Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda

Are you planning to go to Rwanda to see the Mountain Gorillas, if you are in Europe Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda is the best way to get to Rwanda, Rwanda is one of the great places to trek Mountain Gorillas, Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda are found in Volcanoes National Park one of the national parks which make the great Virunga ranges other national parks in these Virunga ranges include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo.

Here’s a detailed plan to help you prepare for your journey Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda:

1. Flight from Istanbul to Kigali

• Airlines: Several airlines operate flights from Istanbul to Kigali, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines.
• Duration: A direct flight from Istanbul to Kigali typically takes around 7-8 hours. To avoid layovers and take a direct flight we recommend you book with Turkish Airlines.

2. Arriving in Kigali, with Turkish Airlines you will arrive at 1am in Rwanda

• Visa: Check the visa requirements for Rwanda. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but it’s best to check the official Rwanda immigration website.
• Accommodation: It is better you have some sleep at the hotel when you arrive so that you start the trip the next morning.

3. Traveling to Volcanoes National Park

• Transportation: You can hire a private car or use a tour operator for transportation from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about 2-3 hours.
• Tour Operators: Many companies offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and gorilla trekking permits.

4. Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are required and must be obtained in advance. They cost $1,500 per person as of 2023. Permits can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or authorized tour operators.
• Accommodation: Options range from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly guesthouses near the park.
• Preparation:
  • Fitness: Ensure you are in good physical condition as the trek can be strenuous.
  • Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy hiking boots, and a hat. Bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Gear: Pack essentials such as insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a good camera with extra batteries.

5. The Trekking Experience

• Briefing: On the day of the trek, you will have a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Here you will be assigned a gorilla group and guide.
• Trek Duration: The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
• Encounter: You will have one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas once you find them. Follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and respectful experience.

6. Post-Trek Activities

• Cultural Experiences: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about the local culture and traditions.
• Other Parks: Consider visiting other national parks in Rwanda such as Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking or Akagera National Park for a safari experience.

7. Returning to Kigali

• Shopping: Kigali has markets and shops where you can buy souvenirs. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is also a must-visit to understand Rwanda’s history.
• Departure: Ensure you arrive at the airport in time for your return flight.

How to book a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

For you to book a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda, you will need to have a your gorilla permit secured in advance from the Rwanda Development Board to confirm that you are booked for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park for a given date. Once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed we will need you to send us an email at Eco Adventure Safaris so that we check for the availability of gorilla permits online with the Rwanda Development Board once we confirm permits are available for your planned dates we will let you know so that we can send you an invoice for you to make payment for the permits. Once the payment is done and we have received it on our account we will go ahead and purchase your permits immediately and send you a scanned copy of the permits for your records and perusal, this will confirm you are booked for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda Price Per person

The Gorilla permit price shares a much more cost for any Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda on top of other services like transport, accommodation and guiding. A gorilla permit costs USD1500 for the Foreign nonresident, USD500 for the foreign resident and USD200 for the East African Citizen per person per trek, this gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.  On top of the gorilla permit you will also pay other services for a successful gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda which include transport, accommodation and guiding. Our 3 Day Gorilla trekking Safari in Rwanda all-inclusive costs USD2700 per person sharing in a group of 2, USD3100 for a solo traveler, USD2600 for 3 people per person sharing and USD2500 for 4 people per person sharing.

What is the Best Time to book a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda?

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is best done in the months of June to October and December to March during this time it is a dry season in Rwanda with mild rainfall making it easy for the treks in Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, as well during this time the vegetation is not fully grown and it is easy for creating trails and viewing the mountain gorillas offering great sights for photographs. During the other months of April, May and November which is normally a wet season this makes the vegetations grow high making the sightings unclear however during this time the treks tend to be shorter given the fact mountain gorillas don’t move further distances looking for food, food is readily available. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done throughout the year given the fact it is a very well-organized activity and you have 99% chances of seeing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Where to stay during your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options, Luxury options include Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotels and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. The price ranges from USD300 to USD1000 per person per night.

The Midrange lodge options at Volcanoes National Park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge. For budget accommodation in Volcanoes National Park the options are many from basic accommodation to camping which include Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn.

How to access Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park can be best accessed by road; the drive from Kigali town is just 2-3 hours drive to Volcanoes National Park. Your driver guide will meet you for a short briefing at the designated hotel then set off to the park through the beautiful sceneries of the 1000 hills of Rwanda giving you an opportunity for a stop for photographs and sightseeing.

Why Book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator that conducts Uganda and Rwanda tours. Our team has expertise in adventure Tour/Safaris Operations in Uganda Tour African Safaris, Tanzania African safaris, Kenya Tours Safaris, Rwanda African Safaris, Congo DRC African Safaris, and Zanzibar Safaris that run in the respective destinations hence detailing about us. Meanwhile, we operate in the other popular East African destinations of Kenya and Tanzania through partnerships that we have established with highly regarded and like-minded local tour operators. We organize private tours for individuals and also offer ground handling for travel companies and agents from around the world. We are very passionate about Eco-tourism and preserving nature and so our tours are organized in a way that respects the environment and local cultures. Contact us here about Flying from Istanbul to Kigali to Trek Gorillas in Rwanda.