Experience Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: VIP Gorilla Safaris & Exclusive Tours

Why is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive?

Why is luxury gorilla trekking so expensive? Gorilla trekking might be costly but it is for a good reason. Let’s look at some of the reasons below:

1. Gorilla Conservation

A significant portion of the funds collected from gorilla trekking permits is used for research, paying rangers, and other conservationists involved in protecting these endangered species of apes.

Over 75% of the money collected from gorilla trekking permits goes to conservation efforts, 10% to the local communities surrounding the parks, and 15% goes to the government.

2. Gorilla Trekking Gear

Unlike other activities such as game drives, boat cruises, and birding, gorilla trekking requires not only physical fitness but also specific gear.

You must buy items like garden gloves, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, long-sleeved and warm clothing, and much more, making the activity expensive.

3. Cost for Porters

Gorilla trekking can also be costly, especially for the elderly. Besides purchasing a gorilla trekking permit, you may need to hire porters to carry you or your luggage, which adds to the overall expense.

5. Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation costs in gorilla trekking national parks, especially in Volcanoes National Park, further increase the expense of the activity.

6. Transport Costs

One of the main reasons why gorilla trekking is expensive is the distance of the national parks from international airports.

You will either need to fly to these parks or use road transport, adding to the cost of your mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Booking Flights for Your Trek

Before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari, you need to book your permits at least three months in advance, especially during peak season, as there is high demand for gorilla permits, and they may become scarce closer to your travel date.

It is advisable to book permits online or through a trusted travel operator who will handle all the procedures and itinerary for your trek.

After securing your gorilla permit, you can then check online for available flights for your preferred dates before and after the trek.

Visitors should arrive at the park the day before their gorilla trek, as the activity starts early in the morning.

If you’re booking a local flight within the country where you’re trekking, you also need to book this in advance, as standard charter and helicopter flights operate daily to gorilla national parks.

You can book your flights online or through a travel operator.

Luxury Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Experiences in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Mountain gorillas inhabit the elevated rain-forests of the Virunga ranges in Volcanoes National Park.

Before they can be trekked by tourists, the gorillas undergo a habituation period of about 1-2 years.

During this time, rangers, researchers, and scientists visit a particular family daily until they are confident the gorillas are ready to be trekked by visitors.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters.

After the briefing, travelers are divided into groups and assigned to different mountain gorilla families to trek.

Older individuals will be allocated to nearby gorilla families, while younger, more energetic people will be assigned to families located further away.

An armed ranger guide will lead you through the lush rain-forests in search of the gorilla family you’ve been assigned to.

The trek typically takes 3-7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the speed of the hikers.

Once you find the gorilla family, you will have an hour to observe these great apes and take photos.

Please be sure to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations while in the presence of the mountain gorillas.

There are eight habituated mountain gorilla families in Rwanda, and only 8 people are allowed to visit each family.

Visitors must be 15 years or older and not exhibit any symptoms of airborne diseases like flu or cough.

Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person per trek.

Best Luxury Rwanda Gorilla Safari Lodges in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is the most visited park in the country.

It is home to endangered mountain gorillas, five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, and the endangered golden monkeys.

Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking experience in Africa compared to other gorilla trekking countries.

Some of the luxury lodges to stay in while visiting Volcanoes National Park include: Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, One&Only Gorillas Nest, Kwitonda Lodge, Tiloreza Eco Lodge, and Bishops House, Singita Kataza House, and Sambora Kinigi among other lodges.

Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the best places for trekking mountain gorillas in Africa.

The park is located in the southwestern part of the country and boasts half of the world’s population of these endangered apes.

There are four sectors in Bwindi National Park, and trekking in these sectors can be seen below:

Luxury Gorilla Safaris in Ruhija Sector of Bwindi National Park

Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi National Park and is home to four habituated mountain gorilla families: Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Bitukura mountain gorilla families.

Ruhija is the highest point in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and it’s the best sector to book your permit if you want to combine your gorilla trekking safari with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, as it is closer to Queen Elizabeth than other sectors.

Ruhija is also the closest sector from Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Luxury Gorilla Tours in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi National Park

Buhoma is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

There are four habituated mountain gorilla families in this sector: Katwe, Rushegura, Mubare, and Habinyanja mountain gorilla families.

Buhoma is home to the first trekked mountain gorilla family in Bwindi, the Mubare mountain gorilla family.

Buhoma is also easily accessible from Kampala and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Trekking here is less strenuous compared to other sectors like Nkuringo and Rushaga.

Luxury Gorilla Trips in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi National Park

Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and boasts the highest number of habituated mountain gorilla families compared to other sectors.

Gorilla families in Rushaga include Rwigi, Nshongi, Mcunguzi, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, and Mishaya mountain gorilla families.

Rushaga provides visitors with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes and Lake Bunyonyi. The drive to this sector is long, but the reward is worth the hours spent on the road.

VIP Gorilla Trekking Tours in Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi National Park

Nkuringo is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

There are three habituated gorilla families in this sector: Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Christmas mountain gorilla families.

Nkuringo is one of the most strenuous sectors for trekking, requiring physically fit travelers.

Although the trekking is challenging, the sector is known for its magnificent views and excellent birding opportunities.

Best Luxury Lodges in Bwindi Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the leading tourist destination for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Where to stay will depend on the sector of the park where you acquire your permit.

The Buhoma sector is particularly known for its upmarket luxury accommodation compared to other sectors.

Some of the best luxury lodges in Bwindi National Park include: Trackers Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and many others.

Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the extreme southwestern part of Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There is only one habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga, known as the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family.

