1 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
The 1-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour is designed for visitors residing in Rwanda who seek a quick adventure with one of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Located in the northwest of Rwanda, the park boasts open grasslands, bamboo forests, and swamps. It is also home to five majestic volcanoes.
This park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including over 200 bird species, forest elephants, hyenas, buffaloes, and various antelopes. However, the main attractions are the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Mountain gorillas, scientifically known as Gorilla beringei-beringei, are captivating creatures that live in harmonious family groups, led by a dominant silverback.
The resemblance between mountain gorillas and humans, along with their endangered status, contributes to the high cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda. Yet, the experience of observing these primates in the wild, where they are not found in captivity, is truly invaluable. Furthermore, this endeavor supports gorilla conservation efforts.
Golden monkeys, another endangered species, thrive on bamboo shoots in the park. They are characterized by their playfulness and endearing behavior. For those interested in these monkeys, the 3-day Rwanda gorilla tour and golden monkey experience is recommended.
Volcanoes National Park holds historical significance as the former base of the renowned primatologist, Dian Fossey. Her work shed light on the plight of mountain gorillas, who were on the brink of extinction due to poaching. Fossey transitioned from research to active conservation, leading her to confront poachers alongside armed guards. Her tragic murder in 1985 was attributed to her unwavering stance against illegal hunting. The legacy of her work endures through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Managed by the Rwanda Development Board, the park offers a range of activities beyond gorilla trekking. Visitors can explore Musanze caves, visit the twin lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), and experience the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre as part of the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour package.
For those considering a brief visit to track gorillas, or wishing to combine it with other activities, there are various gorilla families to choose from. While gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be physically demanding, the unparalleled experience of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Our guide from safari vacations and travel services will pick you from your hotel by 5:00 am early morning to set off for Kinigi where the volcanoes national park offices are located. The drive is approximately 2-3 hours through a beautiful mountainous country side which will confirm to you why Rwanda is referred to as “The Land of a thousand hills”.
You will arrive at the Kinigi offices by 7:00 am in time for the usual briefing from a head guide on the rules and procedures to be followed while watching mountain gorillas. Once you are done with the briefing, you can then proceed to track the gorilla family. Once you spot the gorillas, follow instructions from the guides. Watching mountain gorillas is breath taking. You could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play – Unfortunately, you will only have one hour with these mighty apes. Mountain Gorillas are very playful and curious and will often come close you. Once again, while with the gorillas, listen to instructions from your guide and always stay calm. Never make sudden movements.
After gorilla trekking you will descend the forest and head back to Kigali reaching late in the evening to catch up with your flight should it be on the same day. 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
Tour include;
- Gorilla permit (1500USD)
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a full time experienced English speaking tour driver/guide
- Accommodation
- Park entry fees
- Bottled water for the entire tour
- Lunch
- And fuel for the whole tour
Lodges and Hotels
Amakoro Songa Lodge:
Amakoro is a luxury Eco-tourism lodge built close to Kinigi in an area with remarkable scenery. The name Amakoro refers to the black volcanic rocks commonly seen around the three volcanoes in the area. Amakoro Songa Lodge has 8 luxury cottages that are made with quality local materials. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and warm with beautiful surrounding gardens. The hotel chefs serve both local and international dishes. All the spices and vegetables in the kitchen are grown from the hotels own gardens or bought from the local market.
Some of the other amenities include massage and an out-door fireplace where visitors gather to party, drink and discuss the day’s events. The lodge also organizes traditional performances from local cultural entertainment teams every evening around the fireplace. Residents can choose to visit the nearby village and take part in traditional dances, tree planting or community cleaning. A guest can request to visit a specific home and learn about life in a rural African home or listen to the old people sharing stories about the country’s past. Amakoro is very close to the park offices and is a great choice for those who have come for gorilla trekking or climbing one of the volcanoes. 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
Kinigi Guest House:
This budget hotel is built on the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo outside the town of Ruhengeri and very close to the park headquarters. The Guest house stands out for its unique scenery and amazing views of the Volcanoes in the park. The Guest house has 20 rooms that are all self-contained and with warm showers. Of recent, they have introduced a VIP room with extra comfort and. The hotel even has dormitories for large groups of students or tourists visiting the volcanoes national park.
\Those with personal tents can camp at the hotel gardens. Hotel staff are very friendly, knowledgeable about the area and will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. The hotel ensures that the local people benefit by employing them as staff or buy fresh food from their gardens. The hotel prepares tasty local and international cuisines. If one is interested in a particular cuisine, they can order for it in advance. Other amenities in the hotel include a well-stocked bar, restaurant, lounge area and large parking space. Most of the money generated form the guesthouse goes back to the community because it is run by a cooperative for the local women. 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
Palme Hotel:
This is a mid-range hotel built very close to the volcanoes national park. The hotel has 12 high quality self-contained rooms and 2 separate luxury suites which are built with local material and surrounded by well-manicured gardens. All the rooms have working desks, a verandah, hot shower, televisions, telephones, clean towels and wireless internet among other things. The hotel also has a bar that is stocked with local and international drinks. Businessmen can take advantage of the hotels meeting and conference facilities while on safari, workshop or meeting. Staff in La Palme Hotel are well trained and know how to handle international and local visitors.
Safari vacations & travel services is the tour operator which offer the best services with experience over years. Having the best travel guides and exclusive comfortable vehicles will sooth your safari. Contact our safari consultants for any information.
Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Over a decade of experience, we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with others services like car hire services.
For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation. Get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.
