What is gorilla trekking in Rwanda like?

The following information will help you get ready for Rwandan gorilla trekking: One of the greatest things you can do while visiting Rwanda is gorilla trekking. Because the gorilla trekking adventure begins early, with arrival at the Kinigi park headquarters in Volcanoes National Park at 7:00 am for a briefing from one of the park rangers, you must have accommodations booked the night before the gorilla trekking day. Based on your ability, you will then be assigned to a gorilla family to trek with. What is gorilla trekking in Rwanda like?

Depending on where the gorilla family is being followed. You should anticipate returning by at least 5:00 p.m. after starting your search for them at 8:30 a.m. The length and complexity of the trek you want to do are important factors in choosing which gorilla family you will go to see. Depending on where the particular gorilla family you are tracking is located, your walk could take anywhere from one to nine hours.

While it’s not necessary to be extremely fit, having a respectable level of fitness does help to increase your enjoyment of the event. To find your gorilla family, the park’s trained trackers and guides will bring you through the woodland pathways. In addition to being extremely humid beneath the forest canopy, the conditions in the forest can be muddy and slippery, even during the dry season.

When you eventually locate these gentle giants, you will have the chance to spend up to an hour with them before heading back to your resort to think back on your enthralling and unforgettable experience with Rwanda’s wild mountain gorillas.

Rwandan gorilla hiking experience

When you identify a hiked gorilla family that belongs to you. The rangers recommend that you maintain a safe distance of roughly 7 meters from the mountain gorillas. However, some of the gorillas stroll close to people, so this is not always the case. You are recommended to stay when a gorilla approaches you and not to leave or even chase it away because it will eventually leave on its own.

During your one-hour encounter with the gorillas, you are also urged to either speak quietly or in a low voice and to avoid making loud noises or abrupt movements while you are with them. You will be excited, of course, but you should try to keep your excitement to yourself. This is because, although the silverback is keeping an eye on them, the gorillas are usually a few meters closer to you, going about their regular activities, such as feeding and associating with one another.

Additionally, no matter how near the mountain gorillas are to you, you are never permitted to touch them. Despite their frequent exposure to humans, gorillas are still wild creatures and occasionally exhibit unexpected reactions. You must always pay attention to what your guides and trackers are telling you.

Mountain gorilla trekking has never been monotonous or repetitive. On the second or third trip, you can follow a different family in a different part of the park. As one of the things you should know to get ready for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you’re more likely to put down your camera on a second hike and just enjoy the experience.

Rwandan Gorilla Permits

To preserve these critically endangered animals in their native habitat and improve their chances of surviving, mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is highly regulated, and permits are needed. Gorilla permits are severely limited to 96 each day because there are only 12 habituated gorilla families available for viewing. And only 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family each day. You must get your Rwanda gorilla permit as soon as possible to guarantee your desired dates. Especially during the busiest times of the year, as they sell out months in advance.

In Rwanda, permits for gorilla trekking still cost $1500 per person. Since gorilla permits must be booked at least five months before departure. Your tour operator can assist with the purchase and reservation of your permit in advance. Park entry, knowledgeable guides and trackers, and the protection of a tourism police force within the parks. And a valuable hour spent with the gorillas are all included in the cost.

What should I bring on a Rwandan gorilla trekking safari?

It’s crucial to arrive well-prepared for the amazing experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This includes knowing how to get ready for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. But you don’t have to bring too much equipment. It is recommended to utilize a soft case or holdall to optimize space, as domestic flights typically limit baggage to 20 kg per person. The following are some suggestions on things to bring on a Rwandan gorilla trekking safari:

You need hiking boots that are comfortable, well-made, waterproof, and have adequate ankle support. To prevent any masty blisters, make sure your shoes are fully worn in before leaving.
Long-sleeved shirts and lightweight, breathable, waterproof coats and pants. Wearing long, light layers is crucial to preventing pest bites and the unpredictable weather.
For the frigid evenings and chilly mornings, wear warm clothes.
Sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim for protection.
Toiletries like lip balm, sunblock, bug repellent, after-sun lotion, and bite treatment cream.
During your hike, wear garden gloves to protect your hands while you grasp the foliage.
A compact backpack to hold your camera, binoculars, lunch, water, and additional clothing.
A compact backpack to hold your camera, binoculars, drink, lunch, and additional clothing.
Camera with spare batteries and lenses. Don’t underestimate how much RAM you’ll need.
Binoculars to see everything clearly and to see other animals like birds and monkeys.
Bring some food for extra energy because the hike can be extremely demanding and take anywhere from two to nine hours.