Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.
Rwanda Gorilla trekking is one of the major tourist activities that attracts thousands of tourists to see these gentle giants in their natural habitats. It’s done in Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwestern part of the country, bordering Uganda and DR Congo. It’s one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, celebrated for hosting up to 30% of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa, established in 1925 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas at that time, and it spans an area of about 160 square kilometers, making it the smallest national park in Rwanda. It is part of the larger Virunga mountains, having 5 of the eight Virunga Mountain volcanoes, including Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi and Gahinga.
It became a base for the American primatologist and naturalist Dian Fossey, who researched the endangered Mountain gorillas and is widely credited for saving them from extinction by exposing their unfortunate situation to the attention of the international community. Today, the park has over 12 habituated gorilla families ready to be accustomed to human presence. The park is not only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also hosts golden monkeys, 237 bird species, 37 mammal species, and 12 primate species. Gorilla trekking safaris can be combined with birding safaris, nature walks, golden monkey tracking and cultural encounters, all of which provide true African safari experiences.
Rules during Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.
There are rules to follow while on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, which protect both participants and the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. These rules include keeping a distance of at least 7 meters(about 21 feet) from mountain gorillas at all times. This helps prevent disease transmission and avoids stressing them. If you have a cold, flu or any contagious illness, you will not be allowed to trek. Mountain gorillas easily contract human diseases. Participants are only allowed to take photos without flashlights, and this is done to avoid startling the gorillas. While gorillas speak in low voices and avoid sudden moments. Loud noises or aggressive behaviors can agitate the gorillas. Do not touch the gorillas even if they come close; avoid physical contact with them. Participants are not allowed to eat or drink near gorillas, as this can attract unwanted behaviour and increase the risk of disease transmission.
Gorilla Trekking Experience Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a remarkable safari activity, which allows travellers to come up close with these gentle giants in their natural habitats. Trekking begins very early in the morning with a briefing at the park’s headquarters about the rules and regulations of the activity. Later, they are grouped into 8 participants, and each group is assigned a gorilla family and an experienced ranger guide who leads the group. Trekking involves hiking steep slopes into the dense forest, and participants should be ready to hike. The duration of gorilla trekking depends on the location of the gorillas; it can take between 2 and 6 hours. Once gorillas are located, travellers are given one hour to be with them and learn more about their behaviours. They will see how the feed, play, Silverback protecting his family, and mothers grooming the young, which is one in a lifetime experience as you observe our closest relatives on earth.
Things to Pack on a Gorilla Safari.
Travellers should pack essential things which will enable them to have a successful gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. They should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, garden gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a camera, extra batteries, insect repellent, energy snacks, a water bottle, water proof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, water proof backpack, a brimmed hat, and a walking stick.
What is the best time for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris.
Travellers can do gorilla trekking at any time of the year, and the best time depends on the individual’s travel plans. Volcanoes National Park experiences two seasons, the dry season and the wet season, both of which provide exceptional trekking experiences. The dry season is the most preferred period by travellers, which runs from June to September and December to February. This season receives little to no rainfall, and the park is less slippery and muddy, which makes it easy to search for mountain gorillas. However, gorilla trekking can also be done in the wet season, which is from October to November and March to May, characterized by heavy rainfall, which makes the park muddy and slippery. This season favours budget travellers since most lodges offer discounts in this period.
