Gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Kisoro Tours Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a popular and incredible wildlife experience. Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and it offers some of the best opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The gorillas live in the Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. To go gorilla trekking, you’ll need to obtain a permit in advance, as they are limited to protecting the gorillas and their habitat. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and it’s recommended to book them well in advance, as they can be in high demand.
On the day of your trek, you’ll join a small group of fellow trekkers and be accompanied by experienced guides and trackers. Trekking can take fewer or longer hours, regarding on the location and position of the gorilla groups you’re directed to visit. The terrain can be challenging, as you’ll be hiking through dense forests and sometimes steep slopes. Once you find the gorilla group, you’ll have a precious hour to observe them from a close but safe distance. It’s a unique opportunity to witness their behavior and social interactions, and perhaps even see the silverback, which is the dominant male of the group. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a highly regulated activity, and strict guidelines are in place to ensure the well-being of the gorillas and minimize human impact. It’s important to follow the instructions of the guides and maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas. This helps protect their natural habitat and minimize disturbance.
Overall, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a truly unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with these incredible creatures and contribute to their conservation efforts.
What is the price for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The price for gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda is $1,500 per person. The cost of the permit is set by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and is subject to change. It’s important to note that the permit price is specific to Rwanda, and prices may vary in other countries where gorilla trekking is available, such as Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. The permit fee is a significant portion of the overall cost of gorilla trekking, but it covers the cost of conservation efforts, and protection of the gorillas’ habitat, and supports local communities living around the national park.
In addition to the permit cost, you will also need to consider other expenses such as accommodation, transportation, meals, and any additional activities or tours you may wish to undertake while in Rwanda. These costs can vary depending on your preferences, the duration of your stay, and the level of luxury you choose. It’s important to plan your gorilla trekking experience well in advance, as permits are limited and can sell out quickly, especially during the peak season. Book with Kisoro Tours Uganda which can also assist you with obtaining the permits, organizing logistics, and ensuring a smooth experience.
Why gorilla trekking in Rwanda is overrated more than in Uganda and DRC?
It would be inaccurate to say that gorilla trekking in Rwanda is universally considered to be overrated compared to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Each country offers a unique gorilla trekking experience with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some factors that contribute to Rwanda’s Gorilla trekking popularity:
Accessibility and Ease of Travel: Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where the gorilla treks take place, is located relatively close to the capital city, Kigali. This proximity makes it convenient for travelers who have limited time or prefer shorter travel distances. The ease of access is a significant factor for many tourists.
Well-developed Tourism Infrastructure: Rwanda has invested significantly in its tourism infrastructure, making it easier for visitors to plan and execute their gorilla trekking experience. The country offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses, along with well-maintained roads and transportation services.
Safety and Political Stability: Rwanda is known for its stability and security, which is an important consideration for travelers. The country has made remarkable progress in terms of safety and has actively promoted tourism as a key sector for its economic development.
Conservation Efforts and Sustainability: Rwanda has been recognized for its commitment to gorilla conservation and sustainable tourism practices. The revenue which is obtained and raised from the selling of gorilla trekking permits is partially reinvested again into conservation efforts, supporting local communities through revenue sharing, protecting the gorillas’ habitats, and promoting environmental sustainability.
While Rwanda has its unique advantages, both Uganda and the DRC offer their own remarkable gorilla trekking experiences. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its high gorilla population density, and it also offers the opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with other wildlife experiences. The DRC’s Virunga National Park is known for its stunning landscapes and the opportunity to witness the gorillas in a more rugged and remote setting.
The choice of destination ultimately depends on individual preferences, such as budget, travel logistics, personal interests, and desired experiences. Each country has its own allure, and it’s important to research and consider various factors when deciding which destination suits you best.
Gorilla families and groups in Rwanda.
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are several habituated gorilla families/groups that visitors can encounter during gorilla trekking. Kisoro Tours Uganda shares some of the well-known gorilla families in Rwanda:
Susa Group (Susa A and Susa B): Susa is one of the largest gorilla groups, consisting of about 33 members with 2 silverbacks. This group gained fame as the family studied by Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist. It is known for having multiple silverbacks and is sometimes split into two smaller groups for tracking purposes (Susa A and Susa B). The highest and most interesting thing in this group is the presence of twins.
Sabyinyo Group: Sabyinyo is a popular gorilla family with approximately 13 members with 2 silverbacks. It’s known for having a relatively accessible location, which makes it a good option for some trekkers.
Amahoro Group: Amahoro, meaning “peaceful,” is a group of around 21 members. It is known for its calm and gentle behavior, making it a favorite among some.
Kwitonda Group: Kwitonda consists of 20 members and is named after a dominant silverback known for his humility. This group also occasionally ventures into the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Umubano Group: Umubano is a relatively large group with about 13 members. It was formed by Silverbacks breaking away from the Amahoro Group, and it occasionally has interactions with its original group.
Hirwa Group: Hirwa is a family formed by members from different groups, including some from the Susa Group. The word “Hirwa” means “lucky one” in the local language. It currently has 13 members.
It’s important to note that the composition and sizes of gorilla groups can change over time as gorillas form new families or splinter off from existing ones. The exact number of members in each group may vary at any given time. During the gorilla trekking experience, the park authorities assign visitors to one specific gorilla group for the day, and you will spend the designated time observing and learning about that particular family.
Accommodation facilities in and around gorilla trekking points as shared by Kisoro Tours Uganda?
There are several accommodation options available in and around Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.
Luxury/Upmarket Lodges:
Bisate Lodge: costs around $1,500 USD per person per night, Virunga Lodge, prices around $1,000 USD per person per night, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, costs around $1,500 USD per person per night and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, ranges at $1,500 USD per person per night.
Mid-Range Lodges:
Le Bambou Gorilla Village: between $300 to $400 USD per person per night, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: between $200 to $300 USD per person per night, and Gorilla Mountain View Lodge: between $200 to $300 USD per person per night.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation:
Kinigi Guest House: between $70 to $100 USD per person per night, Volcanoes Gorilla Hotel: between $100 to $150 USD per person per night, and Muhabura Hotel: between $50 to $100 USD per person per night.
Please note that the prices mentioned are approximate and can vary depending on the season, availability, and specific room types or packages. It’s always recommended to check with individual lodges or consult with Kisoro Tours Uganda for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information. Remember, these are just a few examples of accommodation options, and there may be other lodges or guesthouses available in the area to suit various budgets and preferences.
