Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a long day adventure requiring you to have level of fitness level. But what is interesting is that there is an option for persons physically challenged or persons with disability to also immerse into the wild and see a family of mountain gorillas.
Rwanda gorilla treks are done only in Volcanoes National Park; this is a destination with an altitudinal range of 2600 to 4507 meters. Hiking through the park’s forest in search for a family of these apes can be challenging, especially for persons with disability. Often, the acceptable age limit for you to visit Rwanda gorillas is 15 years and above. Visitors under this category can obtain valid permits at US$ 1500 per person.
What to do
Before you make a trip to Rwanda to track mountain gorillas, first, it is important to let your local tour operator of your situation. This will give adequate time to the tour operator to plan and organize the best gorilla safari.
During the gorilla trek- persons with disability or physically challenged can be lifted using special equipment. The Sedan chairs can be assigned to you and the porters will lift you throughout the trek. You will only be lowered on the ground to take photos of the gorilla family group once you have finally located it.
Other than using metallic sedan chair, you can also stretcher made of local bamboo materials. They are used to carry the elderly or persons with disabilities. About 12 porters will be employed to lift you and navigate with you through the steep slopes. The sedan chairs cost about USD 400 to USA 500, while porters can be hired at USD 15 or USD 20.
Where to stay
When planning or choosing a place to stay, don’t forget about booking for accommodation facility that is friendly to your situation. There are many lodges in and around Volcanoes National Park to book for your overnight stay but you need the one which can be used by persons with disability too.
How to travel to the park
There are available means of transportation that persons with disabilities can also be used. Different companies have fully serviced safari vehicles available for hire for your road trip with amenities that favor persons with disabilities. They include comfortable safari vans, 4×4 Toyota Rav4, safari land cruisers, Super Customs and others.
There are 2 options for tourists to connect up to Volcanoes NP; by road- taking you 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali city center and from Bwindi or Mgahinga, you will spend about 4-5 hours to drive. You may also take helicopter flights and you land in at the Ruhengeri Airport. This is located in Musanze district, Ruhengeri town in Northwestern Rwanda.
When to travel for gorilla trekking
The best time to visit the Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, this is favorable for porters to walk smoothly through the forest while searching for a family of mountain gorillas. Each year, Volcanoes National Park records the long dry season from June, July, August to September and the shortest dry months to mark on your calendar are; December, January to February.
What to carry for the Gorilla Trek?
Regardless of your condition, packing right for your gorilla tour should be a must-do to ensure you have a successful gorilla trek. The items not to miss out on your gorilla safari packing list include waterproof hiking boots, bottled drinking water, daypack, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a sweater, long panties, a camera, insect repellents, and snacks.