Why Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda Is On The Top Africa Safari Menu

Rwanda gorilla trekking is never a disappointing African forest adventure. Most people who have been in Rwanda can testify over this. You feel like a diplomat treated to a gorilla trekking safari as you traverse the thick forests of Rwanda no matter what holiday package you select.

Gorilla Trekking experience in Rwanda

Despite Rwanda’s small size, its an environmentally friendly country highly concerned with the sustainability of mountain gorillas. Some even call it the Switzerland of Africa because of its friendly and scenic topography.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts with securing a gorilla tracking permit which costs $1500 per person. This friendly price plays a big role in supporting the mountain gorilla conservation work like regular monitoring of the Volcanoes forest, paying ranger salaries, gorilla medical service.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is Rwanda’s Gorilla Permit selling body and regulates all activities carried out in Volcanoes National park. As an individual, it may be challenging to get through to by phone to check availability because of the long queue of calls from within and abroad.

Upon confirming participating in gorilla trekking in Rwanda then you need to book suitable accommodation too. A variety of accommodation facilities are available at any budget comfortable for you.

What is surprising about Rwanda adventures is the ability to do gorilla trekking in Two day or even some risk 1 day gorilla tracking in Rwanda which is a serious possible risk. Adventure in the wilderness is like playing hide and seek because no one is sure of where to locate the gorillas. You follow the route where the mountain gorillas were last the previous day.

What Happens During Actual Gorilla trekking In Rwanda

After briefing at the ORTPN, the entire group of trekking is divided into groups of 8 trekkers. Each is required to wear a mask and carry an extra one to change into as you draw closer to the gorillas. The topography of Volcanoes National Park is mainly volcanic remains so expect to climb some high cliffs and maneuver steep slopes

The forest doesn’t only harbor the mountain gorillas but a variety of other primates enjoy the freedom of this forest accompanied with free gifts from the forest. Its crazy but fun too watching enchanting troupes of jump from one tree branch to another. Numerous unique birds bring out the best of there angelic voice. What an arena of wilderness entertainment.

Upon locating where the gorillas have staged there day activities, you are requested to lower your voices as you come into view. Sometimes first sight of the mountain gorillas may stimulate your adrenaline but with time you pick yourself up, take photos and watch the gorilla family go about its activities.

Return to your lodge to relax and catch up with the fun of the day.

Rwanda Gorilla trekking Rules

Fully immunize against Covid-19 and wear a mask before going for gorilla trekking. Since the outbreak of the Corona Virus pandemic, the lives of the mountain gorillas has been at steak as gorillas are susceptible to human contiguous infections. To reduce on the chances of transmitting the Covid 19 virus a mask and hand sanitiser is a must

 When with the gorillas try not to surround them as this makes them feel ambushed. Remain close to your group members. Such a threat may send the entire family into hiding therefore ending your precious time with the mountain gorillas.

Try to use a flash-less camera to keep memories of your moments with the Rwanda Gorillas. Flash lights normally scare the mountain gorillas.

Rwanda is very strict with conserving the mountain gorillas and so to reduce on the chances of direct contact with the gorillas, leave a distance of about 8 meters between you and the apes.

No matter how hungry you are, try not to chew or eat or smoke anything while in front of the gorilla trekking family.

Burry all human faeces beyond recognition in a hole about 30 cm deep. This is to keep hygiene in the forest and also protect the primates from curiously digging out.

Leave nothing in the forest apart from your foot prints and this goes well with the fact that littering Volcanoes National Park is for bidden. Even a sweet wrap may alter the natural thriving of the forest yet mountain gorillas entirely feed on the forest.

Mountain gorillas feed on foliage to survive so try not to spit on the leaf surfaces or soil to reduce on any chances of transmitting any unknown human infection.

Rwanda being highly Volcanic you need to hike some ridges to find the gorillas. Some times during the rainy seasons they feed from the slopes and the dry seasons send them in valleys. A person 15 years and above may be capable of withstanding the forest hassle.

During gorilla trekking in Rwanda try to keep your voices low and do not scatter while in the vicinity of the mountain gorillas.

Time to take when with the gorillas is only one hour. They have been habituated to be in the presence of humans for just one hour. Also the presence of humans makes the gorillas stop paying attention to feeding so you need to leave so that they can feed more.

A Rwanda ranger guide has the best knowledge about the behavior of the mountain gorillas so pay attention to his instructions in order to have a successful gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda.

What To Pack On Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Tracking boots are safe protection to your feet while in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

A poncho or Rain gear will save you from getting wet in the highly humid forest where it rains without warning.

Flashless camera will keep memories of those special moments with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Some energy treats keep you moving on the tiresome journey to find the mountain gorillas.

Long trousers and long sleeved shirt with camouflage so that you are not afraid of getting down and dirty in case you slide.

Insect repellants comfortable for your skin give you extra protection from biting nettles in the wilderness.

Binoculars for birding fanatics gives you extra view in case you spot a bird of your choice.