Accommodation booking for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is vital during the planning as option run out in advance. Booking the gorilla trekking permit is the first step to confirming a Rwanda Gorilla safari then accommodation. It is best to spend the night before the gorilla trek in Rwanda within or closer to Volcanoes National Park because you must be present at the ranger station at ORTPN early morning.
Volcanoes National Park accommodation are categorized into Luxury, midrange and basic facilities. During the peak season that is June to September and December to early February, demand for gorilla safaris is high as so are accommodation bookings. This creates a vaccum for last minute gorilla safari bookings. Enquire Now
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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is in pristine Volcanoes National Park located in Northwestern part of the country. Volcanoes National Park is part of the contingent Virunga volcanoes area which make up D.R.Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. In Volcanoes National Park are currently 12 gorilla trekking families that is Amahoro, Susa, Hirwa, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda gorilla families to mention but a few.
The topography of Volcanoes National Park is generally influenced by volcanic action with fiver of the six Virunga Volcanoes present in this park that is Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Bisoke and Mountain Karisimbi.
Some of the accommodations to book on Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari include Bishop’s House, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, hotel Lebambou, Hotel Mille Collines, Kinigi Guest House, Gorilla Resort, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Wilderness Bisate and others.
What accommodation to Book on Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
Bishop’s House Lodge
If you desire tranquility blended with lush luxury hen the Bishop’s House is the perfect choice if lodge in Volcanoes National Park. The lodge has 9 well positioned rooms providing the view of the forest and aerated by the forest.
The Lodge lies in Ruhengeri on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park but just a few meters from the briefing point. Bishop’s lodge offers full board plan but also has 24 hour rooms servive, bar and restaurant.
Sabyinyo Silver Back lodge
Sabyinyo Silver back lodge is a super luxury facility in Volcanoes National park with stunning views of the chain of Volcanoes that make up this park. The rooms in this facilities are well placed overlooking Volcanoes forest, have s private veranda spacious, ensuite bathrooms and much more.
The outside of these suites and cottages is engraved with stones as a way to blend nature with modernity. The lodge serves a rich culinary menu including international and local cuisines. Your meals can be enjoyed from the dinning or on the outside deck.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Right on the out skirts of Volcanoes National Park is Singita Kwitonda Lodge. The lodge was built with utmost conscious to bring out the blend of nature and modernity. Most of the designs and decorations in this luxuriant lodge include a mixture of black and white colors.
While on gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, making everlasting memories of your experience on this once in lifetime adventure is top on your list but accommodation is part of this experience. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is a home away from home.
Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Luxury with a mix of tradition touch is the best description of Volcanoes Virunga Lodge. The lodge is well positioned giving visitors the best views on Volcanoes National Park. The interior of Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is beautifully designed with local Kitenge and hand crafted furniture.
From the lodge balcony, you can enjoy the lake view, forest, and much more. To catch up with early morning briefing time, Volcanoes National Park is about 45 minutes drive to the ORTPN.
Amoka Singo Lodge
Situated beyond the Kinigi area is Amoka Songo Lodge offering comfort and affordable prices. At the moment 8 super cottages make up this rustic accommodation in Volcanoes National park. The lobby with its inviting first place provides a comfortable space to wind and unwind from the tiresome gorilla or nature trek.
The lodge also offers an outside bond fire space where you may get chance to witness the traditional intore dance troupe but you need to make advance arrangements.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
As one of the midrange facilities in Kinigi, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge provides a perfect spot for your night during gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The rooms in this lodge are well aerated and specious.
From Da Vinci Lodge, you spot the towering Mountain Karisimbi one of the five volcanoes that make up the topography of Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
With just a few meters from Volcanoes National Park, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge beautifully stands. If you are looking for a home away from home but with no complications during your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, Mountain gorilla view is the perfect choice especially if travelling with a large group.
Mountain Gorilla View lodge currently offers 30 spacious cottages with a private bathroom. While at the lodge, you may get to immerse yourself into the Rwandese culture right from the interior decoration, listen to Rwandese traditional songs with the hypnotizing traditional beats.
Lebambou Gorilla Lodge
Located on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park is Lebambou Gorilla Lodge. Its cottages were beautifully crafted putting into mind the need to include local materials. This lodge was built with the desire to also support the local community as on its outside is a furniture craft.
The lodge also has deluxe rooms elegantly decorated with stunning flower gardens on the outside.
The lodge operates a minibar and restaurant and on request, the lodge provides packed lunch for gorilla trekkers early morning.
Villa Gorillas
When you are budget conscious Villa Gorillas provides a convenient space for your nights during gorilla trekking. The lodge provides boutique rooms for tourists at a friendly cost.
