Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda Gorilla TrekkingRwanda Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda gorilla trekking is the major exciting tourism activity in the tiny East African country. Rwanda is naturally blessed to have rare and much loved Mountain Gorillas. As a visitor to the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, one should not miss out on the outstanding chance to visit the Volcanoes National Park (PNV) consisting of 125 km2 of mountain forest and home to the six Virunga Volcanoes and the world celebrated mountain gorillas. Protected within the PNV, the lushly woody slopes of the mountains form a suitably spectacular natural setting for what is debatably the most touching and unforgettable wildlife experience in the world, Gorilla Trekking. Like in Uganda, Gorillas in Rwanda are also organised into families or groups under which guests are able to see them. There are currently 10 gorilla families in Rwanda that are habituated for human trekking.

The electrifying ascend to the gorilla’s natural habitation of sheltered bamboo forest offers an  unbelievable views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mystifying familiarity of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and the babbling of rare golden monkeys. Not anything can prepare one for the impact of stumbling upon a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of a middling man, yet outstandingly harmonious and forbearing of human visitors.

Access to Volcanoes National Park

Access to Volcanoes National Park begins in the lively town of Musanze, situated 12 km from Kinigi, the base of the entrance of the park. Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Intending to make a gorilla visit, it’s wise to sleep in Musanze town or Kinigi to be able to connect to the park boundaries at Kinigi for Gorilla Trekking briefing from where you will continue your trip in the wild for a wonderful gorilla search in the wild.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking briefing is done at the RDB Tourism & Conservation offices situated at the prefecture offices in Kinigi at 7:00 AM. RDB Tourism & Conservation currently has English and French speaking trained guides as well as a team of 80 trained gorilla trackers many of whom speak French or English plus local and regional languages. Book your Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit through our office and you will be contented that you will visit gorillas in Rwanda as scheduled. Call: +256 7772 381544 or Email us: info@trekgorillas.com

 

 

 

Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Guidelines

To reduce on the likely spread of human diseases, visitors are asked to keep up a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are unwell with a cold, flu or other communicable illness, please do not visit the gorillas.

–          Time for viewing gorillas is limited to one hour.

–          Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day.

–          Spitting in the park is severely banned.

–          Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.

–          When you are with the gorillas, keep your voice low.

–          Try not to make rapid movements that may scare or worry the gorillas.

–          If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.

–          Do not litter.

To enhance your enjoyment:

The security of our visitors is our uppermost main concern. There is no need for concern about personal security.

The climate in Musanze is unpredictable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.

Musanze, at the altitude of 1,700m, is generally moderately cold, predominantly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised.

Suggested clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings.

Strong walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find rain gear useful.

Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.

Photographs are permitted, although you may not use flash.

Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.

Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.

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