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Previously Rwanda was basically known much for its 1994 genocide war between the Hutus and Tutsis which claimed over one million people and a thousand seek refuge to neighboring countries. The economy went to standstill and many infrastructures where destroyed, the whole country was declared insecure. However, all come to pass the economy was rebuilt and many infrastructures where re-built, everything come back to normal and the country is now considered one of the safest nations not only in Africa but also in the entire world with one of the most cleanest city in the world.

Rwanda is now known as one of the countries in the world which attract tourists’ whole over the world and the most tourist attraction Rwanda offers is the endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas were listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for many factors including being hunted for trade meat and medicine by the poachers, deforestation for agriculture living them homeless, diseases among many others all these impacted on their population. In Rwanda mountain gorillas live in the rain tropical forest of the volcanoes national park which is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda in Ruhengeri Musanze district. On average Over 80%of travelers who visit Rwanda come purposely for gorilla tracking.  Three countries worldwide host these endangered apes, however many gorilla trackers who have got chance to track both in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC give it to Rwanda as the leading gorilla destination in the world.  many factors supports this, the short distance from the capital Kigali to the national park (volcanoes) those who does not want to travel for long hours choose to track Rwanda gorillas. A 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour is very possible, it’s just about 2-3 hours’ drive from the capital Kigali to the park, you embark on the drive very early in the morning and arrive at the park headquarters in time for briefing and then after tracking, you drive back to Kigali or at the airport for your departure flight according to your itinerary.  Also many who have tacked in both countries testify that Rwanda gorillas are a bit easy to track than the gorillas in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi, and on top of that, the country is considered stable than the DRC, all these among many other factors makes put Rwanda in the position of the leading mountain gorilla safari destination in the world.

Gorillas cannot be seen in zoos or under captivity like many other wildlife and primate species, the only place to see these giants is only in their natural habitat very deep in to the forest.  For one to see these giants must prepare in advance and book the gorilla permit the only passport for seeing these endangered species. Rwanda gorilla permits costs usd750 per person per tracking including a ranger guide fee and a park entry fee and these permits are sold at the Rwanda tourism board in Kigali or at the park headquarters in Kinigi. It’s better to book the gorilla permit with a genuine tour and travel company or a tour agent as they have easy access of these permits that an individual.
Gorilla tracking is the most expensive safari activity done in Rwanda but perhaps the most done safari activity, and gorilla tracking has gained the government of Rwanda a lot of revenue, a lot of money is collected from tourists. Many people have benefited from gorillas including the local people, lodge/hotel owners and workers, tour companies organizing gorilla safaris, drivers, park rangers and guides, among many others hence making mountain gorilla the most rewarding safari activity to the country.
You can’t talk of Rwanda minus mentioning the works of Diane Fossy, an American primatologists and a researcher who studied and habituated these endangered apes to human standards that they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat without any  harm caused to human. Most of her research was conducted in karioske she was loved by the primates and she loved them too, she stayed and habituated the gorillas for over 18 years, however her work was brought to an end when she was assassinated by the said poachers whom she had made herself unpopular, she was buried near her friend gorilla digit and many other gorillas that where killed or killed of different diseases.

Diane Fossy made Rwanda very popular and up to now Rwanda is popularly known for its gorilla safari. Many authors oppose that, a safari in Africa is only complete when you visit the mountain gorillas in the true African wilderness, deep in the heart of Africa. A certificate is given to those who have fully participated and completed a gorilla tracking activity. Contact us for safari booking and inquiries we are always at your disposal.