La Palme Hotel
La Palme Hotel is a basic accommodation located in about 10 kilometers from Volcanoes National Park. The rooms on La Palme hotel are comfortable for your stay while on gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda.
Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
To have a better experience during the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel is the perfect choice. It is best to book your room in advance.
Hotel Muhabura
Situated in Musaze is Hotel Muhabura which is about 12 kilometers from Volcanoes National Park. With a limited budget, you can afford a comfortable stay on Rwanda gorilla trekking tour.
La Locanda
Placed 12 kilometers from Volcanoes National Park is La Locanda boutique Lodge. This budget facility helps create great memories during the gorilla safari. The unique experience creates great stay at La Locanda lodge. There is a lot to do while at La Locanda Lodge with a Restaurant.
The best time to book gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, is when you are ready although the dry season that is June to September and December to early February are most demanded. Booking accommodation for the gorilla tour goes hand in hand with booking the gorilla permits.
During the dry season, there is an increase in the demand for accommodations within or outside Volcanoes National Park which creates scarcity at the last minute. Most of the lodges charger there gross cost during the peak season.
It is best to reserve accommodation for the gorilla safari in Rwanda early in order to avoid last minute disappointment when options run out. Most people secure here accommodation for the gorilla safari atleast 180 days before the date of the trek.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda difficult?
The nature of the topography of Volcanoes National Park is steep with several highlands formed by Volcanic action. There are five mountains that affect the physical appearance of Volcanoes National Park that is Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Sabyinyo.
From the starting point of the trails leading where different gorilla families live, the ground is steep so you may be required to slope slowly to the point where these primates are.
Because of the thick vegetation that has culminated over the years, the trails in the forest may be obstructed by over grown vegetation that may require trimming.
In case the gorillas move deep into the forest, the trek to locate the gorillas is prolonged which may be challenging for tourists.
Is Rwanda Safe For Gorilla Trekking Safari?
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is safe as on ground are Rwanda Development Board soldiers who do park maintenance and work closely with other Rwanda security agencies to keep law and order.
Before any gorilla safari the ranger guides have to escort each team of tourists in the wilderness as you search for the mountain gorillas.
While walking in the forest, you need to keep closer to the rest so that you donot scatter in the forest to intimidate the gorillas.
Tourists must attend briefing before the gorillas trek so that they are given the right guidelines of this experience and you should abide by every detail.
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the dry season which is June, July, August, September, December and January. This is the peak tourism season of Rwanda with high demand for gorilla trekking permits and accommodation.
Although Volcanoes National Park receives untimely rains, during the dry season the precipitation in the forest is lower in this season. This opens more chances to walking through the forest in search for the gorillas and other inhabitants.
Demand for gorilla permits and accommodations to use during gorilla trekking increases during the peak season creating scarcity for last minute bookers.
Donot ignore the wet season which is composed of March, April, May and November although there are fewer booking for the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. For those desiring to have less company during the gorilla trek, the low season may provide ample time. In case you are wallet conscious, the low season may provide chance for an upgrade even to a level beyond your budget.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is quite tiresome because of the general physical topography of Volcanoes National Park surrounded by five Virunga Volcanoes that is mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Muhavura.
The lush vegetation of Volcanoes National park along the way has culminated over time with a combination of creepers that drape down the ridges and plateaus may obstruct the way.
In search for the mountain gorillas, the ranger guide with a machete uses it to trim the path and create space for tourists to walk though.
What Are The Dos And Donts Of Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda?
No making noise while trekking to find either the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees because this makes them feel attacked.
Volunteer top stay behind in case you have a communicable infection like flu, cough, covid-19 and others.
While walking in the forest, try not to dump garbage in the forest because this alters the nature of the forest where these primates thrive.
When with the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees keep a distance of about 7 meters from them to prevent chances of spreading any infection to these highly susceptible primates.
Never enter the forest without an escorting ranger guide as you may encounter animals that may hurt you or get lost in the wilderness.
In case you wish to have along call, request from the ranger guide to dig a hole for you atleast 30 centimeters deep.
Donot the torch the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees although they may try to reach out to touch your hair or belongings out of curiosity.
Feeding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees is forbidden because they are wild animals that must search for there own food.
Spitting on vegetation is forbidden as this may pass germs to the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
The Rwanda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking age limit is 15 years and 12 years respectively. This is because people of these ages may be in position to withstand tough conditions in the jungle unlike those below.
Only one hour is allowed with the fully habituated mountain gorillas and chimpanzees for conservation reasons. When taking photos, flash photography is not accepted because this may scare the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.