Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Rwanda, also known as the “land of a thousand hills” is arguably one of the best places to see and spend quality time with the rare human-like primate species of mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is a popular tourism activity that attracts a large number of visitors annually and has yet to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development especially infrastructure of the standard level and progress with the tourism sector. The country beautiful clean country is among the only three countries that host the only remaining mountain gorillas in the wild.
Other hosts are Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Uganda and all of these gorilla trekking destinations span the Virunga region.
Volcanoes National Park As The Only Park In Rwanda That Hosts Mountain Gorillas
Volcanoes National Park is the only spot in Rwanda where all gorilla trekking activities in the country are done. It is one of the most popular gorilla trekking destinations in Africa and the whole world at large.
Situated in northwestern Rwanda, the Great Volcanoes National Park also shelters 5 volcanoes that are part of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga ranges and these include Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Muhabura and Mountain Gahinga.
These volcanoes also act as natural habitats for the mountain gorillas. Volcanoes cover about 16,000 hectares and aside from the mountain gorillas, other mammal species like lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, zebras and other primate species like golden monkeys, and baboons can be spotted in the park.
The Process Of Trekking Gorillas In Rwanda.
Undoubtedly, the chances of seeing the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats in Rwanda are high and stand at 95% to 99%. There are over 11 habituated gorilla families that are available for visitors in Volcanoes National Park to track and gorilla trekking activities in the park start at around 7:30 am with a briefing before visitors can dive into the dense bamboo forests and steep volcano slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Participants in the trekking process are divided into groups where each group consists of eight members and is allocated to track one particular gorilla family. The park rangers and tour guides will then lead the group in search of the mountain gorillas. Once gorillas are located, watching them is a lifetime and breathtaking experience. Visitors are restricted to only encounter them for one hour keeping a certain limited distance. This is where stunning photos can be taken, learning about the feeding habits and behaviourism of the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices In Rwanda.
Considering the prices of gorilla trekking permits in other gorilla trekking destinations in Africa, Rwanda has the most expensive gorilla trekking permits. Whereas gorilla trekking permits can be secured at about 700 USD in Uganda and 600 USD in Congo, Rwanda charges about 1500 USD per person per trek in the Volcanoes National Park yet the whole experience is worth every penny spent.
Gorilla Trekking Rules And Regulations.
What makes the gorilla trekking tourism activity an ultimate full experience is the observation of several rules and regulations and these include;
Only participants above the age of 15 are allowed to carry out gorilla trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park.
This is because children under this particular age tend to easily spread transmittable diseases like cough and flu that can be of great harm to mountain gorillas.
Food, drinks, smoking and sneezing in the presence of mountain gorillas are prohibited.
These may attract and tempt the attention of the gorillas. Visitors who may want to ease themselves are advised to communicate with the tour guide so they can dig a hole, ease and cover it back to avoid contact with the mountain gorillas.
Booking A Gorilla Trekking Permit In Rwanda.
Far apart from other gorilla trekking destinations where gorilla trekking permits can also be secured conveniently through tour operators, online gorilla trekking booking is prioritized and therefore travellers and visitors can secure their gorilla trekking permits online through the Irembo portal.
Here, visitors will be required to purchase their gorilla trekking permits using their credit cards and afterwards, they will receive an email that can be used for verification as a reference at the park entrance.
