Rwanda is arguably the best gorilla trekking destination, with a relatively open habitat and one of the largest gorilla populations in the world making sightings almost guaranteed. Rwanda’s breath-taking scenery means the trek is enjoyable and inspiring from start to finish.
Enjoy completely bespoke gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, whether you want to combine your trek with a visit to the stunning capital city of Kigali, visit the Volcanoes National Park, the home of Rwanda’s gorillas within the Virunga Mountains, Nyungwe National Park or Akagera National Park, you can do it.
Gorilla trekking will leave you tired and sweaty by the end of the day, you want to be able to retreat to a luxurious lodge which makes you feel clean and refreshed at the end of the day. Our gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are all designed with luxury in mind. The entire trip, from the lodge you stay in, to the food you eat and the quality of the guides that will be tracking the gorillas for you, is second to none.
The magical hour spent in the presence of these great apes has been described by past travelers as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity and therefore they cannot be found in any zoo anywhere in the world. Due to this, gorilla trekking is now the most popular tourist experience in Rwanda attracting thousands of travelers to this part of the world.
As early as 6:30 am enjoy your breakfast and then transfer to the national park headquarters for a briefing from the senior park warden in preparation for the day’s gorilla trekking. At 8:00 am, your tour guide will lead you to the starting point of the hike.
In the company of armed game rangers and porters follow the existing trail until you encounter the gorilla group pre-booked for you. Normally it takes 1 to 3 hours to encounter the gorillas depending on their movements the previous night. You are allowed to stay in the presence of the gorillas for at least an hour.
A hike to Dian Fossey graveyard situated at the former Karisoke Research Centre is one of the activities you can never miss. This is where Dian spent about 20 years studying the Mountain Gorillas.
The trek to the site is quite spectacular, as you pass through thick bamboo forest and afro-montane habitats, with criss – crossed trails of tracks of forest buffalo and elephant! Expect to see all sorts of wildlife on your way up and down to the graves, nestled between the beautiful volcanic peaks of Karismbi and Bisoke.
Do not miss out on golden monkeys in Rwanda live in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes and habituation has helped them to overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group of no more than eight people, and you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. The endangered species are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting and a little difficult to photograph!
