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Gorilla and Chimp trekking in Rwanda is a unique experience that takes you deep into the heart of the country’s lush rainforests. Rwanda is home to one primary destination for gorilla and chimp trekking:

Volcanoes National Park: Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its dense forests and is home to several habituated gorilla families. The park offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience as you navigate through thick vegetation to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Known for its rich biodiversity, Nyungwe is the most popular destination for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. The Park is home to a large population of chimpanzees and offers a high chance of sightings.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Located in the western part of Rwanda, this park is another excellent spot for chimpanzee trekking. It is less crowded than Nyungwe, offering a more intimate experience.

No matter which tour operator you are using, the first step in planning a chimp and gorilla safari in Rwanda is to purchase the trekking permits that the Rwanda Development Board issues. The gorilla and chimp trek permit can be purchased directly through the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted tour operator, and all you have to do is get in touch with the operator with the dates you wish to trek the primates so that they can check for the availability of the permits. Once the permits are available on the desired dates, you will be asked to provide details, including the number of permits you intend to purchase, your full name, and your passport number. A copy of the passport will be needed to prove that you are legally allowed to trek the chimps and gorillas. You will then be required to make payment so that the permits are purchased, and you will receive a soft copy once the permit has been purchased.

Note that only eighty six permits are printed daily, and you need to book in advance to get the permits on your desired dates.

Gorilla Trekking Permits:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1500
• Foreign Residents: $500
• East African Citizens: $200

Chimpanzee Trekking Permits:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $100
• Foreign Residents: $80
• East African Citizens: $50

A gorilla or chimpanzee permit includes:

Briefing and guidance from experienced trackers

One hour with the primates after locating them

Park entrance fees

Security is provided by armed rangers and guides

Once you’ve secured your chimpanzee and gorilla permits, the next step is to arrange your accommodation. In Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, lodging options range from basic to mid-range and luxury. It’s important to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the dry season when tourist numbers peak.

For a comfortable and secure stay, we recommend opting for mid-range or luxury lodges. Ensure that your chosen accommodation is conveniently located near the national parks to facilitate easy transportation and early arrival at the trailheads. If you need assistance in selecting the right place to stay, we are here to help you find options that suit both your needs and budget.

For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, the ideal time is during the dry seasons, which span from June to September and December to February. These months are preferred because the trekking paths are dry and less slippery, and the vegetation is thinner, providing clearer views of the national parks and their wildlife.

However, it’s important to note that gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are available year-round. The wet seasons, from March to May and October to November, also offer unique advantages. During these months, you can benefit from discounted permits, fewer tourists, and lower overall costs. The main drawback of trekking in the wet season is the increased likelihood of rain, which can make the trails muddy and slippery.

While gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are the highlight, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on a Rwanda safari tour. You can go explore the vibrant city of Kigali or embark on a 3 days Akagera National Park wildlife safari. These activities provide a well-rounded experience of Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and culture.

Getting to the gorilla trekking site in Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major international hubs. From Kigali, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park and it takes 5 hours to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their Rwanda safari packages, making the journey hassle-free.

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of Dian Fossey, these primates survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas and chimpanzees, and these include:

• Rwanda’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking age limit is 15 years, and no one below that age will be allowed to trek the primates.
• Feeding of the Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees is prohibited.
• After locating the gorillas and chimpanzees, the trekkers are allowed a maximum of an hour with the gorillas studying their behavioral patterns and taking photos and videos.
• You need to keep a distance of about 7 to 10 meters away from the gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Gorillas and chimpanzees are not used to flash photography, so make sure that you turn your camera flash off before taking photos.
• A maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek the assigned gorilla and chimpanzee families.
• Holes 30 cm deep are to be dug and covered for hikers planning on using the toilet because there are no toilets within the national park.
• Avoid littering the national park with rubbish by leaving it the way you found it.
• Do not in any way get close to the gorillas and chimpanzees to avoid passing on infections in case you are sick.
• No one can eat, smoke, or drink with the gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Avoid staring at the gorillas and chimpanzees in the eye, don’t put on sunglasses, and in cases where the gorillas and chimpanzees approach you, follow the instructions given to you by the guides.

Packing for a gorilla trekking safari requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring:

• Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes.
• A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly colored clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
• First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
• Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
• Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.

Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.

Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference in your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience. Dav Safaris offers expertly guided tours, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.

Note that the Rwanda Tourism Board prints only 86 permits per day, so it is important to book early for your trip. After purchasing your permit, expect to track gorilla and chimp families in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest respectively, including the Hirwa gorilla family with 13 members, the Sabinyo gorilla family with eight members, Umubano with 11 gorillas, and Amahoro with 17 gorillas.

Whether you opt for a 5 days gorilla and wildlife safari tour, Rwanda or a longer itinerary, you need to book for the gorilla and chimp safari in advance because of the high demand for gorilla and chimp permits and easy planning. Contact Us to help you book the gorilla and chimp permit and organize your entire safari to Rwanda, depending on your budget. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor to make the right decision.