There are over 10 habituated mountain gorilla families in Rwanda that are visited by all travelers interested in watching the rare species of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Depending on what means you use to get to the park, the gorilla trekking process starts with obtaining a valid gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board then after you are transferred to the park headquarters.

How much does a Gorilla Permit Cost in Rwanda

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US $1500 per person interested in trekking and watching the gorillas in their natural habitat.

These Gorilla Permits are obtained through contacting the Rwanda Development Board directly or through reaching out to an authentic Tour Operator in Kigali to reserve these on your behalf before the date of arrival.

What happens at the Park Headquarters?

On your date of gorilla trekking, you are transferred by a driver/tour guide from your hotel/ lodge to the park headquarters. On reaching here, you are welcomed and provided a cup of hot coffee. Have this then proceed to be shortly briefed on conduct around the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Briefing

Later after detailed information regarding the park and the gorilla families then after you are distributed into groups of 8 with a lead park ranger guide. After, you are led to the starting point where the gorilla hike begins from.

What Happens when trekking the Gorillas?

With your gorilla trekking permit being presented at the headquarters, you are allocated into groups of 8 with a park ranger guide to lead you into the forest.

You enter the green forest to trek the specific gorilla groups you preferred accompanied by porters and armed rangers. Follow the different trails in the thick green forest vegetation for a period of 3 to 5 hours depending on the current location of the gorillas at the time in the forest.

Continue on the varying trails then after you meet the gorillas and within an hour, take many photos to keep with you about your gorilla trekking Adventure in Rwanda.

You MUST use a camera with no flash and keep a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas. After the hike, return to the headquarters to collect your trekking certificates before returning to your lodge.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Park for Gorilla Trek?

Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round, and the best time to visit the country is during the short rain/dry seasons when the trails are navigable and photography is clear.

Hiking Safaris in Rwanda

Hiking safaris in Rwanda offer you amazing hiking experiences along the Mountain Volcanoes which include Karisimbi, Gahinga, Muhabura and Mount Bisoke Volcano.

• Mount Karisimbi Volcano Hike

Mount Karisimbi Volcano is the highest of all the Volcanoes situated in the Park. The Mountain Volcano is found along the edge of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It elevates up to 4,507 meters offering views of Mount Mikeno Volcano, Mount Nyiragongo Volcano and Mount Bisoke Volcano at a distance.

Hiking this Mountain Volcano is quite challenging although very rewarding when you get to the top. While on your hike to the top, watch various bird species, golden monkeys as they relate perfectly with their natural forest habitat.

• Mount Karisimbi Hiking Process

Mount Karisimbi Volcano can be hiked in 2 Days and requires you to transfer to the park headquarters to register and then be shortly briefed by the park ranger. After the briefing, proceed to the starting point at the base of Mount Bisoke Volcano then embark on your ascent of 7 hours then later you shall stop at an altitude of 3,700 meters for Overnight in a camp.

Wake up early in the morning have breakfast then embark on a hike to the summit in a period of 1 hour. This hike is very hard and difficult to achieve. This is due to the fact that this area is steeper with tick mud, fog, and strong winds that make it very hectic for hikers to navigate through.

What to see on your Mount Karisimbi Volcano Hike?

En-route your hike to the top of the Mountain Volcano, you view stunning terrain inclusive of dense forest, and volcanic features.

When is the Best Time to Hike Mount Karisimbi Volcano?

Mount Karisimbi Volcano can be hiked anytime around the year although the best time to hike the Mountain Volcano in Rwanda is during the drier periods between December to March and June to early October.

Hikers are required to be physically fit as the hike is very difficult and steep to take.

These Hikes along the Mountain Volcano are arranged by an authentic Tour Operator Agency to help you secure these permits on your behalf before the date of hiking to the top. Porters to help carry your luggage and stuff are hired at US $20 per person interested.

How Much is the Mount Karisimbi Hiking Permit?

The Mount Karisimbi Hiking Permits are obtained from the park headquarters and cost US $400 per person interested in hiking the amazing Mountain Volcano in Rwanda.

• Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike

Mount Bisoke Volcano is one of the most popularly hiked Mountain Volcanoes in Rwanda. Hiking this amazing Volcano takes a period of 6 hours requiring hikers to be physically fit as they navigate through muddy slippery trails, thorny plants, and stinging insects hence very challenging.

On your hike, the oxygen levels get low due to the drop in temperature making you have many breaks and stops. Along the hike, you view crater lakes, alpine vegetation as well as various wildlife animals like buffalo, elephants, Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys then bird species.

On a lucky day, hikers might watch one of the Mountain Gorilla Groups, Golden Monkey Troops of which they can take many photos of at a distance of 7 meters to keep.

