The 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda is an exceptional budget gorilla tour you should book. It is a perfect alternative for those of you with limited time or on budget safari in Rwanda to also strike your imaginations with a group of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. This package involves you trekking to view mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and while on a gorilla trek, expect to also come across other primate species, birds and plant species.
Volcanoes National Park is found in Northwestern Rwanda, 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali in a good 4×4 drive safari vehicle. It occupies an area of 160sq.kms and inhabits a section of mountain gorillas which today remain fewer than 1004, golden monkeys, over 200 bird species and numerous plant species. The 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda tour will begin and end in Kigali.
Things to expect on 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda tour
• An hour of magical encounter
• 2 to 3 hours’ drive in 4×4 drive safari vehicle to Volcanoes National Park
• Bottled water
Detailed itinerary of your 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda
Day 1: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, return to Kigali
Wake up early in the morning and have breakfast at the hotel or enjoy your breakfast en-route to Volcanoes National Park which is 2 to 3 hours from Kigali. At 7:00 am, you are expected to be at Kinigi park headquarters for a briefing on dos and don’ts that you and other trekkers should observe while on a trek to see mountain gorillas. You will be assigned to one gorilla family to track in a group of eight visitors and Volcanoes National Park consists of ten habituated families; Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Bwenge, Agashya, Susa A, Karisimbi, Ugenda, Amahoro, Kwitonda, and Umubano.
This primate experience can take you about 2-6 hours including an hour of magical encounter, photography and exploring how mountain gorillas socialize, feeding habits, mating, and other unique body gestures as they will be interpreted to you by the park ranger guide. You will also come across other species of primates, birds, and flora. Later, retreat from your adventure to meet your driver-guide at a point where you commenced your search for these massive creatures. You will then drive back to Kigali capital city and this marks the end of your 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda tour.
End of your 1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda
1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda includes
• A gorilla permit in Rwanda at $1500
• Travel by a 4×4 drive safari van or land cruiser
• Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled water
• Relevant government taxes
1-day gorilla trekking Rwanda excludes
• Tips
• Airfares
• Beverages
• Cigarettes
• Laundry services
• Telephone calls
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities
• Hotel fees in Kigali after the gorilla trek
The dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking
• Only persons above 15 years are allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
• Upon finding your gorilla family, you have an hour of magical encounter.
• A distance of 7 meters should be kept away from gorillas at all times.
• Visitors who do not feel well may not be allowed to trek gorillas and in case you need to sneeze, you are advised to cover your nose or mouth when coughing.
• Always keep your voices low while on the search for mountain gorillas.
What to pack for gorilla trekking?
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Camera with no flashlight
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Energy giving snacks
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Insect repellents
• Waterproof daypack
Related Rwanda Safaris
2 days Rwanda golden monkey tracking tour
3 days Rwanda gorilla tour
5 days Rwanda primate tour