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Budget Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Mariska Griffin • Feb 10, 2021

With over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population found in Rwanda, we can’t wait for you to enjoy one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world - joining us on a budget gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat!


Rwanda’s meticulous handling of the current coronavirus pandemic, and the opening of their tiny, densely populated, country to international tourism already in June 2020, is something of a benchmark for even the most developed nations to aspire to. With COVID hygiene protocols in place, Rwanda is fast positioning itself as a model in COVID-19 safety, efficiency, and compliance.


The Gorilla Trekking Experience

Once you arrive at the park headquarters, you will be briefed by the park's rangers and guides. When the trek begins, there is no pre-determined length of time you will spend in the forest as it all depends on the movements of the gorillas. Treks can last for 30 minutes or up to 5 hours. Once the gorilla family you’re trekking is located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them.

 

Your group's lead tracker has his "own" gorilla family.  As an experienced tracker, he will look for signs of gorilla activity such as footprints, dung, chewed bamboo and celery stalks, and abandoned nests from the previous evening.  Gorillas soil their nests and then abandon them to build new ones each night.  Trackers can tell the age of the nests and identify the group that made it.

 

Although time is allowed to stop and rest along the way, they maintain a moderate to intense pace throughout the trek. They aim to ensure that you will reach the gorillas in time to spend a full hour with them before heading back.  If you are concerned about the terrain, we recommend hiring a porter.  The porters will carry your bag and help you navigate some of the trek's steeper sections.

 

You will probably smell the gorillas before you see them.  When you reach them, the tracker will move forward, making soft smacking and groaning sounds with his mouth to assure the group that friends are approaching.  Although gorillas make very few vocalisations, this sound of reassurance is one that family members often use with each other.

 

If your trek to find the gorillas has not been unusually long, you will likely see them during their long midday rest and play period.  At this time of day, the dominant male (usually a silverback) generally lounges on the ground or against a tree while youngsters roll in the vegetation and climb on trees, vines and each other. Females nurse and play with their infants.


Budget Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost

budget rwanda gorilla trekking permit cost

To visit a gorilla family in Rwanda, you need to buy a gorilla trekking permit.

 

Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are very expensive - US$ 1500 per permit.  We, however, have some great news, till 31 May 2021 African Citizens visiting Rwanda to for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park will only be paying US$ 500.00 per permit, a saving of 65%.

 

This discounted rate opens the opportunity for budget travellers to trek gorillas in Rwanda! 

 

Rwanda offers a 30% discount on the US$ 1500.00 gorilla permits if your visit includes a minimum stay of three days in other Rwanda parks like Akagera National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park.  Discounted offers are also available during the low season of November to May.

 

The cutting of Rwanda gorilla permit prices to African Citizens is to encourage more travels to recover from the huge losses encountered during the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

The trekking permit allows you and your fellow trekkers to visit a gorilla family for a maximum of one hour.


What should you know before going gorilla trekking?

First – IMPROVE your fitness before you go!  Gorillas live in mountain forest areas, so the treks to see them are at altitude and pass through varied vegetation and terrain.  You will need a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to climb up muddy slopes and through thick undergrowth.  Gorilla trekking is a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience; make sure you are fit enough to enjoy the experience.

 

Stay healthy!  Since it’s very easy for humans to pass their illnesses on to gorillas, and since they do not have our immunity, you won’t be allowed to trek if you’re ill when the day comes.


What To Wear During The Hike

gorilla trekking - what to expect

It would help if you prepare for muddy trails and changeable weather, but it's unnecessary to spend a fortune on gear for the trek.

 

Areas of the forest are full of horrible stinging nettles.  Protect yourself by bringing a pair of gloves (gardening gloves is perfect), knee-high hiking gaiters and wear fairly thick pants.  In terms of other clothes, you can hike with a t-shirt (we recommend a t-shirt that dries quickly), fleece jacket, as it can be cool to very cold in the mornings.  You are trekking gorillas in the rain forest, be wise and pack rain gear; poncho highly recommendable.  Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.


When is the best time to go to Rwanda for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda are conducted throughout the year.  Mountain gorillas live within tropical rain forests, which can be slippery and muddy.  Therefore, we recommend the dry season from mid-May to September and December to March.


eXplore Plus Travel & Tours pride ourselves on safari experiences beyond our guests' expectations, and we hope you can join us on this once in a lifetime safari! Contact us for your gorilla trekking safari today!


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