Gorilla Trekking Tours In Rwanda : Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is a small East African country that has gained worldwide attention in recent years for its success in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. One of the most unique and exciting experiences that Rwanda has to offer is gorilla trekking, which involves hiking through the dense rainforests of the Virunga Mountains to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas are one of the world’s most endangered species, with only around 1000 individuals remaining in the wild, and Rwanda is home to around one-third of them. These gentle giants, with their powerful builds and expressive faces, are a sight to behold, and the opportunity to see them up close is truly awe-inspiring.
To go for a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, visitors must first obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Permits are limited and often sell out months in advance, so it is recommended that visitors book their tours well in advance. The cost of a permit is currently $1500, which may seem steep, but it is important to remember that this money goes towards conservation efforts and helps to protect the gorillas and their habitat.
On the day of the trek, visitors gather at the park headquarters in the early morning to meet their guides and receive a briefing on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. The groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, and each group is assigned a specific gorilla family to track. The trek itself can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, and involves hiking through dense forest, climbing over steep terrain, and sometimes even wading through streams and marshes.
Despite the challenging terrain, gorilla trekking is a truly exhilarating experience, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with finally spotting a family of gorillas in the wild is unmatched. Visitors are allowed to spend up to one hour observing the gorillas, during which time they can take photos, ask questions of their guides, and simply marvel at the majesty of these incredible creatures.
In addition to the gorillas themselves, the trek through the Volcanoes mountains offers visitors a chance to experience some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in all of Africa. The rainforests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including golden monkeys, bushbucks, and numerous species of birds. The views from the mountaintops are breathtaking, and visitors can catch glimpses of nearby volcanoes and lakes on clear days.
While gorilla trekking is certainly the highlight of any Safari in Rwanda, there are many other attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy while in the country. Kigali, the capital city, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis that offers a range of cultural and historical experiences, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Inema Arts Center. Visitors can also explore the Nyungwe Forest, which is home to a number of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as a variety of hiking trails and waterfalls, Gorilla Trekking Tours In Rwanda
Rwanda is also known for its commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development. The country has made significant strides in recent years towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy, and the tourism industry has been a major player in these efforts. Many of the lodges and accommodations in and around the national parks are built using sustainable materials and practices, and there are a number of community-based tourism initiatives that provide economic opportunities for local people while also promoting conservation efforts. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an unforgettable adventure that offers visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most incredible wildlife in their natural habitat, while also experiencing the beauty of Rwanda on a Rwanda safari tour.
