Rwanda is one of the three countries in the world that are famously credited for mountain gorilla tracking in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the Volcanoes National Park just as you set yourself to Northwestern side of this incredible country. A safari to the land of a thousand hills rewards its travelers with the most astonishing travel experiences in the remotest Volcanoes National Park. A 125 square kilometer forest national park is a home to the world’s critically endangered species as well as 6 Virunga Volcanoes. Exploring the volcanoes national park is a magnificent opportunity for visitors to understand the reality about the beautiful volcano mountains that come with splendid natural setting. The breathtaking hike to the gorilla’s home of shady bamboo forest provides spectacular views in all directions, which also comes with intense intimacy of the tropical rain forest, calls from colorful and unique forest forests without forgetting the tremendous views of the dramatic golden monkeys. There is nothing more exciting than staring at the largest silverback which is almost 3 times the size of an average human being and yet also incredibly the peaceful, humbling and social to human presence in the wild. Don’t wait any more because the demand is high, book for your permit now and track one of the 10 fully habituated gorillas families while in remarkable Rwanda.
The gorilla permits:
Gorilla trekking experiences in all the respective countries where mountain gorillas reside require visitors to have a permit. Like any other life changing adventure, a cost is also attached if you intend to see a gorilla in the Volcanoes National Park. A face to face interaction with these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is such a dramatic experience that comes once in a life time. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be obtained though us. The price of the gorilla permits go at $1500 for all tourists, $15000 for private mountain gorilla visit particularly for visitors who are wish to track an entire habituated gorilla group, $30000 for a minimum of three tourists for three consecutive days. There are also specialized prices for visitors for instance a 30% discount which represents $1050 for visitors who wish to incorporate their safaris within Rwanda’s national parks take especially gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera or Nyungwe National Park and this only applies for the month of November to May. 15% discount for conference visitors who may wish to stay before or after MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) events to view mountain gorillas. For those who intend to go for gorilla filming and photography, the permits cost $5000 for three consecutive days of mountain gorilla filming and professional photography and $12000 for filming and photography crew per day and only eight visitors are allowed for this dramatic experience. The costs include the park entry fees and you encouraged to plan for your transport to deliver yourself up to the park.
Getting into the Volcanoes National Park for the trek:
The park access starts at Musanze Town which is about twelve kilometers from Kigali. Visitors can also reach Musanze from Kigali or airport or Gisenyi by private means or by public taxi minibus. The drive takes visitors about 2 hours which explains why many tourists prefer Rwanda for gorilla trekking. Visitors can land in Kigali and the same day they can go to track gorillas, which is not the case with Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. During the trek, visitors are encouraged to attend the early morning briefing at the RDB Tourism and Conservation Offices that are located at the prefecture offices in Kinigi at exactly 7:00am local time. There are both English and French speaking well trained tour guides to take you through this life time experience.
What to wear on your trek:
This is one of the areas of concern when it comes to gorilla trekking, most importantly, you will be required to come with environmentally friendly attire probably green in color to match with the natural vegetation; for instance long trousers, long sleeved shirts or T-shirts this is intended to protect you from scratches, flies, insects and stinging nettles; waterproof jackets, waterproof hiking shoes, garden gloves, hat, light day back with your snacks and water and never forget a walking stick. Since the time of the trek isn’t known, visitors are advised to be physically fit for this adventure.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking is one of the strenuous adventures that reward visitors with a life time experiences. Tracking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park gives you opportunity to go through the only ancient African Afro montane forest to see these dramatic primates as they relax in the wild. Enjoy your trek in the land of a thousand hills!