Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda’s Volcanoes

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for its Gorilla trekking experiences found in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The Park is a site for primatologist Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Station, where she led a team to study gorillas in the wild. You can undertake about a 2-hour hike to her tomb, which is  like so much in Rwanda  both moving and inspiring, or discover more about the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The hike is considered one of the best, most intimate tours in Rwanda, and offers a great opportunity to look out for primates, hogs, forest elephants and a plethora of bird species. Its mountainous terrain and dense forests make it tough for walking conditions, but the rewards are matchless. If you’re aiming to seek out one of these majestic creatures, at the latest count, there are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif. The population is slowly increasing that is to say there are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research, the families include, Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda and Muhoza. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters.

The Feel Of Facing With Gorillas

Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say it is life changing, encountering with gorillas as they go about their daily lives up in bamboo covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour with their family it is a life time experience.

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda’s Volcanoes

The trek is fairly challenging and you may find it tough as you pass through the dense undergrowth. The high altitude and the steep, slippery trails of volcanoes can make the trek exhausting, but it’s definitely worth the effort to spend time with mountain gorillas in the wild.

Is Rwanda Better Than Uganda For Gorilla Trekking

The only difference is that Rwanda Mountain Gorillas are in the Virunga ranges part of volcanoes national park with mainly bamboo as the main vegetation while in Uganda these mountain gorillas are in a rain forest with varieties of trees and plants. If you are drawn to comfort, quick access, and a polished experience, Rwanda is your go to for gorilla trekking. But if you are craving raw adventure, deeper immersion in nature, and a more wallet friendly option, Uganda’s untamed beauty delivers in full. Both destinations promise safe, expertly guided encounters with the great apes so the choice really depends on your travel vibe.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes

You can track gorillas in Rwanda throughout the year but the best time tends to be during the dry period from June to September as the jungle is less muddy and the paths are less slippery, although you should bear in mind that it can rain any time of year. Hence the wettest months are April and May, bringing tricky muddy trails, though you can still track gorillas at this time meaning the gorillas often climb higher up the mountain during the dry season and descend during the rains.

What Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking Permit In Rwanda

The cost of Gorilla permit in Rwanda is at 1500USD Per person per trek per day.

What Is The Age Limit Of Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

The minimum age limit to track gorillas is 15 years old.

Tips For Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda’s Volcanoes

• Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
• Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
• Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
• Flash photography is not permitted, when taking pictures move slowly and carefully do not touch the gorillas, they are wild animals just remove the camera light, shatters and take a picture.
• The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas during trekking is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
• Do not leave any rubbish that is food wrappers in the park foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
• If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
• If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.

What To Wear When Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda’s Volcanoes

• Good, waterproof walking shoes or boots are recommended (boots with ankle support are best) as trekking can be challenging at times
• Wear layers, starting with a quick-dry shirt on top, as it can get humid and muggy up in the mountains. A rain jacket or even a plastic poncho is also recommended, as rain comes and goes intermittently – some of the lodges do supply these
• Bright colours and white are not advisable as this will contrast very strongly with the prevailing forest and savannah colours, and could disturb gorillas at sightings. Camouflage clothing is also not recommended for travel in African countries
• Best to wear long, light weight hiking trousers and longsleeved light weight shirts. There are stinging nettles along the route, and you are at times required to trek off track, so shorts are not recommended
• Gators or socks pulled over your trousers are recommended to keep sand and ants out of your boots
• Gloves can be useful as you may have to push long grass out of your path
• Walking sticks or ski poles are good for steeper areas in the hike
• Hat and sunglasses are a must

What Type Of Vehicle Is Required On A Self Drive In Rwanda

All roads in the park are two-wheel drive roadways and do not require four-wheel drive vehicles.

How To Access Volcanoes National Park On A Self Drive

It can be accessed via the road option being the best way to read the park. Most visitors arrive in Kigali International Airport, which is situated 10km from the Kigali capital city. There are no charter flights to Volcanoes National Park, rather every traveller opts for a 4×4 rental car with or without a driver to explore the Rwanda and volcanoes National Park. It only takes about 2 hours to drive to the park from Kigali international Airport.

Where To Stay In Volcanoes National Park

If you’re planning to trek Gorillas in Rwanda, there are several excellent campsites and lodges near the prime main Gorilla trekking destinations options include,

• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Mountain Gorillas’ Nest lodge
• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Best View Hotel.

Conclusion

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not just a journey into the wild, it is a meaningful experience that connects you to the natural world of the gorillas, be the one to tell the story of the un forgettable journey to remember.