Wishlist
Rwanda: Primates & Akagera National Park
Gorilla Trek, Golden Monkeys, & Big 5
Rwanda is most notably known for the endangered mountain gorillas, a once in a lifetime experience. Other primates such as Golden Monkeys, Blue monkeys, and colobus make Rwanda their home. Chimpanzees can be viewed in Nyungwe National Park (on customized itineraries).
This journey will also visit Akagera National Park, one of Central Africa’s most scenic reserves, defined by a diverse landscape of freshwater lakes, papyrus swamps, open savannah, and rugged mountains. The park is a 25-minute drive from Kigali and offers the perfect opportunity to see savannah in addition to a gorilla or chimp treks. Following years of dedicated conservation, the park’s wildlife population has grown steadily. Akagera is the home to rare leopard, lion, rhino, rare blue monkey, elephant, Masai giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species, including the rare sitatunga. Birding in the park is also exceptional with 482 recorded species.
Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Center. Dian Fossey spearheaded her efforts to protect the gorillas in Rwanda.
The Ibyiwacu Village outside of Volcanoes National Park is worth a visit to meet the local people in their natural surroundings. If you wish you can also visit the Nyanza Genocide Memorial. It is a testament to how the country has grown and thrived, not just survived.
To ensure the well-being of the gorillas and maintain the integrity of their habitat, the Rwandan and Ugandan government strictly regulates the number of daily visitors, making a trek to see them an exclusive privilege that remains one of the world's most sought-after wildlife encounters. Once you locate a habituated family, you are granted a precious hour to observe their complex social dynamics and natural behaviors from just a few meters away, creating a memory that lasts a lifetime. Proceeds from the permits are dedicated to the national park and caring for the gorillas' protection and safety.
ACCESSIBILITY
Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with disabilities, knee hip replacements or just not in perfect physical condition. If you have mobility challenges, we can pre-arrange for what is called ‘sedan chair’ that porters will carry you to the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda but ‘chairs’ tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.
WHICH GORILLA TREK IS FOR YOU - RWANDA or UGANDA?
Rwanda and Uganda trekking experiences can vary for each person that treks. The following is an overall consensus about the basic differences. Whichever country you choose to visit, we can assure you that your close-up visit with the gorillas will be like no other.
GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS
Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park):
• Trekking Difficulty: Generally considered less physically demanding, with steeper slopes in places but more established, clearer paths due to the foliage in the area. Trekking is generally done at higher altitudes 7,800 feet + Rwanda offers steeper ascents, but its bamboo slopes are often easier to hike than Uganda’s dense terrain. The terrain in both areas is cleared as best possible by park rangers.
• Permit cost: current rate of $1500 each
• Accommodations: high-end luxury properties
• Rwanda is best for: Those with limited time, prefer not to fly and prioritizing high comfort.
• Access: Beautiful drive from Kigali, only requiring 2-3 hours.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park):
• Trekking Difficulty: Terrain is denser than Rwanda with thicker forests, but as in both Uganda and Rwanda, park rangers clear paths as best as possible. Trekking is at a lower average altitude of 3,800-8,500 feet.
• Permit cost: current rate of $800 each for foreign non-residents.
• Accommodations: More choices available than Rwanda - mid to high end.
• Uganda best for: More of a selection in accommodations. Also for those those wanting a more immersive, deep-jungle experience and also would like to visit with chimps in their natural habitat and a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Access: Travelers general fly from Entebbe to trek base unless visiting other parks in Uganda. Drive time is 8-10 hours.
Consensus:
• Rwanda can seem to be more expensive than Uganda, but when all is totaled, including permits, flights, and accommodations, prices are about the same. Rwanda would most likely be recommended for those with real concerns about terrain.
• Rwanda's permits are more expensive than Uganda, but in Uganda, a flight is required to get to base camp, as the drive is 8-10 hours.
• Uganda has more choices of accommodations, overall cost might be a few hundred dollars lower.
• Born Free can request lower family permits in both countries.
Permits for Primate treks must be paid in advance and are non-refundable.
Reservations for accommodations and additional safari arrangements are not made until permits are secured. Permits are limited.
Journey Priced From:
Call for current rates.
Rates do not include primate permits
Highlights
- Choice of accommodations
- Silverback Gorillas
- Golden Monkeys
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus - Dian Fossey Center
- Akagera National Park - Big Five Safari
- Game Drives
- Ibyiwacu Village visit
- Nyanza Genocide Memorial
- Optional visit to Nyungwe for chimp treks
Is this your dream trip?
If you've ever dreamed of coming face to face with the Silverback gorilla, and you are able to walk long distances (possibly 2-3 miles one way) at altitude, then this is the adventure for you.
Depending upon what gorilla family you trek will depend on your physical ability. If you can walk and hike only a few miles, then trekking a family in the lower mountain areas is for you. If you are physically fit, you might want to choose a trek where you hike for a few hours to reach the gorilla family. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is an extremely special privilege and an encounter unparalleled in the whole of Africa.
Tailor-Made Itinerary: All Rwanda itineraries are personalized to suit your requirements.
Rwanda works well with a visit to Kenya or Tanzania.
Your research has led you to Born Free Safaris. Now let our Specialists tailor your journey the way you want to experience it.
