Gorilla Trekking and Tours
Gorilla Trekking and Tours in mountainous rainforest often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and walking through dense jungle behind a scout who slashes a path through the foliage with a machete.
This means that you need to be at least walking fit and properly equipped for a tough environment. The guides ensure you take plenty of breaks.
Here’s everything you need to know about gorilla trekking and tours in Rwanda.
Before Trekking
Trekking permit You’ll need to purchase a permit, which costs $1,500 per person per trek and can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed tour operator. Since the slots are limited to only 8 people per trek and only one trek each day, they are on high demand meaning you have to book way before your trip.
Choosing a trekking group: There are currently 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. Your guide will help you choose a group based on your physical ability and preferences.
Briefing and orientation: Attend a pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters, where you’ll receive information on the trek, safety guidelines, and gorilla behaviour. Ensure to be in time for the briefing so that you don’t miss out on important information.
During Trekking
Starting time: The treks typically begin at 7:00 a.m so that you’re able to catch the gorillas easily. You’ll need to arrive at the park headquarters by 6:00 a.m for the pre trek briefing. If you’re late, you’ll be left behind. You’ll begin your hike through the dense forest, following narrow trails and climbing steep slopes.
Guides and porters: The experienced guides will lead you through the forest and provide insights into the gorillas’ behaviour. The porters help you carry your bags because hiking with a heavy bag can be tiresome.
Trekking duration: Treks can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the group’s location and movement.
Finding the gorillas: Your guide will use their expertise and knowledge of the forest to locate the gorillas.
Once you find the gorillas, you spend an hour observing these incredible creatures up close. You are expected to stay at least 7metres away from the gorillas, don’t make so much noise or sudden movements, do not feed them and when taking pictures, make sure that your camera doesn’t have a flash since they are light sensitive. After your gorilla encounter, you’ll return to the trailhead, following the same trail you used to ascend.
After Trekking:
Debriefing After the trek, you’ll return to the park headquarters for a debriefing session, where you’ll learn more about the gorillas and their habitat. You’ll also receive a certificate commemorating your gorilla trekking experience.
Visit the Diane Fossey Grave: Pay respect to the famous conservationist, Dian Fossey who was murdered in the park for leading campaigns against poachers. You can also donate funds at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus which was founded in 2022 to continue the conservation efforts started by Dian Fossey.
Shop: There is a gift shop in the park that has beautiful handcraft made by the locals. Be a part of supporting the economy by buying some of these items.
Visit the local town: The nearest town to the Volcanoes Np is Musanze. Once your trek is over, take a stroll around the town, try new cuisines and learn about Rwandan culture and ways of life of the locals.
Attend the gorilla Naming Ceremony: There is an annual gorilla Naming Ceremony held every year in either October or November in the park. It is almost identical to the child Naming Ceremony in most African traditions. There is lots to eat and drink, cultural dances, debates and new conservation strategies. If your gorilla trip falls between October and November, ask your tour operator the exact date for the ceremony so that you don’t miss out.
Essentials to bring: Trekking involves hiking which is a tiring experience that requires you to use a lot of your energy thus comfort is paramount. The following are the items to have with you on your trekking adventure:
- Hiking boots
- Conformable clothes
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
- Water and snacks
- Camera
Be informed that you’ll not be allowed to participate in gorilla trekking if you do not a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate/card. You also need to assess your physical ability since gorilla trekking involves climbing hills which can result into altitude sickness. Do not forget to consult your doctor about malaria prevention measures and while at your hotel, ensure to sleep in a mosquito net to avoid getting malaria.
Most importantly, follow your guide’s instructions for a smooth experience and take part in the conservation initiatives.
