Volcanoes National Park Rwanda | Gorilla Tracking Trekking | Lodges-Sabyinyo, Gorilla Nest

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda | Gorilla Tracking Trekking | Lodges-Sabyinyo, Gorilla Nest.

Volcanoes National Park is part of the bigger Virunga (Birunga) Conservation area which includes Mgahinga and Virunga National Parks in Uganda and DR Congo respectively. These three parks are the home of Mountain gorillas. The history of Volcanoes National Park (Parc des Volcans) dates back to 1925 when a small triangle between Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno was set aside to protect the Mountain Gorillas.  Boundaries were later extended into Rwanda and DR. Congo (Zaire) to form the bigger Albert National Park.

Volcanoes was the first National Park in Africa.  The park is famous for Mountain Gorilla tracking and its golden Monkeys. A good gorilla trekking safari experience takes minimum four days ( See Gorilla Tracking Volcanoes National Park 4 days Safari ) with two gorilla treks. The safari can be combined with visits to the nearby Lakes Burera, Ruhondo, Kivu and the local villagers. The gorilla safari can also be combined with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. ( See 8 Days Great Primates Expedition). 

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Wildebeest Migration Masai Mara National Park Safaris 2013

Introduction to Masai Mara And Serengeti Ecosystems

The Annual Wildebeest migration also  annual wildebeest migration or  Great Wildebeest migration takes place in an extremely rich, contiguous Masai Mara Serengeti Ecosystem.   The Masai  Mara Natioanl Park (also called Maasai Mara)  magic is attributed to its panorama and rich biodiversity.  Animal populations are overwhelming, the species presentation is mesmerizing.

The migration of Wildebeest.

Also called the great migration, the migration is not about wildebeest per se but also the accompanying common zebra and gazelles. Migration also shapes the behaviour predators in Masai Mara/ Serengeti ecosystem.  They keep on following the migrating herds.  These migrating herds comprise of over 2.5 million animals, 1.7 gnus and the rest are common zebras, gazelles and impalas. Nature lovers also follow the migrating herds from Serengeti into Masai Mara and back.

Read more of wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara National Park

Centre of attraction:

The centre of attraction in the migration cycle is the wildebeest, in some instances called the wilderbeast. Referred to as the gnu, it is also called the crown of  the plains do to its funny behaviour.  The botanical name Connochaetes gnu, is descriptive, the Greek for wild cattle with a beard.  The females synchronize their aetrus ( receptive period in female antelopes) thus they are mated together and give birth to the calves at the same time.  This is an anti predation behaviour.  The large number of foals makes it possible for them to survive in the predator infested wilds.  It is also easier for all mothering females to protect their young ones together. Mating takes place in Masai Mara while curving takes place in Serengeti.

Where it starts and ends

Taking the birth of the young, we can say that migration starts in Serengeti

Why they Wildebeest Migrate. 

Wildebeest mostly migrate in search of young succulent grass.
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Masai Mara and Serengeti 2013

Several  wildebeest migration safaris are scheduled in both  Masai Mara (Maasai Mara) and Serengeti National Parks in the year 2012.  The duration of the safari depends on various factors but mostly on time and budget but also the flexibility of the guest.  The all drive 11 days Masai Mara Serengeti Migration Safari commences from Nairobi and returns to the same via Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, and Amboseli.  The 8 days fly drive Wildebeest Migration Safari Masai Mara National Park  (Mara Explorer 8 days) is a luxury option. Guests fly from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara and return to the same.  The 4 days 3 Nights Migration safari combines Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha.   The 6 days Best of Tanzania Safari focuses on wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park.   The best time to witness migration in Masai Mara National Park Kenya, is between July to September. Serengeti National Park is best visited between March and May.

More on  8 days Wildebeest Migration Safaris Masai Mara National Park Fly-drive Safari

This safari is easily combined with 4 days gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Latest news: Rwanda private sector contests new gorilla tour permit pricing

Latest news: Rwanda private sector contests new gorilla tour permit pricing

The Rwandan private sector involved in tourism and hospitality industry has raised concern over the recent increase of gorilla tour permit pricing by 50 per cent, as it might jeopardize their business.

{Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park.  Rwanda gorilla families or groups are divided into two.  The study groups/ families which are accessible to scientists and the tourist groups/families which are open for tourist tracking.  The Study groups have the largest number of individuals.}

Last week, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the increment which will take effect beginning June 1 this year save for the prior bookings made before this date.

The increase will see foreign non-residents pay $750 as opposed to the current $500 to visit the gorillas; foreigners residing in Rwanda will pay$375 instead of $250, Rwanda nationals $50 up from $33 respectively.

However, the private sector says the ‘immediate and draconian enforcement of this decision’ will have lasting repercussions on their industry and the image of the country.

The mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s top tourism revenue earners, accounting for 90 per cent of park revenue generated in the country.

“The implementation of this increase was done without due consultation and we regret the manner in which this was done despite our attempts to consult on this process.

We have already seen strong reactions from our partners, and we are very sure that this is going to have a negative impact on our businesses and the industry at large,” reads the statement in part signed by the chairman of tourism chamber of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF), the umbrella organization of the private sector issued on January, 28th.

Rwanda’s tourism receipts leaped to $200 million in 2010, up 14 per cent from 2009. In 2011, the sector generated $251million.

“This increase comes at a time when there is significant growth of the gorilla population as well as an increasing demand for gorilla tourism. We are very committed to sustain our efforts in conservation in order to protect their environment as well as the rich biodiversity that exist in our national parks,” John Gara , the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RDB said announcing the increment.

The population of mountain gorillas has increased by 26.3 per cent over the last seven years with a 3.7 percent annual growth, according to Gorilla Census conducted in April 2010.

Meru National Park Attractions, Accommodation, Game Lodges, Hotels, Campsites Bandas

Meru National Park Attractions, Accommodation,  Game Lodges Hotels Campsites Bandas                        http://ow.ly/8hZs   

Rhino Meru National Park

Also called Elsa’s Country, Meru National Park is a destination of choice for nature and culture lovers and features a Rhino Rhino Sanctuary.  Leopard Rock Lodge,  Elsa’s Kopje Lodge,  Ikweta Safari Camp ,  Meru Mulika Lodge, Off Beat Campsite, and Meru Rhino River Camp,  provide accommodation in the Park. KWS Bandas include Bwatherongi, Murera and Kinna.

The Best of Meru Safaris include

• 7days Meru National Park -Samburu-Masai Mara  fly drive Safari
• 4days Nairobi Meru  fly drive Safari

Other  safaris in Kenya and East Africa include

• 9 Days Kenya Highlight Safari- Nairobi/ Mt Kenya/ Sambur/ Sweet Waters/ Nakuru/ Masai Mara
• Masai mara Serengeti Ngorongoro Manyara  Mara 11 days

All the  above safaris can also be combined with Rwanda Gorilla trekking  4 days safari

Meru can be visited throughout the year.  A visit to the Park is best combined with the nearby attractions.  These include Mt Kenya National Park, Lewa Down, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserve, Sweet Waters game sanctuary.  Just email us and let us organize a wonderful safari to these places including Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Lake Nakuru Combinations.

Hire 4×4 Jeeps to Visit Meru National Park

Hire 4x4 Nairobi

Our vehicle Car Hire  / auto rental locations include-Nairobi City Centre Office, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Coded NBO or JKIA) serving the whole of the country and Nairobi.  Other locations in Kenya include, Mombasa Town,  Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA), Malindi Airport (MYD), Kisumu, Nakuru, Nanyuki. They  open from 08:00to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday.  Rental Cars can be returned at the point of pick up, at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) airport or at the hotels in either Nairobi, Mombasa or Malindi. In the rest of East Africa rental locations (locations des voiture) are Kigali (Rwanda),  Kampala , Jinja and Entebbe (Uganda),  Bujumbura (Burundi) Dares salaam, Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Arusha ( Tanzania) and Zanzibar.

Gorilla safaris Rwanda | Tracking, Hiking, Trekking Tour

Approximately 800 mountain gorillas are left in the world. A majority of these are found in the Virunga massif. The Virunga massif extends over international boundaries. This makes conservation of this fragile ecosystem even more challenging. The surrounding hills are highly populated recording some of the highest population densities in the world. Besides the high population density, the civil strife in DR Congo has not abetted despite the continued presence of the international forces. To make mountain gorilla conservation worthwhile, the three governments of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo introduced gorilla tracking.

