Mountain gorillas trekking tours in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is found in the north western region of Rwanda. Volcanoes national park has a hold within the Virunga massif/ mountain chain nestled amidst 5 of the 8 mountains namely; Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabinyo and Kirisimbi. Volcanoes national park is made of montane tropical rain forests which are home to more than 600 mountain gorillas. This big mountain gorillas population forms up to 15 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Volcanoes national park covers 160 square kilometers with plans for expansion.

Volcanoes gorillas national park & golden monkeys tracking packages

Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes national park

The unique tours to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person. Encountering mountain gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed by expert trackers and guides leading groups of tourists up the mountain slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. Gorilla trekking excursions start very early in the morning which also requires tourists to wake up very early and be at the park headquarters as early as 7 am for a briefing before setting off into the jungle.

Golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes national park

Another exciting experience in Volcanoes National Park is trekking to see the golden monkeys. With the golden coated fur that makes them strikingly beautiful, two golden monkey groups can be tracked- one on the slopes of mount. Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on mount. Sabinyo. Tracking through the mysterious intimacy of the tropical rainforest, alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds and their chattering, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area.

The Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund

The Ellen DeGeneres campus was built to remember the American scientist/ primatologist and researcher Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to study mountain gorillas in the Virunga massif. Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund is a state of the art research and education center exhibiting more than 5 decades of mountain gorilla facts & history. This campus has a replica of Dian Fossey’s cabin with original artifacts, 360° theatre screens with amazing gorilla footage, virtual reality experience with gorillas, locally made crafts shop and a gorilla café. A visit at the Ellen DeGeneres campus comes along with a donation fee of $20 per individual.

Musanze Caves

There are 52 caves in the Northern province with 15.2km of cave passages, most of which are developed from Cenozoic volcanic rocks. The Musanze Cave is 2km long and the most frequently visited. It dates back to 65 million years, where the lava flows contributed to the Albertine Rift valley. Musanze cave is part of the lava basaltic layers from the Bisoke and Sabinyo volcanoes. The site is formally protected and access is limited to guided tours, which last two and half hours.

Habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park has up to 15 mountain gorilla families with some easy to trek while others difficult to reach because of steep terrain, distance or their swift mobility from one place to another. Professional/ expert guides will go before you to locate the gorilla families you are allocated to thus making your work easier. The gorilla families in volcanoes national park are;

Susa group- This is the most rewarding given its big population of 38 members.
Umubano group- Umubano means “together” in Kinyarwanda. The group has 13 members and is led by an alpha male named Charles.
Amahoro group has 19 members led by Ubumwe. Amahoro means “peace” in Kinyarwanda.
Kwitonda group has 23 gorillas led by Akarevuro.
Igisha group has 34 gorillas led by Igisha.
Hirwa group has 18 gorillas led by Munyiya.
Sabinyo group has 17 gorillas led by Guhonda.
Kwisanga group has 16 gorillas that separated from Kwitonda group and is led by Kigoma.
Muhoza group with 17 gorillas is led by Muhoza. its a easily trekked group found in the middle of the park.
Isimbi group has 16 gorillas led by Muturengera.
Agashya group has 13 gorillas led by Agashya.
Ugenda group has 11 gorillas. Named after its behavior, Ugenda means “mobile”.
Noheli group has 7 members separated from Isimbi & Susa groups and is led by Noheli.
Bwenge group has 11 members led by Bwenge.
Kirisimbi group led by Nyagakangaga is also sometimes referred to as Susa B.

Kwita Izina- mountain gorilla naming ceremony.

Kwita Izina meaning “to give a name” is a Rwandan culture tradition naming ceremony to the newly born babies in the presence of friends and family. This culture has been shifted to the mountain gorillas to observe/ track each individual gorilla in their families and also as a commitment to the mountain gorillas conservation goals. Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony has become internationally recognized by conservationists and is attended by thousands of people. Speak to our safari experts to be part of the next Kwita Izina ceremony.

How to get to Volcanoes national park & its location

Situated in the North West of Rwanda (-1.42476° S, 29.49746° E) in Musanze district, Volcanoes gorillas national park protects the steep slopes of the magnificent mountain range which is home of Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems. Volcanoes national park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. Volcanoes gorillas national park is 115km from the Kigali city on a 3 hours road drive.

What to wear on gorilla trekking safari & weather in Volcanoes national park.

Embarking on a gorilla trekking safari, you will be required to wear long sleeved shirt, thick socks, water proof hiking sturdy boots, hardy gloves, long khaki/ jean trousers, a hat, a jacket or heavy sweater. Day time temperatures at Volcanoes national park average at 16°C/ 60°F and get lower at night to 6°C/ 43°F. With these temperatures, Volcanoes national park is rainy or chilly any time throughout the year. Coming for the gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes national park, you can carry along a pair binoculars for bird watching, a lens camera for taking photos and videos.

Lodges at the Volcanoes national park

One & only gorilla's nest

One & only gorilla’s nest is located at -1.44151° S, 29.57912° E on the montane slopes of Volcanoes gorillas national park offering top rated accommodation and facilities.

One & only gorilla’s nest offers numerous accommodation options of forest tree houses and suites with rates starting at $6,110 up to $11,740.

Tiloreza volcanoes eco lodge

Tiloreza volcanoes eco lodge is located at -1.47040° S, 29.62049° E in the volcanoes national park vicinity. From the eco lodge, you can engage in gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching, nature walk trails, swimming and exquisite sightings.

Tiloreza volcanoes eco lodge offers standard rooms, deluxe rooms and suites at rates starting $530 per night.

Ingagi park view lodge

Situated at -1.43290° S & 29.55970° E, Ingagi park view lodge is a recommended safari staycation lodge for your gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda.

Ingagi park view lodge offers a range of comfortable accommodation to its guests for single , double/ twin and triple/ family occupancy with rates staring at $280 per night.

Wilderness Bisate

Wilderness Bisate at Volcanoes national park has 6 suited forest bandas crafted for 5-star comfort staycation while on Rwanda safari. Found at -1.44429° S, 29.52556° E on the ranges of the volcanoes, Wilderness Bisate is a top class and recommended luxury accommodation when you get to Rwanda for gorilla trekking activities.

Wilderness Bisate villas/ bandas rates start at $2,432 to $3,614 depending on the safari season.

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Mountain gorillas trekking tours in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park

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Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes national park

Golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes national park

The Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund

Musanze Caves

Habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes national park

Kwita Izina- mountain gorilla naming ceremony.

How to get to Volcanoes national park & its location

What to wear on gorilla trekking safari & weather in Volcanoes national park.

Lodges at the Volcanoes national park

One & only gorilla's nest

Tiloreza volcanoes eco lodge

Ingagi park view lodge

Wilderness Bisate

See more Africa travel packages

Know more about Africa travel tips

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