Altitude for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Altitude for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Are you intending to arrange a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda and want information regarding the altitude for such activities? Rwanda is an exceptional destination for trekking Mountain Gorillas, who inhabit Volcanoes National Park, part of the magnificent Virunga mountain range. Other national parks inside the Virunga ranges comprise Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The elevation for gorilla trekking in Rwanda varies from 2500 to 4500 meters above sea level. The topography of Volcanoes National Park is frequently mild, featuring designated walkways and walking routes. The activity can be rather demanding, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a whole day of 6-7 hours or more of trekking; so, it is essential to be adequately prepared by maintaining optimal physical fitness.

Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Rwanda?

The gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda occurs at Volcanoes National Park, situated in the far northwest of the country, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and abundant highland vegetation, including bamboo forests and open grasslands. Gorilla tracking in this park occurs once daily, with eight individuals visiting a gorilla troop each day. Visitors are anticipated to arrive at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices at 7 AM, where they will receive a briefing on expectations and guidelines for gorilla monitoring, followed by allocation to several gorilla groups. Upon completion of the briefing and assignment to a gorilla troop, you will accompany your armed ranger guide to commence your expedition in pursuit of these gentle giants. The duration of your travel may range from several minutes to six hours, contingent upon the location of the gang you are pursuing. Upon gaining insight into the group, you will be permitted to remain in their presence for a duration of only one hour. Recall the details conveyed in the briefing and strive to adhere to them for both your safety and that of the gorillas.

What is the procedure for reserving a Gorilla Trekking experience in Rwanda?

To reserve a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda, it is imperative to obtain your gorilla permit in advance from the Rwanda Development Board to verify your booking for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park on a specified day. Upon confirmation of your travel dates, please email Eco Adventure Safaris to verify the availability of gorilla permits through the Rwanda Development Board. Once we ascertain that permits are available for your specified dates, we will inform you and provide an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of your money, we will promptly get your permits and provide you with a scanned copy for your records, thereby confirming your reservation for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Gorilla National Park.

What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The cost of the Gorilla permit significantly contributes to the overall expense of any Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda, in addition to other services such as transportation, hotel, and guiding. The cost of a gorilla permit is USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 500 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for East African citizens, per person per trip. This permit allows for a one-hour interaction with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. In addition to the gorilla permit, you will incur additional expenses for a successful gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, including transportation, lodging, and guiding services. The cost of our all-inclusive 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda is USD 2,700 per person for a group of two, USD 3,100 for a solo traveler, USD 2,600 per person for a group of three, and USD 2,500 per person for a group of four. Contact us here, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you.

What is the best time to reserve a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda?

The optimal time to reserve a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda is now, as scheduled flights commence on 1st August. Rwanda is prepared to welcome tourists once more, coinciding with an advantageous travel period. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is optimally conducted from June to October and December to March, coinciding with the dry season characterized by minimal rainfall. This facilitates treks in Volcanoes National Park, as the vegetation is less dense, thereby enhancing trail accessibility and visibility of the mountain gorillas, which provides excellent photographic opportunities. In the months of April, May, and November, typically characterized by increased precipitation, vegetation flourishes, obscuring visibility. However, during this period, treks are generally shorter, as mountain gorillas do not travel long distances in search of food, which is abundantly available. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available year-round, as it is a well organized activity with a 99% likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodations for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Accommodation at Volcanoes National Park encompasses budget, mid-range, and luxury options. Luxury accommodations include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. The cost varies from USD 300 to USD 1000 per individual every night.

The midrange lodging options at Volcanoes National Park are Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, and Davinci Lodge. Budget accommodations in Volcanoes National Park provide a variety of options, ranging from simple lodging to camping, such as Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.

All lodges in Volcanoes National Park are adequately prepared to accommodate tourists, having implemented different standard operating procedures in accordance with the recommendations of the Rwanda Health Ministry and the World Health Organization to ensure the safety and health of visitors participating in Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda.

Methods for accessing Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is optimally accessed by road, with a driving duration of 2 to 3 hours from Kigali. Your driving guide will greet you for a brief orientation at the allocated hotel before departing for the park, traversing the picturesque landscapes of Rwanda’s 1000 hills, allowing for opportunities to stop for photographs and sightseeing.