Note, unlike in the zoos, gorillas in Virungas are wild. Before any tracking can be done, these have to undergo a long process of habituation. During this time the researchers well versed in gorilla behaviour identify a viable family for habituation. For habituation, the family must have at least 5 individuals. Habituation involves making the family to get used to human presence. With hostile silverbacks, this is not easy. Some of the researchers have even been charged and sustained injuries. However once the family members are used to humans, there is minimal chance of injuries. However habituation does not prevent the silverbacks from exercising mock charges. That is why all tourists are advised not to imitate chest beating as silverbacks will interpret that as a challenge to its authority. Once habituated, mountain gorillas will approach you to touching distance. However visitors are discouraged from getting into contact with gorillas. Likewise all persons less than 15 years of age are not allowed to track gorillas. These two precautions ensures that communicable diseases are not transferred from humans to gorillas. Remember humans share 98% of their genes with gorillas. Likewise any person suffering from communicable diseases is discouraged.

To avoid confrontations with the silverbacks, visitors are advised to keep their distance( flight distance is the distance that an animal will keep away from another for fear of getting injured. The more dangerous the other animal, the further the flight distance.) To be on the safe side, just follow the instructions of the guide.

To keep the environment clean, visitors are advised not to litter the park in anyway. The policy is to leave only your footprints. Visitors must carry back all the litter they bring into the forest. Bury all the faeces.

Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Rwanda takes place in the morning. Visitors report at the park headquarters for briefing and guide allocation. There after they leave for the hiking trails. Depending on the location of gorillas, hiking takes 2-6 hours. Any person of average physical fitness can track gorillas comfortably as the pace of tracking is set by the slowest member of the group. Gorilla tracking safaris can easily be combined with the Great Wildebeest Migration Safari featuring wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara and Serengeti 11 days and the Kenya highlight tour 9 days.

Altitude: Tracking takes place in altitudes of about 3000 meters above sea level. Thus trackers are advised to take their time. Do not run up the mountains. Take your time to enjoy the scenery.

Gorilla tracking is a whole day affair with clients reporting at the park headquarters at 07:00 hrs. However depending on the location of the gorillas, some guest do finish tracking as early as 12:00 Hrs. If one completes this early, the afternoon can be spend visiting the local communities of Lake Burela and Ruhondo or even at Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu.

What to bring:
In addition to safari accessories-note books, cameras, video cameras, pens, dressing is very important when tracking gorillas. Short sleeves and are completely discouraged as thorny nestles will ruin your skin. Likewise you need hiking boots for firm grip as sometimes the ground is muddy. Gloves are important as sometimes you will grasp into thorny bushes to avoid a fall on slippery tracks. Bring a raincoat as it rains without warning. To protect your camera, have a water proof container. Bring a long a warm cardigan as sometimes it gets extremely cold.

Accommodation while tracking gorillas: There are several options available for those tracking gorillas in Rwanda. Accommodation hotels vary from luxury to mid-range to budget. Luxury options exists at Virunga Volcanoes Lodge and Sabyinyo Community Silverback Lodge. Mid range accommodation is offered by Gorilla Nest Hotel and Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. Budget accommodation is available at Kinigi Guest House. Some guests prefer accommodation at Ruhengeri (Musanze).

Gorilla Tracking permits

Gorilla permits can be bought as early as a year in advance or even on the tracking day.  Our advice is always avoid the last minute purchase as in most cases you will be disappointed . SEE  Gorilla Tracking permits-When to Buy/ Book your permit

For more details and gorilla tracking safaris contact  R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris

Rwanda Gorilla Families / Groups -Susa, Amahoro, Umubano, kwitonda, Group 13, Hirwa, Sabyinyo

Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park.  Gorilla families or groups are divided into two.  The study groups/ families which are accessible to scientists and the tourist groups/families which are open for tourist tracking.  The Study groups have the largest number of individuals.   Study groups include Beetsme, Pablo’s Shida’s and Bwenge.  Besides these, there are seven(7) tourist groups-Susa, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Group 13(Agashya), Umubano and Hirwa.  Sometimes, these are joined by a migrant  group from Uganda.  Most of the potential gorilla trackers have diverse questions ranging from the best time to track, the existing gorilla families, accommodation facilities, when to buy permits, tracking rules and regulations and what to bring.  We will answer most of these questions and many more on request.

