MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN RWANDA

GORILLA SAFARIS IN RWANDA

Rwanda is renowned for its gorilla safaris, offering a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. The country is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and the Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to go gorilla trekking. The park is located on Virunga great forest shared between 3 countries, Rwanda Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo.

Gorilla Permit: Obtain your gorilla trekking permit well in advance, as they are limited and can sell out quickly. You can purchase permits through the Rwanda Development Board or authorized tour operators. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve. So, obtaining them in advance is better to avoid missing out on the preferred dates.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, involving hiking through dense forests and steep terrain. It is essential to be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the experience. Packing Essentials: Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the trek, including good hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a hat,sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera with extra batteries. This makes the trek enjoyable as each has an importance in the forest.
Accommodation: Book your accommodation near the Volcanoes National Park in advance to ensure a convenient location for your gorilla trekking adventure. Most especially in High season, most of the lodges tend to get fully booked. So, booking accommodation in advance is
crucial.
Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation in case of any unforeseen circumstances during your safari.
Respect Wildlife: Remember to maintain a safe distance from the gorillas, refrain from making loud noises, and follow the guidelines provided by your guides to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.
Local Culture: Take the time to learn about the local customs and culture of Rwanda, including basic greetings and etiquette, to show respect for the communities you will be visiting.

There is a limited number of people per gorilla family. This is to reduce pressure on the wild animal by seeing many uncontrolled numbers of people daily. Gorilla families are allocated at the park headquarter by the park guides and officials after briefing. Each gorilla family has a starting points and guides will lead the group where a particular starting group is for the group.

Gorilla Tracking activity starts in the morning daily and the gorilla permit is allocated on the specific day of your choice, it expires that very day. There is no afternoon session for gorilla tracking. The activity starts in the morning only. Time spent while Tracking Mountain gorillas depends on its movement.After finding them, visitors are required to spend 1 hours enjoying the
group.

Best time to visit Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

The best time to go for gorilla tracking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons, which generally fall from June to September and from December to February. During these months, the weather is more stable, with less rainfall and drier conditions, making trekking in the Volcanoes National Park more manageable and enjoyable.

Moreover, visiting during the dry seasons increases the likelihood of clear skies and better visibility, which can enhance your overall experience of observing and interacting with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. However, gorilla tracking in Rwanda is possible throughout the year, so if your schedule does not align with the dry seasons, you can still plan a
trip during the wet seasons. The wet seasons offer lush greenery, and fewer crowds, but be prepared for potentially muddy and slippery trails due to rain.