A behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park is an exclusive, in-depth trekking experience that does not just stop at bringing you face to face with the world’s most endangered primates, the mountain gorillas, but also provides a deep understanding of their behaviour and lifestyle. Knowing that gorilla trekking gives visitors one hour in the presence of mountain gorillas after hours of intense navigation in the dense forest canopies and thickets, a behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking triples that time for 3 days in a row.

This exclusive package of behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking tour grants access for up to 3 people only, yet enjoying more benefits than the ordinary gorilla trekking adventure of the 8 people trekking with one gorilla family.

What behind the scenes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park involve?

The behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking carves out more experiences that are related to the gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park by going into the details that surround this experience, as well as other factors, as seen below.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience is a prolonged encounter with the mountain gorillas. Though visitors also spend an hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas after navigating the thickets, for this experience, visitors embark on this experience 3 times in a row. This behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking experience also accommodates a maximum of 3 people. This adds a more private and exclusive encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Pre-trekking briefing

For any gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park to begin, there is always a pre-trek briefing that prepares the visitors for what lies ahead and what they should expect. For an ordinary gorilla trekking adventure, this pre-trekking briefing is carried out at the park headquarters in the visitors’ centre, where the head ranger takes you through a short briefing session.

This is not the case with the behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking experience because here the park ranger finds you at your accommodation and delivers this pre-trekking briefing at your comfort. This briefing involves the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and also the expected code of conduct, which is the way visitors should conduct themselves in the presence of the mountain gorillas.

Visit the gorilla museum.

As you embark on the behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, you will also visit the gorilla museum. While at this museum, the guides will run you through the highlights and history of gorilla trekking and how it has improved over the years. The gorilla museum bears profound memories of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and the early efforts that were put to protect and conserve these incredible mountain gorilla primates.

3D gorilla experience

Adding to the excitement and modernity of the gorilla trekking experience, visitors on a behind-the-scenes gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park will also visit the 3D gorilla experience room. This 3D room takes visitors on a virtual reality gorilla trekking experience and an up-close view of the lifestyle of the mountain gorillas in their natural environment. This experience in the 3D room builds momentum for the gorilla trekking experience that lies ahead.

In-depth interactions with gorilla experts

The behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park is not entirely about trekking and encountering the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats only. Rather, it also involves going deep into their livelihood and lifestyles by interacting with the experts, such as the veterinary doctors, scientists, and researchers.

These studies examine the different behaviours of the mountain gorillas and also their health, thus maintaining and treating the sick primates. These in-depth interactions with these gorilla experts give the visitors an exclusive understanding of these mountain gorillas and appreciate the work of the experts who work around the clock in keeping the mountain gorillas healthy and going.

One-on-one interactions with Ex-poachers and conservationists

Visitors on a behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park have a chance of interacting and meeting one-on-one with Ex-poachers. Their stories of transformation from poachers to conservationists are quite remarkable, as they have played a pivotal role in conserving and protecting the mountain gorillas. These interactions with these conservationists draw you to the communities that have gained significantly from the mountain gorillas. This is because up to 10% of the money from the behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking experience goes to conservation. Thus, these meetings help in giving the visitors an accountability for their contribution.

How much does it cost for a behind-the-scenes gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park?

Embarking on a behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking expedition in Volcanoes National Park costs USD 15,000. This is a constant price with no variations regardless of the visitor’s nationality. This package comes with a triple gorilla trekking experience for 3 days and a private gorilla encounter. This behind-the-scenes gorilla trekking package also allows only 3 people. Over 10% of the collected money from these tours comes back to supporting the conservation efforts and also improving the livelihoods of the communities around Volcanoes National Park.