It’s always good to go on a gorilla safari and came back when satisfied, however this can be reached through a series of things including prior planning and organization. This is very essential before setting your gorilla safari to one of the three countries which host these endangered mountain gorillas in the world including Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla tracing is the most loved adventurous safari activity, since they cannot be seen in zoos/ under captivity, this factor pushes many people to come and see them in their natural habitat over 900 individuals are said to have been left in the world. Over 80% of travelers to East Africa come specifically to see these endangered mountain Gorillas. So due to this factor, it’s better to plan and secure your gorilla permit earlier to your tracking dates to avoid disappointment. However the first thing you should put under your consideration is to know the country in which you will track these Gorillas Uganda (Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national park) , Rwanda (volcanoes national park)or DRC(Virunga national park) https://libido-portugal.com/. Each country offers the best mountain gorilla safari activities, however the experience may become totally different and each country charge differently as far as gorilla permits is concerned. Uganda charge a fee of USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD$600 for foreign residents and UX250, 000 for east African citizens. Rwanda gorilla permits cots USD 1500 which apply to all travelers regardless of one’s nationality or residence. Mountain gorilla permit costs include park entry fee and guide fee.

Gather also relative tracking information including which country offers the best gorilla tracking activity, the best time for gorilla tracking, you should know that gorilla tracking is suitable during the dry season this is because the roads and trails leading you to the gorilla family are passable, and you can climb the steep sloops with a lot of easy. You should also prepare the tracking gears including sturdy pair of walking shoes/boots, rainy jacket since African weather is unpredictable, it’s subjected to change at any time, and a bag is also essential to carry your accessories like camera, battled water, and jacket and sometimes packed food. Search and write to different tour and travel companies organizing gorilla safaris in order to choose one offering the best service fitting your budget. So ounce all are observed well you will go ahead and book your gorilla permit for your tracking dates.
In order to secure your gorilla permit, it’s advised to book earlier at least 2-5 months, this is due to the fact that gorilla permits are sold on first come first served basis the earlier you book your permit the better and in the high seasons permits get finished so easily. It’s good to book your gorilla tracking permit with a tour and travel company or travel agent, they have 80% access to these permits than an individual. You will only send money for the gorilla permit after being confirmed by the tour agents about the gorilla permit availability on the stated dates. After permits are bought, you will be requested to send your passport details then after a receipt will be sent to you as an attachment to confirm your payment.
On the day of tracking, you will be prepared to report at the park headquarters early before 7:30 to receive short briefings about the dos and don’ts while with these apes, and also get you allocated to the gorilla family and guide. After, you will set into the forest to begin the activity possibly the most interesting safari activity done on earth. Ounce they have met you strictly allowed on hour with them while observing their behaviors as well as taking photography. Ounce you are well prepared to do the activity you won’t meet any difficult during the process of gorilla tracking. Gorilla tracking activities is incomparable it’s regarded as a breathtaking activity difficult to forget. In order to be satisfied it needs good preparation with a good tour operator. For more information about gorilla tracking contact us at info@gorwandasafaris.com we will get back you ASAP

Things to see & do on a  Rwanda Safari
When in this land of ‘’a thousand hills’’ as it’s sometimes referred to, is gifted with many incredible things to see and do activities ounce on a safari to this small central African country. Looking at this country, you can’t even think that it out compete many other huge nations when it comes to tourist attraction, it has more than what you can expect. The tourist attractions that inhabit the country and many are untouched have attracted a big number of travelers to this country since a number of them can’t be found elsewhere in the world. Few people especially foreigners don’t really know what exactly makes this small country unique that almost everyone wishes not to miss visiting, below are some of the tourist activities enjoyable on a Rwanda.
Gorilla tracking;- you can’t visit Rwanda minus going for a gorilla tracking activity in the volcanoes national park which is located in Ruhengeri Musanze district about 2 hours’ drive from Kigali city. Gorilla tracking is the most done tourist activity attracting a big number of travelers to Rwanda. Over 75% of travelers to this nation go gorilla tracking making it the number one done tourist activity, contributing to a lot of revenue to the government of Rwanda. It is one of the most highly charged activity but known as the most done Rwanda tourist activity. A Rwanda gorilla permit cost usd 1500per person per tracking. Rwanda is known as the best gorilla tracking safari destination housing almost a half of the world remaining mountain gorillas over 380 individuals live only to this country out of an estimated 1006 mountain gorillas left in the world. Spend some magical time with the gorillas in their natural habitat very deep in the forest. For any tourist interested in this safari activity you are advised to secure your gorilla permit earlier before the tracking dates at least 2-5 months during the high season and 1-3 months during low season. Rwanda gorilla permits are at a very high demand they can get finished so early so the earlier you book your gorilla permit the better.
Chimpanzee tracking; Rwanda offers the best primate safaris, as its one of the few countries which houses the largest percentage of primate species over 13 species of primates live in Nyungwe forest national park, however the most known primate at the park is the chimpanzee the closest relative of man sharing almost 98% of human genes. Nyungwe forest national park is located in the south western part of Rwanda at the border with Burundi just about 7 hours’ drive from Kigali city.All gorillas and other tourism permits in Rwanda are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most interesting safari activities as these apes are fabulous fan to watch when jumping from tree to tree. Like gorilla tracking ounce they are met only one hour is allowed staying with them while observing their behaviors as well as taking photography. Other primate species that inhabit the forest include the black and white colobus monkey, baboons, red colobus monkey; civet monkey mona monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkey, golden monkeys the list is endless all these can be seen during the process of gorilla tracking

