The general process of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is similar to that in Uganda, but there are a few important differences:
Just about all gorilla treks in Rwanda are in the beautiful Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to five volcanoes and is located in northwestern Rwanda. It’s about 160 km2.
When travelling to Rwanda, you may need a tourist visa. However, if you intend to visit Uganda or Kenya as well, you may be interested in an East African Tourist Visa. It’s slightly more expensive, but it allows you to travel to all three countries.
Costs Visa Rwanda: EUR46, USD50
Costs East African Tourist Visa: EUR93, USD100
Is Rwanda a Safe Country to Visit?
Unfortunately, most people outside of the country still associate Rwanda with the infamous genocide of 1994. The genocide erupted after the assassination of Rwandan President Habyarimana. It was the boiling point of a long-standing conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu ethnic groups. Though the genocide lasted only about 100 days, 500,000-1,000,000 Tutsis (as well as moderate Hutus) were killed.
However, since the genocide, Rwanda has worked to promote peace and right the wrongs of the past. Government officials arrested and tried the main perpetrators of the genocide and allocated substantial resources to the rebuilding of the country’s infrastructure, and the Tutsis and Hutus moved toward reconciliation.
Rwanda has been relatively politically stable for quite some time, but there is some tension between it and neighboring countries Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a good idea to stay at least 10 km from these borders.
Like Uganda, Rwanda is also fairly safe for women. As always, stay alert and avoid going out at night, especially alone. Rwanda is actually Africa’s most gender-equal country.
Rwanda is relatively safe to visit. Travel Safe gives it a safety index of 37. But another ranking system named it the safest country in Africa and the sixth safest country in the world for solo travelers.
Rwanda and Uganda have similar weather patterns, and their dry seasons generally line up. The best time to go trekking is from June to September or mid-December to mid-February.
Rwanda has a few different airports, but you will probably fly into Kigali National Airport in the country’s capital. The drive from the airport to Volcanoes National Park is only a few hours.
You probably already guessed that Volcanoes National Park is home to some pretty steep terrain, so hiking through is not easy. Just like in Uganda, Rwanda’s forests are full of thick vegetation that can be challenging to move through.
You may hike anywhere from a half an hour to seven hours before spotting any gorillas, so it’s essential to dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. In Rwanda, you also have the option to hire a porter if required.
Volcanoes National Park is home to about 320 gorillas. Though Rwanda's gorilla population may seem relatively small, the park has nine habituated gorilla families, offering plenty of opportunities to see them in their natural habitat.
As you saw above, conservationists consider the gorillas in Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park to be one population. A 2010 census estimated this population to be 480. By 2018, that number had grown to 604!
How Likely is Seeing Gorillas?
Like guides in Uganda, guides in Rwanda have years of experience finding and working with the country’s gorillas. Going on a trek and seeing no gorillas at all is virtually unheard of!
In Rwanda, you must be at least 15 years old to go on a gorilla trek. Just like Uganda, Rwanda allows a maximum of eight people in each group.
If you want a Rwanda or Uganda safari like no other, make a plan to visit endangered gorillas in their natural habitat.
Organising your trip and finalising the details can get overwhelming, but at Tourilla Tours, we take pride in guiding you through the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
If you’re ready to book a tour or have any questions, please reach out as we would be delighted to help!
Don't hesitate to contact us anytime!
