Gorilla tracking from Musanze, Rwanda, to Bwindi Musanze, which is officially called Ruhengeri, is a city in northwestern Rwanda, approximately 94 kilometers northwest of the country’s capital, Kigali. Additionally, Volcanoes National Park is estimated to be 12 kilometers away from Musanze. Mountain hikes, tracking gorillas, and tracking golden monkeys are the main reasons visitors come to this area.
Musanze town, however, is 25 kilometers from the Cyanika border, which serves as the primary road entry point from Uganda to Rwanda. It is also connected to the town of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The gorilla national parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga are only a few kilometers away from Musanze town. It takes one and a half hours to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and two hours to get to the southern parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which are Nkuringo and Rushaga.
If you live in Musanze, Safari Vacations and Travel Service Limited will pick you up from your home and drive you to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Safari Vacations and Travel Service Limited specializes in gorilla and wildlife safaris and Rwanda.
Why must I travel from Rwanda to Uganda in order to track gorillas when Rwanda is home to mountain gorillas?
Due of the large difference in gorilla permit costs between Rwanda and Uganda, tourists who want to undertake gorilla trekking frequently decide to go from Musanze, Rwanda to Uganda.
A gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person per trip in Uganda and USD 1500 per person per trek in Rwanda.
Because of its price, gorilla trekking in Uganda is a more economical choice. Therefore, choosing Uganda results in an 800 USD savings for each permit sold. In addition, Uganda is home to more than 23 habituated gorilla families, compared to just 10 in Rwanda. As a matter of fact, Uganda regularly sells more gorilla licenses per day than Rwanda.
Tracking gorillas from Bwindi Musanze Caves to Musanze, Rwanda
Keep in mind that only eight visitors are permitted to see a gorilla’s family each day. It is advised that tourists purchase their gorilla trekking tickets in advance, particularly if they are traveling during the busiest months of June, July, August, December, January, and February.
Permits, however, might be difficult to get in Rwanda. Due of this scarcity, tourists frequently choose to travel to Uganda, where a greater number of habituated gorilla families offer more accessible options.
In order to cross the border, what do I need?
A passport that is currently valid
A « single entry visa in both Rwanda and Uganda costs approximately USD 50, but you can also purchase an East African tourist visa, which allows you to cross multiple times for 90 days in the partner states, if you wish to visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. »
However, occasionally they do not request the yellow fever vaccination card.
You will receive an interstate pass at the border if you have a work permit for one of the East African states; you will not be charged for the visa.
The trip’s itinerary.
Guidelines for gorilla hiking;
If you have an infectious disease, don’t try to see the gorillas.
Each gorilla group can have no more than eight guests.
Make sure to bury human waste 30 centimeters deep.
When around gorillas, keep a 7-meter (21-foot) distance from them.
During the walk, it is totally forbidden to consume alcohol, food, or smoke.
Every day, visitors are only allowed to spend an hour with each gorilla group.
Since gorillas can catch colds and coughs from people, visitors who have flu or a cough should cover their faces and keep a greater distance from them. Human genes make over 98% of the DNA of gorillas.
It is strictly forbidden to use a flash drive while around gorillas.
When is the ideal time to explore the impenetrable national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi?
The dry months of June through September and December through February are the ideal times to explore these places. Gainful views and photography are made possible by the less slick pathways and low vegetation during this time of year. Because there are less tourists to the park during the wet season, budget safari travelers can take advantage of lower lodging costs.
Please get in touch with us. All In Africa Safaris will put together your ideal itinerary. You might opt for a safari that combines Kenya and Uganda, seeing places like Amboseli National Park and the Masai Mara. Furthermore, we take pride in providing transportation, lodging, hiking permits, and any other itinerary a guest may think of. « Get started now! » is all that is required.
Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to two gorilla species found nowhere else together: mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri) in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Virunga National Park – Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 – covers 7,900 km² of remarkable ecological diversity, from the volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif to the glaciers of the Rwenzori Mountains and the tropical lowland forests of the Congo Basin. The park is also home to hippos, elephants, okapis, and the entire cast of Congo rainforest wildlife.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas – A Unique Encounter
The eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla) is the world’s largest subspecies of gorilla, with silverbacks weighing up to 220kg. Found only in the DRC, Grauer’s gorillas are considerably rarer than mountain gorillas – their population has declined by more than 70% since the 1990s due to conflict, habitat loss, and poaching. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu offers the only reliable trekking experience with habituated Grauer’s gorilla families.
A gorilla permit in the DRC costs USD 400 per person – significantly cheaper than Rwanda (USD 1,500) or Uganda (USD 800). The experience is raw, off-the-beaten-track, and unforgettable for travellers seeking something genuinely uncommon.
Practical Information for DRC Gorilla Trekking
Getting to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega
The most common entry point to eastern DRC is via Kigali, Rwanda. Goma – the gateway to Virunga National Park – is just 80km from Kigali. Direct flights from Nairobi and Kampala also serve Goma. Bukavu (gateway to Kahuzi-Biega) is accessible from Goma by road (3-4 hours) or by light aircraft.
Is it safe to trek gorillas in the DRC?
Security in eastern DRC is complex and fluctuates. Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega have experienced periods of closure due to armed group activity. Always check current security conditions with your tour operator and your government’s travel advisory before planning a DRC gorilla trek. Reputable operators with established local security networks are essential.
Recommended Tours: 8 Days Congo Gorillas & Nyiragongo Safari | 5 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari Congo
