What To Pack For Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

Rwanda is generally a mountainous cold country all year round so pack the right gear for gorilla trekking when you book your Africa safari.

Atleast 4 masks as the world is trying to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.  A mask is number one priority as you start your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Gorillas easily get infected by human viruses which may lead to there death.

A flash-less camera will keep memories of your experience with the mountain gorillas fresh and interesting. It must be sound proof too as gorillas are easily agitated by noise which may send them into hiding.

 Tracking boots to help you go through the boggy ground with a dense network of rivers. The wilderness also has sharp surfaces that you have to walk over.

Camouflaged long sleeved shirt and trousers are good protection for your skin as you go through Volcanoes National Park.  

Garden gloves offer more warmth and protection when you need a secure and tighter grip when you slide as you move in the Volcanoes Forest.

Insect repellant as the forest is home to different insects like biting nettles. Yu need to secure skin from stinging insects.

A hand sanitizer that is friendly to your skin although public sanitisers are provided by most hotels or lodges even at the briefing point of Uganda wildlife Authority center.

An extra battery and memory card for your camera will give you comfort as you take photos of the mountain gorillas and other forest occupants that you pass by.

Rain coat or poncho to wear when it rains in Volcanoes Park Rwanda as this area receives down pours at any time without warning. Rwanda being generally a cold country and Volcanoes Park being dense with limited sun rays penetrating to warm you, you need a rain gear.

A pair of binoculars will give you a clearer view of the mountain gorillas as they are very shy primates. Sometimes they move into the deeper areas of Volcanoes Park.

Some hard cash to change into local Rwandese Franks as this is the local currency of Rwanda. Credit cards are not commonly used as the process of using them is lengthy.

A water bottle will keep your water to drink when in the forest and in need to quench thirst.

Carry deodorant wipes to apply as you move in the forest to wipe off dirt or when you over sweat as you move.

Flashlight torch for you to use when lights are out in the night while in your room.

Travel Insurance must be purchased so that in case of any unforeseen situation, you are covered up.

A first aid box to use in case of any injuries or in case you need to take some medication.

Rwanda 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1 Road safari and Kigali City Tour in Rwanda

Day 2 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Day 3 Golden Monkey trek and Departure Flight

Details

Day One Road trip Safari and Kigali City Tour in Rwanda

Your driver guide will pick you from your overnight hotel, take you through Kigali City for a tour, visit the genocide memorial, city center building, encounter survivors of the genocide era.

Arrive late in the afternoon to prepare for gorilla tracking.

Accommodation:  Virunga Volcanoes Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Kinigi Guest House

Day Two Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, wear your mask, carry other gorilla trekking gears to the briefing center. Listen to the forest instructions from the ranger guide. Together in groups of 8 trekkers, your guide leads the way to find the gorillas.

Along the way you meet other primates like blue monkeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons and so much more. Lots of rare bird species linger the forest all day long and colorful butterflies.

Try to keep your conversations low so as not to scare the gorillas, do not liter the forest, keep closer to the rest of the group because you can get lost in the wild.

Finally when you meet the gorillas, watch them do there day today activities, the mother gorillas infants feed the infants, juveniles play in the vines and so much more.

Take different photos of the gorilla as you can possibly take because you have just one hour with them. Return to your lodge to relax.

Day Three Departure day

Take part in a visit to the Dianne Fossey grave where the late American philanthropist was brutally murdered during her work to preserve the gorillas. The walk is worth your time as you get to learn more about the life of the gorillas.

Proceed to Kigali airport to catch up with your home bound flight.

Gorilla trekking Rules in Rwanda

No feeding the gorillas when with them because they are wild animals that should search there own food and not depend on human aid.

In case you feel any illness or have any infectious illness, volunteer to stay behind because gorillas are highly susceptible to human infections.

In case you feel like easing yourself, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you and cover all fecal matter beyond recognition.

Try not to liter the forest because gorillas feed on vegetation and waste can alter the smooth growth of foliage. This may break the food chain for the gorillas.

 Used a mask and sanitizer when in front of the gorillas to save them from any chances of getting and infections.

Do not spit on the grass or in the forest because it is food to the mountain gorillas.

Avoid eating or smoking in the presence of the gorillas as they may grab what you are eating.

Try not to provoke the gorillas as this may send them into hiding

Flash photography must be avoided so as not to scare the gorillas. They are easily irritated by strange noise and flash appearances.

When with the gorillas keep a distance of about 8 meters so that you can prevent any chances of spreading infections to the gorillas.

Children below 15years of age are not allowed to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda because of the challenges you go through while searching for them