Wildlife Tours;- wildlife safaris are conducted in Rwanda’s protected national park that’s Akagera National Park in the eastern part of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The park houses a variety of animal species and all can be viewed in a tourist vehicle with pop up roof. Games always concentrate in the savannah grassland or woodland area of the park, games expected to see on a wildlife safari to Rwanda include warthog, giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than dozen types of antelopes live in the park including the handsome chestnut-coated impala, cape eland, secretive bushbuck, oribi. Lions, elephant, buffalo, leopard, hippos are also inhabitant to this park, so wildlife safaris is a thrilling moment one should not love to miss.
Cultural Tours;- cultural encounter with the local people is regarded as a magnificent experience most especially for those who want to learn more about how Africans live. A walk through some of the villages Ibyiwacu cultural village gives visitors a chance to meet and interact with the local community. The center exhibits Rwanda culture through Art and crafts, traditional clothes, cultural demonstrations, hunting attires among others. At the site, Visitors are taught Rwandan skills of dressing, Skills in Art and crafts, singing among others. Cultural experience is one of the things you should not miss ounce you take a safari to Rwanda.
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Other things to do on safari to Rwanda include; – hiking adventure, nature walks, city tours, boat ride, Lake Kivu tour and more. Visit our website for more things to do and see while in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking safaris  requires one to get a gorilla permit before it’s done in the volcanoes of Rwanda and the gorilla permit booking is managed by the Rwanda tourism office this being the governing body of tourism in Rwanda.
The permits should be booked earlier for proper arrangement due to the stiff demand and the quicker the payment the prompt the services. You will get the days permit after payment which are always preferably 6 month earlier during the stiff seasons of June-September and December-February or 1-2 months in the low seasons of October-November and march-may.
The gorilla permits can only be purchased from the board, either directly or through a tour agent. You can get in touch with them through email; reservation@rwandatourism.com. Or direct calling on the office line +252576514.inquire any thing concerning booking like the dates you want, the nearest dates. when payment are made , they will advise you of there banking details, send the money by electronic transfer and send a copy of the transaction voucher receipt to ORPTN. Ensure the bank to take off bank charges from your account other wise the money may be less and the permit not got on that particular day.
After payment and once given the permit, the date cannot be changed except for a cancellation fee of $ 100 per permit and any delays in confirmation and payment will defiantly lead to the changes of your preferred dates.
Price of the Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 paid by all travelers including Rwanda nationals. Rwanda Development Board is responsible for issuing out all gorilla permits to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Permit bookings is recommended at least 4 months before the trekking date.

