Rwanda is one of the recommended mountain gorilla tracking countries in the world. The Rwanda environment is safe for gorilla tracking and other primate safaris.
This country may have been known for its tragic genocide of 1994 but since then it has politically stabilized and developments is in high gear.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is done within Volcanoes National park which is a prehistoric forest and home to even several other primates. Some of the commonly seen primates in Volcanoes National Park include Blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, rare golden monkeys and so many others.
When you inquire from Arch Safaris And Tours about wishing to do gorilla tracking on stated days or month, we check availability of gorilla permits and get back to you as soon as possible.
Finally when we confirm availability, we require you to make full payment to secure your gorilla permit as they are booked according to first come first served basis.
As of now the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 per permit. This amount assist in the conservation of mountain gorillas, payment of workers and so much more.
Rwanda hosts a number of gorilla families that are open for tourist viewing. Each family is interesting in its own way and based on what one need to see during gorilla tracking like a family with infants, a family with very many members, a family with pregnant mothers and so much more.
You may get to meet some of the gorillas of your interest when you tell us prior to starting of your gorilla trek.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Sabyinyo gorilla family, Susa Gorilla, Group 13 gorilla family, Amahoro gorilla family, Kwitonda Gorilla Family, Karisimbi gorilla Family, Umubano Gorilla Family, Hirwa Gorilla Family, Ugenda gorilla Family are some of the so far habituated gorilla tracking families in Rwanda.
The Gorilla trek in Rwanda requires you to have some fitness as most of the gorillas live in the top hills so in order to get there you need to be fit. For first time gorilla trekkers, some adrenaline may be stimulated but it is a breathtaking experience when you finally spend moments with the gorillas.
How To Organize A gorilla tracking Safari In Rwanda
3 Day Gorilla Tracking In Rwanda
Day 1: Drive To Volcanoes National Park and Kigali City Tour
Early in the morning, take a visit through Kigali City to visit the genocide memorial center, magnificent city center building, amazing rehabilitation centers where victims of the genocide are being rehabilitated.
This is dependent on the fact that you arrive in Rwanda early morning or overnight in Rwanda prior to the start of your safari.
Carry on to volcanoes National park where you can enjoy birding moments as you get to your lodge. Get yourself ready for gorilla tracking the following day.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Kinigi Guest House
Day 2 Gorilla Tracking In Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Rise up early for breakfast and head to the ranger guide station for briefing. Remember to carry your packed lunch as the time of returning is not known.
In case you need a porter to carry your gorilla tracking gears or need extra support when you are tired, ask in advance so that he or she can be hired.
Follow the guide ranger to begin searching and keep looking around for other interesting primates like the black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and so many others.
Volcanoes National park is endowed with several birds, butterflies and so many other wild creatures.
Finally when you get to meet the gorillas, watch them do there activities like feeding, grooming, playing from the vines and so much more. Take photographs of the gigantic hairy mountain gorillas. After an hour, move back to the forest to relax and catch with the day’s experience.
Day 3 Road trip To Kigali Airport
After meeting the mountain gorillas and spending one golden hour with them return to Kigali Airport to catch up with your flight back home.
Tracking boots are important to protect your feet as you walk in the forest searching for the mountain gorillas.
A poncho or rain coat will protect you from getting wet while on your way as it rains without warning in Volcanoes National park.
Garden gloves are so helpful especially to catch a tight grip when you slide while moving in the wilderness.
A light water proof bag will help you protect your property from getting wet and lost.
A Flash less camera which is sound proof to carry your memories of meeting the mountain gorillas.
Long trousers and long sleeved shirt camouflage that will protect your hands from any harmful nettles in the wilderness.
Energy bites will provide you with more energy to carry on as you move in the wilderness.
A pair of binoculars will give you a closer view of other primates and birds that linger in the forest.
Insect repellants will protect your skin from any biting insects.
At least 3 face masks to wear during gorilla tracking and when you are with the mountain gorillas.
A pair of stockings that you will tack in and give you extra protection.
A light brim hat that will protect your hair from water falling off the tree leaves.
Pack some toiletries although most accommodations provide them, it is best to carry your own to feel more comfortable.
Carry your travel towel for use when you bath.
Flip flop to change into after the gorilla tracking day and a whole day of wearing closed tracking boots.
A swim suite to cool off the day’s fatigue especially those that overnight in the luxury lodges.
Sun screen in case you are to have some moments by the pool side.
Travel insurance will make you feel comfortable as you travel.