There are seven gorilla families open for tourists .  Only 8 tourists allowed per group per day.

• Susa Group/ Family—the largest group with 41 gorillas. The group is very impressive with three silver-backs and several-black backs, females and several youngsters.  Part of the fame of this group are playful 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano.  The group roams the slopes of Karisimbi Volcano(4507M).  Though the group is a bit difficult to track sometimes it is very near.  Always find out their location from guides a day earlier.
• Sabyinyo Group/ Family—One o the easily accessible groups.  The group has 8 members led by the biggest silverback known in the entire jungle called Guhonda.
• Amahoro Group/ Family—Amahoro meaning peaceful has 17 members led by the peaceful Ubumwe. Amahoro is a more strenuous group to access compared to Group 13 or Sabyinyo.
• Group 13/ Family(Also Called Agashya)—when first habituated this group had only 13 members hence its name. Now the group has approximately 25 members.
• Kwitonda Group/ Family—this migrant group from DR Congo has  18-members led by Kwitonda which means “humble one” .  It has two silverbacks and one blackback.  Though the group tends to wander far, it is now permanently in the Rwanda Section of Virungas.  Together with Susa this is one of the difficult groups to track.
• Umubano Group/ Family—a family of 11, Umubano were originally Amahoro members but broke off after the dominant silverback was challenged by Charles, now the leader of Umubano. When a young silverback challenges the dominant silverback he must steal some females from the existing group in order to form his own family; thus Umubano was formed.
• Hirwa Group/ Family—Hirwa is the most diverse group comprising  from differently families mainly group 13 and Sabyinyo.

Booking Gorilla Tracking Permits When to Book or Buy

Gorilla tracking permits must be booked in advance.  How far in advance depends on your desired time of tracking.  Note that high season means anytime from 1st June to 30th September.  During this time it is extremely difficult to get permits.  During these months some dates are fully booked 6 months in advance and to be on the safe side book even a year or 9 months in advance.

Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking rules and regulations focus on three main areas-conservations of environment, health of gorillas and safety of the trackers.  Littering, coughing, shouting, pointing at gorillas are prohibited.  Gorillas have freedom of way and should not be obstructed in any way.  Read more on gorilla tracking rules and regulations or dos and dont’s .

When gorilla tracking accommodation is available is either basic, mid range or luxury.  Luxury accommodation is available Sabiyinyo Silver Back Lodge (Also called Sabyinyo Community Lodge), Virunga Luxury Lodge (Also called (Virunga Volcanoes Lodge) and the private Jack Hana’s House.  Mid range properties include Gorilla Nest Lodge and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.  Budget accommodation is provided by Kinigi Guest House and properties in Ruhengeri (Musanze) town.

For gorilla tracking you need 4×4 cars.  See Car Hire Kigali for rates.

Besides gorilla tracking in Rwanda one can also track chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest National Park and overnight at Nyungwe forest Lodge

Tracking Gorilla Tracking Expeditions in

Tracking Gorilla Tracking Expeditions in Rwanda

This 4 days 3 nights safari includes a visit to the genocide memorial, 2 gorilla trekking expeditions in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park (Parc des volcans) and visits to Gisenyi on the shores of lake Kivu and the twin lakes of Burela and Ruhondo.  The tour commences in Kigali either in the morning or afternoon. The tour is categorized into three- Budget, Mid Range or Luxury depending on accommodation facility. Below are the different categories indicating accommodation hotels and their prices.  Prices are valid from 23 Sep 2011-31 DEC 2012;  Prices are subject to review.

Budget– USD 1960.00 PP (2 Sharing) USD 1850.00PP (3 people sharing) USD 1750.00PP (4 people sharing).  Accommodation at Kinigi Guest House or Palms hotel

Mid Range– USD 2210.00 PP (2 people sharing) USD 2145.00PP (3 people sharing) USD 1979.00PP( 4 people sharing).  Accommodation at Mt Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Hotel

Luxury – USD 3452.00 PP (2 people sharing) USD 3494.00PP (3 people sharing) USD 3248.00PP( 4 people sharing).