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Booking through agent.
Booking through a travel agency is another reliable option of obtaining a gorilla permit. There are a number of liable tour operators in Rwanda feel free to check them out. These usually do it at a fee of US $ 25-$ 60 per permit. The procedure is almost similar as above, except that the tour agencies tend to speed up the processes and most likely you will get your gorilla permit confirmation fast.
1. contact and let the office know the dates you want to tour Rwanda with the days you want to see the gorilla permit
2. We let you if the days you want for your gorilla tour are available for gorilla tracking and tentatively book them for you.
3. We send you our bank details for you to send the money for gorilla permits.
4. It takes about 16 hours for us to receive the money from your bank and pay for your permits. We shall send you acknowledgement for the money and the official gorilla permit.[scan and email] please ensure you pay the bank charges when authorizing the transaction. We do not charge any fee for gorilla permit buying if you are booking the rest of the tour with us. In case we do charges, this is to cater for any costs like telephony, transport, etc we incur to get you the permit.
5. Send your passport details to register your gorilla permit that’s your full names, passport number and nationality.
6. Your name will be registered and the gorilla permits got. Scanned copies of the permit will then be sent.
As soon as the payment has been received, the permits for gorilla tracking are purchased. Getting a gorilla permit is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla however the chances of seeing them are 98%

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Refunds & Cancellation Guidelines
There are always cases of cancellation caused by a number of reasons. The t board shall refund 50% of the gorilla tracking fee for any visitor who is ill because any sick visitor shall not be allowed to track the gorilla if declared unfit by the warden in charge. This only applies to visitors who have traveled all the way to the park.

Permit availability
If you are planning to go gorilla tracking in June, august, September, also December the time to book your permits and safaris is now with a wide trekking package options in Rwanda as listed below.
3 days gorilla trekking
4 days gorilla trek [2 trek]
4 day Rwanda gorilla with golden monkey
4 days Rwanda Nyungwe chimps +gorilla trek tour
4 days Rwanda gorilla + cultural village tour.
Rwanda 4 days gorilla trek with hike to Visoke volcanoes.
Rwanda 4 days gorilla trek with relaxing at Lake Kivu.
5 days Rwanda gorilla Nyungwe chimps tracking.
5 days Rwanda gorilla, Visoke hike, golden monkey.
6 days Rwanda gorilla trek [2 treks] and Nyungwe chimps’ tour.
6 days Rwanda gorilla, chimps +other primates.
7 days Rwanda primates’ tour.
9 days Rwanda magical tour.
11 days Rwanda primates’ tour + Akagera + kivu.
13 days Rwanda safari.
20 days Rwanda safaris

A number of genocide memorial sites were put in place to commemorate the genocide war that took place in Rwanda in the 1994. This war was as a result of inter tribal conflict which took place from April where the Hutu ethnic group comprising of the majority murdered their fellow Tutsi group of people in Rwanda. The genocide started from the capital by the Hutu and spread rapidly and brutally through the whole country being led by local officials and the Hutu who where in government killing as much as 800000 people of the Tutsi tribe. This was only ended in July after the Rwanda patriotic front taking control with the military force. These genocide sites are among the common visited tourism destinations by travelers on Rwanda safaris

Rwanda had one of the highest populations in Africa with 85 percent of them being the Hutu and 14 percent the Tutsi and 1 percent the Twa having the very list percentage of people in Rwanda. After World War 1, Rwanda came under the Belgium who favored the Tutsi over the Hutu. This created hate and enmity which aroused violence as early as 1959 forcing around 300000 Tutsi to flee the country decreasing them more in number. By 1961 the Tutsi were forced into exile by the Hutu declaring the country a republic after which the Belgium granted the country its independence in July 1962.

In 1994 the plan between Habyarimana the spear head in the genocide and the Burundi president Cyprien Ntaryamira shot down killing more than million of Rwanda people. The presidential guards together with Hutu Prime Minister Agatha Umilinglylmana and his 10 Belgium body guards were the first victims being killed on the 7th of April.
The war spread so fast throughout Rwanda killing 800000 people within three months. The Rwanda civilians were encouraged by local officials and government sponsored radio station to kill there fellow neighbors. This had to bring in the RPT to wage a war alongside the genocide were it gained control and more than 2 million Hutu fled Rwanda to Congo as refugees and other neighboring countries.

