Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking is the most popular and sought-after tourism activity, drawing thousands of visitors from all backgrounds. The Rwanda Development Board oversees the protection and management of the 160 square kilometer Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in Musanze in the northwest of the country.
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Congo share a boundary with the park. Five of the eight Virunga volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo—with elevations ranging from 2400 to 4507 meters above sea level are located inside the park’s rainforests.
A diverse range of plants and animals may be found at Volcanoes National Park. Despite having at least 178 bird species, the Volcanoes National Park is most known for being home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
According to the Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Congo, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorillas are found in only three nations and four national parks.
The last 1000 or so mountain gorillas in the world are concentrated in these three nations. Gorilla trekking is the phrase used to describe the practice of walking or hiking through jungles in pursuit of gorillas.
Because habituated gorilla families are available for visitors to view, gorilla trekking is feasible at Volcanoes National Park. The Amahoro, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, and Umubano gorilla families are among the approximately twelve gorilla families in the park that are open to visitors every day. A maximum of eight visitors per day are permitted to spend one hour with each gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park requires the purchase of a gorilla permit in order to participate. The gorilla permits are single entry and cost $1,500 per person. They are available for purchase via a reputable travel operator or at the Rwanda Development Board headquarters. Because so many people want to undertake this activity, there is a strong demand, thus guests are encouraged to reserve well in advance to guarantee a spot. Gorillas cannot be tracked by anybody younger than fifteen.
In order to find the gorillas, hikers must traverse a variety of terrain in the jungle, making gorilla trekking a very taxing exercise. In order to handle the trek, it is essential that passengers have a particular level of physical fitness. Long before the safari begins, a little activity each day, such as jogging, would be sufficient. It’s crucial for tourists to psychologically be ready for the gorillas as well as the expansive jungle and its landscape.
In order to successfully complete a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, travelers are urged to have the necessary gorilla trekking equipment. Among the things are
long-sleeved clothing to defend against the prickly shrubs, hiking shoes with high traction, and ideally waterproof for when it rains
Long safari trousers that provide unrestricted mobility during the journey, a waterproof jacket, and a waterproof bag for safetyTo keep your hands safe from reactive bushes and to ensure that you have a firm grasp on your hiking stick, store your belongings in hand gloves.
a helmet, bug repellent lotions, and energy-boosting foods, since the journey may sometimes be fairly strenuous and lengthy.
A set of binoculars for the birders, a trekking stick that you will get at the lodge or at the beginning of the hike, and plenty of water are also essential.
In Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking begins at 7 a.m. with a coffee-drinking briefing from park rangers at Kinigi, the gorilla trekking starting point. After being divided into groups of eight, travelers are assigned to a gorilla family to follow. The distribution of gorilla families is determined by the travelers’ level of physical fitness.
once that, tourists go out to find the gorillas in their natural habitat, and once they do, they spend an hour with them. It is recommended that visitors make the most of the allotted time. They may take photos and movies of the gorillas and just enjoy their company as they play, eat, groom, build nests, and engage in other activities.
Travelers go back to the starting place after the allotted time has passed. Numerous additional park creatures as well as a diversity of bird types may be seen by trekkers. Additionally, the rangers have the opportunity to impart their expertise of the park, its wildlife, and all that exists there. Depending on where the gorillas are located, the trip might take anything from thirty minutes to four hours or more.
Among other things, there are guidelines that must be adhered to whilst on a gorilla trekking expedition.
Gorilla trekking is prohibited for those under the age of fifteen and should not be done by those who are unwell with flu-like illnesses.
Keep your distance from the gorillas at 7 meters; avoid making direct eye contact with them; do not touch them; do not use flash photography; do not encircle them; and do not dine close to them. Instead, stay at least 200 meters away.
Maintain the park as it was discovered, refrain from littering, avoid making excessive noise, be cool when a gorilla rushes at you, and always heed the advice of your park rangers and guides.
It is quite simple to go to Volcanoes National Park since it is just three hours away by car from Kigali International Airport.
Every traveler’s tastes and budget will be met by the lodging alternatives in and around the park, which also provide the finest service. In terms of accommodations, there are alternatives for luxury, budget, and budget tourists.
Trekking with gorillas Activities like bird viewing, seeing the Dian Fossey graves, golden monkey habitat, game drives in Akagera National Park, or a canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park may all be combined with Volcanoes National Park.
In terms of experience, it may be worthwhile to combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with another in Uganda or the Congo. There are others who believe that Volcanoes National Park is more attractive than its peers. You may go to each of the three nations to see which one provides the greatest experience. Speak with a trustworthy tour operator so they can assist you with the itinerary and take care of everything.