The price is all inclusive of 4×4 transport car, all meals, guides, government taxes etc.  See complete details at 4 days 3 nights gorilla tracking Rwanda

Book this safari-contact Gorilla Safaris Rwanda Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Hire 4×4 Car in Kigali Rwanda to trek gorillas

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda requires a 4×4 Toyota Land cruiser or similar car.  Currently the roads are extremely rough thus a Toyota Rav4   is not recommended.  Cars are available on self drive or with driver.

Hire 4x4wd Car Kigali Rwanda

Car Hire Kigali Airport 4×4

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Safari- 4 days Hiking And Tracking

Gorilla Trekking 4 Days 3 Nights Gorillas In The Mist Safari.

NB: This gorilla tracking, hiking and trekking safari is organized at Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. The safari is private, full inclusive. Security wise no bad incidents have been reported in Volcanoes for the last 12 years.  This is a good record considering that tracking takes place everyday.

 

Day1/  Kigali – Ruhengeri-Kinigi

Upon arrival at Kanombe Airport, you are met and driven to your hotel. This 2Hrs drive takes you through the beautifully terraced hilly countryside of Rwanda to Ruhengeri the base of trekking and gorilla tracking.  Brief stopovers are provided on the way for photography.  Overnight Gorilla Nest Hotel/Kinigi Guest House/Sabyinyo Lodge (D)

Day2/  Gorillas in the mist day 1

An early morning breakfast is followed by a drive to Kinigi park headquarters for group, guide allocation and briefing. This is followed by a drive to the trailheads where hiking and trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone begins.  Hiking, trekking and tracking gorillas may take 2-3 hours.  Sight and stay with the Gorillas for one hour. Descend to your hotel for lunch.  In the afternoon visit Lakes Burela and Ruhondo Community.  Overnight Gorilla Nest Hotel/Kinigi Guest House/Sabtinyo Lodge (B/L/D)

Day3/  Gorilla Tracking 2

After breakfast, trek up the mountain for another memorable experience with gorillas. Return to the base hotel for lunch. In the afternoon drive to Gisenyi on the shores of lake Kivu. Overnight Kivu Serena/Malahide Paradise Hotel B/L/D

Day4/Gisenyi-Kigali

After breakfast drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport to catch your home flight.
Tour price based on two persons sharing

Budget USD,  1960.00 Total for 2 USD 3920.00

Mid Range USD,  2337.00 Total for 2 USD 4674.00

Luxury USD 3533.00, Total for 2 USD 6706.00

Explanations of Luxury, Budget, Mid Range

Prices are based on accommodation facilities during tracking days.  Luxury means 2 nights at Sabyinyo Lodge and 1 night at Kivu Serena.  Mid range means 2 nights at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and 1 night at Kivu Serena Hotel.

The tour price.

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS:

This safari is strictly private; fully inclusive thus you have peace of mind and free to enjoy your safari. The 4WD car is private hence you are guaranteed of limitless discovery in maximum comfort, privacy and a high degree of safety.  After tracking Gorillas guests are free to visit local people, drive to lakes Kivu, Burela and Ruhondo or even drive all the way to Uganda border at no extra cost. The car also comes with a local multi-lingual driver guide with wide knowledge of Rwanda’s history, local people, and attractions within reach. The driver guide is flexible so please do not hesitate to address any of your concerns to him.   The Gorilla Nest Hotel is a home away from home. Guest rooms are comfortable, spotlessly clean with en-suite bathrooms, writing desk and a TV.  The staff are friendly and radiates with warmth.  The restaurant serves delicious buffet featuring local and international cuisine.

In summary the tour price include the following:

• Accommodation cost pp sharing
• Meals indicated as B-Breakfast; L-lunch; D-Dinner.
• Transportation in a private 4WD car fully fuelled and with a driver guide.
• Driver’s Allowance’s allowances
• 2 Gorilla permits per person
• Park Entrance fee
• Use of Government rangers and guides while tracking.  Guests are accompanied by guides and armed rangers.
• Complementary tour of Lake Kivu on day 3
• All government taxes
• Complimentary tour of Genocide memorial of Gisozi
• Mineral water during your tour.

