Parc National des Volcans & Gorilla Trek
Visit mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda
The 130 square kilometre Parc National des Volcans encompasses the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that forms the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Parc National des Volcans embraces a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
The park is particularly famous for the mountain gorillas which roam freely through the rainforest in small family groups. The park was also the base for the famous American naturalist Dian Fossey, who is remembered in the movie Gorillas in the Mist.
Trekking to meet mountain gorillas face-to-face represents the ultimate wildlife encounter and if you’re intending to visit east Africa then this is an experience not to be missed. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered with only about 700 left in the world, about half of which are found in the mountains of Rwanda, so visiting them in their own habitat is something only a few lucky people will ever be able to experience.
During the trek you may also be lucky enough to see the endangered golden monkeys, elusive buffalos and elephants, as well as diverse colourful birds and other monkey species. Please see the Gorilla Trek information sheet for full details of the trek.
Best time to visit Parc National des Volcans
It is possible to track mountain gorillas year-round. Visiting during the long dry season between June and September is best, however you can get wet at any time of the year in the Rwandan rainforest.
Booking information for the Gorilla Trek
Price increase on permits from June 2012
Please be aware that the Rwandan authorities responsible for issuing permits to trek and see the mountain gorillas will be increasing the price of permits from US$500 to US$750. This change will come into effect in June 2012 and will affect all treks for 2012 booked after this date, and all other treks from 2013 on.
This does mean, however, that any permits for treks undertaken in 2012 that are booked and paid for before June 2012 will be charged at the old price. If you wish to do the gorilla trek in 2012, we advise that you book and confirm your tour before June to avoid the price increase.
Book early to secure your permit
Due to strict conservation controls imposed by the Office Rwandais du Tourism et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN) to protect the remaining gorillas, no more than 56 permits are issued per day, and groups of 8 people can visit a family group on any given day. If you want to visit the gorillas you must apply for an official permit in advance of travel.
We cannot guarantee the availability of permits and Gorilla Trek bookings will always be ‘on request’ until confirmed by our London office. In order to secure a permit you must provide Tucan Travel or your travel consultant with your passport details in writing at the time you request your Gorilla Trek as we cannot book or confirm your permit without this.
Your permit is linked to your name and passport number, you MUST apply for your permit with the same passport as you will use to travel to Rwanda. It is extremely important to check that it has a minimum of 6 months validity after the end of your tour before you apply.
If you choose to book a tour that includes the Gorilla Trek within 60 days of your tour departure (90 days during high season) we will attempt to secure you a permit but limited availability is likely to greatly reduce your chances of success, particularly in peak season.
Cancellation
Once your permit has been confirmed we cannot make any changes to the trek date as the permit is non-changeable and non-refundable. If other changes need to be made to the permit (excluding date changes), an administration charge will apply, so it is important that you give us all the correct details when booking.
Cancellation by you is subject to our standard booking conditions. If you change the departure date for a group tour or Independent Travel package that includes the Gorilla Trek, you will be required to pay for a new Gorilla Trek permit.
Price changes
The prices quoted are subject to local regulation and prices for permits and transportation may change without notice. Although we will endeavour to keep to the fees listed, it may become necessary to change our prices if permit or transportation costs increase. The cost of the trek is based on the trekking date and not the booking date.
Any changes in permit prices will be posted on our website and also advised at the time of booking if known. You will be advised whether the price increase needs to be paid at the time of booking or locally in US dollars cash. Once your Gorilla Trek permit has been confirmed the discount will not apply if you do not complete the trek or if you do not see the mountain gorillas.
Please note: Mountain gorillas are wild animals, move around a lot and they are not easy to track, therefore we cannot 100% guarantee you will see them, however we have never missed out on any of our tours.
Free time in Musanze
If you do not wish to participate in the included Gorilla Trek excursion or permits are no longer available a discount will be taken from your tour price (see price box on tour page) and you will have free time to enjoy the sights in and around Musanze. Please note you MUST advise your travel consultant of your decision at the time of booking.
During your free time in Musanze you can explore the town or organise your own excursions to the Musanze Cave, to the Ruhondo and Burera lakes, or into the Parc des Volcans to track golden monkeys.
