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).

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tracking Safari-When To Book Or Buy Permit

“Gorilla permits are always in short supply.  Do not waste time. Decide on tracking dates and pay a deposit for your permits”.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda takes place every day, 365 days in a year.  Tracking, trekking and hiking takes place in Volcanoes National Park (Parc Nationale des Volcans) from Kinigi Park headquarters.  Trekking takes from 4-8 hrs.  Any person of average fitness can track gorillas.   Each day, there are a minimum of 64 gorilla permits available.  Permits available daily depend on the groups available for tracking. By statistics, six (8) families are permanently settled in Rwanda.  Sometimes these are joined by a migratory group from Uganda thus making more permits available.

Many people ask the question,“When do I book my gorilla tracking permit?”  Alternatively what is the earliest date to buy a gorilla permit?

These questions are best answered by another question, “When do you intend to track? Which month?” – January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November or December?

By statistics, the months of June, July, August, September are high season.  To get a permits in these months is difficult and sometimes impossible hence for those intending to track these months book as early as possible.  Early as possible means even a year in advance.  You can try your luck latest 6 months in advance.   For the other months, book earliest 6 months in advance and latest 4 months in advance.

This does not mean you cannot get a permit a day in advance.  You can always try your luck any time.

Valuable links

• Book 4 days 3 nights gorilla tracking safari
• Gorilla trekking rules and regulations, dos and don’ts
• Gorilla tracking, hiking trekking accommodation lodges, hotels
• Car hire in Kigali Rwanda
• Chimpanzee and gorilla tracking 8 days

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