1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda from Kigali | Short Rwanda Safari

Revel in an exciting gorilla safari experience in Volcanoes National Park, the Protected Area that has the second-highest concentration of mountain gorillas in the whole World.

Safari overview

It has been said that only an hour in the presence of Giant Apes is a worthwhile experience, and this can also be said to be true of Rwanda’s gorilla Sanctuary, Volcanoes National Park.

One hour of face-to-face encounter is unforgettable, and the 1-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour can make it possible to achieve this dream.

For a quick and authentic gorilla safari experience, our full-day tour will give you an unbelievable experience of learning about one of mankind’s close relatives in the animal Kingdom.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park has to be one of the ultimate wildlife experiences in Africa, and being able to do this in a single day is perfect for those with limited time available.

Note: This 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda is perfect for visitors who are already in or near Volcanoes National Park, or better still traveling from Kigali City for the day.

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Highlights

• One-hour encounter with the Mountain gorillas.
• Knowledgeable Ranger guides.
• Encounter with other amazing wildlife and bird species, as well as natural beauty.
• Lunch at one of the Lodges around Volcanoes National Park.

Details of the 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

This 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour starts early, at around 4:00am in order to get to the Park by 7:00am. It is recommended to leave the Lodge with a box/packed breakfast, which you will have on arrival at Kinigi Park Headquarters.

Gorilla trekking is a hectic wildlife experience that requires trekking for 1-6 hours to see the Giant Apes; hence, a reasonable degree of physical fitness, a strong pair of hiking boots, and enough drinking water are required for this adventure.

The adventure starts with entertainment from the local troupe, starting at 7:00am and lasting 30 minutes.

Gorilla trekking briefing starts at 7:30 am with a briefing from the team of Park Rangers who will take you through the dos and don’ts of the activity, as well as what to expect while trekking.

This is followed by allocation to one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, based on your level of physical fitness, age, and interest.

Afterwards, board the safari vehicle for a 20-30 minute transfer to the starting point of the gorilla family you have been allocated.

Armed Rangers will escort you through the different vegetation types, occasionally clearing thick undergrowth while searching for the mountain gorillas. These Giant Apes are always under 24-hour monitoring by Park Rangers for their own safety hence you will almost be guaranteed to find them.

While the population of these creatures is slowly growing, they remain endangered. Interestingly, these Giant Apes and human beings share about 98.2% of their DNA, and transmission of diseases via close contact or sharing food can be fatal. One of the ways to avoid this is by maintaining an 8-meter distance from them while watching them.

After several hours of tracking, you will locate the gorilla family, with whom you will spend one hour watching as Ranger guides interpret their behavior and explain their habits.

This will be a time when you see infants playing on their mothers’ backs, females nursing their babies, young males teasing each other, and the dominant silverback being territorial.

Whether they are playing, grooming/simply drifting off to sleep, a single hour you spend in their presence will stay with you forever.

The one hour you spend watching them play, groom each other, eat, mate, or simply sleep will stay with you forever.

Return to the base before heading for lunch at one of the Safari Lodges around Volcanoes National Park

Our 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour includes;

• Gorilla permit/s.
• Bottled water.
• Park entry fees.
• Relevant government taxes and levies.
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Services of an experienced safari guide.
• Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari vehicle.

Our 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour includes;

• Travel insurance.
• Extra meals and drinks.
• Porter fees.
• Laundry fees.
• Accommodation (in Kigali or Volcanoes National Park).

How to pack for your 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour

Preparing to head off on your 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour? Once you have got your adventure booked or itinerary mapped out, it is time to plan your day excursion. A backpack is one of the essentials to pack.

Also, don’t leave without energy-giving snacks, a reusable water bottle, warm clothing (a sweater), a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, a valid passport for registration, spare cash, sunscreen, camera gear (with spare battery, memory space/SD Card), a pair of binoculars, and gardening gloves, among others.

Best time to go for the 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Rwanda -Short Gorilla Tour

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the most incredible ecosystems on the planet for getting up close and personal with the Giant Apes in their natural habitat.

However, one of the first questions visitors ask is simple: when is the best time of the year to enjoy these adventures?

The good news is that Volcanoes National Park is a year-round safari destination. When you should go for this 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour depends on personal interest. Each season has different rewards; hence, the best time depends on what kind of experience you wish for.

Many people will tell you not to do the 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour during the rainy season (roughly March to May, October to November), but the reality is much more nuanced.

During these months, the landscape shifts dramatically, hence transforming the Park into a verdant World. For many travelers, this verdant and misty version of Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking experience in itself.

The temperatures are also cooler, thus a big plus for travelers who struggle with hot and humid conditions. There’s plenty of food for the mountain gorillas, meaning it will be easier to spot while trekking.

Additionally, this season is ideal for birding, and because there are fewer visitors, the Park feels quieter and more untouched. This is the low season, and low-season gorilla permits are available for some visitor categories (African travelers and East African Community visitors).

However, expect muddy and more slippery landscapes, hence making gorilla treks more difficult.

With less rain in the dry season (June to September, December to February), vegetation becomes scarcer, making treks easier. This is the moment when the Park opens up for gorilla trekking, thus the reason many visitors opt for this season.

The only downside to this season is that the period is more popular, making it crucial to book in advance. This is because accommodation availability and permits fill up quickly.