Mountain gorillas ( beringei beringei) can only be found in the Virunga ranges ( volcanoes) of Africa shared by Rwanda in the North West, Uganda in the South West of the country and Congo. It’s only in these places that you can find thee estranged creatures that are fewer than 1060 individuals as according to the 2018 Gorilla Census conducted by the IUCN and the regional conservation bodies. The mountain gorillas live at the high altitudes in the Rwandan Volcanoes National Park and the country (Rwanda is blessed with about 20 gorilla family groups.
To trek these estranged creatures, one has to go through thick vegetation walking long distances up steep, in the wet, and muddy terrain. Though this is one of the hardest adventures, a gorilla trek rewards you with sightings of the mountain gorillas, a rare incident in the natural habitats of these apes. The trek passed you through beautiful scenery of the rain forests, live singing and whispers of birds in the woods and so much more. Therefore nothing in the world can compare to having a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas where you get a chance to watch the apes playing, sulking, teasing each other, eating and dozing which are not so different from the things done by ourselves (the human beings).
So when in Rwanda, you should not leave the country without taking a visit to the Virunga volcanoes / Volcanoes National Park, a home to the tranquil mountain gorillas. Currently you can book a gorilla tour with a local tour operator or travel agency in Rwanda.
Experience Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s best kept secrets on a primate safari in Africa! When you make an internet search, you will get exclusive collection of safari packages to the Volcanoes National Park with offers ranging from tours with stays in high-end luxury to standard classic lodges. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon escape, or a spot for the annual family holiday, you are bound to discover just what you need, right here. Only the best await you at the park- The premier safaris to the park represents the prestige that is reserved for the privileged. The few who have visited the park has tasted its refined taste and thus praise it as the most exclusive of destinations in volcanoes national Park.
Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park
Are you set for a great adventure in the Volcanoes National Park? Why not take on your boots and embark on a gorilla trek in the misty tropical rainforests. Enjoy early morning gorilla tracking on a guided tour to one of the habituated gorilla groups in the park. Don’t forget your camera and be ready for a thrilling adventure. Remember gorilla tracking is more strenuous and there are ample opportunities for wildlife photography. You will be guided by experienced safari guides, game rangers and trackers who have spent most of the years living within the local communities that live adjacent to the park. There is no other wildlife experience that is rated to be thrilling quite like an encounter with the mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo. That precious hour spent in their company – watching the group playing, sulking, teasing each other, eating, or dozing just like we do – is an extraordinary unspeakable experience. And gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are among the best in Africa.
Where to Stay
There is a variety of accommodation types that are available for travelers visiting the gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. From budget safari lodges to high end or luxury hotels and lodges, you can look forward to staying in comfortable zones during your trip. You can find perfect luxury or comfortable lodges, tented chalets with the closer-to-nature feel during your stay.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Discover Rwanda, a home of ten habituated groups of mountain gorillas that are scattered all over Volcanoes National Park. You’ll leave early in the morning for your briefing at the Park headquarters and then in parties of eight will be taken to your allocated group with a guide and trackers. Gorilla trekking can be arduous – some of the groups wander high up the mountainsides – but it is always utterly rewarding. Take a look at possible gorilla safaris in Rwanda for further information on the experience, etiquette and tips on gorilla trekking. Encounters can never be guaranteed, but any time spent with them will never be forgotten.
However, if you choose to visit mountain gorillas, there a certain regulations one shouldn’t ignore;
- Every habituated gorilla family group can be visited by only eight (8) people per day leaving us with only 80 visitors to the 10 gorilla family groups set up specially for ousts,
- Every visit can last for only one hour where you get in close view while interacting with Virunga’s apes,
- The children below 15 years of age are not allowed to engage in this tourism activity,
- you also have a chance to always choose on which group to trek you should bear in mind your physical and health ability when deciding since the process is quite tiresome requiring severe climbing and bending through the thick foliage, scrambling through and under growth covered with nettles ,barbed wires, and bamboo thickets ( and this point one should make sure to carry only suitable hiking clothes).
This gorilla trekking adventure can be done through forest walks, climbing volcanoes, bicycling (which has yet picked strong ground in Rwanda), mountain hiking and so much more.
The mountain gorillas are always on the move, usually there are tour guides who trek the animals earlier before you get there, which helps to simplify our trekking tours.