How long does Gorilla Trekking take in Volcanoes National Park.
Nature lovers and primatologists planning their gorilla safari in Rwanda often ask how long gorilla trekking takes in Volcanoes National Park, and this blog will discuss this frequently asked question. Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling safari activities in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, allowing nature enthusiasts and primatologists to have a face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is found in the northern region of Rwanda, within the Virunga Mountains. It’s celebrated for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas, which attracts thousands of travellers to see them in their natural habitats. It hosts up to 30% of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas, making it the second destination with the highest number of mountain gorillas after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the dense forest in search of the mountain gorillas. It’s a guided activity led by a knowledgeable park guide who gives more insights about the park’s inhabitants encountered while in the park. Having a close encounter with a gorilla family in the forest provides an immeasurable feeling which is rare to find anywhere else.
How long does Gorilla Trekking take in Volcanoes National Park.
The duration for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is contingent on many factors, such as the location of the mountain gorillas, where the mountain gorillas spent their previous night, the season, if it’s dry season, the park is less muddy and slippery, making it easy to trek, and in the wet season the park is usually muddy and slippery making it challenging to penetrate and taking long hours, the availability of food for gorillas in dry season they tend to move deep in the forest in search of food and water, the mating season, and the fitness of travellers. Since trekking involves hiking steep slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, when travellers are physically fit, it takes little effort for them to search for the gorillas. Knowing the above factors determining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, trekking can take between 2 and 7 hours, inclusive of one hour participants spend with these awesome creatures. The one hour is used to observe them as they are doing their daily routines, capture pictures, videos and learn more about their behaviours.
What to Pack on Gorilla Safaris.
Travellers visiting the park for a gorilla trekking safari should pack essentials, which will allow them to have a successful safari. They should pack comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton socks, a pair of gaiters, long-sleeved clothes, a face mask, a brimmed hat, sunglasses, trekking poles, insect repellents, sunscreen, a camera with extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, a waterproof rain jacket, a drinking water bottle, a waterproof backpack, and energy snacks.
How to book Gorilla Permits.
Travellers planning their gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda can book gorilla permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board by sending them an email including your trekking date, month, year, and number of people, or you can book with a trusted tour operator like Caracal Explorers by sending us an email with trekking dates, month, year and the number of people travelling. We will check for availability through the Rwanda Development Board and request you to make payments if there is availability.
Best Time to do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.
Gorillas can be seen throughout the year, though some months are better than others. The best months to trek the Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are from June to September and December to February. These months are in the dry season, meaning there is less rain and more sunshine. The dry trails make it easier to walk and provide clear views of the gorillas and the forest. This is because the vegetation cover is short due to little rainfall received, hence enhancing visibility of several wildlife species. This is ideal for tourists interested in photography. Tourists can still visit the gorillas during the rainy season.
The rainy season in Volcanoes National Park is from March to May and from October to November. There is a lot of rain and little sunshine, making trekking difficult due to muddy and slippery trails. The tall vegetation makes it hard to see mountain gorillas clearly for recording, especially for photography.
