Rwanda Safaris, Gorilla Safaris, Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

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Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park draws many visitors, as Rwanda is regarded by some as the premier destination for observing gorillas in Africa. The park is a captivating sanctuary for the fascinating yet endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas inhabit just three countries – Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda, The Volcanoes National Park spans approximately 16,000 hectares and is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda. It features lush afro-montane forests, towering bamboo forests, expansive savanna grasslands, extensive swamps, and five majestic volcanoes: Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi. Mount Karisimbi stands as one of the four highest peaks on the African continent. The Volcanoes National Park is a vibrant habitat teeming with spotted hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, bush bucks, duikers, and golden monkeys, along with a myriad of other fascinating mammals.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda draws numerous explorers to the Volcanoes National Park, where the likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas is exceptionally high. Gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park takes you on an exhilarating journey through lush bamboo forests and rugged mountain trails as you seek out one of the captivating gorilla families in Rwanda. The ultimate meeting with the primates stands out as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable wildlife experiences in Africa. For those seeking an exhilarating experience, crossing the border to encounter the gorillas in Uganda offers an exciting opportunity known as double gorilla trekking. Some tourists even choose to embark on triple gorilla trekking, which includes a visit to the gorillas in Virunga National Park of Congo. An exhilarating experience awaits as you encounter mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park of Congo. Tracking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park presents its challenges, yet the encounter with these magnificent creatures is regarded by many as the pinnacle of wildlife experiences.

The expense of embarking on a gorilla trekking journey in Volcanoes National Park
Embarking on a gorilla safari in Rwanda requires securing a gorilla permit ahead of time to guarantee your place for an unforgettable trekking experience on your chosen date. Securing gorilla permits can be quite a challenge during the bustling peak seasons of June to September and December to March. In Rwanda, the cost for gorilla permits is currently set at $1500. That is just a small part of the total cost of gorilla trekking. It is essential to recognize that a portion of the funds raised from gorilla permits contributes to the vital work of gorilla conservation and community initiatives. Permits can be arranged via your tour operator or directly with the Rwanda Development Board. To secure the permit, you need to provide your passport details to the Rwanda Development Board. Ten gorilla families await exploration, with a limit of eight visitors allowed to join a specific group each day. This indicates that just 80 permits for gorilla encounters are available each day for the different habituated groups.

What is the experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park like?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda kicks off with an exciting briefing from the park authorities and Rangers at approximately 7:30am. During the briefing, participants are split into groups and designated to a specific gorilla family for an exhilarating trek in Volcanoes National Park. The less fit hikers are grouped with those who will explore trails nearer to the park offices. At 8:00am, the park Rangers guide the group on an exciting quest to find the gorillas. As previously mentioned, gorilla trekking in Rwanda presents you with 10 habituated groups/families to explore. No matter which group you end up with, the experience will be truly remarkable. Time seems to slip away as you observe the little ones tumble and frolic with pure joy. Mountain gorillas exude a lively spirit and an insatiable curiosity. Some may approach you with curiosity, bringing an air of excitement and intrigue. When you are with the gorillas, it is essential to heed the guidance of your Guides and maintain a sense of calmness. Always proceed with caution. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda offers an exhilarating experience that can last from one to six hours, influenced by the gorilla group you are assigned and their location on the day of your trek.

Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Note: Consider hiring a porter or two if your luggage or equipment is particularly heavy. Porters can be found at the starting point, ready to assist you on your journey. Many of these porters, once engaged in poaching, have now taken on the thrilling role of supporting gorilla conservation programs. The earnings from providing their services help them steer clear of their old habits. If you are considering a trip with your parents, exploring the topic of gorilla tracking for older individuals could be beneficial. The cost of hiring porters ranges from $10 to $15. Be sure to pack sturdy hiking boots, warm cotton gloves, and a reliable raincoat. Your Tour Company should provide you with a detailed packing list and guidelines for your gorilla trekking experience.

How to get ready for an exhilarating Gorilla Trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Get ready both physically and mentally by embarking on long walks through the nearby forests.
Get the right shoes to tackle the occasionally rugged landscape.
Prepare for the possibility of a heavy downpour.
Bring along plenty of water and some light snacks for your journey.
Show your appreciation to the park Rangers and guides whenever possible – They work hard to ensure your gorilla tracking experience is truly memorable. The suggested tipping range is around $10 to $15 or the equivalent in the local currency.
Gorilla Trekking at the Volcanoes National ParkEmbarking on a journey to see gorillas in Rwanda comes with its own set of guidelines and protocols. Only those who are 15 years old and above can venture close to the primates. The reason children are kept away from the gorillas is that they can carry contagious illnesses such as the flu and cough, which may be passed on to the primates. One of the reasons tourists must provide their passport details before embarking on a journey. Mountain gorillas face the threat of extinction, with just 1,000 individuals left roaming their natural habitat. Every measure is in place to safeguard them from illnesses. Individuals carrying a communicable disease must be kept away from the primates. Mountain gorillas face vulnerabilities to certain infections that we, as humans, also carry. Additional guidelines and protocols for gorilla trekking can be discovered in a separate article.

