Gorilla Tracking from Musanze Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking from Musanze Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking from Musanze Rwanda to Bwindi, Musanze formally known as Ruhengeri is a city in north western Rwanda, it is approximately 94 km North west of Kigali the capital and largest city in Rwanda. Volcanoes national park is also approximately 12 kms from the city of Musanze. Most tourists visit this park for Gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking and mountain hiking. Musanze town is also 25kms away from Cyanika border which is the main entry from Uganda to Rwanda by road, it also connects to the town of Goma in eastern Democratic republic of Congo. Musanze town is located just a few kilometers from the gorilla national parks of Bwindi and Mgahinga, its 1 hour and 30 minutes from Musanze to Mgahinga gorilla national park and 2 hours from Musanze to the southern sectors of Bwindi forest national park that is Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Safari Vacations and Travel Services Ltd specializes in gorilla and wildlife safaris in Rwanda and Uganda, this means if you are in Musanze, our professional driver will pick you up from your residence in Musanze, drive you to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda.
Why do I need to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla tracking yet there are mountain gorillas in Rwanda?
Tourists primarily choose to cross from Musanze, Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla tracking due to the significant disparity in gorilla permit prices between the two countries. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $700 per person per trek, while in Rwanda, the price is $1500 per person per trek.
This affordability factor makes gorilla tracking in Uganda a more cost-effective option. Opting for Uganda translates to a saving of $800 for each permit purchased. Furthermore, Uganda boasts over 20 habituated gorilla families, in contrast to Rwanda’s ten. Consequently, Uganda consistently offers more gorilla permits for sale on a daily basis compared to Rwanda. It’s important to note that only eight people are permitted to track a specific gorilla family each day. Given the high demand for gorilla permits, especially during peak seasons in June, July, August, December, January, and February, obtaining permits in Rwanda can be challenging. This scarcity often prompts individuals to cross over to Uganda, where the abundance of habituated gorilla families provides a more accessible option.
What do I need to cross the border?
Crossing the border of Chanika is not difficult, you will need the following;
- A valid passport
- Visa (single entry visa in both Uganda and Rwanda is $50 but you can as well buy an east African tourist visa is you want to visit Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda, this visa allows you to cross multiple times for 90 days in the partner states).
- Yellow fever vaccination card but sometimes they don’t ask for it
- If you have a work permit for one of the East African states you don’t pay for the visa you will get an interstate pass at the border.
- Itinerary of your trip
Gorilla tracking rules and regulations
- The age limit for gorilla tracking is 15 years.
- Do not attempt to visit the gorillas if you have a cold or any other infectious illness.
- Each gorilla group allows a maximum of eight visitors.
- Ensure that human waste is buried at least 30cm deep.
- Maintain a distance of 7m (21ft) from the gorillas while in their presence.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited during the trek.
- Visitors are limited to one hour with each gorilla group per day.
- In the event of sneezing or coughing, cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can contract coughs and colds from humans.
- Flash photography is strictly prohibited while in the company of the gorillas.
Best time to visit Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks
The best time to visit these parks is during the drier months of June-September and the December to February, this is when the trails in the parks are less slippery and even the vegetation is not very tall hence allowing better viewing and photography. However, gorilla tracking takes place throughout the year and its an added advantage to budget travelers who would like to visit during the wet seasons as they get discounts on accommodations due to low occupancy in the lodges around the parks.
Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with others services like car hire services.
For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.
