---

How to Plan a Wedding Anniversary Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

A successful anniversary gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda requires careful planning in the following key areas:

1. Romantic Accommodation Choices

In and around Volcanoes National Park, accommodation ranges from budget to ultra-luxury. For a wedding anniversary, choosing a beautiful and comfortable lodge enhances the experience, offering privacy, scenic views, and exceptional service.

Recommended lodges include:

• Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

• Bisate Lodge (luxury eco-lodge)

• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Silverback Lodge

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

You can request candlelit dinners, flower-decorated rooms, honeymoon suites, and sundowner experiences through your tour operator.

Your complete safari package can be arranged through:
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris – Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

---

2. Transportation Options

Transportation is provided in modern 4×4 safari vehicles, giving comfort on Rwanda’s well-maintained roads. Options include:

• Private transport – perfect for couples who want privacy

• Shared transport – more affordable and suitable for budget travelers

Vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning, drinking water, large windows for photography, and experienced driver-guides who understand Rwanda’s wildlife and culture.

---

3. Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

A Rwanda gorilla permit is required for each person wishing to participate in the trek. The price is determined by nationality:

• $1,500 – Foreign non-residents

• $500 – African residents & citizens

• $300 – East African citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi & South Sudan)

If your anniversary trip also includes Akagera National Park (for a Big Five safari) or Nyungwe Forest National Park (for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks), you may qualify for special permit discounts.

Because permits are issued in limited numbers (only 8 people per gorilla family per day), it’s recommended to book at least 6 months in advance.

---

4. Best Time for Anniversary Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

Rwanda has two main safari seasons:

✅ Dry / Peak Season:

• June – September

• December – January
  This is the best time for photography, easier hiking trails, and clearer forest conditions.

✅ Wet / Low Season:

• October – November

• March – May
  Fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodation and transport.

Both seasons offer excellent gorilla sightings, so the best time ultimately depends on your anniversary date and budget.

---

5. Hiring a Porter – A Meaningful Act

Local porters in Volcanoes National Park were once involved in poaching but now earn a living protecting gorillas. Hiring them supports conservation and helps nearby communities.

• A porter carries your backpack (up to 15kg)

• They help you on steep, slippery trails

• Recommended tip: $10–$15 per porter

Using a porter not only makes your trek easier but also contributes to protecting gorillas for future generations.

---

Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

To ensure comfort during your wedding anniversary gorilla safari, pack the following essential items:

✅ Essential Gadgets

• Digital camera (point-and-shoot or DSLR)

• Binoculars for birding and primate viewing

• Extra batteries & memory cards

• Small tripod (optional)

• Waterproof camera bag

✅ Clothing

• Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown)

• Long-sleeved shirts

• Hiking trousers (not jeans)

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Warm sweater

• Thick socks (tuck trousers in)

• Gardening gloves (for protection in thick bushes)

Avoid:

• Blue (attracts tsetse flies)

• Camouflage (military association)

• Black (absorbs heat)

✅ Footwear

• Waterproof hiking boots (ankle support)

• Extra sandals or light shoes for the lodge

• Gaiters for muddy conditions

✅ Other Essentials

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen

• Sun hat

• Reusable water bottle

• Small first-aid kit

• Biodegradable toilet paper

Carry all these items in a small waterproof backpack.

---

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rules & Regulations

Visitors must follow the official guidelines set by the Rwanda Development Board:

• Minimum age: 15 years

• Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day

• Maximum of 1 hour with the gorillas

• Maintain 7 meters distance

• Keep voices low and calm

• No sudden movements

• No eating or drinking near gorillas

• Turn off camera flash

• No smoking in the forest

• No littering

If a gorilla approaches, stay still and follow your guide’s instructions.

---

Other Romantic Activities After Gorilla Trekking

Extend your anniversary experience by enjoying other activities in Rwanda:

• Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

• Chimpanzee Tracking

• Lake Kivu boat ride & beaches

• Big Five safari in Akagera National Park

• Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

• Cultural village visits and traditional dances

Complete packages including these activities can be booked here

---

Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a trusted East African tour company specializing in:

• Rwanda & Uganda gorilla trekking

• Honeymoon & anniversary safaris

• Wildlife photography tours

• Luxury & budget safari packages

• Custom-designed itineraries

They offer:
✅ Competitive prices
✅ Professional guides
✅ 24/7 support
✅ Luxury and budget options
✅ Permit processing
✅ Romantic safari arrangements

---

Conclusion: Celebrate Love Among Giants

Your wedding anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and celebrating it while meeting the gentle giants of Africa makes it even more extraordinary. A gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda allows you to reconnect with each other in the heart of nature, surrounded by misty mountains, dense forests, and one of Earth’s most endangered species.

If you’re seeking a unique, emotional, adventurous, and romantic way to mark your special day, then trekking gorillas in Rwanda with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is your perfect choice.

Turn your love story into a wild adventure.