How To Be Outdoors Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is an outdoor activity every nature fanatic dreams about but the details of how to meet the gorillas are mind blowing.

When preparing to meet the mountain gorillas, you need to be in the know of what is required to do gorilla tracking in Rwanda first. The gorilla tracking permit is like the confirmatory test for anyone interested in spending that precious hour amongst the gorillas.

Pre-Gorilla tracking Preparations for Rwanda Safari

Rwanda gorilla trekking experience involves hiking to meet the gorillas that live in Virunga volcanic area. The topography of the area is mountainous which requires you to have some fitness. Doing some simple physicals also uplifts your spirits and reduces on anxiety especially for first time trekkers.

This doesn’t mean that those that a physically impaired cannot see the gorillas. Sedan chairs can be arranged for anyone who has physical issues upon request. There are also porters available to assist you when you need help and can be purchased prior to starting your gorilla trek at a small fee.

Buying the right gorilla trekking gears is instrumental in making your gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda a success. Although some gorilla tracking items are hired at the ranger station, you feel more comfortable using your own. Besides not all gears are sold at the ranger station.

Some of the items not to miss on your gorilla trekking packing list include tracking comfortable boots, camouflaged trousers and long sleeved shirt, garden gloves, insect repellant, mask and hand sanitizers READ MORE.

Choose the most affordable gorilla tracking package for your Rwanda safari budget. This will help you enjoy within your budget and not worry about any extra payments that may be involved. Most of the gorilla tracking packages in Rwanda are divided into Luxury packages, Mid-range packages and Budget packages.

Ensure to ask for what is included in your chosen gorilla trekking package in Rwanda and what is excluded. This will assist you to be in the know and spend according to your budget. In case you want do some extras, request for the price so that you are not caught off guard.

Carry some cash on you that you will change into local currency before starting your gorilla trekking safari. This you change at any forex beaural as they are so many in the city through which you cross.

Tipping may not be compulsory but anyone who has excelled beyond your holiday expectation may deserve a token of appreciation. Although no amount is set for tipping, you can express your satisfaction with a tip from your hard cash.

Credit cards may not of great help when purchasing from local people as they are not commonly used. Even the process of acquiring money from them is so long.

What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking Day in Rwanda

Hanging out with the mountain gorillas is a special Africa wild holiday experience. The day of meeting the gorillas for first timers creates some anxiety. You need to know that although the mountain gorillas are huge beasts, they are serene and shy.

The day of gorilla trekking starts with briefing from the ranger guides. Following the instructions as advised by the ranger guide before gorilla trekking is essential. This gives you the chance to meet the gorillas without causing any suspicion that would send them into hiding. 

Everybody needs to keep close to the rest of the group of 8 trekkers so that you are not lost in the woods or when in the presence of the gorillas, they may feel ambushed with a dispersed group.

Other primates like blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey checked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, bush babies are the certain raisers of the entire trekking experience. Thousands of birds find home in the forest and during the day, a lot of avian activity happens in the forest.

As you continue chances of seeing water falls, crossing rivers, identifying unique tree speeches and enjoy your trek.

The gorillas have informers that normally watch you drawing closer and alert the rest of the family. Be aware that they know of your visit before you find them so try to keep calm and follow the rules of the forest.

Try not to get in the bad books of the gorillas as this may cause them to hide, denying you the chance of spending ample time with them. They start by beating there chests, some hoot and head for the deeper sides of the bush.

 When with the gorillas, enjoy there presence, watch the family go about its day today activities. Take as many photos as you possibly can for memories. Enjoy the acrobats of the silverback which always wants to be acknowledged as the master of the family.      

 As you prepare to return to your lodge after gorilla trekking, try to move slowly and reduce on the noise as this scares the gorillas.

When Is The best Time For Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is open for gorilla trekking all year round but two seasons are outstanding that is to say Peak season and Low season. Peak seasons always has lots of demand for the gorilla permits. This is normally June to September and December to January.

Low season is normally March to May and November as demand is less competitive. Enquiring about availability of gorilla trekking permits on particular dates assists you to make plans for your Rwanda safari.

Being a land of a thousand hills, it is normally cold and moist almost all day so carry some warmers.

What other activities to do In Rwanda with Gorilla trekking

Nature walks in Rwanda are very interesting as you get to see lots of interesting wild animals and lots lovely green cover.

Game drive in Akagera National park in Rwanda bring you closer to other wild animals like lions, buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks and so much more.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National park is awesome as you get to see the closet relatives of man in the animals kingdom.

The canopy walk is amazing for any one not afraid of heights. You get to walk over the dense forest canopy and enjoy clearer view of mountain tops.