• Mountain Bisoke Volcano Hike

Hiking Mount Bisoke Volcano begins early in the morning with a short briefing from a skilled park ranger guide at the park offices. While here, present your Hiking Permit, and documentation then transfer from the park offices to the starting point where you begin to hike to the top of the summit.

Follow through the rocky, rough ground at the base of the Mountain Volcano and many gardens/plantations. After a while, you reach the summit then while here you view the beautiful terrain, vegetation, Crater Lake, Mount Karisimbi Volcano, and Mount Mikeno in Congo.

When at the top of the summit, watch the terrain vegetation, Mount Visoke Crater Lake, Mount Karisimbi volcano and Mount Mikeno in Congo.

After your experience at the top of the Mountain Volcano, you shall descend to the starting point, and board your vehicle back to the lodge or to the next destination.

• Mount Muhabura Hike

Mount Muhabura Volcano is not the tallest of all the Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park despite the fact that it is the most difficult to hike. The Mountain Volcano is hiked in one Day before sunset hence hikers are required to be mentally and physically ready to get to the top of the Volcano.

The trails along the Mountain Volcano are very steep and hikes are arranged on both the Rwanda and Uganda sides.

In Rwanda, the hike starts at the Kinigi visitor’s center where you present your valid documentation to enable you to hike to the top. You are allocated a park ranger guide to lead you to the top and porters to carry your luggage to the top at US $20.

Mount Muhabura Volcano Hiking Process

Hiking Mount Muhabura Volcano begins at 7:00 am taking you a period of 5 to 7 hours after a short briefing from the park ranger guides. During the briefing, you are advised on how to prepare mentally for the strenuous hike to the top as well as on how to deal with altitude illness.

After the briefing, you are transferred to the starting point then hike the Mountain Volcano and en-route view the green terrain vegetation, birds, and other jungle animals. You shall later reach the top and take many photos to keep.

When in larger groups, you are divided into two portions to hike to the top.

How much is the Mount Muhabura Hiking Permit?

The Mount Muhabura Volcano Hiking Permit costs US $75 per person in Rwanda and these are obtained by contacting an authentic Tour Operator agency or by reaching the Rwanda Development Board directly.

What to Pack for your Mount Muhabura Volcano Hike?

• Good hiking shoes
• A sweater/warm clothing
• A waterproof heavy jacket
• A hat and walking stick
• A tent for camping
• A sleeping bag
• Packed food for eating in the night

Musanze Caves

Travelers in Rwanda can visit the stunning Musanze caves which are located a few kilometers off the vast green forested Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri District.

The Musanze Caves are 2 kilometers along the Innes University grounds and part of the lava basaltic layers from the Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes.

Found in Musanze District of Rwanda, the caves are a top attraction in Rwanda for they were very sacred in ancient times due to the fact that they were used by the traditional Kinyarwanda tribes for crowning initial Kings.

While at the Caves, view the Virunga Ranges i.e Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga.

What to See at the Musanze Caves?

The Musanze caves are cold and quiet with steams of water usually flowing out of the rock and down the rocky walls to holes beneath the cave floor. The caves comprise of many hard tunnels that inhabit thousands of bats that are seen hanging along the cave walls which are darker due to smoke. These include cobwebs which have been here since ancient days.

Exploring the Caves involves you transferring through a 2 km dark tunnel with hardened rocks. Inside the caves are whispers, echoes, and flying bats hence you need a strong torch/ light, gloves, helmet, and head cap to enable you to go through the many tunnels on your 2 hours trail.

Rwanda is among the most popular destinations for gorilla tours in Africa. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, Other destinations for mountain gorilla trekking include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga national park and Kahuzi – Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  You can only find mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Among the three countries, Uganda Gorilla permit costs US$700, the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permits cost US$400 and Rwanda gorilla permit costs US$1500 (one thousand five hundred US dollars or fifteen hundred dollars). Tourists are always surprised by the expensive permit and the next question asked is why the permit costs so much?

There was a need to make Rwanda a high-end tourist destination – in addition to the expensive gorilla permit, Rwanda has many high-end accommodations like Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge among others.  By making Rwanda a luxury tourist destination, the government speculates more revenue from the tourism sector.

There is a need to make Rwanda Gorilla trekking a more exclusive experience – Rwanda’s government wanted to restrict gorilla trekking. In other words, to reduce the number of gorilla trekkers to conserve gorillas and their natural habitat.  One of the ways of conserving gorillas is by reducing the number of trekkers to control the destruction of gorilla habitats and disease control.

There is a need to raise funds for community development – part of the profits from Gorilla tourism is given to local communities in terms of clean water, security, better education, better health, and better roads among others.  The more expensive the gorilla permit is the more revenue for community development and the country at large.

