Kigali Gorilla Trekking Review: Volcanoes National Park Guide

Thinking about seeing gorillas in Rwanda by starting from Kigali? It’s almost surely an amazing adventure, is that right? This review gives you, like your average traveler, pretty useful information and suggestions for arranging an incredible gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. From planning the details to, in a way, actually being there with the gorillas, we’ll go through all you should know. So, too, let’s begin!

Why Choose Kigali and Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the Virunga Mountains, definitely delivers a wonderful place for gorilla trekking, right? Getting there from Kigali International Airport is very convenient. It is approximately a three-hour drive to the park headquarters. A slightly short transfer time certainly gives Rwanda, unlike other spots like Uganda, some big advantages, right? You could be looking at a far longer drive there.

Plus, the stability and safety in Rwanda often make it a preferred destination for travelers, it’s almost obvious. The Rwandan government really puts a big effort into gorilla conservation, in other words, there are dedicated ranger protection groups, and so the tours themselves support both the local economy and keeping the gorillas secure and safe, is that not a good thing? A bit better for everyone, don’t you believe? So, you are traveling with care in a location that certainly protects its natural gems.

Planning Your Gorilla Trek: Permits and Tours

First off, you are going to want to grab your gorilla trekking permit as soon as you know you want to make the trek, because these things tend to disappear. They will cost you around $1,500, that is what the average cost is, so that you are aware. Book this beforehand through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through a recognized tour firm. This move is truly important because permits are super restricted, so too secure your space, a few months ahead is best, could be earlier.

Many tour operators present different packages, for instance the low-cost alternatives providing you with just the basic essentials, right up to luxurious, expensive experiences supplying premium accommodations, eating options, together with private guides and transfers. So you should evaluate your budget and, in some ways, how comfortable and what extras you may like prior to selecting a particular tour group, right?

Consider factors such as group sizes, what’s included in the package (like foods, places to stay, and transport), in addition to the tour company’s reputation pertaining to environmentally friendly procedures. Deciding on a reliable tour operator ensures not just a hassle-free trip but one which, very often, aids ethical tourist initiatives, I think. If, at the end of the day, you’d like an affordable gorilla trek, you will need to explore several tour choices in order to secure the package deal that suits your circumstances.

What to Expect During the Trek

The morning of the trek commonly begins early in the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a quick briefing coming from park rangers, for the most part. You’ll be divided into groups depending upon the gorilla family you’re set to see, I imagine. That’s very nice. The rangers is going to explain the regulations you will have to follow, as well as stuff such as keeping a secure distance, so, too if you can help it do not make loud noises.

Trekking period varies extensively; it could last from just a couple of hours to as much as seven, for example. The path you’ll be taking depends on the gorilla family you have been assigned, along with current location. Be geared up for fairly tough terrain; trekking typically requires navigating thick undergrowth, scaling slippery slopes, in addition to going across streams. That sounds wild, is that so?

Being relatively fit will assist you tremendously. When you reach the gorillas, you are usually permitted to spend about one hour with them. Witnessing these stunning creatures within their normal environment happens to be an incredibly humbling experience, really. You’ll view them eating, caring for their children, as well as just simply socializing, giving fantastic picture possibilities and memorable times.

Tips for a Successful and Ethical Trek

Wear layers! Beginning with moisture-wicking under garments could, actually, keep you reasonably comfortable all day. Trekking trousers tucked into tough walking boots will definitely protect you from pesky bugs in the form of biting ants, too.

Be sure that you’ve gotten appropriate equipment, such as waterproof trekking boots, garden gloves (they might guard against stinging nettles) with a raincoat (since it will get moist!), might be just what you require, might be what your friend requires, might be useful to you. Remember to bring bug spray with a great sunblock lotion. Always pack foods in addition to enough water to maintain your strength throughout the trek. Hiring a porter supports the community, plus it can also be, that is to say, rather handy should you like support while going up hills or carrying the backpack.

Sticking to all ranger recommendations is extremely crucial to be able to maintain the protection of both you and the gorillas. Maintain a fair length, which is often a minimum of 7 meters (about 21 ft), and always let the rangers lead you, in fact. Don’t use flash photography, that, most times, can stress the gorillas.

Accommodations in and Around Volcanoes National Park

You might want to investigate various accommodations around Volcanoes National Park that fit your funds. For folks desiring ease of access together with comfort, hotels near Kinigi (the park headquarters) turn out to be excellent. These types of hotels generally have comfortable rooms, really nice meals, including companies targeted at trekkers.

In case you like things that feel lavish, resorts such as Bisate Lodge along with Singita Kwitonda Lodge deliver top quality encounters having first-rate conveniences as well as gorgeous perspectives. So it has something for everybody.

For more affordable alternatives, check out guesthouses and eco-lodges offering comfy lodgings with no burning a hole through your pocket, as a matter of fact. So that could work!

Extending Your Trip: Other Activities in Rwanda

Whilst gorilla trekking definitely represents the highlight, think about broadening the adventure in Rwanda; consider further activities. Going to Lake Kivu supplies some lovely relaxation with panoramic shorelines and the opportunity to engage in water pursuits. Apparently!

Going to Nyungwe Forest National Park enables chimp trekking alongside breathtaking canopy tours. If, really, you are an animal lover at heart! Consider visiting genocide memorials around Kigali for deep insights into Rwanda’s background. In actual fact it is heart touching to visit some of them. Be sure to discover local markets for Rwandan coffees; handcrafts.

Don’t you love the idea of seeing extra sights after getting finished gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park?

Is Kigali Gorilla Trekking Right for You?

Picking out to see gorillas through Kigali offers the possibility to witness probably the most remarkable animal experiences on this planet whilst having fun with Rwanda’s gorgeous landscapes, too. That is actually exciting, isn’t it? Despite the reality that the price is normally a little hefty and, to tell the truth, trekking could be demanding, the opportunity to watch mountain gorillas in the normal environment is truly extraordinary.

If you love wildlife adventures, desire to aid preservation initiatives, as well as are trying to find a completely unforgettable trip, taking into consideration Kigali gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the worthwhile choice. Thus, you have something that satisfies what you have to do?

Get prepared properly, publication beforehand, and always be prepared for the unbelievable time experiencing such mild leaders associated with Volcanoes National Park!

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