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Rwanda

RWANDA GORILLA TOURS.

Rwanda, also known as the “land of a thousand hills” is arguably one of the best places to see and spend quality time with the rare human-like primate species of mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a popular tourism activity that attracts a large number of visitors annually and has yet to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development especially infrastructure of the standard level and progress with the tourism sector. The country beautiful clean country is among the only three countries that host the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild.

Other hosts are Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Uganda and all of these gorilla trekking destinations span the Virunga region.

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK AS THE ONLY PARK IN RWANDA THAT HOSTS MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Volcanoes National Park is the only spot in Rwanda where all gorilla trekking activities in the country are done. It is one of the most popular gorilla trekking destinations in Africa and the whole world at large.

Situated in northwestern Rwanda, the Great Volcanoes National Park also shelters 5 volcanoes that are part of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga ranges and these include Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Muhabura and Mountain Gahinga.

These volcanoes also act as natural habitats for the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes cover about 16,000 hectares and aside from the mountain gorillas, other mammal species like lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, zebras and other primate species like golden monkeys, and baboons can be spotted in the park.

THE PROCESS OF TREKKING GORILLAS IN RWANDA.

Undoubtedly, the chances of seeing the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats in Rwanda are high and stand at 95% to 99%. There are over 11 habituated gorilla families that are available for visitors in Volcanoes National Park to track and gorilla trekking activities in the park start at around 7:30 am with a briefing before visitors can dive into the dense bamboo forests and steep volcano slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Participants in the trekking process are divided into groups where each group consists of eight members and is allocated to track one particular gorilla family. The park rangers and tour guides will then lead the group in search of the mountain gorillas. Once gorillas are located, watching them is a lifetime and breathtaking experience. Visitors are restricted to only encounter them for one hour keeping a certain limited distance. This is where stunning photos can be taken, learning about the feeding habits and behaviourism of the mountain gorillas.

GORILLA TREKKING RULES AND REGULATIONS.

What makes the gorilla trekking tourism activity an ultimate full experience is the observation of several rules and regulations and these include; 

Only participants above the age of 15 are allowed to carry out gorilla trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park.

This is because children under this particular age tend to easily spread transmittable diseases like cough and flu that can be of great harm to mountain gorillas.

Food, drinks, smoking and sneezing in the presence of mountain gorillas are prohibited.

These may attract and tempt the attention of the gorillas. Visitors who may want to ease themselves are advised to communicate with the tour guide so they can dig a hole, ease and cover it back to avoid contact with the mountain gorillas.

GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT PRICES IN RWANDA.

Considering the prices of gorilla trekking permits in other gorilla trekking destinations in Africa, Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla trekking permits. Whereas gorilla trekking permits can be secured at about 700 USD in Uganda and 600 USD in Congo, Rwanda charges about 1500 USD per person per trek in the Volcanoes National Park yet the whole experience is worth every penny spent.

BOOKING A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT IN RWANDA.

Far apart from other gorilla trekking destinations where gorilla trekking permits can also be secured conveniently through tour operators, online gorilla trekking booking is prioritized and therefore travellers and visitors can secure their gorilla trekking permits online through the Irembo portal.

Here, visitors will be required to purchase their gorilla trekking permits using their credit cards and afterwards, they will receive an email that can be used for verification as a reference at the park entrance.

 

Our Partners

utb

Uganda Tourism Board

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uwaw

Uganda Wildlife Authority

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buhoma

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

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thk

The Bwindi Kids Charity

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What our customers Say ?

Headspun
Headspun
2023-07-16
Unforgettable Rwanda Emerald tailored our 5 day trip to Rwanda to all our many and frequently changing requests without any fuss. Chris, our driver/guide for the duration, could not have been more helpful and professional
Nic
Nic
2022-10-25
Amazing holidays! Great holidays! Even my special wishes were included into the planning although time was short. Our guide and driver City Tyson Magezi was caring and responsible. We traveled for four weeks and stayed in different accommodations from hut to tent to amazing hotels.
Susanne
Susanne
2022-08-19
Just amazing It felt so safe and comfortable and exciting to travel with emerald. Our guide was so caring, so experienced and always friendly and an a great mood. He showed us so many animals included lions and leopards. That was just amazing . We saw wonderful landscapes like waterfalls and had contact to people . No Uganda or Eastern Africa without emerald . I m deep in love with Uganda and will come back as soon as possible.
Jose Murta
Jose Murta
2022-05-13
Memorable Family Trip in Uganda Fantastic Trip that exceeded our expectations! Travelled to Uganda with wife and 2 children (9 and 10y old) for 7 days. Since the start (at planning stage) got a great support from Bob (company owner) and Edmund (our guide) via WhatsApp. They tailored a program to our needs including the unforgettable mountain gorillas hike, general hikes to waterfalls, safari including boat trip to see hipos!! Edmund, our guide, always super polite and the kids enjoyed him a lot! All our hotels, meals included in the package so no hassle on this….we just paid for drinks! The only regret I have is not staying one extra day in the Mburo National Park to explore a bit more 😉 Memorable trip with so much nature and a super-humble people that made the experience even more enjoyable!! Super recommend!! The whole family just feeling we need to get back to explore more 😉
Dwayne B
Dwayne B
2022-05-13
Great Experience With Emerald!! It was an amazing experience! My guides Lucky and Hillary made me feel as if I was family and took care of everything I needed. They were very knowledgeable as we trekked to gorillas in Bwindi and a ride a wildlife safari through Queen Elizabeth. I learned so much from them about the animals, the terrain and the surrounding people. They we also incredibly helpful in helping me find activities around Buhoma, where I stayed, all of which were great. By the time I left I knew I had made friends who I will continue to stay in touch with. Can’t wait to come back with my family!
Dávid B
Dávid B
2022-05-12
Feeding python - 9 lions on a tree - leopard vs. lion We saw all animals and extremely special situations in a short period of time, good organization and friendly guide Paul with lots of knowledge.
Rachmurta
Rachmurta
2022-05-10
Unforgettable trip! We spent one week in Uganda travelling by the guidance of Gorilla Experience safari. The whole experience were definitely above our expectations. Edmand was a friendly, polite and kind guide the whole time!
Vit Siv
Vit Siv
2022-04-22
Ultimately Unique Experience of Uganda! It was unbelievable unique experience, one in a life time. Everything right from arrival to minor ditals was taken care of, too service! Itinerary was compiled/tailor to our wishes and needs as well as to include as much activities as possible. Tyson was our guide. He is an amazing guide, but even better person. He did an incredible job to put this all together, and make it all happen. We managed to do everything we wanted and even more. Definitely a trip to remember!!
Emmanuel OKalany
Emmanuel OKalany
2022-01-08
A rewarding experience for a family visit to queen Elizabeth National Park My family and I had an excellent guided tour to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The itinerary planning provided was good and the costing of items was realistic. The care and hospitality of the team was excellent. They were also flexible to make time adjustments brought about because of traveling with children
Gordon Y
Gordon Y
2021-06-23
Trip to Kaiso Tonya Game Reserve The guide/driver was too keen to find out my interests. That way, we always had something to talk abouts. Thank you

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A unique Tours and Agency operating under Emerald of Africa Safaris ltd. We Specialize in East African Wildlife Safaris, Gorilla TrackingChimpanzee Tracking, Birding, and Cultural tours. Each East African safari with Emerald of Africa Safaris ltd is personalized, memorable and budget friendly. Expect to explore the most exciting and exclusive destinations, with experienced & creative guides. Emerald of Africa Safaris ltd operates in partnership with top Tourism organizations in the region to ensure a perfect experience for you.

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