A trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild is remarkably a lifetime experience. With not more than 1004 individuals that are left in the entire world, you can only catch a glimpse at these fascinating creatures in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Rwanda, you can track them while on safari in Volcanoes National Park, northwestern side of this magical country. Historically, this park was affected by the 1994 Rwanda genocide but currently, peace has prevailed and thousands of tourists across the world come mainly to see these eye catching creatures. When you think of Rwanda safari, mountain gorillas are the a few star attractions that shouldn’t miss out on your bucket list.
Where to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
For exceptional experience with these rare creatures in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, there are 10 gorilla families that have been habituated for you to track. They include the Susa A, the Susa B also known as Karisimbi group, Agashya-Group 13, Hirwa, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Bwenge, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Ugenda and others. Each habituated gorilla group rewards visitors with distinct experiences and history. While on a trek, you have an hour of face to face encounter with these dramatic creatures, take as many photos as possible, explore their behaviors and body gestures.
To make this experience memorial, you need to pack appropriately starting with essentials first especially waterproof hiking boots, bottled water, energy giving snacks, non-flashlight camera, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, sweater, first aid kit, walking stick that you can find at the park headquarters or your safari lodge and many more. Note that a group of mountain gorillas is led by a dominant silver-back.
Gorilla trekking permits
To be part of this life changing adventure, a permit is a must to have and you can obtain one at $1500 through a ground tour operator or tour company alternatively through Rwanda Development Board (RDB). With a permit at hand, you get a chance to track one of the habituated families in Volcanoes National Park and spend only an hour with these amazing creatures face to face.
The length of gorilla trek
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park lasts for about 2-6 hours or even more depending on your hiking speed, location of these primates and nature of the habitat among other factors. This adventure entirely takes you through a strenuous hike in the tropical rainforest of Volcanoes National Park steep slopes. Given the nature of this experience, you will need hire a porter in case you have heavy luggage and walking stick for support. Besides, you need to do vigorous exercise prior your actual trek.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations
Like other adventures, gorilla trekking equally has dos and don’ts that you have to observe at all times while on gorilla tour in Rwanda. These rules and regulations will be briefed to you at the park headquarters before you embark on actual trek. They include only an hour of magical encounter, no flash camera is allowed during this adventure, a distance of about 7-8 meters must be maintained at all times while with gorillas, no eating, no smoking, no drinking in the forest, cover your mouth while coughing and nose while sneezing, no trekking gorillas if you are sick and others.
When to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is generally an all year round adventure but most importantly, it is ideal during the dry season which starts from June to September and from December to February. This season is the best the fact that gorilla habitat remains dry and less amount of rainfall is received thus making it ideal for one to hike through the jungles and steep slopes.
However, you can as well track these magnificent creatures during wet season which begins from March to May and from October to November. The advantage with this season is that there is plenty of forage for these creatures to depend on and they move less compared to dry season that they move to longer distances. The disadvantage with it is that the ground remains muddy, slippery and can be challenging for one to hike through steep slopes and this requires one to be physically fit.
Packing list for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
When it comes to what items to pack for this life changing adventure, there is no need to pack the entire house but consider essentials first and you will be at it. The key items that should feature in your packing list include waterproof hiking boots, bottled water, rain jacket/poncho, long sleeved shirt or t-shirt, trousers, first aid kit, insect repellents, gardening gloves, hat, sunscreen, camera with no flashlight, walking stick which you can get at the park headquarters or at the lodge, sweater and others.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking adventure is undoubtedly one of the most sought after experiences not only in Volcanoes National Park but the world at large. Today, Rwanda features among a few destinations that provide the best of this lifetime experience.