Rwanda, an emerald jewel nestled in the heart of Africa, where majestic peaks whisper ancient tales and the echoing heartbeats of elusive mountain gorillas drum a rhythm in the verdant, mist-kissed forests - a wild, primal symphony that defines the quintessence of nature's raw, unfiltered beauty.
Rwanda, the emerald gem of Africa, offers an unrivaled setting for one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences - gorilla trekking. The country's prime gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area, a lush oasis home to a significant proportion of the world's mountain gorillas. What distinguishes Rwanda is the seamless blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and well-curated, accessible encounters.
The country's commitment to responsible tourism ensures gorilla treks are conducted with minimal disturbance to these majestic creatures, protecting their habitat and offering a sustainable model for wildlife tourism. The short, scenic drive from Rwanda's capital, Kigali, to the heart of gorilla territory eliminates strenuous journeys, enhancing the overall experience. Rwanda, with its alluring natural beauty and conservation-forward approach, presents not just a wildlife encounter, but a profound connection with the natural world that resonates with every heartbeat of the gorillas you'll come to admire.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda serves as a powerful testament to the country's resilience and the human spirit's ability to rise from the ashes of despair. This profound institution stands as an enduring tribute to the estimated one million Tutsi lives lost during the 1994 genocide, shedding light on one of history's darkest chapters. The museum's immersive exhibitions, with narratives poignant enough to stir the stillest hearts, aim to educate visitors about the causes, reality, and aftermath of the genocide.
Its location in the capital city, Kigali, allows easy access for visitors, encouraging a deeper understanding of Rwanda's history and its journey towards reconciliation and healing. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is more than a museum; it's a hauntingly beautiful echo of a painful past, a solemn promise for a brighter future, and a beacon of hope illuminating the path to peace and unity."
Kigali, the bustling heart of Rwanda, is a city that invites and inspires. With its harmonious blend of culture, history, and modernity, Kigali stands as a symbol of the country's resilience and blossoming future. Its clean, vibrant streets wind through rolling hills, revealing a panorama of verdant landscapes and shimmering cityscapes at every turn. Visitors are welcomed into a world of captivating local markets, offering an authentic taste of Rwanda's rich culture and tradition.
A journey through Kigali is not complete without paying a visit to the historic Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant reminder of the city's past and its triumphant journey to reconciliation. As night falls, the city comes alive with a pulsating nightlife, illuminated by the warm African stars. With a rich array of gourmet restaurants serving Rwandan and international cuisine, a thriving arts scene, and a skyline boasting impressive modern architecture, Kigali is a true African metropolis, ready to enchant all who seek to uncover its many wonders.
Uncover the answers to your curiosities and concerns in our Frequently Asked Questions section. From details about planning your journey, to understanding the rich experiences you can anticipate, our FAQs are a treasure trove of useful insights to ensure your adventure with Africa Adventure Safaris is smooth and memorable.
The gorilla trekking experience is almost the same in both Uganda and Rwanda. However, there are a few differences in terms of distance travelled from the Airport to the parks where gorillas live. Rwanda has the shortest distance from Kigali international Airport to Volcanoes National Park (3-hour drive). On the other hand, it takes about 10 hours to drive from Uganda’s Entebbe international airport to Bwindi impenetrable national park although visitors may opt to fly to the park from Entebbe at their own cost. Amazingly, it is shorter to drive from Kigali to Bwindi than from Entebbe because the park is located near the border with Rwanda and many visitors opt for this route (about 4-hour drive).
As of July 2024, the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is sold at $800 per person to foreign nonresidents, $700 to foreign residents in East Africa and Uganda Shillings 300,000 to East African citizens.
A gorilla permit in Rwanda is sold at $1,500 to all visitors who want trek gorillas in Volcanoes national park.
The dry season from June to September and December to February is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorillas live in montane rainforests that can be so muddy and slippery during the rain season making it a bit hard to trek through to reach gorillas.
Trekking gorillas requires moderate fitness enough to navigate streams, climb hills and traverse muddy and slippery terrain.
Gorilla treks can last anywhere between 1-5 hours depending on the location and movement of your assigned gorilla group.
Visitors who want to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda should be at least 15 years old.
Recommended packing list for gorilla trekking include a pair of hiking boots, khaki trousers, a rain jacket, pair of gloves, long-sleeved shirt and a camera.
Each gorilla group is visited by a group of 8 trekkers per day.
Gorilla habituation is the process through which gorillas are made to get used to the presence of humans in their habitat. This process is carried out by trackers and rangers who follow a wild gorilla group everyday for a period of time until it the animals get used to their presence. Gorilla habituation is currently done in Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda in the Rushaga sector of the park. Visitors who wish to be part of this experience can apply for permits at $1,500 per person. Only four visitors are permitted to join the exercise per day and the experience lasts for 4 hours.
Travellers who want to track gorillas are advised to book their gorilla permit at least 6 months before their desired tracking date. This is because the number of gorilla permits issued per day is limited as a measure of promoting gorilla conservation.
Yes. We design customised itineraries to enable our visitors enjoy a variety of experiences while on their safari in East and Central Africa. Besides gorilla trekking, you can explore experiences like game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, cultural tours and more depending on the length of your vacation, budget, and interests.