Note: Many visitors to Rwanda enjoy pairing gorilla trekking with two days of golden monkey tracking, cultural visits, and a hike to one of the volcanoes in the national park – particularly Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke. Combining Mount Karisimbi hiking with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park would require considerable determination and fitness to complete. The ideal months for embarking on a thrilling gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda are June, July, and August.

Additional experiences beyond gorilla trekking in Rwanda
In addition to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are a variety of thrilling activities to engage in while exploring the Volcanoes National Park and other regions of the country. As you journey through the country, you will discover stunning landscapes featuring rolling hills and majestic mountains. Embark on an exhilarating journey by combining gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park with these thrilling activities:-

Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park: Embark on an exhilarating journey as you trek through the Volcanoes National Park, where the endangered Golden Monkey awaits your discovery. These fascinating primates inhabit the same regions as the mountain gorillas. They thrive on bamboo shoots and insects, and from time to time, they embark on daring raids for potatoes from nearby farms. Golden Monkeys are incredibly lively primates, with their primary threats being humans and the African eagle. Golden monkeys can be spotted in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda begins alongside golden monkey trekking, with permits priced at $100. Tracking golden monkeys in Rwanda offers a more accessible experience compared to gorilla trekking, as these playful creatures inhabit the lower slopes of the volcanoes.

Visiting the grave of Dian Fossey: Dian Fossey is regarded as one of the most remarkable primatologists ever, known for her profound research and dedication to mountain gorillas from 1969 until her untimely death in the 1980s. She boldly shared the story of the mountain gorillas and passionately battled against poaching. She embraced innovative methods to acclimate mountain gorillas by observing their behaviors, immersing herself in their environment, and earning the trust of the powerful Silverback. This is truly extraordinary as the mountain gorillas she engaged with had come to view all humans as a danger. Their population had dwindled due to the actions of poachers and those involved in the pet trade.

As the trafficking of baby gorillas spiraled out of control, Dian Fossey shifted her attention from pure research to actively engaging in gorilla conservation efforts. This is where her journey took a dark turn, ultimately leading to her demise. Hiking to the grave of Dian Fossey offers a unique opportunity to pay tribute and discover the remarkable contributions of this esteemed primatologist. Dian Fossey led groundbreaking efforts in conservation to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Discover the exciting opportunity to visit the Dian Fossey grave by exploring our 3 Days Gorilla tour in Rwanda and Dian Fossey Hike package.

Explore the Musanze Caves: These caves are a remarkable historical site in Rwanda, waiting to be discovered. The caves are located near the park in the vibrant town of Musanze. The Musanze caves are thought to have formed more than 65 million years ago. With 31 entrances leading into the depths, the caves boast tunnels that stretch over 20 kilometers long. The caves lie next to the majestic Mount Sabyinyo and the impressive Bisoke. The caves are thought to have been created when lava erupted during the formation of the two volcanoes and subsequently cooled. The Musanze caves served as a refuge for the local kings of Rwanda, providing a secretive haven during tribal conflicts with neighboring groups. An experienced Guide can lead you to the caves, unveiling their fascinating history along the way. The fee for embarking on an adventure through these caves is $50.

Hiking one of the Volcanoes: For those who are fit and eager for an exhilarating challenge, the Virunga Volcanoes await your exploration. The volcanoes that capture the most attention are Bisoke and Karisimbi. The hike up Karisimbi Volcano spans two days and offers an incredible experience. Embarking on a journey to Mount Bisoke offers a thrilling one-day adventure to witness the breathtaking crater lake at the peak. These mountains promise breathtaking vistas of the Virunga ranges, national parks, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the borders of three countries. The journey to hike Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi kicks off at 7:00 am with an exciting briefing from the park offices. Following the briefing, a Guide is appointed to steer the group of Hikers on their journey.

A bird in Rwanda: The Volcanoes National Park stands out as a significant destination for bird enthusiasts, boasting around 200 documented bird species. Among these, 13 are unique to the region. The Rwenzori turaco and the handsome francolin are among the most coveted birds. They are among the most stunning birds you could ever meet. Among the fascinating inhabitants are the archer’s ground robin, collared apalis, dusky crimson wing, Grauer’s rush warbler, red faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, and the peculiar weaver.