Rwanda Gorilla Safaris are exceptional and worth undertaking for a number of reasons, which when undertaken will leave travellers breathless. Most travellers are left wondering why Rwanda Gorilla Safaris are so special and unique from the cheaper options of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks of Uganda as well as the phenomenal Virunga National Park of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The World population of endangered mountain gorillas currently stands at only 1080 individuals and they are in two significant places-Virunga massif-comprising of the spectacular Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda, Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda while another population is within Bwindi Impenetrable forest and the adjacent Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prior to the 2019 Mountain gorilla Census, these Giant Apes were categorized as critically endangered with about 880 individuals. Of these mountain gorillas, about 350 of them are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, about 450 in Bwindi, about 200 in Virunga National park and the rest in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Based on these statistics, it is obvious that Rwanda doesn’t have the highest number of these Giant Apes yet gorilla safaris here are very unique. Therefore, we bring you the detailed information of what makes Rwanda Gorilla Safaris unique and they include;
The exceptional history of Rwanda
If you have ever read about the history of Rwanda, especially pertaining the 1994 Genocide, chances are high that you would wish to explore some of the Genocide sites, interact with the survivors and pay homage during your gorilla safari. Not only that, your gorilla safari is incomplete without learning about the history of gorilla tourism and during your trip, you are likely to be introduced to the legacy of Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who sacrificed a lot (including her life) towards the protection of these Giant Apes.
Easier Gorilla trekking adventures
It would interest you to know that another thing that makes Rwanda Gorilla Safaris unique is the fact that Volcanoes National Park offers easier gorilla trekking adventures. The Giant Apes of this Park normally live within the Bamboo zone of Virunga Mountains, compared to the ones of Bwindi that live in the higher elevations marked by rugged terrains. For this reason, Volcanoes National Park is the most preferred option for the elderly gorilla trekkers.
The Ease of accessibility from the Capital City
If you analyze all the three Mountain Gorilla countries, you will possibly understand that Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible from the Capital City and this is definitely one of the things that make Rwanda Gorilla Safaris unique. It takes only two and a half to three hours to get to the Park from the Capital City yet it takes 4-5 hours to get to Virunga National Park from Kigali City (the main starting point) and over 8-9 hours to get to Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks from Kampala City.
Top-notch accommodation options
Another thing that makes Rwanda Gorilla Safaris unique is the existence of top notch accommodation facilities that include Bisate Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, to mention but a few. With the conducive investment environment brought about by the Government of Uganda, several investors of popular Hotel/Lodge chains have taken advantage to provide World-class facilities.
Safety and security of Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the safest and most secure African countries with lower crime rate, thus making Rwanda Gorilla safaris unique. However like most Cities, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, house burglaries and others are inevitable and therefore caution has to be taken always when moving in secluded places or moving at night.