3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

4 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park and Lake Kivu Safari

4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari

5 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari

5 Days Amboseli and Tsavo West Wildlife Safari

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

8 Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar

9 Days Birding and wildlife safari in Tanzania

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari

Rwanda can easily be visited as an add-on to any safari in East or southern Africa, making gorilla tracking Rwanda increasingly popular among international travelers. Gorilla tracking Rwanda benefits from excellent infrastructure, with the drive to Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas, being only 2½ hours from the capital city of Kigali. Gorilla tracking Rwanda is complemented by the country's diverse attractions beyond primates, making a comprehensive circuit worthwhile for those with sufficient time.

The Wildlife Circuit (6 to 10 days) represents the most comprehensive approach to gorilla tracking Rwanda, combining primate experiences with cultural and scenic highlights. After arriving at Kigali International Airport, gorilla tracking Rwanda itineraries typically begin with an overnight in the capital before embarking on the obvious loop around the country. Gorilla tracking Rwanda routes generally include Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu, and culminate at Volcanoes National Park, creating a perfect circuit of Rwanda's western region.

Kigali (1 to 2 days) serves as the starting point for gorilla tracking Rwanda adventures, offering visitors a clean, safe, and sophisticated urban experience. Gorilla tracking Rwanda journeys benefit from beginning in this well-organized city where the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial provides crucial historical context. Gorilla tracking Rwanda preparations can be finalized in Kigali, with quality accommodations, restaurants, and shopping available before heading into the countryside.

Nyungwe National Park (2 to 4 days) adds primate diversity to gorilla tracking Rwanda itineraries, with opportunities for chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey viewing, and forest hikes. Gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences are enhanced by first visiting this high-altitude rainforest with its spectacular canopy walkway suspended 60 meters above the forest floor. Gorilla tracking Rwanda tours benefit from including Nyungwe, as it acclimatizes travelers to forest trekking conditions before the main gorilla encounter.

Lake Kivu (1 to 3 days) provides a restful interlude during gorilla tracking Rwanda circuits, with its scenic shoreline and relaxing boat trips. Gorilla tracking Rwanda itineraries often include this massive freshwater lake as a midway point, allowing travelers to recover from forest hikes. Gorilla tracking Rwanda journeys benefit from this scenic stop where swimming, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation prepares visitors for the highlight of their trip at Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park (2 to 4 days) represents the pinnacle of gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences, where travelers finally encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla tracking Rwanda achieves its ultimate purpose here among the bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Gorilla tracking Rwanda can be complemented by additional activities including golden monkey tracking, a hike to Dian Fossey's grave, and visits to local communities surrounding the park.

Popular add-ons include Akagera National Park (2 to 4 days), which diversifies gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences by adding classic savanna wildlife viewing. Gorilla tracking Rwanda itineraries can include this eastern park as a side trip from Kigali, requiring just 2½ hours of driving. Gorilla tracking Rwanda becomes a more complete wildlife experience with Akagera's recent reintroduction of rhinos and lions making it a Big Five destination with boat safaris on Lake Ihema.

The best time for gorilla tracking Rwanda is during the dry months of June to September and December to February. Gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences benefit from these periods when trails are less muddy and the hiking conditions more comfortable. Gorilla tracking Rwanda during these months offers clearer photography opportunities and a reduced likelihood of heavy rainfall interrupting your trek.

The long dry season (June-September) represents peak season for gorilla tracking Rwanda, with July and August being especially popular. Gorilla tracking Rwanda during this period enjoys more reliable weather, though permits may need to be secured further in advance. Gorilla tracking Rwanda in the short dry season (December-February) provides excellent conditions with somewhat fewer visitors competing for permits.

International access for gorilla tracking Rwanda is primarily through Kigali International Airport, which receives direct flights from several African hubs and European cities. Gorilla tracking Rwanda logistics are straightforward from Kigali, with excellent roads connecting to Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla tracking Rwanda transfers can be arranged through tour operators who organize comfortable private vehicles for the scenic 2½-hour drive.

For regional connections, gorilla tracking Rwanda can be combined with Uganda or Tanzania safari experiences. Gorilla tracking Rwanda can be accessed via land borders with careful planning, though most travelers prefer flying into Kigali directly. Gorilla tracking Rwanda benefits from the country's small size and good infrastructure, making internal transportation efficient compared to other African destinations.

Appropriate attire for gorilla tracking Rwanda includes lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants in neutral colors. Gorilla tracking Rwanda requires sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support for navigating steep, sometimes muddy terrain. Gorilla tracking Rwanda outfits should include gardening gloves to protect hands from stinging nettles and thorny vegetation encountered on forest trails.

Additional essentials for gorilla tracking Rwanda include a light rain jacket, hat, and quick-dry layers. Gorilla tracking Rwanda preparation should include waterproofing for cameras and electronics, as conditions can change rapidly in the forest. Gorilla tracking Rwanda participants should avoid wearing bright colors or strong perfumes that might disturb the gorillas during the encounter.

Accommodations for gorilla tracking Rwanda range from budget to ultra-luxury, with most clustered around Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla tracking Rwanda lodging options include community-owned guesthouses like Gorilla Solution Lodge, mid-range choices such as Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and premium properties like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda. Gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences are enhanced by these carefully designed properties that blend with the natural environment.

Dining during gorilla tracking Rwanda typically occurs at your chosen accommodation, with most offering full-board packages. Gorilla tracking Rwanda culinary experiences feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including Rwanda's famous mountain-grown vegetables. Gorilla tracking Rwanda visitors can sample traditional Rwandan dishes like isombe (cassava leaves), alongside international cuisine at the more upscale lodges surrounding the park.

Read more about the best places to stay near Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Here

Secure your gorilla tracking Rwanda experience with Dav Safaris, a specialist operator with extensive experience in primate encounters. Gorilla tracking Rwanda bookings through Dav Safaris include permit acquisition, which is crucial given the limited availability of just 96 daily gorilla permits. Gorilla tracking Rwanda packages can be customized to include your preferred accommodations and additional activities throughout the country.

Contact Our Team of Safari Experts today to start planning your gorilla-tracking Rwanda safari.