Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in the volcanoes national park and it’s the most sought after activity by tourists while planning for their african vacation safari. Situated in Musanze in the northwest of Rwanda, volcanoes national park has an area cover of over 160 square kilometres and is regulated and safeguarded by the Rwanda development board. The national park is made up of the five of eight volcanoes of the Virunga that is Karisimbi, bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo with ranges between 2400-4507 meters above sea level and these volcanoes form the Virunga massif. The volcanoes national park is surrounded by the Virunga national park in Congo and Mgahinga national park. the endangered mountain gorillas are only found only three countries that is Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega in democratic republic of Congo and Rwanda’s volcanoes.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Due to the easy accessibility to the volcanoes national park from Kigali city or Kigali international airport has made it a leading destination for gorilla trekking while on an african vacation safari. The journey only takes 3-4 hours thus making tourists on an african safari to include the gorilla trekking safari in their itineraries combining it with other safari destinations that are nearby.
Volcanoes national park is a home to a number of gorilla families that are fully habituated that tourists can trek while on their african safari. The park has 12 gorilla families including Amahoro family, Karisimbi, kwitonda and umubano among others that can be trekked daily and each family is visited by only 8 individuals and for only 1 hour.
Gorilla trekking permit
However, for tourists on an african vacation safari to embark on the trekking of the endangered species, they need to have the gorilla trekking permit. This can be purchased from the Rwanda development board offices or from a trusted tour operator. The price of the gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 per person
However, due to the high demand of the permits, tourists are encouraged to book their permits in advance to secure their slot.
THE GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla trekking in the volcanoes national park is a tough activity since it requires to hike through the rainforest with its differing terrain in search of these gentle giants while on there african vacation safari. Therefore, tourists have to be physically fit so as to manage the hike as well as mentally prepared.
- Briefing
The gorilla trekking day starts so early at the park headquarters with an early morning briefing from the park rangers at kinigi. Highly skilled guides offer orientation and prepare the tourists for the gorilla trekking activity. While on the briefing;
- Tourists are given clarity about the strict gorilla trekking rules that are put in place to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and tourists as well while on their african vacation safari.
- Tourists are informed about the gorilla behaviours and what exactly they are to experience while on the trekking safari in volcanoes national park
- Express signals that the rangers use in order to protect the tourists as well as respect the gorillas within their territory.
The briefing session helps in preparing tourists for the gorilla trekking activity in a more respectful and responsible manner thus making the african vacation safari a memorable one.
Rules and regulations of the gorilla trekking
- Persons below age of 15 aren’t allowed to trek
- Sick persons with infections like flue aren’t allowed to trek
- Avoid direct eye contact with the mountain gorillas
- Do not touch the gorillas
- Do not use flash photography
- Don’t eat near the gorillas, this should be done at least 200meters away
- No making noise
- When a gorilla charges at you, do not run be calm and humble
- Follow the park rangers instructions
Once the rules and regulations are followed, this ensures a smooth and memorable african vacation safari
- Enter into the forest
After the briefing, tourists are grouped to 8 individuals and allocated a gorilla family. after, with the help of the park rangers, you will embark on the journey in search of the endangered mountain gorillas in the lush rainforest. Since the gorillas keep moving, tourists will move through the bamboo forest and the dense vegetation where they will have the opportunity to spot birds and animal species thus ensuring an amazing african vacation safari.
The gorilla trekking activity can take from 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the movement and location of the gorilla family that you were allocated too. This helps in fully exploring the forest
- Discover the gorillas
With the help of the experienced guides, the tourists are able to locate these endangered species. Using their skills and knowledge in tracking these primates. While on the african safari, the guides use the gorillas fresh footprints, droppings and nests thus making it to easy to track them down thus offering an amazing african safari.
- The hour with the gorillas
The long awaited hour comes while on an african safari. Once the gorillas are located, tourists are advised not to make noise and should keep a distance of 7meteres from the endangered mountain gorillas so as they can behave normally and naturally within their habitat.
Tourists will observe female mountain gorillas nurturing their young ones, the playful baby gorillas jumping from one branch to another as well as the silverback gorilla watching over his family. this id the best experience while on an african safari making it a once in a lifetime connection with the endangered mountain gorillas.
After the watchful hour with these gentle giants, tourists will embark on their journey back to the park headquarters as they reflect on the amazing experience and the intimate moment with nature. The gorilla trekking activity helps in supporting sustainable tourism as well as promoting Rwanda’s conservation efforts.
ESSENTIALS OF GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI
Tourists embarking on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Tourists are encouraged to park accordingly so as to have the best and memorable african vacation safari. For a successful trek, tourists should park the following;
- Tourists should pack hiking boots with a good grip to help move smoothly on a steep and muddy terrain.
- Hand gloves to protect their hands from reactive bushes as well have a good grip on the hiking stick.
- Long sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect themselves from insects and nettles.
- Waterproof jacket and gaiters to help during the rainy season.
- Insect repellent creams
- Energy giving snacks
- Plenty of drinking water to keep hydrating
- A hiking stick that will help you move smoothly within the forest. This is provided at the start of the trek.
- A camera with a silent mode so as to take pictures and capture every moment without disturbing the peace of the gentle giants.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable african safari, tourists should be well prepared and pack appropriately so as to focus on their safari without any hinderance.