The RPT then established a coalition government with Pasteur Bizimungu a Hutu as the president and Paul kagame as vice president and the defense minister. This lowered Habyarimana’s influence who mobilizes the genocide and then anew law and constitution was mandated in 2003 emphasizing unity. This was followed by electing Paul kagame as Rwandans president who is still ruling up to date. The Rwandans are fully responsible for the genocide though other powerful counties failure to do something to put the war to an end can not be under estimated. The international forces were aware of the preparations and targets of elimination of the Tutsi but then they refused to use their authority and power to challenge the government by then for the prevention of the genocide.

Genocide memorial sites in Rwanda.
Following the course of the 1994 war, the sites were put in place to show the dangers of the genocide war were around 800000 people lost there life’s and these are;

1. Murambi Memorial Site
This was a school in the first place before the massacre where 2700 individuals are estimate to have been murdered. Since then the natives were resettled in other places for the preservation of the corpses in the place and it’s now an exhibition places related to tourism. Free information is given to the tourists by the survivors regarding the history of the genocide. There are burial room, display of corpses and amass grave were the victims were buried all together.

2. Gisozi Memorial Site
This is were most of the Tutsi victims were killed and its situated in Gasabo village .here there is a library were books and documents concerning the country’s the history are found, a display house were the corpses are seen, photographs and cemetery where around 30000 victims were killed both the Hutu and the Tutsi were buried in that same place .The site become a tourist attraction in 2004 and is having a plan to provide history concerning the country the world.
3. Gisenyi Memorial Site
This is the first memorial site were around 12000 victims who were killed in the genocide were buried. There bodies were just brought there from Nyundo and Corniche. This is the site were Madame Carr’s grave who was in charge of the Imbabazi orphanage is found. This site is found in Gisenyi https://libido-portugal.com/.
4. Nyamata Memorial Site
Formally this was a church found in Bugesera districts were 2500 people were killed who had run there for safety. The church still exits as to remembrance of the incidence that took place.
5. Bisesero Memorial Site
Its in Karongi districts were around 30000paople were murdered. These were mainly the brave Tutsi who stood up against the Hutu and were over powered. The site has nine small structures connoting the nine communities which formed the Kibuye region and is referred to as a hill of resistance because of there oppositions against the Hutu people.
6. Nyarubuye Memorial Site
This was a convent and also school in which 20000 people were murdered and buried as they tried to escape for there life’s in Tanzania. There corpse are in the convent and in 2003 the school was also re opened, still operating with a number of students
7. Nyanza Memorial Site
This was formally a school called ETO managed by the UN who had come to provide security to the Rwanda before the genocide. With the commencement of the genocide they left and the local individuals found there were murdered. On the 11 April a memorial ritual is done in this place to remember the victim’s souls by the survivors.
8. Ntarama Memorial Site
Here several children were killed and women were murdered who had gone to seek refugee in a church during the war only to be killed there too. Around 5000 people and its just an hours drive from Kigali and is located in Bugesera. It’s now a display site.

The golden monkey is another endangered species open for tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkey is endemic in the high altitude forest of the volcanoes national park area. They are very charming to see since they are playful and often spend there time leaping from one tree to another and have overcome their initial shyness hence enabling their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
Golden monkey live in families with number of member between 80 and above individuals. They have 1 dominant male, females, juveniles and babies. The adult males and adult females are responsible for protecting the territory and resources found in there area including the food. the dominant male leads the group from one to ten years coordinating and directs all the activities in the group, decides where to go, where to stand and what to do.
There are two groups always seen and identified in volcanoes national park one of which has not yet been open for trekking but it shall be open soon and the other is always trekked. These are listed and explained below;
1. Musonga group. The group lives higher on the Karisimbi volcanoes at an altitude of about 2800-3000 metres with more than 100 individuals. This is the group that will be open to visitors shortly they over come their initial shyness. There habituation has been a difficult and slow process as acceptance to humans has not been easy but was finally achieved in 2003. The monkeys now chatter and play quite happily and freely while being observed in there daily activities, climbing the vegetation, feeding on bamboo leaves and shoots.

