Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda
Gorillas in Africa are amazing to watch while on Gorilla Trekking Holiday Adventure in the various countries close to the equator like Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. Gorillas Share 98% DNA with humans and feed basically on fruit and vegetables. They live in groups of 5-10 individuals with a strong male called the Silverback ruling the group. He has the right to decide on where, what to eat, boundaries, as well as defend the group against any troubles/ attacks from other groups.
In Rwanda, Gorillas and Gorilla Trekking can be carried out in the prominent Volcanoes National Park which is situated in the North Western part of Rwanda bordering Virunga National Park in the DR Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The Gorilla Trekking process is very amazing and remarkable for all travelers to take on while on vacation holiday in Rwanda-Country of A Thousand Rolling Hills. It involves transferring from one place to another in the thick rain forest vegetation in groups of 8 people and when you meet them, you will stay in their presence for a period of 1 hour. The experience is more exceptional when you transfer through the forest in company of an experienced guide who will inform you about the various Gorilla groups, their unique traits as well as different families.
The Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda costs US $1,500 per person that wishes to experience and take on a Gorilla Trekking Adventure Vacation in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The Park inhabits 10 Gorilla families as well as other primates like the Golden Monkeys that are fond of jumping and playing within the trees from one place to another. Other than Gorilla Trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking in the park, travelers can also take on other safari activities like; Mountain/ Volcano Climbing, Hiking and Nature Walks, Caving and cultural encounters.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda.
Transfer to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park during the dry season and short rains period since during this time, the terrains are dry and navigable. This is during the months of June to September to enjoy the best. The Rainy season is not appropriate to track the gorillas since the terrains are very slippery, muddy hence difficult to navigate through the thick grown bushy vegetation in the rain forests.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking
- Rain Jacket; this will cover you and keep you warm under the rain fall that usually pours in the rainforests due to the fact that these countries are located close to the equator.
- Warm Gardening Gloves; These should be woolen and appropriately covering to protect your arms from any piercings from the branches along the various trees as you transfer through.
- Long Trousers-NOT Jeans; these should not be jeans and must be long to protect you from getting pierced and scratched by rough bushy vegetation.
- Long Sleeved shirts/ T-shirts; these should be comfortable and covering to protect and enable you transfer through the forest.
- Trekking Boots; these should be covering and very comfortable to allow travelers hike from one place to another.
- A Camera with No Flash; this must be without a flash since this sturtles the wildlife animals hence making them violent which is not good.
- Sweater for the evenings
- Cap/ Hat
- Pair Sun glasses
- Bottled water and Snacks
Rules to follow around the gorillas
- Do not Litter Rubbish in the Forest
- When in the presence of the Gorillas, Keep a Distance of 7 meters away
- Do not make Noise while around the Gorillas
- Transfer around the thick forest vegetation in company of an experienced guide
- Transfer for Gorilla Trekking with your valid Gorilla Trekking Permit so as not to get any inconveniences
- If you are sick, you should cancel your trekking experience for the Gorillas are vulnerable to human illnesses like cough, flu, etc which have led to severe deaths before.
- You must be in groups of 8 people to track the Gorillas
- You will track them for a period of 3-5 hours and when you meet them, only an hour is allowed to spend in their presence.
