Rwanda is located in central Africa and the land of the Thousand Hills. The country experiences a tropical type of climate. The country is neighbored by Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Burundi. The country is open to travelers throughout the year. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is majorly done in the Volcanoes National Park which is in the Virunga region. The park also hosts several mountain gorillas. The park also hosts the Karisoke Research Center which was used by the late Dian Fossey to conduct her research. The gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is 1500 dollars.
Why is the gorilla trekking in Rwanda expensive?
The gorilla trekking is expensive due to the following reasons;
The efforts towards gorilla conservation are high and the government and the government require a large investment. More so, the government invests 75 %of the gorilla permit fee in conservation, 15 % in the government, and 10% in the community around the park. Also, the country invests much in advertising. Additionally, Strong safeguarding and monitoring of the gorillas since they are endangered species. Lastly, the cost of habituating the gorillas is also high.
What are the requirements for travelers to acquire a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
As travelers plan a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, they are required to have the following requirements and they include;
- The person to do the gorilla trekking must be 15 years and above.
- Travelers must possess a valid passport.
- Travelers also are supposed to book the permit to ensure availability.
- Travelers are also required to use licensed tour operators to get the gorilla permit.
- Travelers must be fit enough to track the gorillas.
What other activities do travelers engage in during the gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
There are several activities that travelers usually engage in during a Rwanda safari for gorilla trekking and some of these include;
Golden monkey trekking
These are also among the small primates within the Volcanoes National Park. These primates are found within the bamboo forests. Golden monkey trekking is an extra that travelers usually add on their safari to Rwanda. The activity takes about 3 to 4 hours of the day.
Hike to the Dian Fossey tomb.
As you are done with the gorilla trekking, you can engage in the visit to the Dian Fossey tomb. The hike to the tomb will take about 4 to 5 hours of the day. As you hike, the guides will be offering you the history of the works of conservation of the gorillas that Dian Fossey did. As you arrive at the tomb, you will see other 20 graves of the conservationists who were killed by the poachers. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to see the other small primates in the park.
Cultural Encounters in the Gorilla Guardian Village
This community is near the Volcanoes National Park in the western region of Rwanda. The community consists of the former poachers and the Batwa community. During the visit to the community, travelers will engage in different cultural activities like cultural dances, craft making, and many other activities.
Kigali city tour
Kigali is an administrative city with several attractions within the area. During the gorilla trekking safari, travelers will engage in the visit of the different historical sites. Some of these sites include the Kigali genocide, the Belgium monument, the president’s museum, and many others.
Chimpanzee trekking
On gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the chimpanzee trekking is another activity that travelers can add to their bucket list. During this activity, you will encounter the chimpanzee which is also one of the large primates in the region. The activity is done in the Nyungwe National Park in the western part of Rwanda and the activity lasts about 2 to 6 hours upon when you will meet the gorillas.
Game drive
The activity is done in the only savannah park in Rwanda Akagera National Park. While in the Akagera which is located in the eastern part of Tanzania, you will see several wildlife. Some of this wildlife includes the big five animals like lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The other wildlife in the park includes giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, and many others.
Idea safaris for travelers to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
There are several gorilla trekking safaris that travelers can choose from in Rwanda.
- 5 days luxury gorilla safaris in Rwanda
- 2 days gorilla trekking volcanoes
- 10-day cultural and gorilla safaris.
- 8 days Rwanda wildlife
Where else can you see the gorillas?
Mountain gorillas can be seen or tracked by travelers elsewhere in Africa and the areas include;
Uganda
Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas and the gorillas in Uganda can be seen in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park all in southwestern Uganda. The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs about 800 dollars for travelers. Travelers are also supposed to book in time to ensure the availability of the gorilla trekking permits.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in the central region of Africa, the country is also a destination for gorilla trekking where the gorilla trekking is done in the Virunga National Park for the mountain gorillas. In addition to the tracking of the mountain gorillas, there are also the lowland gorillas found in the Kahuzi Beige National Park in the eastern Congo. Travelers are recommended to choose any of the destinations where they will do the trekking.
What is the best time to do the gorilla trekking?
Rwanda is open for travelers who are willing to the gorilla trekking all year around. During the dry season of the year June to September and December to February. This is the best time to see the gorillas in the park since the area is more clear and the vegetation is short which eases the viewing of the gorillas. In the wet season also travelers can see the mountain gorillas. During this season there is less traffic in the park and the gorillas can be seen in a short time.
Conclusively, Rwanda is one of the best destinations that travelers can engage in to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
