Rwanda, one of the smallest countries in Africa, has made a reputation for itself as one of the biggest tourism destinations on the continent. Rwanda is located in East Africa and is neighbored by naturally endowed countries, namely D.R. Congo, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Rwanda lies in the southern hemisphere, within the tropics, and therefore experiences a climate that influences the sustenance of both fauna and flora. The northwestern parts of the country are highly forested with both tropical rainforests and afro-montane vegetation. The region also features a chain of highlands, which affirm why Rwanda is known as the ‘land of a thousand hills.’ The chain of highlands is mainly dominated by the Virunga volcanoes, which are spread throughout the area, with some overlapping into Uganda and D.R. Congo.
Rwanda has 5 of these mountains, each with distinct features. The common characteristic is the fertile volcanic soils that support the green vegetation in this region. It’s no wonder that mountain gorillas have settled and lived in the region for hundreds of years. These endangered primate species have become a priority for conservation efforts not only in Rwanda but globally. Rwanda has shown its commitment to conservation by gazetting the area where mountain gorillas live as a national park, namely Volcanoes National Park.
This park centrally houses over 10 mountain gorilla families. Mountain gorillas in this park live in family units that exhibit great similarities to human beings. Mountain gorillas derive their name from their habitat in highland regions. Volcanoes National Park is open to tourism focused on mountain gorillas, with two primary activities: mountain gorilla trekking and habituation experiences.
Gorilla trekking involves hiking in the wilderness to track mountain gorillas, with visitors getting an opportunity to observe them for about 1 hour. To trek Rwanda’s gorillas, visitors must obtain a gorilla trekking permit.
Process of Booking a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda
Firstly, tourists need to be aware of the peak season, which occurs during Rwanda’s first dry season from June to September. Due to the perfect weather conditions, this period attracts the most visitors. Consequently, bookings for mountain gorilla permits peak during this time, leaving late bookers with less desirable months that may not offer the best experiences. Tourists are advised to contact tour operators for information and recommendations on the best trekking times and to secure permits early to avoid disappointment.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits can be purchased from the Rwanda Development Board or directly from licensed local tour operators. To streamline the booking process and reduce stress, it’s advisable to book through tour operators.
Cost of Mountain Gorilla Permits in Rwanda Compared to Uganda and D.R. Congo
Rwanda’s mountain gorilla permits cost $1,500 each. Uganda charges $800 for foreign nationals, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 350,000 for East African nationals. In D.R. Congo, the cost is $400 per tourist.
The difference in permit costs reflects the overall political and economic situations in each country. Rwanda has opted for a uniform pricing strategy to enhance its luxury mountain gorilla trekking experience, aligning with its goal of achieving world-class tourism. This strategy has shown promising results over the past few years.
When to Visit Rwanda for Mountain Gorilla Trekking?
The best times are during the dry seasons within tropical Africa. Late June to early October marks the first period, and December to February the second. These seasons offer optimal visibility in the wilderness, minimal or no rainfall, and favorable conditions for easy mobility within Volcanoes National Park during gorilla trekking.
