Rwanda “the Land of a thousand Hills” is one of the three countries where gorilla trekking is conducted. Gorilla trekking is therefore the key reason as to why thousands of tourists flock Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These mountain gorillas live in the high altitudes of Volcanoes National Park, where tourists hike to encounter these Giant Apes. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of 160 square kilometers, and is situated about 105 kilometers West of Kigali town. With this short distance of Kigali to the Park, it is about 2-3 hours drive to Volcanoes National park. This magnificent Park was gazetted in 1925, making it one of the oldest Parks in Africa. There are currently 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park hence Rwanda Development (RDB, the governing body) sells a maximum of 80 gorilla permits per day (based on the maximum of 8 persons who can visit the group).
On a gorilla safari in Rwanda, tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas but the process of tracking can take between 30 minutes and over 6 hours before the gorilla group is sighted.
The price of a gorilla permit
With effect from 6th May 2017, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) increased the price of Rwanda Gorilla permits from $750 to $1500 per person. According to Claire Akamanzi the CEO of RDB, the new prices aim at ensuring sustainability of Conservation Initiatives, Intensifying Visitors’ Experience and supporting the development of local communities that live around Volcanoes National Park. This price also has some advantages because tourists who spend a minimum of 3 nights in either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe National Park are offered a 30% discount. Much as it is also assumed to be high, tourists are entitled to several services before tracking including a cup of coffee/tea and free entertainment which are not offered in Uganda and DRC.
When is the Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park can be visited anytime of the year. Any season (dry or wet) can be ideal for gorilla trekking. However the dry season (from early-December to late-January and June to mid-September) is more favorable for this remarkable adventure. Hiking is less arduous in the dry seasons. In This season, the possibility of rainy is greatly reduced and the trails are most likely to be less muddy and slippery. But don’t get your hopes too high because Volcanoes National Park being within a Tropical rainforest makes the possibility of raining higher. Besides that, areas above 2000m above sea level can receive rain anytime of the year. The rainy season (April to May and in November) is not preferred by most tourists because hiking itself can be difficult and the trails can be muddy and slippery.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
If you wish to spend your night within Kigali, it is not a bad idea but if you desire to be within or around the Park so that you arrive earlier for the adventurous activity, then you can choose from these classic accommodation facilities near Volcanoes National Park. They include Le Palme Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Jack and Hannah Cottages among others.
Therefore, Volcanoes National Park being just a two hours’ drive from Kigali is a perfect location for gorilla trekking safaris. With the classic accommodation facilities and the less tedious tracking conditions in this park, tourists can visit it for a memorable gorilla trekking experience.