Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is worth the every penny and time. If Africa where you plan spend your next holiday, then you have a million reasons to consider it among your bucket-list adventures. Unlike usual African safaris, tracking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself into the dense tropical rain forests of the Virunga and Bwindi Forests. Wondering if gorilla trekking is worth the money spent?
Here are the five reasons why Rwanda gorilla trekking is worth the money and you should embark on your gorilla getaway right away;
Accessibility & safety
The one reason Rwanda is a preferred gorilla trekking destination is the fact that Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible park to visit to see mountain gorillas. The park is located within a distance of about 100km from Kigali. The driving journey from Kigali city center to the park takes just 2-3 hours’ drive on a well maintained road. This is quite a short distance if compared with Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park of Uganda. The easy access has made the possibility of shorter gorilla tours such as 1 day gorilla tour or 2 days gorilla trip from Kigali.
Safety
Besides, Rwanda is very safe! Since the 1994 Rwanda Genocide the country has embarked on a strong campaign of maintaining peace inside its borders. Today Rwanda is among the most safe destination in East Africa. The crime rate is low if compared with even big destinations like Kenya. During your stay, you will learn that even petty crimes that usually happen in the cities are news to Rwandan citizens.
The lifetime experience with mountain gorillas in the wild
Nothing leaves guests mesmerized on an African safari like gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. To most guests, no amount of words can describe the experience you while on gorilla trek in the lush tropical rain forests of Rwanda.
Direct support to gorilla & wildlife conservation efforts
With only 1063 endangered mountain gorillas left on earth, & only limited to three countries, there is need to ensure they survive for future generations. These apes are endangered species and their survival is threatened by many factors including habitat loss, spread of infectious human diseases, and poaching practices.
Therefore, when you book a gorilla permit or gorilla safari, the largest portion of the revenue collection is given to support different conservation projects. It should be noted that conserving mountain gorillas is costly because it involves a number of factors including paying staff (park rangers, researchers, scientists, veterinary doctors, etc).
Destinations to find mountain gorillas are limited
Unlike other wildlife species, mountain gorillas survive only in the wild and Rwanda is one of the 3 countries where these large apes thrive from. The other two include Uganda and the D.R. Congo, hosting the remaining 1063 of these great apes. In Rwanda, mountain gorillas survive only in one area: Volcanoes National Park which is located in Northwestern side of the country.
Tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda presents trekkers a great chance to choose a family of their choice. Over 12 habituated gorilla groups exist in Volcanoes NP unlike only one group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Supporting community projects (Rwanda)
Conserving gorillas or wildlife isn’t an individual task but a collective effort. As government policy, part of the revenue collection is given back to local communities to support their projects. Through revenue sharing initiative, different projects in communities have benefited from gorilla tourism and conservation. This is one way government of Rwanda is encouraging or getting communities engage in tourism and conservation sector. The funds have also played a significant role in infrastructure development including building of hospitals, schools, supporting farm/agricultural practices like goat rearing, bee keeping and more.
How much is Rwanda gorilla trekking permit?
A single permit for tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda costs US$1500 per person and obtaining one is possible for persons above 15 years. One permit lets a visitor to track one group and each family group is visited by maximum of only 8 guests per day.
When to visit Rwanda to see gorillas?
Traveling to see Rwanda gorillas in the wild can be done at any time of the day or year, but the dry season is incredibly the best. Visiting Rwanda during this period allows you to enjoy the favorable weather conditions that come with it, such as low rainfall which makes it easier navigating via the forest to see gorillas. The two dry seasons in Rwanda run from June to September –the longest dry months & shorter dry months are: December to February.
What to come with for Rwanda gorilla trekking?
The essential items to come along with on your Rwanda gorilla trek include waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, bottled drinking water, good camera with no flashlight, daypack, insect repellents, trousers, and others.