There is a need to solicit more funds for Gorilla conservation activities like planting more trees, fighting against illegal hunting, and resettling people from forest reserves among others.

More funds for gorilla conservation activities – The high cost of the gorilla permit means more funds are being generated for conservation activities toward the protection of the gorillas and their habitat. A few decades ago, mountain gorillas were critically endangered and were on the verge of extinction. By then less than 800 gorillas were left. But with the introduction of gorilla tourism which raised awareness about the mountain gorillas and generated funds the trend was reversed and currently there are more than 1000 mountain gorillas.

With the gorilla population on a steady increase, the gorillas will need more space. Rwanda is therefore taking a very ambitious project to expand the boundaries of the park to accommodate more gorillas. Therefore, the high cost of gorilla tracking in Rwanda will help expand the home of the gorillas.

The fact that mountain Gorillas are highly endangered species, and there is a need to conserve them and their natural habitat for the coming generations.

Top Safari Places to See Gorillas in the Wild

• Uganda

Uganda is also known as the pearl of Africa due to various attractions around the country, the country also inhabits the world’s rare majestic Mountain Gorillas that inhabit the thick green forest vegetation habitats in the South West of Uganda.

To watch the Gorillas, you are required to move with a valid gorilla trekking permit that is obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or by contacting an Authentic Tour operator Agency that can book this permit on your behalf before the Date of Arrival.

Bwindi Forest National Park

Bwindi Forest National park is situated in the southwest of Uganda and is prominently known to offer amazing gorilla trekking safaris. The park has different sectors in which you can watch the gorillas and these include the Buhoma sector with three habituated Gorilla Groups, Rushaga Sector with five Gorilla Groups, Ruhija Sector with three Gorilla Groups, and Nkuringo Sector with three Gorilla Groups.

Bwindi Forest National Park offers amazing gorilla trekking adventures, especially to those looking to trek the mountain gorillas in thicker forest vegetation habitat as the forest vegetation of Bwindi gives you a challenge to trek the mountain Gorillas in very thick green vegetation inclusive of varying flora.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi requires you to have the super determination and when you meet them the adventure is worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi Forest: Visit All Year Around to watch Gorillas. However Dry season is the Best Time to visit the Park in the months of (June-September and December-February).

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park also located in Uganda’s South West direction, the Park is known to offer gorilla trekking tours to travelers from all around the globe. After the busy Town of Kisoro is Mgahinga National park open to give you amazing gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking adventures in Uganda.

Mgahinga National Park is known to offer gorilla tracking Safaris that are similar to that of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Just like the gorilla tracking procedure in other countries and destinations, Mgahinga National Park’s gorilla trekking process is the same you transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on conduct around the mountain gorillas then later in allocated groups of 8 with a park ranger per group, you enter the forest to trek the majestic unique Gorillas for 3- 5 hours.

When you meet them an hour is allowed in their presence taking photos to keep for memories.

If you are a traveler and are looking for exceptional gorilla trekking adventures, Mgahinga National Park is your ideal safari destination to explore while on safari in Uganda.

Best time to Visit Mgahinga National Park- Mgahinga National Park can be visited any time around the year although the Best Time to Visit the Park is during the Dry season in the months of (June-September and December-February).

• Rwanda

Rwanda also referred to as the country of Rolling Hills and green vegetated canopies is also a very prominent safari destination for all those looking for luxury gorilla trekking tours. Rwanda gorilla tours take place at Volcanoes National Park with a gorilla trekking permit for US $1500 per person.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in the North Western part of Rwanda with five of the 8 Virunga Mountain Volcanoes. When looking for luxury gorilla tracking tours at your convenience, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is your destination as the Park offers you exceptional cozy mountain gorilla trekking Adventures as you watch the various Gorilla Groups enjoy their natural forest vegetation habitat.

With Volcanoes National Park proceed to the Park headquarters where you are offered a cup of hot coffee then later with your gorilla trekking permit at US $1500 per person and park ranger, you are distributed into groups of 8. After the allocation, you are transferred to the starting point to enter the green forest vegetation of Volcanoes National Park to trek the Gorillas for 3-5 hours.

When you meet the gorillas an hour is allowed in their presence taking photos to keep. This adventure takes place in relatively thick green forest vegetation inclusive of Bamboo shoots making the whole gorilla trekking Adventure very exceptional.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park can be visited anytime around the year however the Best Time to Visit the Park is during the dry months of June through September so as to get clear photography as the vegetation is not overgrown and the Gorillas are fond of frequent movement.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

DR Congo is also a very exciting gorilla trekking adventure destination as the Country offers both mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking tours at various destinations; that is; Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. The gorilla trekking Permit in DR Congo costs US $400 per person.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is very awesome to explore by all travelers looking for unique mountain gorilla trekking adventures in DR Congo. Located a few kilometers off Goma Town, Virunga National Park is known to offer mountain gorilla trekking tours to travelers from all over the globe. There are different Gorilla Groups that are trekked in the park.

