Mountain Gorilla Experience in Rwanda.
Mountain gorilla experience in Rwanda is one of the most rewarding things to do in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which attracts countless travellers to have a close encounter with these awesome creatures. The park is located in the northern part of the country, bordering Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park. It’s one of the oldest national parks in Africa, established in 1925 to protect the endangered animals that existed at that time. Volcanoes National Park is the most visited safari destination in East Africa, celebrated for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas, which are our closest relatives on earth, sharing 98% of human DNA. The park is not only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also hosts up to 237 bird species, 13 primate species, 37 mammal species, 200 butterfly species and 100 amphibians and reptiles. It has a mix of ecosystems, such as swamps, tropical forests, grasslands and bamboo zones that provide habitats to various bird and wildlife species. Mountain gorilla experience can also be combined with golden monkey tracking, nature, bird watching and cultural encounters.
Mountain Gorilla Experience in Rwanda.
Mountain gorilla experience is a guided activity led by an experienced guide who provides more information about the park’s inhabitants encountered. Trekking begins with a briefing about the dos and don’ts of the activity, and participants are divided into groups of 8. Each group is allocated a gorilla family and a game ranger who ensures their safety. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, since trekking involves hiking through the steep slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Along the way, participants might encounter various animals and bird species which call this awesome park home. The trek is between 2 and 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas slept last time, and once they are found, participants are given strictly one hour to be with them. They will see them feed, groom, play and a silverback protecting his family, which is such a unique experience that is rare to find.
Best Time to See Gorillas.
Mountain gorilla experience in Rwanda can be done throughout the year, and the best time depends on your travel plans. Rwanda receives two seasons: the dry season and the wet season, both of which provide exceptional safari experiences. The dry season is the most loved period by travellers, which is from June to September and December to February. This period is characterised by little to no rainfall, and the park is less muddy and slippery, making it easy to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. The vegetation cover is short and scattered, making it easy to penetrate. Travellers can also trek during the wet season, which is from October to November and March to May. This season is characterised by enough rainfall, and the park is muddy, making it challenging to penetrate. However, this season favours budget travellers as accommodation and travel agencies offer discounts in this period, and it’s easy to get permits since few travellers come to the park.
