Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter; a magical experience deep in the Jungle. Though one of the most expensive adventures, one can take advantage of the low season to meet these Apes in one of their Habitat in the Republic of Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the premier safari destinations in the continent of Africa; offering unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris.
It is located in east Africa, neighbored by the Republic of Uganda to the north, the democratic republic of Congo to the west, Tanzania to the east, and Burundi to the south. The capital city Kigali ranks among the most peaceful and cleanest cities in the world. The Country features endless eye-catching rolling Hills, lush plantation cover, and vast water bodies.
The country hosted the late Dian Fossey” a primatologist who did intensive research about the lives of Gorillas, encouraging conservation and popularizing them to the world. A quarter of the total Mountain Gorilla population calls Rwanda home and attracts millions of Guests throughout the year. Researchers reveal that Gorillas possess over 95% human-like genes and resemblance; a fact you will uncover once in the Jungle with them.
Mountain gorillas are the most powerful primates in the world and can only be found in the continent of Africa, in the high-altitude areas of the Virunga chain of Mountains which spans through Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorillas are social creatures, living in groups called families, and led by an alpha male with a silver-like lining called “silverback”.
Gorilla trekking is done on foot and demands a certain level of physical fitness. The session begins with a trekking briefing at the park entrance, where the ranger guides will explain to the guests the trekking dos and don’ts, as well as verify the trekking documents.
The trek is deep in the forest and takes about 2-8 hours depending on how far the apes have moved and an extra hour for taking a closer look at how they feed, interact and move. They feed on primarily; vegetation, fruits, stems, roots, insects, and tree backs; and find water from the morning dew and the vegetation eaten.
Where to go gorilla trekking in the Low Season.
Volcanoes National park.
This is situated in the Northwestern part of Rwanda, bordering Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of Congo. Over 10 Gorilla families are here, and a group of up to 8 people are assigned a Gorilla family for trekking.
Trekking rules here include no littering the park, no noise, observing a 7-meter distance from the Gorillas, no using direct light when taking photos, no smoking, no feeding the apes, no Imitating them and spend a maximum of 1 hour with human cuisines.
Charge of Gorilla permits in Rwanda.
Enjoy a 30% discount on the actual gorilla trekking permits during the low season. The actual Gorilla trekking permit in the High season is $1500 per person per trek. A gorilla trekking permit is an official proof of payment for the activity and can only be obtained through a registered tour operator.
The cost paid covers the park entrance, boasting to the conservation areas, and payment to the ranger guide who will guide you through the forest. The permits are presented at the park entrance first thing at the pre-trekking briefing.
What to carry.
Have you ever wondered what to carry for a safari; this is a guide. Keep the safari pack simple and compact. Warm clothes for the cold season, rainproof hiking boots to save from the mud; rain Jacket, a hut, professional camera, hand gloves, mosquito repellant, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, binoculars to see distant animals; travel documents, long stockings, mask, and more.
Pack only items that will make your activities and movements simple and flexible. The length of your stay and the activities to engage in should be a basis for your choice of what to carry.
In conclusion; reserve your gorilla trekking permits for the low season in advance to enable the entire preparation from transfers to accommodation and more. Contact a registered tour company in the country for all arrangements and advisory in regards to the safari offer.
