Visit Gorillas In Rwanda
Encountering Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda constitutes one of the premier wildlife encounters globally. This exceptional opportunity to observe gorillas in their native environment is indelible; some even describe it as transformative. Interactions with gorillas during their daily activities are meticulously regulated, with skilled trackers and guides escorting small groups of tourists up forested inclines to experience a valuable and awe-inspiring hour in the presence of these compassionate beings.
Currently, there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with over 600 located in the Virunga Volcanic range. Due to the collaborative efforts of the government, communities, and NGOs, mountain gorillas represent the sole group of great apes globally that is experiencing growth.
Visiting gorillas in Rwanda is secure and attainable. In and around Volcanoes National Park, there exist 23 gorilla groups, 12 of which are fully habituated for visitation, while the remaining groups are habituated only for scientific research. Each group comprises at least one silverback, accompanied by many females and juveniles.
The visit Gorillas in Rwanda commences with a briefing at the Volcanoes national park headquarters, which will familiarize you with the group you will be observing and instruct you on appropriate conduct around the gorillas. You will proceed to the park perimeter to initiate tracking. You will ascend to your designated group, and the duration and topography of the hike will be contingent upon the location of the gorilla group you are visiting. It is strongly advised to wear hiking boots or durable walking shoes, waterproof attire, long sleeves, and gloves due to the dense flora and stinging nettles.
For real-time daily gorilla tracking experience from other visitors in Volcanoes National Park, continue to follow our Volcanoes National Park on Instagram for the latest photos and videos from each group.
Booking Permits to Visit Gorillas in Rwanda
Gorilla tracking trips can be arranged through local and international tour operators as part of a comprehensive program for visiting gorillas in Rwanda Rwanda, with the necessary permits and logistics for gorilla visitation. A gorilla permit may be reserved online, and lodging near Volcanoes National Park is available.
Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are priced at US $1,500 per individual per day. The minimum age requirement for tracking gorillas is 15 years. Exclusive promotions are presently accessible to citizens and residents of Rwanda and the East African Community.
Additional details on permits and online reservations are available here, along with other activities that can be undertaken during your visit.
Before reserving your gorilla tracking experience, we recommend reviewing the International Gorilla Conservation Project’s Gorilla Friendly Pledge, which demonstrates your dedication to respecting mountain gorilla families and their habitat by maintaining physical distance, wearing a facemask at all times, and ensuring no waste is left in the park.
Funds generated from gorilla licenses is allocated to fund community and conservation initiatives, including the enhancement of forest and gorilla habitats. Additional information regarding the conservation of Mountain gorillas is available here.
Upon your visit, please share your experience utilizing Rwanda Gorilla Trek which enables you to actively participate in conservation by tagging photographs and videos of the gorillas you observe, so contributing significantly to our knowledge repository for monitoring populations and behaviors.