When at Virunga National Park you continue to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the conduct around the mountain gorillas then later in your allocated groups of 8 with a park ranger leading, you enter the forest to trek the mountain gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat.

You trek these for 3-5 hours in their natural forest vegetation habitat then after a while, you meet them, and take very many photos to keep. For Mountain Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park is your ideal destination.

Best Time to Visit Virunga National Park: Virunga National Park can be visited anytime around the year however the Best time to Visit the Park for Gorilla trekking is during the driest months of July through September.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is situated in the Southern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo after the busy town of Bukavu. The Park is popularly known to offer remarkable Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking adventures in Africa.

Kahuzi Biega is known to inhabit various Eastern Lowland Gorilla Groups/ Families that are trekked by travelers from all over the globe. The Gorilla hike in the park starts with you going to the park headquarters for a short briefing on the conduct around the Eastern lowland gorillas.

After a briefing, you are distributed into groups of 8 with a park ranger each group who leads you into the thick forest vegetation habitat of Kahuzi Biega searching/ trekking for the rare species of Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Follow differing trails through the vegetation, to the waterfalls then after a while you meet the majestic Eastern Lowland Gorillas after 3- 5 hours.

Later you meet the Eastern lowland gorillas and stay in their presence taking numerous photos to keep about your Eastern lowland gorilla tracking tour in the green forest vegetation. When finished with Eastern lowland gorilla trekking, you return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and Overnight.

Best Time to Visit Kahuzi  Biega for Gorilla trekking: Kahuzi Biega National Park can be visited any time around the year to trek the Eastern Lowland Gorillas although, the Best time to visit the park to clearly trek and watch the Gorillas is during the dry season in the months of July to September.

11 Expert Tips on Dos and Don’ts around the Mountain Gorillas

• Keep A Distance of 7 Meters Away from Gorillas

You trek the Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation Habitat for hours as you move along various trails. When you meet them as you get your camera to take photos, we advise you to keep a distance of 7 meters as they are still wild animals, and getting close to them could provoke them.

• Take Photos with A Camera with No Flash Photography

After Trekking the Gorillas then you meet them we advise you to take photos of them with a camera that has no flash. Remove the flash for it may provoke the gorillas into getting so wild hence provoking them.

• Keep Calm and Don’t make Noise in Presence of Gorillas

As you trek the Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat, make sure to keep calm and don’t make noise in their presence for this could distort them. We advise you to keep the environment very quiet, peaceful, and comfortable for the Gorillas.

• An Hour in the Presence of Gorillas

When you finish trekking the Mountain gorillas for some hours in the forest you meet them after information on their current location in the forest. While getting out your camera to take many photos, you are allowed only an hour in their presence if you are Trekking & 4 hours when on habituation Experience. 

• Only 8 Individuals Are Allowed to Trek A Gorilla Group

When you are going on a gorilla trekking adventure you are allocated in groups of 8 with a park ranger guide to trek the majestic gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat. The gorilla group to trek is allocated to you depending on your physical fitness, age, determination, and capability. For example, the elderly and not so-capable are allocated a group not so challenging to trek.

• Make Sure to Wash Your Hands Before heading to trek the Gorillas

As you prepare to go gorilla trekking in the thick forest vegetation, we advise you to wash your hands before proceeding to trek the gorillas. This is ideal because gorillas are vulnerable to human illnesses. In addition, don’t cough or sneeze while in the presence of the Gorillas for they could also catch these diseases.

• Don’t Drink, Eat, or Smoke while around gorillas

When in the presence of the gorillas make sure not to drink, Eat, or Smoke while around gorillas. This is not good for you could go dropping food and dirt increasing disease in the forest or you might be approached by an infant Gorilla out of curiosity and then cause provocations that would lead into fights from the Gorillas.

• There are times the Gorillas Charge, Crouch down

When in the presence of the Gorillas, they may charge due to any instability and when you are approached by a Silverback Gorilla, keep calm and crouch down looking down not direct into its eyes something that may provoke them into seeing you as an enemy.

• Don’t Touch or Get in Contact with the Gorillas

While in the presence of the gorillas make it a point not to touch the gorillas or get in close contact with these primates. This could get them angry something that could provoke war. They are wild so keep your hands off.

• Carry A Waterproof Rain Jacket

As you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo make sure to prepare for the weather. We recommend you pack and carry a waterproof rain jacket to keep you warm as t can rain anytime while trekking the Gorillas. This is because the three countries are located close to the equator where it rains almost all the time.

