GORILLA TREKKING RWANDA

Over 80% of travelers to Rwanda go gorilla tracking in the famous volcanoes national park a protected park which inhabit these endangered remaining apes in the world. the park consists of 125km2 of mountain forest with six Virunga volcanoes which gives challenging but magnificent hikes. This land of a ‘’thousand hills’’ as its sometimes referred to is known as the leading mountain gorilla safari destinations in the world housing almost a half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas over 360 individuals out of 900 mountain gorillas left in the world live in tropical rain forest of volcanoes national park.

Rwanda is a very small country occupying an area of about 26, 338sq and its one of the most densely populated countries with about 13 million according to UN estimates 2013. However this small country when it comes to tourists attraction it because number one  as many tourists whole over the world jet into this small country to have a glance on the countries wonders mostly the rare mountain gorillas which can only be seen in their natural habitat not zoos/under captivity like many others wildlife species. It’s a great opportunity to be among the few to sit among these rare apes in their natural environment thinking that their only 900 species left in the world while observing their behaviors as well as taking as many photos as possible.

Before the tracker came a cross these magnificent apes in the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest , you will be entertained by many forest dwellers including various species of primates like the rare golden monkeys, civet monkeys, baboons among others, calls of colorful birds, mammals species like antelopes, bush bucks among others all these help you prepare for the encounter of one of the gorilla families with a fully grown silver-back (silver-back because of the grey hair on its back) which  is up to three times size of an average man, yet considered peaceful and tolerant of human visitors.

Volcanoes national park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda in Ruhengeri Musanze district in a drive of about 2-3 hours from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and largest city up to Kinigi park headquarters. Book your gorilla permit earlier to secure your gorilla tracking as Rwanda gorilla permits tend to get finished too early due to high demand of gorilla permits and they are sold on first come first served basis.  So its recommended to book your permit at least 2-5 months  prior to your tracking dates to avoid disappointments and last time bookings which is most of the time un successful.

Permits are booked at the RDB Tourism and Reservation office in Kigali or at Kinigi park headquarters. It’s always advised to book your gorilla permit through a tour operator or a tour company organizing your safari as they have easy access to these permits over 80% chances than an individual.

Rwanda gorilla permits costs usd$700 per person for non-residence, usd$375 for foreign residents, and Rwandan citizens are charged 30,000Frw per person per tracking and all fees include park entry fees and range guide fees. 

On the scheduled day of tracking/trekking, you must present yourself for briefing at the Kinigi park headquarters before 7:00 AM to get brief information about gorilla tracking and also to get assigned to the gorilla group you booked for and also to a ranger guide. After set to the forest to begin the gorilla tracking activities which goes to up to half or full day depending to the gorilla group you are assigned to and also meeting them depends on where they spent their last night from. Ounce they are met you are strictly allowed one hour with them. 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. Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families ready to receive visitors every day and only 8 members are allowed to track in each gorilla family and two gorilla groups are for research purpose 

Gorilla tracking rules and regulations

• ·         You are supposed to maintain a distance of about 7m from the gorillas to avoid transmission of human diseases. Someone who is affected with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, is not allowed to visit the gorillas as these can easily transmitted these apes.

• ·         Tracking time is strictly limited to one hour while observing their behaviors as well as taking photography.

• ·         Only eight (8) members are allowed per group to view these apes  per group.

• ·         Spitting in the park is strictly illegal.

• ·         In case you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas as this will help you plus the life of gorillas.

• ·         When with the gorillas, keep your voice low in order to enjoy watching them.

• ·         Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas they may charge on you and always follow the guide’s instructions.

• ·         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.