Gorilla Tracking in Parc National de Volcans

“Parc National de Volcans” also called PNV is found in the Virunga Mountains which are an extensive mountain range that spreads over the east African countries of D.R. Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. i9t is found in the northern part of Rwanda and this national park is just 2 hours drive from the Rwanda capital of Kigali. Because of its central location and proximity to the capital, it is a frequently visited park and offers a wonderful Rwanda safari experience. Although the number one tourist activity here is gorilla tracking, you may choose to trek the playful golden monkeys or enjoy hiking across the beautiful terrain.

In addition, PNV is among the top conservation centers in Rwanda where several non-profit organizations (NGOs) hold their operations. Also in Parc National de Volcans, Visitors get the opportunity to visit the tomb of Dian Fosse who was a great scientist that worked very hard to ensure that gorillas are conserved within Rwanda; it is a very educative hike.

Not far from the park, is the lively Musanze market where you will go and meet the ordinary people of Rwanda go about their day to day trade. You may buy a souvenir from this market. Moving on deeper into the villages you will find the Musanze’s caves which are among the most recent attraction sites in this area.

The Mountain Gorilla Tracking Experience

Across the entire African continent, Rwanda is among the 3 countries in which one can track and see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

With the Gorilla tracking experience offered in Rwanda it would not be wrong if someone described it as ‘life changing ‘ with approximately 840 gorillas believed to be surviving in the world today, coming face to face with these very rare gentle giants in their natural habitat is certainly a very exceptional moment.

The Gorillas mostly make their nests among bamboo trees on the forest slopes of the verdant Virunga Mountains. The gorilla tracking activity starts early morning and it is led by park guides and rangers who will lead you to one of the habituated mountain gorillas. You will be allowed to spend an ho0ur in the presence of the giant gorillas observing the cater for their young,, feed, play about and also take photographs. It is a very exciting experience as the gorillas will be just meters from you!

The search for these gorillas in the forest may take anything from 40 minutes to more than three hours basing on where the family you are tracking is. Although the return journey is equally long, you may feel les of the fatigue as you will be filled with the joy of seeing the giant peaceful forest giants.

Before setting off to the forest, you will be briefed at the park headquarters by the guides on the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and also how to behave in the presence of the gorillas.

There are also some porters available for hire that can help carry your back-packs and assist you move especially when you are tired.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

To track gorillas in Rwanda, you need to have a tracking permit. We advice that if you plan to track gorillas on your Rwanda safari holiday; you should book your gorilla permit in advance.

The overall Costs for mountain gorilla permits including the park entrance fee is :

USD $750 per person for each non-national

USD $375 for each foreign resident

30,000 Frw for each Rwandan citizen

Reach us through our Contact Us page and we shall gladly help- you plan for your safari well.