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The best time to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is during the dry season. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place throughout the year though the dry season is preferably the best time to visit the park.
Dav Safaris provides essential travel tips, such as the best time to see gorillas, how to secure gorilla permits, what to wear for gorilla trekking and accommodation options. Embarking on a gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park is a transformative experience, offering an intimate encounter with our closest wild relatives, the mountain gorillas, who share 98% of our DNA.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park allows visitors to explore the park’s 12 habituated gorilla groups, including Susa, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Umubano, and Kwitonda with more than 400 mountain gorillas on five of the Virunga ranges including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Muhabura
Best Time to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an all-year-round activity, but the best time to visit is during the drier seasons, from December to early March and June to September. The long dry season, from December to March, sees temperatures reaching up to 29°C on some days. In contrast, the months from March to mid-May and July to September are considered the rainy seasons.
Rwanda generally enjoys good weather throughout the year, but the dry season is particularly favourable for wildlife viewing. This period is ideal for gorilla tours as there is a minimal chance of rain, making the hiking terrain in the rainforest more manageable. However, it’s still advisable to bring waterproof clothing, as the Equatorial climate can be unpredictable. The dry season is also the peak tourist season, so prices for accommodation and car hire may be higher.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is situated in the village of Musanze, formerly known as Ruhengeri. This location is easily accessible by public transport from Gisenyi, Kigali, or directly from Kigali International Airport. The drive to the park takes approximately two hours, making it feasible to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure and return to Kigali on the same day.
To participate in gorilla trekking, you must arrive at the ORTPN headquarters in Kinigi by 7:00 am. This early start requires an early morning departure to ensure you arrive on time. Please note that there is no public transport available from Musanze to the park headquarters in Kinigi, so private transportation arrangements are necessary.
What to do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking: Experience the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Hiking Karisimbi Volcano: Conquer the 3,800-meter Karisimbi Volcano for breathtaking views.
One-Day Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike: Enjoy a day hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke.
Visiting Dian Fossey’s Tomb: Pay tribute to the legendary primatologist at the Karisoke Research Center.
Exploring the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera: Explore the scenic beauty of these picturesque lakes.
Booking Rwanda Gorilla Permit
A Rwanda gorilla permit grants you the incredible opportunity to visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Priced at $1,500 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $500 for Foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens, this permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with these majestic creatures.
Typically, gorilla permits are secured through local tour agents who handle the booking process and finalize the purchase as your trekking date approaches. Given the high demand and stringent conservation efforts in Rwanda, which limit the number of daily permits, it is advisable to book your permit at least six months in advance.
Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, with each family visited by only 8 trekkers per day. This means that only 96 gorilla permits are issued daily, ensuring a sustainable and intimate experience for all visitors.
Where to sleep in and around Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs, from luxurious lodges to midrange and budget-friendly facilities. Whether you’re seeking opulence or a more economical stay, you’ll find something that fits your preferences. Here are some of the notable hotels and lodges in the area. Read more on our best Rwanda Honeymoon Resorts.
Supporting Local Communities
A significant portion of the revenue generated from tourism in this park 20% is allocated to the local communities surrounding the park. The remaining funds are dedicated to maintaining and improving the infrastructure within and around the national park.
For detailed information on gorilla permits in Rwanda, how to book a gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park, guidelines for Rwanda gorilla safaris, and the recommended dress code for a gorilla tracking trip, please contact our team Today.