• Carry/Wear Good Quality Hiking Shoes

You should ensure to bring a pair of good quality hiking/Trekking shoes to enable you to trek through the rugged montane terrain as you transfer from one place to another in the thick green forest vegetation of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Virunga & Kahuzi Biega.

The fur of the mountain gorilla is often thicker and longer than that of other gorilla species, enables them to live in colder temperatures. Gorillas can be identified by nose prints unique to each individual. Males, at a mean weight of 195 kg (430 lb) and an upright standing height of 150 cm (59 in) usually weigh twice as much as the females, at a mean of 100 kg (220 lb) and a height of 130 cm (51 in). This subspecies is on average the second largest species of primate; only the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, the other subspecies of Eastern Gorilla, is larger.

Mountain Gorilla in the Jungle

Adult males have more pronounced bony crests on the top and back of their skulls, giving their heads a more conical shape. These crests anchor the powerful temporalis muscles, which attach to the lower jaw (mandible). Adult females also have these crests, but they are less pronounced. Like all gorillas, they feature dark brown eyes framed by a black ring around the iris.

Adult males are called silverbacks because a saddle of grey or silver-coloured hair develops on their backs with age. The hair on their backs is shorter than on most other body parts, and their arm hair is especially long. Fully erect, males reach 1.9 m (6 ft. 3 in) in height, with an arm span of 2.3 m (7 ft. 7 in) and weigh 220 kg (490 lb). The tallest silverback recorded was a 1.94 m (6 ft. 4 in) individual shot in Alimbongo, northern Kivu in May 1938. There’s an unconfirmed record of another individual, shot in 1932, that was 2.06 m (6 ft. 9 in) tall. The heaviest was a 1.83 m (6 ft.) silverback shot in Ambam, Cameroon which weighed about 266 kg (586 lb).

The mountain gorilla is primarily terrestrial and quadruped. However, it will climb into fruiting trees if the branches can carry its weight, and it is capable of running bipedally up to 6 m (20 ft.) Like all great apes other than humans, its arms are longer than its legs. It moves by knuckle-walking (like the common chimpanzee, but unlike the bonobo and both orangutan species), supporting its weight on the backs of its curved fingers rather than its palms.

The mountain gorilla is diurnal, most active between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Many of these hours are spent eating, as large quantities of food are needed to sustain its massive bulk. It forages in the early morning, rests during the late morning and around midday, and in the afternoon it forages again before resting at night. Each gorilla builds a nest from surrounding vegetation to sleep in, constructing a new one every evening. Only infants sleep in the same nest as their mothers. They leave their sleeping sites when the sun rises at around 6 am, except when it is cold and overcast; then they often stay longer in their nests.

It really depends on where the gorilla families are that morning and sometimes they move deeper into the mountain by the time the group gets to them. Day 2 we still saw the gorillas, but not as great as the first day as they were in a more heavily forested area. You get very close to them and they are so used to people they may try to grab you. I felt very safe with the guides, who were with us. Please hire a porter to carry your backpack and in another way you reduce unemployment to the local communities living near the gorillas and more encouraging them to save the mountain gorillas and the habitat of the mountain gorillas.

It is easier for you and it helps their families with the money in tips that you give them. You do tip the guides, the porters and the trackers (a group that finds the gorilla families in the morning). I am 56 years old and was able to complete the hikes, but was tired on the 2nd hike. It is important to get in shape before you go. If you take rain gear (which I strongly advise), make sure it is sturdy as our thin inexpensive rain gear tore to shreds on the bamboo and other vegetation. Take plenty of water as well. You will get amazing photos.

Getting to the Gorilla Park

Whether you are planning on a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda, you must have a 4×4 vehicle for a fantastic drive through the misty jungles that are some times impassable especially in the rainy season. Car rental in Rwanda was made cheap and easier by 4×4 Uganda Ltd, the leading car rental agency allover East Africa. You can choose from a big fleet of 4x4s available that include Toyota Rav4, Prado, Land Cruiser VX and V8 among others.

A Porter Giving A Hand to the Tourist on a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Then, before you take a gorilla safari in Africa, there are several precautions that you have to undergo such as yellow fever vaccinations and other airborne diseases that can be transmitted to the gorillas from humans. Additionally and most important, one must present negative covid-19 test results when entering Uganda, Rwanda or DR. Congo.

Age is also important, one must be at least 15 years and above, and one should be physically fit because, the gorillas are mobile, and you can never predict how long you will hike before meeting them. The hike in search for the mountain gorillas is quite strenuous, goes through steep slopes and slippery jungle grounds before meeting the gorillas camouflaged in the thick vegetation.

