Gorilla trekking is a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience to encounter. It’s an experience that combines adventure, nature, and a deep connection with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom – Mountain gorillas. Elsewhere, the mountain gorilla watching experience happens in three other national park – Uganda in Mgahinga national park and Bwindi Impenetrable Park, Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park.
Tracking the mountain gorillas is rated among the best African safari experiences.It is not easy to describe moving experience of meeting eye to eye with the mountain gorillas in their natural home. The first look into the pensive eyes of the wild mountain gorilla is one of the most memorable experiences. Though most people think that mountain gorillas are dangerous animals, they are quite peaceful and the activity is conducted in a very peaceful manner.
Rwanda Gorillas
Rwanda Gorillas are found in the Virunga Volcanoes and Rwanda has become a premier destination for gorilla tracking in East Africa. The mountain gorillas of Rwanda are protected in Parc Nationale des volcans (PNV) refered to Volcanoes National Park in English. Within the park, there are several habituated gorilla fanilies that can be visited by tourists.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park is a little easier to reach than other gorilla parks. This is due to that the park lies in a distance of just a 3 hour drive from Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda.
Parc National Des Volcans is the only Park in Rwanda that harbors mountain gorillas and it is one of the three Virunga parks protecting the mountain gorillas. The park covers an area of 46 square miles and has six volcanoes making it interesting for only gorilla trekking in Rwanda but also hiking adventures.
In order to visit the mountain gorillas, you will need to book a gorilla permit with the Rwanda Development Board or through a local tour operator. A gorilla permit costs only US$750 per person and it is always advised to book your gorilla permit 5 months in advance though last minute permits can be got through local tour operators.
For more about Rwanda Gorillas read the following
- Mountain Gorilla Families in Rwanda
- Gorilla Tracking Rules
- Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking has become a top bucket list adventure activity for most travelers who regard seeing mountain gorillas as a life changing wildlife experience. This is because of the fact that these apes are less than 900 individuals living in the wild. These live in limited range of habitats of Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park (Uganda) and the Virunga Mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.
Mountain gorillas also shares 95% of their DNA with human beings hence appear to be man’s closest cousin. This makes them very vulnerable to contract human infectious diseases such as colds/influenza and diarrhea because tourists trek every day and spend some time with gorillas in the forest.
Therefore, tourist contact with gorillas is highly regulated with strict environmental rules set. The highly priced gorilla permits means that few people will be able to afford the cost of gorilla trekking hence those few who can manage are expected to be responsible tourists who will not harm the ecosystems. Gorillas are also monitored on a daily basis by Veterinary Gorilla Doctors and rangers who provide security to the overall wildlife in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas were nearly getting extinct due to human activities such as poaching, civil wars, human diseases, habitat loss and encroachment. Before the advent of gorilla tourism in the 1970’s their numbers were less than 500 hence you have a privilege to come face to face with critically endangered gorillas in their natural habitat.
The reason behind gorilla tourism was mainly to generate revenues implying that gorillas were to pay for their conservation since there was limited donor funding that couldn’t fund conservation of gorillas and other wildlife living in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Thanks to conservation efforts, pioneered by Dian Fossey who inspired both the international community and local conservation organizations to come together to protect mountain gorillas. Over the past two decades their Numbers are steadily increasing so as number of tourists who come to see them hence gorilla trekking is becoming highly limited tourist activity in Africa.
Seeing mountain Gorillas, eye to eye encounter comes at a cost
In Rwanda, mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National park located in Musanze district northern province. The park’s moderate altitude volcanoes (between 2500- 4500 meters above sea level) covered by rain forests and large bamboo provide home to more than 250 gorillas. At least 10 gorilla families have been habituated making them easy to see by tourists than the wild ones.
For one to trek gorillas in Rwanda, a gorilla permit is a mandatory requirement for each trekker. Gorilla permits are very few due to high demand hence you must book and pay $750 in time a head of your real trekking dates. You need to contact a local tour operator or the Rwandan Development Board. After getting your permit you are guaranteed to see gorillas in their natural habitat with expert guides and trackers.
Apart from that monetary cost tourists have to incur to see gorillas, respect for nature (habitat for gorillas) is another. Through ecotourism as a conservation strategy, tourists are subjected to strict gorilla trekking rules and regulations which are meant to limit human disturbance of gorillas. Tourists must be briefed about gorilla trekking code of conduct every morning before going in the forest. This takes place at Kinigi, the main tourist center.
