Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda ; First of all, Gorilla trekking is a great chance given to tourists to visit the unique mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and just know the experience is worthwhile. Encountering gorillas is a daily done activity which can be done by the expert trackers and guides who leads visitors up to the bamboo sloped forests in small groups to their assigned gorillas groups on that particular day ,the moment you locate them one hour is allowed and awe-inspiring experience to meet up with our closest relatives ‘’98%’’in their nature environment ,just know is more beautiful to see the huge silverback who is the head of the family .Indeed mountain gorillas are unique gentle creatures which can be found in only three countries that is Rwanda ,Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
In general, mountain gorillas –gorilla trekking tourism have impacted a lot the economy of Rwanda and tourism hub at large, thus making Rwanda the top most visited safari destination in East Africa because of these creatures.
Gorillas are land dwelling living primates spread across the equatorial African rainforest. Gorilla species splits into lowland gorillas and Mountain Gorillas.
Other side, the volcanoes ranges spans Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. These are the only three safari destinations where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas. You encountering gorillas shouldn’t get worried, Rwanda is safe and relatively outreached.
Currently, the total population on mountain gorillas in the world is approximately 1065 mountain gorillas with over 610 in the Virunga Massif, the rest can be seen in tropical rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. Great work, goes to the government, communities and NGOs which have played a great effort to see that the population of gorillas come to an increase.
Therefore, Rwanda has more than ten gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park and fully habituated with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups and troops are comprised of one silverback along with several with several females and offspring’s.
Gorilla troops are somewhat fluid in composition but tend to stick to a preferred area. They are constantly managed and protected by park rangers. Each gorilla family visited with tourists with maximum of one hour per day. Eight visitors are allowed to trek a habituated gorilla group per day. A number of gorilla families have been habituated both Rwanda and Uganda, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.
Only ‘’8’’ eight trekking permits are issued per troop per day meaning the experience is an intimate and life changing. Only 96 permits available each day in Rwanda, which is highly advisable to book in advance, either online or via a reliable tour operator.
How can I book Rwanda gorilla permits?
Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be booked through contacting the Rwanda Development Board and a recognized tour operator, because most of safari companies tend to provide much more than just a permit. The reliable tour operator will reserve your hotel or lodge, plan your Visa, provide transportation as well as showing you other destinations tourists attraction destinations within Rwanda.
How much does it cost gorilla permit in Rwanda?
Each person has to pay USD1,500 per day per trek Rwanda gorilla trekking permits.
Gorilla trekking Experience; Starts in the morning after your morning breakfast, then after your driver guide drops you to the park headquarter in Kinigi at 7am and after, you will be allocated a family group on the day according to fitness levels and being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas.
More so, Rwanda gorilla families they include; Susa, Igisha, Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Agashya, Amahoro, Ugyenda and Muhoza.
Gorilla trekking experience, the experience done through hiking up to bamboo forest slopes while hiking to various locations and the activity can be last from 30 minute to 7 hours even more, all you need to do is to carry useful essentials like your packed lunched served right from the lodge, put on comfortable hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trousers ,water rain jacket ,sweater and hat. The trek can go up to 7 hours, due to long hiking hours that you might experience, porters are available to carry backpacks, cameras as well as offering help of hand along the route in order to achieve your goal.
Note; The money paid for gorilla trekking permits like 10% is for revenue -government that supports the locals around, builds schools, health Centre and roads.
Furthermore, gorilla trekking has helped a lot through providing jobs to many locals, from rangers and trackers to porters, driver and staff at tourist’s lodges.
If you’re interested in visiting the amazing footsteps of Dian Fossey, where she was buried ‘’tomb’’ you can opt to visit there only 30 minutes’ drive from the park headquarters and then two or three hours hike through the forest, above 3,000 meter altitudes.
Gorilla bookings must be done in advance through recognized tour operator.
Other combined activities you can do include; Culture tours where you can be amazed of their exciting music, dancing and interacting with them, Birding, visit the grave of Dian Fossey, Mountain hiking, Touring the lakes Ruhondo and Burera, Golden monkey trekking among others.
What to wear gorilla trekking safari
Put on rubber walking shoes with gaiters and study clothing to protect against stinging nettles are essentials. Pack hand gloves, lightweight waterproof jackets in case visited in wet season, warm clothes among others.