Old people should not be discouraged from visiting the gorillas in Africa because there are some nearby gorilla families that are easy to visit. Also, you can be carried on a stretcher by porters safely up to where the gorillas are. Also the disabled can go gorilla trekking on the strecther.

Gorilla Trekking on a Stretcher for the aged and disabled

The next step is to contact your travel agent for the best time to go gorilla trekking and inquire for the availability of gorilla permits because, the permits are on high demand throughout the year, and the number of visitors is limited to 8 persons per gorilla group per day. A maximum of 1 hour is allowed with the gorillas to take pictures and videos.

More so, when you are done with your logistics and ready to travel to Africa, carry with you your necessities required before you enter the rain tropical forest to see mountain gorillas and among them includes hiking shoes, rain gears, trousers and long-sleeved shirts, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, garden gloves and do not forget your camera to take your unforgettable photographs and videos for your memories when back home.

Then on your starting day of gorilla trekking, hire a porter to help you carry your day-pack, pull or push you when you get stuck during the hike. Hiring a porter while on your gorilla safari is one way to create employment to the local communities near the gorilla habitats and more encouraging them to save the mountain gorillas and the habitat for future generations. Each porter is paid between 10-20USD per day.

Uganda is home for mountain gorillas with more than half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas roaming in the southwestern rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park which is part of the Virunga Mountains that stretches to the borders of southern Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their survival in the wild is one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories. There is no doubt that Mgahinga Gorilla national park is one of the leading tourist sites in Uganda attracting visitors for gorilla trekking experience. It shelters one gorilla family called Nyakagezi led by Mark, assisted by Mafia who took over from Bugingo. The family is composed of 3 Silverbacks, 2 Black backs, 2 Females, 2 Juveniles and one Baby making a group of 10 gorillas. This is one of the few groups with 3 Silverbacks that get along with one another peacefully.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is found in southwestern Uganda on the border with DR. Congo and Rwanda. It covers an area of about 33.7 sq kilometres, the park is a habitat for man’s closest relative the mountain gorillas in its thick forest. This park is one of the few places in the world that harbours the endangered mountain gorillas.

Mgahinga has a thick rain forest with a wide variety of tree species, which makes it the best home for the Gorillas that are known to be vegetarians. There is enough food for them in this park and this is the reason why the Nyakagezi gorilla family stopped the movement from Congo and Rwanda to this place. Though in small numbers, gorillas in Mgahinga national park are easy to see in their natural homes compared to other gorilla parks like Bwindi.

Spending time in the presence of the mountain gorillas in the wilds of Africa’s rainforests of Bwindi Jungle and Virunga mountains in of East and Central Africa is very magical: nothing beats the sight of a gorilla family especially their amazingly human-like expressions or their extraordinarily gentle demeanour. This encounter normally lasts just one full hour and Mgahinga offers you more than gorilla experience but also other wild experiences like Golden Monkey tracking and mountain hiking.

Only eight people are allowed to track each gorilla family per day for one full hour in their presence taking pictures and studying their discipline. Visitors are not allowed to proceed with tracking after 7:00 pm, but occasionally the gorillas will cross and approach you to almost stroking distance.

However, always resist the temptation to touch them. Although usually calm, they can easily be startled by flash photography, loud voices or sudden movements. Spending time with these gentle giants especially the silverback is a truly rewarding experience as they go on their daily activities of eating, sleeping playing and paying little attention to onlookers.

Why Mgahinga for mountain gorillas

The advantage of taking a gorilla safari in this park is the bamboo trees which makes the visibility and photography of mountain gorillas better than in Bwindi jungle which is a tropical rain forest and impenetrable. Gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga National Park is similar to that of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and the gorilla permits for Mgahinga is USD700, compared to that of Rwanda Volcanoes National Park which costs USD1500.

The presence of the Golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park gives it an upper hand in attracting more tourists than Bwindi gorilla park whose major activity is basically gorilla tracking. It is only in this park that shelters the golden monkeys and Gorillas at the same time. It has in fact been named the place where “Silver meets the Gold”.

Most of the tourists to this park normally add golden monkey tracking to their gorilla tracking tours to make the experience worthwhile. For those interested in mountain climbing, there are chances of climbing Mount Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabinyo which are a rewarding experience of beautiful scenic views of this small but very interesting park.

Conclusion: The wide range of unique activities like community and cultural tour make this park a unique travel destination with a lot of adventurous activities. You will be assured of another experience to complement your gorilla trek in this park. The Batwa cultural experience and the Garama cave walk are also very memorable things you must look out for and do in Mgahinga National Park. These combined activities make Mgahinga tourist destination the best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa and have a wonderful experience with all these activities. Make your booking in time to avoid missing out especially during the peak season when the gorilla permits are on very high demand.