2. Kabatwa family. They are located in the east of the park on the flanks in Sabyinyo slopes with more than 70 individuals. this is the most visited group and their habituation for trekking started in July 2003
Golden money shouldn’t be missed when going to trek the gorillas they are trekked in the same way as you track mountain gorillas. Trekking to see the golden monkeys take place very early in the morning and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys. By 7:00 am, all visitors should be at the parks Kinigi headquarters ready to start off the days trek. The number of visitors is not limited and the fee for a golden monkey permit is currently USD $ 100 per trek for foreigners and for Rwanda visitors it is 4000 RWF. The permits can be arranged in advance or booked at the park headquarters on the morning of the day of trekking
when going for the trekking its best to wear long trousers, long sleeved shirt, hat, light rain jacket, water proof hiking boots, a water proof day pack with enough water, simple snacks not forgetting camera equipment
Porters can be hired at the entry point of the park to assist you with your day pack and just enjoy your trekking taking photographs.
It’s quit difficult to photograph golden monkey since they are very playful, nosy and flitting around in the bamboo forest leaping from tree to tree, so it’s advisable that your camera to fast shutter undergrowth which will better your chances of capturing the film of the monkeys.

In most cases travelers with ample time in Rwanda combine golden monkeys to mountain gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris in Volcanoes National Park to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Our customized 4 Days Rwanda gorillas & golden monkey trekking safari offers you opportunity to meet the two endangered primates in their natural habitat. Both treks last for an hour but ts worth it!

Other Things to see & do in Rwanda

In addition to golden monkey trekking, travelers to Rwanda have several other interesting things to see and do on a Rwanda safari. Go Rwanda Safaris guides on on these adventures ensuring a safe and enjoyable Rwanda wildlife tour. The other activities and attractions in Rwanda include:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 400 mountain gorillas live in this bamboo forest park located in north western province of Rwanda. A permit to see gorillas in Volcanoes National park costs $1500 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered primates.

Chimpanzee Trekking: This is yet another interesting activity you should not miss out on your Rwanda safaris. Done in Nyungwe Forest National park in the south western part of Rwanda, Chimpanzee trekking offers you chance to meet up with the endangered chimpanzees https://libido-portugal.com/. Each chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest cost $90 inclusive of the park entrance fees and conservation fee.

 Volcano Climbing:Take part in  hiking any of the distinct Volcanoes in Rwanda for a lifetime adventure experience. The most hiked volcanoes are Mount Karisimbi (2 Days ) and Mount Bisoke (1 day) both located in Volcanoes National park. The lower slopes of these volcanoes are covered by forests which shelter primates, birds and other wild animals.

Game Viewing: Do not miss game viewing experience in Akagera National Park with Go Rwanda Safaris. Located in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera Park is home to the big five game and many other Savannah animals which offer you excellent  game viewing experiences.  Guided Morning, evening and night game drives are done in the park to allow you see and interact with numerous wild animals feeding  and resting in their free times. Some of the animals would will see include Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo, Leopards, Giraffes  Zebras, Impala, Water bucks, Warthogs and Gazelles among others.

Kigali City tour: Go for Kigali city tour/day excursion to explore the beauty of this small clean city. Kigali is a business center for Rwanda hosting various shopping malls. Some of the places to visit in Kigali city include Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali genocide memorial center, Kimironko market, Inema art gallery and the presidential palace among others. The city is ranked as the top clean in Africa. Various upmarket hotels and lodges have been established in Kigali to give travelers comfortable and safe stay.

Canopy walk: Enjoy the amazing  canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National park. The experience offers you great aerial views of  Nyungwe Forest, the Virunga volcanoes, local communities and other attractions in the neighborhood.

In conclusion, golden monkey trekking is a lifetime experience. Book with Go Rwanda Safaris, enjoy an encounter with the endangered golden monkeys plus several other attractions such as gorilla trekking, city tour, volcano hiking and game viewing on your Rwanda safari.