Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
In the whole world, you can only see the mountain gorillas (Gorilla Berengei Berengei) in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In Rwanda, these primates can be seen in the Volcanoes National Park, Parc Nationale Des Volcans, as of 2016, there are 7 mountain gorilla groups habituated making it 56 gorilla permits for visitors to Rwanda available every single day. 8 people per group can trek these endangered apes. Susa group is the best to track with 41 gorillas! With a gorilla permit costing US $ 1500 per person per trek, part of your contribution goes to conserving these mountain gorillas. When visiting the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, one should not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (PNV) consisting of 125 km2 of mountain forest and home to the six Virunga Volcanoes and the world famous mountain gorillas. Protected within the PNV, the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world.
What to expect from Rwanda Gorillas
Here are a few highlights! You have to wake up early morning, meaning that you must find accommodation closer to the park entrance. Your African gorilla guide will be briefing you at 7 am about safety precautions as well as the etiquette. There are over 80 gorilla tracking guides provided by the Rwanda Development Board, well trained and speaking English and French. Together with other members of the group, you proceed to the forest and start the hike which may be tiring depending on your physical strength. Remember they are called mountain gorillas so an element of hiking is a must. The adventure takes anything from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. The English-speaking forest guides are amazingly good, and will lead you to the specific ‘habituated’ mountain gorillas group, which certainly will be acquitted to human presence.
Cost of a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda 2017
USD $1500 per person for non-nationals
Cost of a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda
Most Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tour operators or gorilla trekking companies Aga Safaris, Africa Adventure Safaris, Yala safaris will have different prices, both cheap and luxury options. The difference of how much to charge depends on accommodation, vehicle, season and running costs of the company. Local companies will definitely charge lower than the international travel agencies.
Sample Cost
1 day gorilla tour about $ 1700 to $ 1850
2 days gorilla Rwanda $ 1900 to $ 2000
3 Days gorilla tracking Rwanda $ 2100 to $ 3000.