Nowadays safaris have become the buzzing travel idea for every family. Safaris to Africa to see the exotic animals and also feel the love from the mother of hospitality is always very interesting and exciting. Africa has very many safaris destinations for families but none beats Rwanda. The Land of a thousand hills is located in the east of Africa and it is one of the smallest African countries, however, Rwanda might be small in size but very large in biodiversity and this why it is one of the top tourism destinations in Africa as scores of travellers come to Rwanda to have a good time.

Rwanda is known to the land of a thousand hills and in those numerous hills there are hidden natural treasures from the climate, wildlife, natural physical wonders to the traditional culture that every man would have to see before he/she retires to his/her permanent bed.  These attractions can best be encountered with your loved ones in order to have a memorable moment.

Here are some of the top attractions and places a family can enjoy while on a vacation in Rwanda:

The mountain gorillas at volcanoes national park

Mountain gorillas are one of the four subspecies of gorillas. Gorillas are one of the great apes that belong to the same classification as a man. These animals are referred to as one of the closest cousins of mankind with a 95% DNA similarity. These are very interesting to watch them in their natural environment as they display very intriguing traits and the onlooker might think these are humans.

Many people who have watched these animals have been left buzzing and they have considered gorilla trekking as one of the best experience they have ever had in their entire lives. Rwanda is one of those few countries with the mountain gorillas.

The mountain gorillas are endangered species of animals with a small population of about 1000 individuals left in the world. Rwanda has a third of this population of 340 mountain gorillas. The gorillas in Rwanda inhabit at volcanoes national park in the northeast of the country.

It takes travellers 2 hours to reach the national park from Kigali the capital of Rwanda. Come to Rwanda with your family to enjoy the mountain gorillas in their natural setting as they are very many lodges to stay and dine in with family while doing a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Note that the mountain gorillas are tracked by people above the age of 15 years since the activity requires immerse physicality to do it.

In addition to the gorillas, volcanoes national park has the Diana Fossey tombs and the Karisoke research centre. This is the centre which gives a visitor the full details of the history of gorillas in Rwanda and Diana Fossey was a female primatologist that fought tooth and nail to save the gorillas from being hunted down by the natives and other groups in the 1940s. So it is worth to visit those two memorable places.

Still, at volcanoes national park there are golden monkeys at its basement. These are very unique monkeys with a glittering golden colour at their back which looks so beautiful to watch. Apart from their beauty, these monkeys are also very playful and interesting to watch as they jump from one canopy to another. To fully experience the gorillas and golden monkeys, a 3-day gorilla safari in Rwanda is recommended as it combined both activities.

Rwanda also has very many cultural sites and historical for the family to enjoy namely the Kigali genocide memorial, Nyamata powerful church, the presidential palace, the market place, the parliament and the Kigali convention building. These wonderful great places give travellers a profound insight into Rwanda’s rich history and culture. These can be experienced while the family takes a Kigali city tour. What is more interesting about visiting these places in Kigali, the family is able to also dine in one of the finest restaurants in the country.

The 13 different species of primates at Nyungwe national park

Rwanda has is also known as the capital of primates as it is only of the places with the highest concentration of common primates with a whopping number of 13 species namely chimpanzees, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and grey-cheeked mangabey to mention but a few.

These beautiful and interesting small primates are found in Nyungwe national park, a montane forest found in the southwest of Rwanda at the border of Burundi and Rwanda. These primates are very incredible to watch especially the chimpanzees which also belong to the ape world.

The chimpanzees are the closest relatives of mankind with a 98.8% DNA similarity and therefore watching the chimpanzees in their wild always leaves the trekker so much mesmerized due to their intelligence. Chimpanzee trekking is next to gorilla trekking experience in terms of rewarding the visitors. A family will always enjoy the experience with the chimpanzees and the different species of monkeys because they are very playful and lovely animals to watch in the wild.

The big mammals at Akagera national park

Rwanda is less known for having the big common wild animals but these do exist in Rwanda at Akagera national park in the southeast of the country. Akagera is the most visited place by families due to the presence of these common animals. On a game drive around the park, the tourists have an opportunity to see animals like the elephants, giraffes, errands, antelopes, zebra and a small number of lions that were introduced in the park from South Africa. The history normally known as the behind scenes is an awesome scheme for the visitors.

A picnic at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is the most serene water body in Rwanda and a picnic here is always an amazing experience for a family where they can engage in swimming, sunbathing, playing beach sports and also a boat ride. A day at this epic lake always makes the family bond and at the same time unwinds off the normal stress the usual family environment brings. In the evening of the day, the family can always rest at Lake Kivu Serena hotel which is by the lake. This is a five-star accommodation facility where a family can always have the best treat of the night.

With a Rwanda, a family have a variety of attractions to enjoy as these can be blended all together for every family member with different interests to enjoy his/her trip in the country.

