to see mountain gorillas in the wild. As of 2022, 12 habituated gorilla families exist in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda like other gorilla safari destinations is done in already habituated gorilla families.
Some of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda include Susa B (Karisimbi group), Susa A, Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Amahoro gorilla family, Umubano, Titus, Agashya, Bwenge, Ugenda, and Kwitonda. These translate into 96 gorilla permits with each group visited by only 8pax. Every gorilla permit in Rwanda is issued at USD1500 and this is for every single gorilla trekking. Obtaining a Rwanda gorilla permit is easier, contact Alpha Safaris and we can do everything on your behalf.
Support gorilla conservation in Rwanda
Conserving mountain gorillas and other wildlife is costly. It all requires a collective effort and by you engaging in gorilla safari, you have greatly played an amazing part in securing the feature of the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Other than gorilla tourism, you can also donate to different conservation organizations including Dian Fossey Fund.
The myriad of gorilla safari accommodation
There is a reason why Rwanda is a preferred gorilla safari destination, where to stay isn’t a challenge. A gorilla safari with Alpha Safaris guarantees you ultimate comfort in our carefully selected luxuriant accommodation facilities.
Our recommendation: Luxury accommodation includes Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Midrange/Standard accommodation in Volcanoes N/Park: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel La Palme, and Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel.
Explore more than just mountain gorillas
Rwanda is naturally rich and you should expect to see not just mountain gorillas but plenty of other attractions on Rwanda safaris. Combine gorilla safari tours with other unique experiences: chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Big 5 game viewing in Akagera National Park, canopy walk Nyungwe Forest, Kigali city tours, Virunga Volcanoes (hiking safaris), etc.
Top Things to Pack for Rwanda gorilla safari tour
Gorilla trekking packing list Rwanda safari: gardening gloves, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, poncho or rain jacket, sunglasses, snacks, daypack waterproof, bottled water, sunscreen, camera free of a flashlight, long-sleeved shirt, sweater, sunscreen, safari hat, long trousers, and more.
When should you visit Rwanda for gorillas?
Any time, month of the year, you can visit, track and explore more about Rwanda mountain gorillas. However, the best time is the dry season when there is less or no rain and the ground is drier. The dry season is the best time for Rwanda gorilla trekking: June, July, August, September, and December, January & February.
Even during the wet/rainy season, it is possible to visit to see Rwanda gorillas. The wet/rainy season for gorilla trekking in Rwanda: March, April, May, October, and November. This translates to 2 remarkable seasons worth considering for all your gorilla safaris.
How much is a gorilla permit in Rwanda?
You need a valid gorilla trekking permit to visit Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost USD1500 per person and Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd (info@premiumafricasafaris.com) makes it easier for you not only to secure a gorilla permit but to plan the entire gorilla safari. To have your gorilla permit booked, our advice is, to book at least 2- 4 months or even a year earlier before you visit for actual gorilla trekking.
Getting there
Road travel is the best way to reach your destination: Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. From Kigali, it is a 2-3 hour drive and in a 4×4 Rwanda safari vehicle, you enjoy the scenic view of the countryside characterized by rolling hills. From Uganda, drive from Bwindi National Park via Kabale/Mgahinga National Park Kisoro through Katuna or Chanika border. Within 3-4 hours, you would have reached Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.