The price does not include the following

• Tips& Gratuities to guides, drivers and hotel staff
• Beverages
• Extra meals
• Optional tours
• Air fares- We can book the flight NBO-KGL; KGL JRO at
• Visa fees
• Travel Insurance-guests are advised to take comprehensive travel insurance prior to arrival. AAR cover is for evacuation and it should not be mistaken for travel insurance

Further reading

• Gorilla tracking Rwanda rules and regulations, dos and donts
• Gorilla Tracking Rwanda What to bring/ requirements
• Gorilla Tracking Rwanda Accommodation Hotels, Lodges, Guest House

To book this safari Email us rnxploresafaris@gmail.com

Another  4 days 3 nights Gorilla safari Rwanda From R&N Xplorer Africa Safaris

Gorilla Tracking Rwanda What to bring | Gorilla Tracking Requirements

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park in altitudes of about 2000 Meters above sea level.   Volcanoes experiences a modified equatorial climate.  Volcanoes National Park(Par des Volcans) is both hilly anwd cold.  The groundswell are usually wet and the paths are full of stinging plants-nettles.  Besides, the rains are random.  In this regard all prospective trackers are asked to bring the following

• Long trousers/ pants- to avoid stinging nettles please do not wear short parks when tracking gorillas.  The trousers must be strong enough to withstand occasional pulls from thorns.
• Long sleeved shirts/ t-shirts.  To avoid stinging nettles
• Gloves- These are required to avoid injury to your hands.  Remember the grounds are wet and slippery.  To avoid injury from thorny bushes and objects on ground
• Hiking boots- Please bring average waterproof sturdy walking boots reaching ankle level not mountain climbing boots. Something light and hardy will do.
• Warm cardigan- Volcanoes can get extremely cold.  A warm cardigan is required to keep off cold.
• Long sleeved Rain Coat or anorak -it can rain anytime in Volcanoes National Park even on hot days.  The downpours are heavy and extremely cold.
• Water proof container for your cameras.  Yes I know there are waterproof cameras but even them to be sure just put them in a waterproof container.  When you are slipping and falling in muddy grounds you do not want your precious photos damaged or do you?
• If you desire headgear (hats), a baseball cap is recommended as gorillas are familiar to them.
• Enough water- minimum of 2 litres of drinking water to avoid dehydration.  Carry four just in case the hike proofs longer than expected.  Sometimes it can be 8 hours.
• Film Camera- A film camera for domestic use is recommended.
• A camera
• If you are interested in birds, you can bring Field guide to birds of East Africa by Fanshawe and a pair of binoculars.

When to book Your Gorilla Tracking Safari.  It is important to book your gorilla tracking safari as early as possible.  For June/ Jul/ August and early September, book your safari latest January.  Any other months you try your luck any time, But to be sure give it three months in advance.

FAQS, GORILLA TRACKING TIPS.  How long is the trek?  How long will you stay with gorillas?  Can one fail to see them?  Security? At what altitude is the hike?  What level of fitness do you requires?  Are you likely to meet other animals besides gorillas?  OH Yes, we will answer all those right now

• Treks to the gorilla can take as short as 2 hours or as long as 8 hours.  Remember gorillas roam the whole of Volcanoes National Park without any restrictions.  Thus they can be near or far.  Some gorilla families like the Susa are usually far while other like Umubano are near.
• You stay with the gorillas for only one hour. Strictly one hour no more.  Longer stays tend to make gorillas aggressive.  Yo do not want to be charged,  Do you?
• Level of fitness- any average person can do gorilla tracking. Since 2007 only one of our guest failed to see gorillas
• By statistics, gorilla sighting in Rwanda  is 100%.  However remember gorillas are wild so one cannot guarantee a sighting.
• Tracking commences at 07:00 Hrs daily from Kinigi Park Headquarters.
• Roads in Volcanoes are extremely rough.  You need a 4×4 car in Rwanda .  You can use public means from Kigali to Ruhengeri.  However having your own car gives you a high degree of flexibility.  You can stop whenever you want.
• Porters are available to help you with luggage.  Porters will cost you USD 10.00.  It is advisable to have one
• Other animals in the park-elephants, buffaloes, golden monkeys, duickers.
• Since 1994, Rwanda has proofed to be one of the most secure countries in the world.  However in towns take due care as you would in your own country.

Book your 4 days 3 nights gorilla tracking safari.  For June, July, August and September book and deposit for permits by January.

To Book Email: rnxploresafaris@gmail.com