Only a number of 8 tourists can visit one gorilla family for one hour per day. A gorilla trek starts early in the morning, led by guides and rangers you enter the forest and search for the gorillas until found. Hence trekking through rainforests characterized by steep and slippery slopes requires a healthy body and fitness since gorillas move freely in their habitat range and locating them might take 8 hours.
Conservation of gorillas in Rwanda is a joint effort of the government, private partners, NGO’s and local communities. Revenues generated from gorilla tourism partly fund various community development projects improving the livelihoods of people. This is one reason why gorillas co-exist with people since financial benefits offer alternatives to forest resources like water, bush meat, wild honey and medicinal herbs. Poaching as well as habitat encroachment has reduced among local communities. Tourist experience has also been increased with good infrastructure such as roads, hotels and other local attractions besides gorillas. Gorilla trekkers also have options ranging from nature walks, birding watching and volcano hiking to cultural tours which are normally done after gorilla tracking.
“Gorillas in the mist”
One interesting thing about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park Rwanda is that the park was a former research base ground of late Dian Fossey hence you follow the footsteps of the legend. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who dedicated all her entire life to conserve gorillas through introducing anti-poaching campaigns and habituating gorillas.
Although died in 1985, the legends never die her work to save gorillas is still alive and doing practical work in monitoring gorillas, working with rangers and funding conservation activities in volcanoes national park. After a gorilla trek, tourists usually hike to the Dian Fossey tomb between Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke to pay tribute. Also the movie, “gorillas in the mist” which was a tribute to her work and it features members of a Bwenge one of the habituated gorilla families.
How is Gorilla Trekking Done?
When you go for this gorilla trek, you will realize that there is really no wildlife experience that is as amazing as an encounter with the mountain gorillas. When you meet them, you will be given an hour to spent with them so you can watch them play, tease one another, feed and take care of their little ones or anything else. You can take as many pictures as you wish and expect to have a lot of fun during the trek.
Visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am, and are allocated a family group on the day according to fitness levels, as well as being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas.
There are about 12 habituated gorilla groups living in Volcanoes and they are scattered in all corners of the Park which means you will be allocated a particular group which you will be searching for on that particular day. These groups include the Susa family, Sabyinyo group, Titus, the Amahoro, Agashya or group 13 as originally called, Umubano family, the Kwitonda, there is Hirwa, Karisimbi family, Ugenda and lastly the Bwenge family. After purchasing a gorilla permit, you will be allocated any of the groups.
Gorilla trekking begins with a briefing from a wildlife officer at the Park HQ, he will tell you about the dos and don’ts that you need to observe while in the jungle and then in groups of 8 people maximum, you will be allocated rangers who guides you through forest full of creeping plants and steep slopes until you find the group that you are searching for. It is important to remember that gorilla tracking can be really strenuous especially to the physically unfit people because it involves walking and hiking for long hours therefore spending long hours especially if your particular group wondered off high up in the mountains. You should however find comfort in the fact that at the end of the day, the experience will be worthwhile to everyone.
Twelve gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla tourism in volcanoes national park Rwanda, more than anywhere else in the world. Look into the eyes of a large silverback gorilla and he’ll look back with a thinking, intelligent gaze, mindful that you’re another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other ‘wildlife’ experience we know.
What to Expect from a Gorilla Trek?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a thrilling and unique wildlife experience that allows you to get up close and personal with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The two main countries where gorilla trekking takes place are Uganda and Rwanda, both of which offer distinct but equally amazing experiences.
- Visitors can follow one of the park’s twelve habituated gorilla families as they go about their daily lives in troops of anywhere between 8 and 39. Watch a mother tenderly feed her baby while the younger gorillas frolic in the bushes around her. Feel the cautious stare of a 200kg silverback on you as he keeps a pro-tective eye overhead. Witness a youngster put on a chest-beating display to playfully signal his dominance.
- During your hour with the gorillas you will come to experience the inspiration for the film Gorillas in the Mist and understand why the late American primatologist Dian Fossey made it her life’s mission to live with, study, and protect these gentle giants.
- A trek to the heart of Volcanoes National Park could also bring you into contact with golden monkeys, buf-falo, bush duiker and a vast array of bird species. For conservation reasons, each gorilla family can only be seen by one group of eight tourists per day. This is a once in a lifetime wildlife experience that should not be missed.
- To track mountain gorillas in Rwanda entails booking a gorilla trekking permit well in advance. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost US dollars 1500 per person and this offers you one hour in the company of the mountain gorillas excluding the trekking time.
