1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour
per person
1-Day Akagera National Park tour takes you from Kigali City to Rwanda’s pristine wilderness, a haven for wildlife species including the majestic big five mammals: Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo. This protected area serves as the only Rwanda’s savanna park situated in the Kayonza District of the Eastern Part of the country. The park is close to Rwanda’s capital Kigali and will offer you chance to observe other wildlife species including giraffes, hippos, topis, warthogs, Jackson hartebeest and other antelopes. Meaning, it can offer you the best experience within the shortest time while spotting a diverse range of mammals in their wilderness.
The park has a unique biodiversity, including savanna, marshes, forests, hills, lakes, and rivers, making it a true habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. Despite the civil unrest of 1994, large numbers of people used the park as an escape route during the genocide. Many of them settled in the park, and eventually, many animals were hunted down, and others were poisoned. Some animals, especially the big five, had reached extinction, but the new reign government was determined to rebuild the park as part of its wider transformation changes in the country.
The government, as of now, has restored several animal species, including the big five mammals such as the rhinos, lions, and others that had reached extinction. This means that it’s now obvious to spot several wildlife species such as impalas, Zebras, Elands, topis, kobs, bushbucks, and others. More still, the government has also encouraged and boasted community tourism to allow the communities around the park to benefit from tourism. Visitors, especially nature lovers and birdwatchers, will enjoy the stunning beauty of nature in its pure form and also spot several wildlife species, including water, forest, savannah, and migratory birds.
Day 1: Rwanda Gorilla Tour
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to over 200 bird species, hyenas, forest elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Key wildlife attractions include mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Mountain gorillas, also known as Gorilla beringei beringei, are fascinating creatures that resemble humans and live in peaceful, organized families led by a dominant male. Their endangered status makes a gorilla permit in Rwanda expensive, but the gorilla trekking experience is worth it. You’ll be one of the few to see these primates in the wild, contributing to their conservation. Golden monkeys, also endangered, live off bamboo shoots in the park and are cute, shy, and playful. Their only enemies are the African Eagle. For those interested in the monkeys, the 3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour and golden monkeys are recommended.
Dian Fossey, a renowned primatologist, established her base in the Volcanoes National Park in 1967. She played a significant role in raising awareness about the extinction of mountain gorillas due to poaching. Fossey’s focus shifted from research to conservation, and she actively pursued poachers with her armed guards. Her brutal murder in 1985 is attributed to her strong stance against poaching. Her legacy continues through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation. The Rwanda Development Board manages the park and its activities. Visitors can also explore Musanze caves, twin lakes (Burera and Ruhondo), and the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre in the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour offer.
Rwanda offers a variety of activities for visitors to explore, including gorilla trekking. The experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be challenging, but the one-hour journey with the gorillas in the wild is a lifetime experience. A guide from Ganda Cultural Safaris will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am to drive you to Kinigi, where the Volcanoes National Park offices are located. The drive takes about 2-3 hours through a beautiful mountainous country, confirming Rwanda’s reputation as “The Land of a thousand hills.”
Arrive at the Kinigi offices by 7:00 am for a briefing from the head guide about the rules for watching mountain gorillas. After the briefing, you can track the gorilla family. Following the guide’s instructions is important once you spot the gorillas. You will only have one hour to watch them, but it can be an amazing experience as they are playful and curious. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements while observing them. After gorilla trekking, you will head back to Kigali in the evening to catch your flight if it’s on the same day.
Meal plan: lunch1-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- All ground transport for the day
- 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
- All government taxes
- An English-speaking and experienced Driver/Guide
- Lunch and bottled water
- Entrance fees to any site
- Activities mentioned above
- Airport transfers
Excludes:
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry services, tips, cigars, and telephone calls
- Accommodation
- Travel and Medical Insurance
- International flights and Visa fees