Mgahinga National Park also harbors the endangered golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area, giving visitors the opportunity to track these unique primates as well.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also home to three of the eight extinct Virunga volcanoes: Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga. Given the park’s elevation, it offers unique and beautiful scenery.

Best Luxury Lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There are not many accommodation options at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, given that there is only one habituated gorilla family in the park.

However, tourists can stay at lodges in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or in Kisoro town.

Some of the best luxury lodges within Mgahinga National Park include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, and others, which are mostly mid-range or budget lodges.

Most Popular Luxury Gorilla Trekking Questions & Answers

Here are the most popular questions and answers about luxury gorilla trekking tours in Africa:

1. Why is luxury gorilla trekking so expensive? Luxury gorilla trekking is expensive due to the high costs of conservation, specialized gear, luxury accommodations, and exclusive VIP services provided to trekkers.
2. How much of the gorilla permit fee goes toward conservation? Approximately 75% of the funds from luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda permits go toward conservation, 10% to local communities, and 15% to the government.
3. Why do I need special gear for luxury gorilla safaris? Luxury gorilla safaris require specific gear like hiking boots, gloves, and waterproof clothing to ensure a safe and comfortable trek through the rainforests.
4. How do porters affect the cost of luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris? Hiring porters for luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris adds to the cost, especially for VIP trekkers needing assistance or extra services during the trek.
5. Why is accommodation for luxury gorilla trips expensive? The lodges used in luxury gorilla trips are often high-end, providing premium services and unique experiences, particularly in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
6. How do transportation costs contribute to the price of luxury gorilla tours? The distance from international airports to gorilla parks increases transport costs, especially for those booking charter flights or helicopters for luxury gorilla tours.
7. Why should I book my luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda permit in advance? Permits for luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda are limited, and it’s advisable to book them at least three months in advance, especially during peak seasons.
8. Where can I book permits for luxury gorilla trekking? Permits for luxury gorilla trekking can be booked online through trusted operators offering VIP packages or directly from the national parks.
9. What time does luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda start? VIP gorilla trekking starts early in the morning, and guests are recommended to arrive the day before to prepare for the experience.
10. How long does a typical luxury gorilla trek last? A luxury gorilla trek lasts between 3 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the trekker’s pace.
11. What happens during the briefing for luxury gorilla safaris? The briefing includes an introduction to the rules, health precautions, and a special VIP assignment of gorilla families to trekkers on luxury gorilla safaris.
12. How many people are allowed to trek a gorilla family on luxury gorilla tours? Only 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family, making luxury gorilla tours an intimate and exclusive experience.
13. Are armed rangers present during luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris? Yes, all luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris include armed rangers for safety as you trek through the forests to find the gorillas.
14. Can I trek gorillas if I have a cold or flu? No, for luxury gorilla trekking, visitors must be healthy and free of contagious diseases to protect the gorillas from airborne infections.
15. How much does a gorilla permit cost for luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda? A gorilla permit for luxury gorilla trekking Rwanda costs $1,500 per person per trek.
16. What are the best lodges for luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park? Top lodges for luxury Rwanda gorilla safaris include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
17. Why is Volcanoes National Park a top destination for luxury gorilla tours? Rwanda gorilla tours luxury in Volcanoes National Park provide an exclusive experience with premium lodges, and the thrill of trekking endangered mountain gorillas.
18. How many gorilla families are available for luxury gorilla trips in Bwindi National Park? Bwindi National Park offers luxury gorilla trips with four trekking sectors, each with multiple habituated gorilla families to explore.
19. What makes the Ruhija sector a luxury gorilla trekking destination? Ruhija offers unique views, cooler weather, and easy access to combine a luxury gorilla safari with a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
20. Which sector in Bwindi is the least strenuous for luxury gorilla tours? The Buhoma sector offers less strenuous luxury gorilla tours, making it ideal for trekkers looking for comfort and ease.
21. What is special about luxury gorilla safaris in the Nkuringo sector? Luxury gorilla safaris in the Nkuringo sector are known for challenging treks, offering rewarding views and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
22. What luxury lodges are available for VIP gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? VIP gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers luxury stays at Mount Gahinga Lodge, with stunning views and close proximity to the trekking trails.
23. How many habituated gorilla families are available for luxury gorilla safaris in Mgahinga? Mgahinga offers one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi family, for an exclusive luxury gorilla safari experience.
24. What makes Mgahinga ideal for luxury gorilla trekking trips? Mgahinga offers luxury gorilla trekking trips with beautiful scenery, endangered golden monkeys, and access to the Virunga volcanoes.
25. Why choose Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge for a luxury gorilla safari in Bwindi? Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers personalized service and stunning views, making it a top choice for a luxury gorilla safari in Bwindi.
26. What makes the Rushaga sector unique for luxury gorilla tours? Rushaga offers the highest number of gorilla families, stunning Virunga views, and long drives for a rewarding luxury gorilla tour.
27. Can luxury gorilla safaris be combined with other wildlife experiences? Yes, luxury gorilla safaris can be combined with visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a full wildlife safari experience.
28. Why is Bwindi a popular destination for luxury gorilla trekking? Bwindi holds half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a key destination for luxury gorilla trekking and offering diverse landscapes.
29. What are the best lodges for luxury gorilla safaris in Bwindi National Park? Best lodges for luxury gorilla safaris in Bwindi include Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
30. How does luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda compare to other countries? Luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers an upscale experience with premium accommodations and high-quality services compared to other gorilla trekking countries.