Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA
Like in Uganda, Gorilla trekking is the number one tourist activity in Rwanda. Annually, the country earns million dollars from Gorilla tourism. Rwanda hosts mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National park which is also known as French: Parc National des Volcans.
Where is Volcanoes National park located?
The park is situated in northern part of Rwanda in Musanze district. You can reach the park by public means from Kigali or private vehicles. It is 2hours drive from Kigali airport/ city to the park.
How many Gorilla groups are found in Volcanoes National park?
Volcanoes National park hosts ten habituated Gorilla groups namely Amahoro gorilla family, Sabyinyo Gorilla family, Karisimbi Gorilla group, Umubano Gorilla group, 13 group (Aka Agasha gorilla group), Hirwa gorilla group, Bwenge Gorilla family, Ugenda Gorilla family and Kwitonda Gorilla group.
How is Gorilla trekking conducted in Rwanda?
Like in Uganda, Rwanda Gorilla trekking excursion begins with briefing at around 7:30am, followed by gorilla group allocation to ensure that the sick, aged and weak people are given easy trek. It is noted that a maximum of eight people are allowed to trek each gorilla group. All trekker groups are led by ranger guides to ensure informative and enjoyable trek. Only one hour is currently given to treks stay with Gorillas.
How much is Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit?
Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit is sold at $750 to foreign residents, Rfrancs 3000 to Rwanda citizens and $ 475 to Eat African Foreign residents.
Where can get Rwanda Gorilla permits?
You can get trekking permits from Rwanda development Board head quarter in Kigali or from any of the authorized agent.
Tourist attractions with in Volcanoes National park
Other tourist attraction in Volcanoes national park includes the Virunga Mountain which offers a wonderful view for photographing. Some of the volcanoes you can see while in volcanoes national park include Mountain Sabyinyo, Visoke/ Bisoke Volcano, Karisimbi Volcano, Mount Mgahinga and Mountain Muhabura.
Golden monkey are the second thought after Gorillas in Rwanda. You can summerise your safari in Volcanoes with Golden monkey trekking after seeing Gorillas as your first priority. Golden monkey are found in groups and it’s enjoying to meet them in their natural habitat.
Many bird species are found in the park. Volcanoes national park hosts over 50 bird species therefore, birders are welcome!
The unique tree species in the park – alongside bamboo vegetation is also amazing to see while in Volcanoes National park.
The Gorilla starting point- well designed and every morning before setting off to trek Gorillas, visitors are entertained with Kinyarwanda dance and songs. The troop performs to its best!
The safari Lodges like Kinigi Guest House, Le Bambou Gorilla lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback lodge among others. The Lodges re well decorated to attract visitors- staying at one of the listed lodges is memorable and you will be at home away from home!
The park also hosts insects, butterflies, reptile among others. It should be noted that reptiles are rarely seen but they do exist.
Tourist attractions outside Volcanoes National park:
The twin lake – Lake Burera and Buhondo are referred to us twin Lakes in Rwanda. The Lakes are situated near Virunga Lodge. Therefore, visitors staying at Virunga lodge can enjoy the view of the twin Lakes while at the veranda of their Lodge or you can sit in the chair and enjoy the view while taking a drink.
Iby’iwacu cultural villages – it is situated outside Volcanoes National Park but worth a visit. At the iby’iwacu Cultural village, you will be entertained by the residents through music, dance and drama, enjoy local stories, meet traditional hears fortune tellers among others. At the Iby’iwacu cultural village, visitors are equipped with weaving skills, drumming skills, skills in using arrows while hunting and so on.
