FAQs

Recent estimates place the number of mountain gorillas in Rwanda at about 380. Volcanoes National Park, which is a component of the broader Virunga Massif that includes Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to the majority of these gorillas. 

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, a world-renowned gorilla trekking destination, is home to mountain gorillas. Located in the country's northern region, this protected area is home to numerous habituated gorilla families that tourists may see up close. The park is located in the Virunga Mountain range, a lush, mountainous region shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which provides perfect habitat for these critically endangered monkeys. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda entails going through deep forests under the supervision of expert park rangers who assure safety while imparting information about the gorillas' habits and conservation. A journey can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on where the gorilla troop is located, but the experience of seeing these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat is unique. To visit the gorillas, you must get a gorilla trekking permit, which costs $1,500 per person. The permission promotes conservation initiatives and community projects in the park. Treks are limited to one hour of observation each group to reduce stress on the animals. For the greatest experience, book permits in advance, especially during Rwanda's dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February, when hiking conditions are ideal.

In Rwanda, both credit cards and cash are accepted. In major cities like Kigali, credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger shops and more upscale establishments. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly used cards, though it’s always a good idea to inform the merchant in advance if you plan to pay with a credit card, as not all places may have card payment systems.

A major step toward strengthening regional integration and boosting tourism, Rwanda recently made news for its progressive decision to remove the need for a visa for all African people. This policy, which was announced by President Paul Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council in Kigali, permits any African national to visit Rwanda without paying an entry fee or obtaining a visa. Joining nations like Benin, Seychelles, and Gambia who have taken similar actions, Rwanda is now positioned as a leader in the fight for free movement throughout the continent.

Citizens of several countries enjoy visa exemptions when entering Rwanda, allowing for varying lengths of stay. Here’s a detailed overview of the visa-free policies: 6 months: Citizens from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda can enter Rwanda without a visa and stay for up to six months. 90 days: Nationals from countries such as Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo and Côte d'Ivoire can visit Rwanda visa-free for up to 90 days. 30 days: Citizens from various nations, including Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Armenia, are allowed to enter Rwanda without a visa for a period of 30 days.

The biggest threat to mountain gorillas is habitat loss, primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and infrastructure development. As human populations expand in regions near mountain gorilla habitats, especially in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, people clear land for farming and settlements. This encroachment shrinks the gorillas’ natural habitat, leaving them with smaller areas to live, forage, and migrate.

As of recent estimates, there are around 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, and they are classified as endangered. These remarkable primates are found only in two specific regions of East Africa: the Virunga Mountains, which span across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. While their population has seen a slight increase in recent years due to successful conservation efforts, their numbers remain critically low.

Rwanda's national dish is Isombe, a flavorful and nutritious meal made primarily from cassava leaves. Cassava, known locally as "manioc," is a staple crop in Rwanda, and its leaves are boiled and mashed to create Isombe. The dish is typically prepared with ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and ground peanuts, which add depth and richness to the flavor. Sometimes, palm oil and garlic are also added, giving the dish a savory and slightly creamy texture.

The main dangers to the survival of this previously severely endangered great ape are human encroachment, political unrest, and deforestation. As to the latest census, the number of great apes that are still in the wild is around 1,000. Their sanctuary in the Virunga National Park is among the most populous areas of Africa because of its high variety and fertility. People who come into greater proximity to these critically endangered apes run the risk of contracting illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, or even Ebola. The habitat of these large primates is seriously threatened by growing human populations and ongoing encroachment.  Mountain gorilla numbers have been steadily rising and stabilizing in recent years thanks in large part to conservation measures including protected areas, anti-poaching patrols, community-based conservation programs, and ecotourism. To guarantee these endangered monkeys' long-term survival in their native environments, however, sustained attention to detail and the implementation of sustainable conservation measures are crucial.  

Casual yet courteous attire is required. While men often wear pants, shorts are acceptable as well; nonetheless, it is not appropriate to go around bare-chested. Longer or knee-length clothing will fit women more comfortably. It's usually warm during the day, so pack light and consider wearing a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. A light sweater is preferred because the evenings are often cool. Slightly thicker clothing is helpful in Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks. Wet mountains might be a useful place to have a lightweight waterproof jacket.