Why go for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda?
The popular Rwanda gorilla trekking tours are a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These tours typically begin from Kigali and head to the Virunga mountains, where trekkers can explore the forests of Volcanoes national park to see the gorillas. Rwanda is a home to around one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas that are seen in Volcanoes national park and the other population is shared among Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park of Uganda and then Virunga national park of DRC.
The country offers a range of gorilla trekking tour packages, from short 3-day excursions to longer 10-day safaris that combine gorilla trekking with other experiences such as chimpanzee trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural encounters.
Volcanoes national park is a renowned unique gorilla trekking destination in Africa which is part of the only homes of the mountain gorillas in the world that make up the Virunga area. The park has about 13 gorilla trekking families that meander an area of about 160 sq km. This area includes also five mountains where mountain gorillas love to spend some time on the slopes or bottom.
During your Rwanda safari, you can opt to hike any of the five mountains that make up Volcanoes National Park – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo Mountain. The varying vegetation zones on these mountains provide great scenery not easily seen on land and in some seasons the mountain gorillas also hike to the slopes to locate food, especially bamboo which is their favorite meal.
As you are looking for the best destination for your gorilla trekking safari, there are several reasons why you should go for it in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. Among these reasons include;
Top tourism feature in the country: Rwanda’s main tourism selling point is gorilla trekking which only happens in Volcanoes National park. So far 13 gorilla trekking families have been habituated and opened for tourism in Rwanda and these include the Sabyinyo gorilla family, the Susa Gorilla family, Group 13 gorilla family, the Amahoro gorilla family, Karisimbi gorilla Family, Umubano Gorilla Family and others.
For one to go for gorilla trekking, he or she must possess a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit currently costing $1500 per person. Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you locate them. This is to allow them time to proceed with personal life activities like feeding and grooming to mention but a few.
Best time to visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done all year round but the best time is during the dry months of June to September and December to mid-January.
The rainy seasons that is March to May and November have rivers overflowing, ground soft and soggy, slippery slopes and so much more. This however doesn’t stop gorilla trekking but you need to pack a raincoat and tracking boots to walk through this.
Packing list For Gorilla Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park
Looking to a gorilla trek in Rwanda? Here is a packing list that includes essential items to pack for a gorilla safari in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills.
- Safari Hat to wear when in the wilderness and protect your hair from flying insects in the jungle.
- Flash-less camera to keep memories of your experience in the jungle.
- Sweater or fleece to keep warm because it gets cold in the jungle
- Pajamas to wear when going to sleep.
- A pair of Binoculars for observing far-ranging attractions.
- Tracking boots to protect your feet from rough surfaces in the jungle.
- Rain Coat or Poncho just in case it rains while you are searching for the gorillas.
- Snacks
- A Mask to wear when in front of the mountain gorillas
- Long-sleeved shirt and convertible trousers
- Insect repellant
- First Aid box with some medication in case you get injured.
In conclusion, a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines wildlife encounters, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to important conservation efforts.