Golden monkeys belong to the family with a botanical name (Cercopithecus Kandit). If you visit Rwanda, golden Monkeys are found in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, the best gorilla safari destination in Africa. In Uganda, golden monkeys are found in Mgahinga National park, another home to the mountain gorillas in Uganda. In other words, it’s noted that Golden Monkeys are sighted in highland forests of East and Central Africa.

It’s also important to note that, Golden monkeys are among the seriously endangered primate species. Rwanda has two troops of Golden monkeys, one batch rises up to 100 members while the other one, constitutes of fewer members. The first group rests upon the foot of the Mountain Sabyinyo.

Golden Monkey Habitat

They prefer staying in the bamboo and forest Zones and their movement is determined by the climatic changes and the prevailing season. Golden Monkeys move from areas of low food supply to where food is in abundance.

Social Behavior of Golden Monkeys

Golden monkeys stay in groups ranging from 60-80 members. Golden Monkey tracking was introduced in Mgahinga national park to supplement gorilla trekking of Nyakagezi group.

Endemic to the Albertine Rift, the golden monkey is characterized as a bright orange-gold body, cheeks and tail, contrasting with its black limbs, crown and tail end. The aim was to diversify tourism in the park and to attract more visitors in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Golden Monkeys keep on moving from one place to another to look for foods. They leave their sleeping areas and go in the jungle searching for food then later, they return to sleep. They highly concentrate and stay in areas with mixed bamboo and fruits. Golden monkeys sleep up in the bamboo trees in groups of four or more members.

Golden monkeys are playful as they jump from tree to tree and their playful behaviours make the time spent with them amazing. This means that travellers should keep a distance from the wild species, they can behave wildly at any time.

Food and Diet

The golden monkey has a diet that consists primarily of young bamboo leaves, fruits, bamboo branchlets, bamboo shoots, invertebrates, flowers, and shrubs. However, the golden monkey is an opportunistic feeder and diet can easily be influenced by the availability of fruit.

Self Drive and Camping Safari in Rwanda

While the majority prefer guided safaris, a self-drive in Rwanda is such amazing experience a fact that it gets you out of the usual. If you are an adventure enthusiast then a self-drive is the best option given that it involves travelling to new places and you get the opportunity to explore different areas on your own. With a self-drive safari in Rwanda, you become the manager of your trip!

It is more flexible and it allows you to enjoy total privacy that any visitor may wish to have something that you won’t get while on a guided safari. Given its flexibility, visitors can make stopovers at their own pace and in areas of their interest, unlike guided tours. To have the most enjoyable self-drive tour, some rules and regulations must be observed and we have listed some of the significant things that must be into consideration while on self-drive in East Africa.

• A Valid Driver’s License

Don’t Drink and Drive sign

A valid international driving permit should be a must to have otherwise if you do not have any, higher chances are that you will end in jail and we don’t need you to incur costs because of fines and you have a boring vacation.

• Don’t drink and drive

Driving is exciting and in most cases, people want to combine the two and yet this is disastrous and this kind of behaviour is prohibited in Rwanda just like in any destination. This behaviour may make you get caught up a fact that you will find traffic officers and in case they find your blood alcohol level has exceeded 0.08%, you won’t miss being fined or even jailed for at least 24 hours. For the meantime, you won’t die when you drive without alcohol. Deceasing from this behaviour will help you have the most enjoyable vacation in Rwanda.

• Keep Your Right

Driving in Rwanda and Burundi requires you always keep your right. This may seem new to some of you but you have to adjust for a meantime. Self-Driving in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, on the other hand, requires you always to keep left.

• Always put on your seat belt

What to expect on Rwandan Roads

It is not a crime for you to put on a belt for the meantime as you drive neither is it a punishment. And make sure that your colleagues are also on their seat belt. Life is very precious!

• Obey Road Signs

Observe all traffic signposts along the road as you drive as each of them carries a meaning and will protect you from any mess on road. Be observant and spare time to read through them.

• Obey Traffic  Officers

In case you are stopped by a traffic officer on road, make sure that you stop and let him or her conduct some check up on the vehicle, documents or your luggage and you will continue with your safari as this is legal. Failure to do so may cause a bit of suspicion or disrespect which mighty be translated like you are illegally driving in the country.

• Put on Helmets when using Motorcycles

For those of you, who may wish to board a motorcycle, don’t forget to put on a helmet and the motorcyclist must do so as well.

In conclusion, driving in a new destination like Rwanda or any other East African destination equally requires you to pay keen attention to the set dos and don’ts and you will have a smooth and enjoyable trip. With the above set regulations, we believe that you will have the most exciting self-drive safari in Rwanda.