Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park.

Gorilla trekking is one of the major draws for many people to Volcanoes national park because it is arguably the most well liked activity in Rwanda. In the park, which is situated in the southwest of Uganda, you can have once-in-a-lifetime adventures as you travel far into the beautiful jungle. Half of the mountain gorillas, which are an endangered species worldwide, live in this region.

With some currently being researched to pique tourists’ interests, Rwanda boasts around 12 gorilla families that are fully habituated.  Included among these gorilla groups are Susa A, Susa B, Amahoro, Sabinyo, Agashya, Ugenda, Hirwa, Bwenge, Umubano, Muhoza, Igisha, and Kwitonda.

Best time to visit gorillas in Volcanoes national park.

Although gorilla trekking may be done at any time of year, the busiest time of year is when it should be done. This time of year coincides with the dry months of December through February and June through August, making the forest accessible and fostering conditions that minimize accidents. However, as the roads get slick during the rainy months, March through May and October through November, these times should be avoided.

Note:

It is advisable to make your gorilla permit reservation three to four months in advance because they frequently sell out, especially during the busiest seasons of the year. The Uganda Wildlife Authority might be able to put you in touch with a trustworthy tour company.

Since they can have trouble hiking owing to the steep terrain, children under the age of 15 are not allowed to go with a specific gorilla family.

The behavior of mountain gorillas may also alter because of their potentially unpredictable traits, such as yelling. This could cause the gorillas’ behavior to become more hostile.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda costs on 1500 USD.

How many people are allowed to trek a gorilla family?

Only 8 individuals are permitted to walk a particular group of habituated gorillas in Rwanda, same like in the neighboring nations of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This is done for a variety of reasons, such as to protect the forest animals and reduce the possibility of gorillas coming into contact with people because they are very vulnerable to human infections. Additionally, visitors are restricted in order to lessen the gorillas’ discomfort and overpopulation.

How long does a gorilla trek?

The time of gorilla trekking is still debatable, although the gorillas’ actions provide the basis for the entire exercise. During the dry season, some gorillas travel a great distance into the forest in quest of fruit. You will then spend 2 to 8 hours getting up close to these friendly and wise animals with the help of a ranger guide. Once you have located them, you will be offered an additional way to observe them play, nurse, and breastfeed while subsequently taking priceless photos and videos.

How do mountain gorillas feed.

These mountain gorillas take their morning and evening meals, followed by a midday nap. 85 percent of the gorilla’s food, or a significant portion, is made up of leaves, shoots, and stems. They consume roots and snails as well, processing these foods with their powerful chewing muscles. The adult gorillas consume 18 kg of food day and require less water because the food they eat provides all the water they need to survive.

If you find the mountain gorilla family you were supposed to hike with, you will be allowed to spend an hour with them. When the specified time is over, you will trek back to the starting point to get your certificates from the parks head offices.

How fit should I be for the gorilla trek?

Because the terrain in the jungle is steep and uneven, one needs to be physically fit and vigorous to complete the adventure successfully. Seniors and people with health concerns are also not allowed to join in the activity owing to the uncertainty of their health status.

Gorilla trekking pack list.

When the trekker is prepared with the right equipment and the weather is perfect, the gorilla trekking activity becomes much more pleasurable. Among the must have include a long sleeves, raincoats, umbrellas, water, sunglasses, insect repellents, and gloves are some of them. They also include shoes and gumboots that are waterproof. You need a camera with a powerful battery if you want to record the encounter’s jaw dropping moments.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations.

Volcanoes National park has its own guidelines concerning gorilla trekking just like any other gorilla destination. A few of these include:

  • When around the kind creatures, refrain from feeding them and emulating them.
  • When around the kind creatures, refrain from feeding them and emulating them.
  • It is best to refrain from throwing trash in the gorilla trekking area.
  • It is best to refrain from throwing trash in the gorilla trekking area.
  • A gap of 7 meters should be maintained when in close proximity to gorillas because they are susceptible to colds.
  • When shooting images, avoid using camera flashlights because they frighten the gorillas.
  • In close proximity to the gorillas, it is best to keep noise and crowding to a minimum as they can get hostile.

Accommodation during gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park.

Going on a gorilla trekking safari is the main safari activity, so you do not need to worry about lodging because the park offers a variety of options based on your interests and budget. They cover the high-end, mid-range, and low-end price points. Kwitonda Lodge, Bisante Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Davinci Lodge, Le Bamboo Lodge, Mountain Gorilla view Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, and Kinigi Guest House are just a few of them.

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