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Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

The savannah plains of Akagera National Park in the east, the rainforest of the Virunga Volcanoes in the west, and the montane forests of Nyungwe National Park in the southwest; Rwanda Safaris are central Africa’s most thriving destinations. And, Rwanda Gorilla Safaris offer undoubtedly the greatest attraction and one of the most compelling natural experiences to be had anywhere on earth.

How Rwanda Gorilla Safaris Work?

In the whole world, you can only see the mountain gorillas (Gorilla Berengei Berenger) in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. In Rwanda, you’ll find them in the Volcanoes National Park, Parc Nationale Des Volcans.

There are 11 mountain gorilla groups habituated making a total of 96 gorilla permits available every single day.  8 people in one group can trek these endangered apes. The Susa group with 41 gorillas group is the best to track! 

The cost of a gorilla permit comes up to $ 1500 per head per trek. A portion of your contribution goes to conserving these mountain gorillas.

Best Place for Gorilla Safari in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park: This popular Rwanda Safari Destination presents an unforgettable image of a magnificent chain of volcanoes stretching off into the distance. The entire park is surrounded by jungle forests and the gentle mountain gorilla giants that inhabit with-in. Meet the Agashya gorilla family, get up close and spend some time with them in their natural home.

Highlights: Gorilla trekking & bird watching

Rwanda’s Mountain Gorilla Groups In Volcanoes National Park

The mountain gorillas often climb higher in the dry season and descend when it rains. It might be due to pressure from wild gorillas. When tracking gorillas, Gazelle Safaris Africa offers a unique opportunity to visit a specific group once you are at the park headquarters. These are some of the gorilla groups currently habituated in Volcanoes National Park:

The Sabyinyo Group; has about 12 individuals, including two silverback gorillas, found relatively close to the edge of the forest.

Agashya Group; has about 25 gorillas with 2 silverbacks, usually lives close to the Sabyinyo Group but can range very far and high.

Amahoro Group; with about 17 individuals, is usually further away from the headquarters but easier to reach than the Susa Group.

Umubano Group; currently has 11 members, stays further away from the headquarters but is easier to reach than the Susa Group.

Susa Group; the largest, with about 28 individuals, including 3 silverbacks.

Karisimbi Group; split from the Susa group a few years ago, also lives in Mt. Karisimbi area of Volcanoes National Park

Hirwa Group; has 11 members including one silverback and a pair of twins, usually found on the slopes of Sabyinyo, and are the easier groups to trek to.

Kwitonda Group; has 18 members and is known to range far.

Bwenge Group; named after their silverback, has 11 members and can be a tough trek

Ugende Group; its 11 individuals shift regularly.

Isimbi Group; includes Poppy, the oldest living female, and 14 other members.

When Is The Best Time For Rwanda Gorilla Safaris?

Ideally, gorilla safari trekking can be done throughout the year. But, in the wet rainy seasons, the trails become extremely slippery. Also, sometimes the paths and roads are forced to shut down due to adverse conditions. Overall, the dry season between December and February, and from about June to mid-September is the best time for Rwanda Gorilla Safaris.

Visit Rwanda, “the land of a thousand hills” for Budget Rwanda Gorilla Tours, authentic Rwanda culture tours, with an awesome blend of wildlife safaris. At Gazelle Safaris Africa, our top priority is to ensure you get memorable and exciting Gorilla safaris during your visit to Volcanoes national park. Our Rwanda Safari Packages are incredibly affordable and budget-friendly to give you long-lasting and unforgettable experiences of wildlife and game drives. Also, get the best option to explore Rwanda Travel Guide.

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Let’s Start Designing Your Holiday

All our holidays are uniquely designed for each of our clients. That’s because we can take you anywhere in Africa and create any experience you’d like. We’re not limited by fixed destinations, itineraries or hotels and we won’t restrict you by date or budget. Instead, you can dream big or small, and think far and wide or closer to home. Call us to start planning your personally tailored Safari holiday today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa. Even though the country has seen its fair share of violence and bloodshed but now the country is back on its feet again. Crime is relatively low, and locals are welcoming, friendly and hospitable. However, to avoid pickpockets and petty crime, you must be cautious and vigilant all the time.

You can track mountain gorillas throughout the year in Uganda and Rwanda. However, June to October is the best time for gorilla trekking. This is the dry season of Rwanda which allows perfect conditions for trekking.

A gorilla permit is a card/ document issued by the Rwanda development board to allow you to spend an hour with the mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park. Currently, the cost of a gorilla permit can come up to 1500$ to 1700$ including permit, private transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, and meals.

We always advise our clients to book a permit at least 3 months in advance. Due to high demand especially in the peak season, the permits tend to sell out quickly. Contact Gazelle Safaris Africa for more information.

Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in the world. All tourists are escorted by armed rangers while tracking the gorillas.

For gorilla trekking, you’ve to hike through difficult terrain, water bodies, thick vegetation, hills, and valleys. The activity can possess some initial challenges but in the end, it’ll be rewarding.

Rwanda is a much smaller country in comparison to Uganda. Uganda has more Gorilla Families and habituated gorillas group. Also, the permits are more easily available.

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