Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July -Best Time for Gorilla Safari

Want to go for the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July? July is one of the preferred months of the year, rewarding tourists with unforgettable Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures. Lying in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is a few degrees south of the Equator. It is located within the East African Great Rift Valley and enjoys favorable weather and climatic conditions.

Rwanda experiences a temperate tropical highland climate, and this is influenced by its high altitude. Each travel calendar indicates that Rwanda enjoys two seasons: the dry and rainy seasons. Generally, the country experiences relatively moderate temperatures.

While planning gorilla trekking tours to Rwanda, it is essential to be mindful of the weather and climatic conditions. Gorilla trekking is the iconic outdoor primate adventure awaiting you to enjoy, come July or any month of the year. It is an engaging experience and requires proper planning for you to have a successful holiday. July is without doubt the ideal month for you to embark on Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.

Everything to Know About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July

Where to go for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July

As you plan to embark on a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour or safari in July, it is important to know the destination to visit. To start with, Volcanoes National Park stands out as the only place to go trek mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is geographically lying in the Ruhengeri/Musanze province, Northwestern Rwanda. Created in 1925, Volcanoes is the oldest of the Rwanda safari parks and occupies an area of only 160 sq. km.

In Rwanda, mountain gorillas survive only in the Volcanoes National Park, which also falls in the Virunga Conservation Area/region.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is inhabited by 13 habituated gorilla groups. These include the old and newly formed gorilla group families, each explored by a total of 8 visitors.

Like the rest of the African gorilla safari destinations, Volcanoes National Park offers only single gorilla trekking sessions each day. Take a look at the currently habituated gorilla groups to visit during the Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in July: Hirwa group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Umubano, Susa A, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Amahoro, Ugenda, Susa B, and Agashya –Group 13.

The newly established gorilla families in Rwanda include the Kwisanga family and Noheli. The Noheli gorilla family was created in 2021 and is led by Noheli silverback. This group has a composition size of 7 individuals (gorillas).

The Kwisanga gorilla family is a newly formed gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park and is separated from the Kwitonda gorilla family. It was named in 2022 after the split from Kwitonda.

Volcanoes National Park beyond gorillas

Visits to Volcanoes National Park offer encounters beyond the usual mountain gorillas in the wild. The park is also inhabited by other significant wildlife/animals, including forest hogs, golden monkeys, bushbucks, forest elephants, buffaloes, bats, rodents, black-fronted duikers, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, and a total of about 200 bird species. The reptiles that are present in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park include the Great Lakes bush vipers.

Top bird species that survive in Volcanoes National Park include dusky crimsonwing, Rwenzori turacos, African green-pigeon, Rwenzori double collared, Rwenzori batis, scarlet-tufted sunbirds, olive-bellied sunbirds, malachite sunbird, and more.

What awaits you on Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July?

Conquering the terrains to see gorillas

The actual gorilla trekking session in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park involves walking through the jungle for hours before you come across a troop or family of mountain gorillas. Gorillas reside in different spots and takes time for you to reach.

On a normal day, you can take between 2 and 6 hours of walking. The entire adventure is completely different from a usual walk in the savanna plains during a nature walk.

Mountain gorilla treks introduce you to the valleys, lowland areas, and montane regions. A visitor should be prepared physically to go about their day trek with gorillas.

Having prior exercise to keep yourself fit is essential for you to enjoy a successful gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.

Solid one hour for up close with mountain gorillas in the jungle

A guided gorilla trek in July in Volcanoes rewards efforts with magical encounters. With up to 1 hour available for you to observe, learn, and take pictures of mountain gorillas in the wild. This is guaranteed as soon as you have come across a family of mountain gorillas in the forest.

Gorilla Trekking Permits for Rwanda in July.

Even if you are visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking in July, a valid permit is essential. Each of the permits costs US Dollars 1500 per visitor. Book your gorilla trek tour inclusive of gorilla permits, accommodation, transportation, and more. Contact us now to secure a slot for the Rwanda gorilla trekking tour in July.

What are the add-ons on the Rwanda Gorilla Trek Tour?

Golden monkey trekking safaris

Guided golden monkey trekking is the best add-on to the gorilla safari package in Volcanoes National Park. Located in the Virunga region, Volcanoes is one of the best places to visit for golden monkey trekking/tracking in East Africa. The golden monkey treks are enjoyed around the slopes of the Sabyinyo Volcano in Volcanoes National Park.

Birding

Volcanoes National Park also offers incredible sightings of birds in Rwanda. The park is blessed with a sum of about 200 species of birds. During a guided birding tour, expect to find birds such as the dusky crimson wings, Rwenzori turacos, African green pigeon, scarlet-tufted sunbirds, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, and many others.

Volcano hiking

If you are good at hiking, then a visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park should be a must for you to conquer the scenic Virunga volcanoes. Top spots for your hiking adventures include Gahinga, Bisoke, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. The favorable volcanoes to trek include Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Muhabura.

Each of the Virunga Volcanoes features varying altitudes, with the highest being Mt. Karisimbi (4507m), Mt. Muhabura (4127m), Mount Bisoke (3711m), and Gahinga volcano (3474m). Some of the Virunga Volcanoes are accessible during the guided hike, while on the Ugandan part, for instance, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura Volcanoes.

Cultural experience

Including a cultural safari is an excellent opportunity for you to spice up your holiday. Located adjacent to the park is Iby’Iwacu village/Gorilla Guardians, where you can experience unique traditions and cultures. At the Gorilla Guardians, expect to meet the former poachers who have committed themselves into protecting the gorillas and their habitats.

Where to Stay during the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in July

Volcanoes National Park has a composition of budget/basic, midrange, and luxury lodging options. Top safari lodges to book for your relaxation after or before gorilla trekking include Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, and the Virunga Lodge.

Other places to stay include Villa Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Five Volcanoes Boutique Lodge, and Kinigi Guesthouse.

Accessing Volcanoes National Park for July gorilla Tracking Tours

Visitors can reach Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking from Kigali in just 2-3-hour drive. It is the easiest park to reach from the heart of the city compared to any Protected Area. By air, you have not beyond one hour to reach Ruhengeri Airport from Kigali Airport.

How to plan & other travel tips

Book the Rwanda gorilla trekking tour in July with Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd. Get in touch with our team to secure a slot leading to a captivating encounter with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Our gorilla safaris are affordable, and we have packages for everyone.