How to Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Day Trip with Lunch in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 endangered mountain gorilla families, and there’s no better way to meet them than on a gorilla trekking day trip from Kigali. This life-changing tour is an unforgettable opportunity to discover the stunning landscape and wildlife of Rwanda and marvel at the size and peacefulness of these gentle giants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your gorilla trekking day trip with lunch in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Experience Highlights

– Meet one of the 12 gorilla families residing in the Volcanoes National Park
– Discover the stunning landscape and wildlife of Rwanda
– Marvel at the size and peacefulness of these endangered gentle giants
– Learn about mountain gorillas from an expert local guide

Tour Description

The day trip begins with a hotel pickup from Kigali in the early hours of the morning. A professional guide will greet you and take care of you throughout the day. From Kigali, it’s a 2-hour drive to Musanze Province, where you’ll find the Volcanoes National Park.

Once you arrive, your guide will take you on a hiking tour to look for the gentle creatures. You’ll trek through the bamboo-covered slopes and eventually come across one of the 12 gorilla families residing in the park. You’ll have the opportunity to sit down and watch as the gorillas go about their day.

Before the hike, there will be breakfast at the park, and the park warden will give a briefing at the Kinigi park headquarters. The briefing is essential as it will give you an idea of the gorilla trekking protocols, what to expect during the hike, and how to behave while around the gorillas.

The hike can last from 2-6 hours but is well worth it once you get to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. The mountain gorillas are used to humans’ presence, and they often go about their lives as usual; feeding, grooming, and playing. The trek back to the park headquarters will take you back through the beautiful landscape of Volcanoes National Park.

After the hike, you’ll have lunch, and then head back towards Kigali, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Booking the Tour

To book the gorilla trekking day trip with lunch in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, head to book the tour here, where you can check availability, choose your preferred date and time, and pay for the trip.

Final Thoughts

The Gorilla Trekking Day Trip with Lunch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the gentle giants that reside in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The stunning landscape and wildlife of this beautiful region will take your breath away, and the experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat will stay with you forever. By following this guide, you can plan your gorilla trekking day trip with ease and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, famous for its population of gorillas that live in the park. It is a conservation area located in the northern part of Rwanda close to the Ugandan border. The park was officially opened in 1925 and covers an area of about 160 sq km. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the park.

1. What is Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is a conservation area in northwestern Rwanda, bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world, as well as other primates, beautiful forests, and volcanoes.

2. What is the cost to enter Volcanoes National Park?

The cost of a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National Park is currently $1,500 per person per trek. The price includes a maximum of one hour in the presence of the gorillas. The cost of other permits like golden monkey and volcano climbing is different.

3. What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park?

Rwanda can be visited all year-round, but the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the drier months from June to September or December to February. During these times, the gorilla trekking trails will be less muddy, and the weather will be less humid.

4. How can I get to Volcanoes National Park?

There are several ways to get to Volcanoes National park:

– By air: Visitors from outside Rwanda can fly into Kigali International Airport and then hire a car or take a public bus to Musanze or Ruhengeri.
– By road: Volcanoes National Park is about two hours drive from Kigali City Center or Kigali International Airport. Visitors can hire a car or take a public bus or taxi from Kigali to Musanze or Ruhengeri.

5. Is it necessary to have a guide while visiting the Park?

Yes, all visitors to the park must be accompanied by experienced guides provided by the park. The guides are knowledgeable about the park’s rules and regulations, as well as the various animal species you may encounter during your visit.

6. How long does a gorilla trek last?

The length of a gorilla trek varies depending on several factors, including the distance of the gorilla family being visited and the location of the group within the national park. The trek can last from 2-8 hours.

7. What are the rules for visiting Volcanoes National Park?

The park has strict rules and guidelines designed to protect the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. Some of the rules include:

– Visitors must stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas at all times.
– Only one hour is allowed in the presence of the gorillas.
– Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited while in the park.
– No flash photography is allowed.

8. What should I wear for gorilla trekking?

It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect you from insects and stinging nettles. A rain jacket is necessary because the park receives rain throughout the year. Gloves and a hat are also recommended.

9. Can I visit the park without visiting the gorillas?

Yes, visitors can enjoy other activities in the park, such as golden monkey tracking, visiting Dian Fossey’s grave or climbing one of the volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo.

10. How can I book a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park?

Gorilla trekking permits must be booked through the Rwanda Development Board directly or through a licensed tour operator. Visitors should book their permits as early as possible, as permits are limited to only eight per gorilla family.

Conclusion

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a fascinating destination, and gorilla tracking is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit. It is essential to understand the rules and regulations when visiting the park to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas. We hope this article has answered your most frequently asked questions about the park and inspired you to plan your visit.