GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA

For long, Rwanda has been known for its past history however, this is not all that this magical country has to offer. Rwanda is remarkably one of a few most exceptional countries in the world where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted. Pay a visit to this remarkable country and you won’t regret in life.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla treks in Rwanda are only conducted within Volcanoes National Park which is located suitably in the northwest. To get here, you need about 2 to 3 hours to drive from Kigali capital city. On actual trek, you will be assigned to only 1 habituated gorilla families to track in a group of 8 visitors each day.  In Volcanoes National Park, there are only 10 groups that have been habituated and set for tourism. Remarkably, each one of them has a unique history to tell the world and reward travelers with life changing experiences. The habituated family for you to track in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park include Susa A, the Susa B-(Karisimbi group), Group 13 (Agashya), Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Hirwa and others. After you have been assigned to a group to track plus a park ranger guide, you then hit the jungles in search of these unique creatures in the wild. This may last you about 2 to 6 less or more depending on your hiking speed, nature of habitat and location of these creatures in the course of the day. Once you get your group, you have an hour of magical encounter and also for you to take photos as many as possible, explore more about their behaviors and unique body gestures.

What is a trek like in Rwanda?

Gorilla treks in Rwanda varies depending on many factors for instance your hiking speed, location of gorillas, nature of habitat and others. Treks in Rwanda equally take you through a hike in thick rainforest and steep slopes while you search for these fascinating apes and this may last you about 2 to 6 hours less or even more. This experience normally begins with early morning briefing on the set rules and regulations. The entire activity is led by well-trained park guide and trackers. It is a strenuous experience and it requires some physical wellness in you. If you do not trust yourself, it is advisable that you first do some exercise before the actual trek. Besides, if you have heavy luggage, there are porters for hire to help you carry your luggage as you concentrate in your adventure.  They can be hired at $15 or $20 and in most cases, they are found at the park headquarters.

How much are gorilla permits in Rwanda

Gorilla permit is a must to have at hand if you are to be part of this life changing experience. You can obtain one at $1500 and incredibly, each permit offers you opportunity to track only 1 habituated gorilla group. Permits are obtainable in Rwanda through a ground tour operator or through a reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). What is interesting is that, your permit isn’t restricted to only mountain gorillas because; there are also other primates, bird species that come your way. However, you are encouraged to obtain your permit as early as possible before the actual trek as the demand is very high.

Accommodation

What makes a safari complete is usually availability of wide range of accommodation facilities for you to spend a night on before and after your trek. Volcanoes National Park features wide range of safari lodges right from budget to luxury. They include Bisate Safari Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel a mention but a few. While in Kigali, the notable hotels for you to spend a night include Marriott or Serena Hotel and others.

The dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Like most adventures, equally, gorilla trekking also comes with a number of set rules and regulations that all trekkers must observe at all times while on gorilla trek. These measures are aimed at safe guarding the lives of these endangered species and their habitat. You will be briefed about them before you set off for actual trek and they include among others-only persons above 15 years are eligible to trek mountain gorillas, a distance of about 8 meters must be observed at all times off from gorillas, only an hour is given to you to track only one habituated family, only 8 visitors are assigned to only one group, turn off a flash light camera while taking photos of these creatures, no trekking gorillas if you are not feeling well, cover your mouth in case you are coughing or nose when sneezing and many others.

Packing list for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is generally a unique adventure from the usual safaris. For any plans to take part in this adventure, you need to pack appropriately starting with essentials first. In your packing list, you need very good water proof hiking boots that are light weight, rain jacket or poncho, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, camera with no flash light, sun screen, first aid kit, toiletries, insect repellent, gardening gloves, walking stick that you can find at the park headquarters or at your lodge.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

The dry season and wet season are the two important seasons one must put into consideration if he or she is to take part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda this coming holiday. The dry season begins from June to September and December to February and this is usually considered as the most ideal as the ground remains relatively driers making it easier for you to trek gorillas. However the challenge with this season is that, these creatures tend to roam to distant areas in search of what to eat and you will spend a bit longer hours while trekking. On the other hand, the wet season is equally ideal and usually starts from March to May and October to November. The advantage with this season is that there is plenty of forage for these creatures to depend on but the challenge with it is that the ground usually tends to slippery and muddy thus making it a little bit challenging for one to trek through the thick rain forest and steep slopes.

Conclusively, Rwanda is popular mainly for its rewarding gorilla trekking adventure. For any need to see mountain gorillas, consider this country a must to visit and you will get value for money. The other destinations include Uganda and DR Congo.