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When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, this list has what is necessary. Obtaining a gorilla permit is at the top of the list as this is the only confirmation of attendance however they have limited supply as a conservation rule. The Rwanda Development Board has the mandate to sell and regulate the gorilla permits but the tour company dealing in your ground work can secure one on your behalf too.
At the end eve though you cannot carry the mountain gorillas on departure, atleast you can leave with memories engraved in the photos and film of gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Choose comfortable time for the gorilla trekking
as Rwanda gorilla safaris are all year around. The dry season that is June to September and December to January are peak tourism seasons of the country with more tourists expected in the country.
Physical fitness is necessary during Rwanda safari because gorilla trekking is quite demanding. Rwanda is a country of a thousand hills and this extends to Volcanoes National Park where gorillas live.
Purchase Rwanda Visa is advance because obtaining one on arrival at Kigali Airport or other border entry points into the country is quite time consuming especially if you have jet lag or safari commencing on arrival.
Good health during gorilla trekking is a priority as the adventure is physically demanding and the mountain gorillas are highly prone to communicable infections like flu, cough and more.
Pack right gears for gorilla trekking in Rwanda including clean masks, garden gloves, safari sturdy boots, insect repellant, rain proof gears, foldable drinking water bottle and others.
Reserve necessary accommodation and transport mean to Volcanoes National Park. It is best to book safari essentials in advance for better planning and avoid last minute panic when the best choices sellout.
Get ready to abide by gorilla trekking rules as violating them may rouse the gorillas to charge or cause you to get disqualified from this Rwanda Safari.
Age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and beyond for those hoping to travel with children for gorilla trekking holiday in Rwanda.
For additional Rwanda safari activities to combine with gorilla trekking, advance booking is necessary too including game safaris to Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, Rwandese cultural experience and more.
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Best Gorilla Trekking Time For Rwanda
All year is gorilla trekking in Rwanda but the dry season is exceptional with chances of finding the mountain gorillas and other primates closer to the ground. The dry season of Rwanda is normally June To September and December to January and the peak tourism season of the country too.
Competition for the limited gorilla permits for Rwanda is shoots up in the dry season with more tourists expected in the country. It is safer to last book any gorilla trekking necessity atleast 90 days to trekking date when the best options still hold availability.
Do not shy away from gorilla trekking Rwanda in the wet season that is March, April, May and November because the gorillas will still show up although they keep most of the time in sheltered spots.
Fewer tourists are normally expected in Rwanda in the wet season which is the shoulder season of the country. Chances of having the gorilla family to your self and connecting more passionately with them are more available in this season. Volcanoes forest is more dense with vibrant green in the wet season too.
Key Informational About Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Location: Volcanoes National Park is the gorilla trekking destination of Rwanda
Cost Of Gorilla permit: At the moment $1500 is the cost of gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda
Duration: One hour with the gorilla family is allowed but time taken to search is not easy to determine.
Eligibility: 15 years and over is gorilla trekking the age limit.
Temperature: average annual temperature range for Volcanoes National park is about 20 degree centigrade to 7 degree centigrade. Average annual rain fall received about 2390 mm per year.
Fauna and flora: Over 200 bird species including Albertine rift endemics, over 150 plant species, about 8 primate species and more.
What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking Adventure In Rwanda
Early morning briefing with other trekkers expected to report to the ranger station before 0730 hours. Carry your gorilla trekking gears as you report to the ranger station and here you may hire some items but preferable carry your own.
Briefing about the mountain gorillas, brief details about Volcanoes National Park and nips of what is likely to encounter on the way to find the mountain gorillas are communicated. Follow the ranger guide using the trails leading where the gorilla family you are allocated is likely to be.
Gorilla trekking is unpredictable because the mountain gorillas are in full control of their lives in the jungle so keep your spirits high to finally share the same space with the few left in the world. Mountain gorillas are living in only three countries in the world with Rwanda being one of the lucky destinations. Take breaks to recuperate then proceed until you here the gorillas.
Before approaching the mountain gorillas, wear a mask and listen to last updates from the ranger guide then pull in. Keep the 8 meters apart rule although most time out of curiosity the gorillas bridge it. Try to stealthily move back to maintain the recommended separation from the mountain gorillas.
Enjoy all moments with before the mountain gorillas as they whole heartedly invite you into part of their day, take photos and film for memories.
One hour of gorilla trekking is allowed as human presence interrupts the routine of the mountain gorillas so leave as a friend. It is sometimes emotional to leave the mountain gorillas but this is a rule set by conservation and research team who have over time interacted and held more time amongst the mountain gorillas.
Is Gorilla Trekking Tedious?
Gorilla trekking is quite draining from hiking the steep slopes where mountain gorillas normally spend the day. Searching for mountain gorillas last some time too but with patience and zeal you get to meet them.
The trails in Volcanoes National Park are sometimes obstructed by creeper and vines that drape the tree trunks or ridges but a ranger guide with a machete trims them in case there is no alternative trail to take. Do wear long sleeved shirt and convertible trousers to protect most of your body from the rough surfaces in the jungle like pitting nettles.