Accommodations for both luxury and budget tourists are available as well as transportation and can also be reserved while booking your gorilla permit.
Here’s what you can generally expect on a gorilla trek:
BEFORE THE TREK
Permit Booking: Obtain a gorilla trekking permit well in advance. Permits are limited and often need to be secured months ahead.
Health Check: Before the trek, you’ll undergo a health check to ensure you are fit for the hike.
Briefing: Attend a pre-trek briefing where you’ll receive information about the gorillas, trekking guidelines, and safety instructions.
DURING THE TREK
Hiking: Gorilla families can be located in dense forests, requiring a hike to reach them. The duration and difficulty of the trek can vary, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day.
Guides and Trackers: Trained guides and trackers accompany groups to locate the gorillas. They are familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable information.
Wildlife Encounters: While searching for gorillas, you may encounter other wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and various plant species. The guides often share information about the ecosystem.
Meeting the Gorillas: Once the gorillas are found, you’ll spend a limited time (usually one hour) observing them. This is to minimize disturbance and ensure the well-being of the gorillas.
Photography: Photography is usually allowed, but the use of flash is prohibited. Ensure your camera is ready, and be mindful of the time spent taking photos to fully enjoy the experience.
Behaviour Guidelines: Maintain a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and follow guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
AFTER THE TREK
Debriefing: After the trek, there may be a debriefing session to share experiences and answer any questions.
Certificates: Some parks provide certificates to trekkers as a memento of their gorilla trekking experience.
Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Safari
TIPS:
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Packing: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a packed lunch.
Respect the Environment: Follow the principles of responsible tourism to minimize your impact on the environment and wildlife.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a profound connection with these incredible animals. It’s essential to approach the trek with respect for the gorillas and their habitat to ensure the sustainability of this conservation effort.
What to know about the experience in Rwanda?
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience takes places in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern region of the country. The park stretches over an area of approximately 160 square kilometers of rain forests and five of the eight volcanoes in Virunga mountains – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. It borders two primate parks that is Virunga national park Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park of Uganda
The park boosts 10 gorilla families available for gorilla trekking experience and among these include; Sabyinyo, Susa, Karisimbi, Umubano, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Bwenge, Agashya, and Ugyenda.
Gorilla trekking Experience: On the day of your trek, you will join a small group led by experienced guides and trackers to the thick, steep and challenging but rewarding slopes of the park in search of the endangered species. The trekking duration can vary from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the gorilla family’s location and once found, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in their presence. This hour provides a rare opportunity to observe their behaviour, interactions, and daily routines. You can watch them play, eat, groom, and even witness the silverback, the dominant male, in charge of the family. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda offers a life-changing encounter with these endangered animals and contributes to their conservation.
Permit and Regulations: For one to participate in gorilla trekking experience, he/she will need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit in advance. These permits are limited in number to protect the gorillas and ensure a sustainable tourism experience. It’s advisable to book your permit well in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
NOTE: For the nonresident foreigners, Rwanda gorilla trekking permits are at USD 1500 per person, for Africans outside East African Community at USD 500 per person and then USD 200 per person for the East Africans.
Safety and Precautions: To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and gorillas, there are some guidelines to follow during the trek. These may include maintaining a safe distance of 7 meters, avoiding direct eye contact and using flash contacts, minimizing noise, and following the instructions of your guides.
Conservation and Sustainability: Rwanda places great emphasis on gorilla conservation and sustainable tourism. The revenue from gorilla permits goes towards protecting the gorillas and their habitat, as well as supporting local communities. During your trek, you’ll learn about the ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of preserving these incredible creatures.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also a home to other wildlife, such as golden monkeys and a variety of bird species. Additionally, you can explore the beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage of Rwanda, including visits to local communities and nearby attractions.
Important to Know
If planning to go for a gorilla safari, you will have to book the gorilla permit prior because and a booking is only confirmed by paying for it. AA safaris and tours can help you book the permit, provide all the information that you will need about gorilla trekking just to make sure you have an amazing trip.
- Gorilla permits cost different prices in all the three nations that host the mountain gorillas. In DR.Congo, the price is $400 per permit, in Rwanda the price is $1500 and then in Uganda, each permit costs $700. The permits help to limit on the number of people that visit each group of gorillas in a day. Only 8 people visit each group so that these apes are not stressed out as that may make them violent.