Special adventure in Waiting. Gorilla trekking is an act and a safari highlight in the continent of Africa. It is that one safari you take and never forget; evoking the spirit of relationship between man and the Apes. Rwanda is one of the fastest growing nations in the African continent; neighbored by Uganda in the north, the democratic republic of Congo and Lake Kivu to the west, south of the republic of Burundi, and the East of Tanzania. Rwanda’s capital is Kigali; one of the smartest cities in Africa, with good road network, welcoming people, and lip-smacking cuisine.
This land of Gorillas is adorned with rolling hills, lush greenery and a rich cultural diversity. One that leaves you thrilled from the very moment you step into the land of Athousand hills. The long gone story of the Tutsi and Hutu rebellion, has led to unity and safety to all who visit. There is a starter of a tour around the city, where you get to see the historical and cultural attractions around town, before heading to the primate havens in the tropical forest which spans through Uganda, and the Democratic republic of Congo.
Gorillas are the largest and most powerful primates in the world, with broad chests, human like hands, small eyes in the hairless face, and the entire body. There are two Gorilla species living in the equatorial Africa separated by Congo forest basin. Both the western and eastern gorillas have a lifespan of about 35-40 years deep in the forest where they feed and depend on fruits, stems. Roots, leaves, and some insects. They get water from the morning dew as well as the leaves. The morning hour is there most active thus the reason why they gorilla trekking is in mostly in the morning hours.
Gorilla trekking in the republic of Rwanda is done in volcanoes national park located in ruhengeri district in the northwestern part of the country, at the feet of the vast Virunga chain of mountains. The park covers approximately 160sqkms of land with 5 of the eight volcanoes notably; Mt Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Muhabura and Karisimbi. The park was gazetted in 1925 to overprotection to the biodiversity. Today, the park spans through the districts of Musaze, Rubavu. Nyabihu and Urera. There is over 10 habituated gorillas to trek with each having a leader and a unique traits. These families are less structured as of Humans. They are dominated by females, with an alpha Male-a silver back leading. Gorillas are shy and gentle, though have the ability to charge when feeling attacked.
Gorilla trekking starts with a pretrekking briefing at the park headquarters at 7:00am with expert ranger guides who will explain to you the trekking does and don’t. Thereafter assign a Gorilla family and they accompany you to search from where they were left the previous day. The trekking session can last for about 1-8 hours depending on your trekking speed as well as where the apes have moved. Upon finding them, you have an hour of taking photos, asking questions and watching gigantic size of the silver back, the playful young stars and the mothers nursing the infants.
What to Pay for Gorilla trekking
Rwanda Gorilla trekking permits are sold by Rwanda development board through licensed tour operators in and around the country. Each permit costs 1500$ for foreign non-residents aged 15 years and above. The proceeds from the permits sold goes to boost conservation efforts, pay the range guides and support the local communities who leave around the park and formerly depended on it for shelter, food, herbs, fuel, and much more. Each Gorilla family has 8 Gorilla permits available per day. Plan your safari early to avoid missing out on the dates of your choice.
Accessing Volcanoes National park
Easy. From Kigali city, a 2-3 hour scenic drive through the breathtaking rolling hills and lush greenery will see you arrive safe at the park. From Uganda, It takes about 9-10 hours from Kampala city using Kabale-Mbarara road.
Best time for Gorilla trekking and what to carry?
Gorillas are present at Volcanoes national park all year round and visitors are open to visit. Months with the best hiking weather are June to September and December to early March. That is when there is less or no rains that make the ground hard to Hike. Depending on the duration of your stay, you don’t need to over park for a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Here are some of the essential items to consider; good hiking boots, a hut to protect your head when in the forest, professional camera, binoculars to watch distant apes, hand gloves, insect repellents, pair trousers, long sleeved shirts and a valid trekking permit.
In conclusion; Gorilla trekking in a Rwanda is a once in a life time safari treat. It is not like any other adventure that you wake up and set off. This is trip to meet your cousins the Apes in their natural habitat. A territory ruled by one of the most feared creatures on earth.