1-Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
1-Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Overview:
Are you already in Kigali and planning to spend a day with mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is second to none, with some travelers even describing it as “life-changing”. Few wildlife experiences are as rewarding as seeing these creatures go about their daily routines on the bamboo-filled mountain slopes to spend one hour just a few meters from them. 1-Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
With approximately 12 habituated Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, and these comprise one or more silverbacks alongside several females, juveniles, and infants. Each of these Groups is somewhat fluid in composition, although might stick to a certain preferred location.
Therefore, on each day, a maximum of 8 Gorilla Permits are issued to each Gorilla Group thus providing an intimate and uninterrupted encounter with the Giant Apes. With this, a total of 96 gorilla permits are issued each day in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and therefore recommended to book your Rwanda Gorilla Safari in advance.
About the 1-Day gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park
A typical day with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park starts with a gathering at Kinigi Park Headquarters by 7:00 am for registration and briefing on the guidelines to be followed while trekking and watching/photographing the Giant Apes. Afterward, visitors are allocated a habituated gorilla group on this day, and this is done according to age, fitness levels, and personal preference.
These 12 habituated Gorilla Groups trekked in Volcanoes National Park are Muhoza, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Umubano, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Igisha, Bwenge, Karisimbi, Hirwa, and Susa. Guided treks (led by experienced Rwanda Development Board Rangers) to the home ranges of these Gorilla Groups take between half an hour to five hours or more and involve going through high altitudes of 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level. With such an altitude, hiring porters is recommended to provide support in carrying backpacks and camera equipment hence making gorilla trekking less challenging. 1-Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Ecology:
Get an introduction to the incredible ecology of the forest as well as changing landscape while trekking to the endangered Giant Apes. The experienced guides keep in constant communication with the team of trackers who follow the gorillas since daybreak, and direct guides to the mountain Gorillas. 1-Day Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
After several hours of walking through the jungles searching for the mountain Gorillas, visitors make contact with these incredible Giant Apes, followed by total silence to observe them going about their daily routines in their natural habitats.
Follow the guidelines issued during the briefing such as not looking into the eyes of the mountain Gorillas, not using flash cameras, maintaining a distance of 7 meters while observing and photographing the Giant Apes, not making noise, not drinking, smoking or eating while with the mountain Gorillas.
Try as much as possible to stick to the allocated one hour provided during briefing because more time means stressing the Giant Apes.
Day Itinerary with Mountain Gorillas from Kigali.
Begin the day with an early drive to Volcanoes as early as 10:30 am Rwandan time, Arrive at the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing thereafter at 08:00 Start the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, after the tracking, you will have lunch at any a hotel close to the park as you Prepare for return to Kigali at your convenience.
end of the 1-Day safari.
Includes:
Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 1500.-)
Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4
Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
Lunch for the day
Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
Our assistance.
Excludes:
All extra activities, visits, entrances, and extra meals/drinks are not in the itinerary.
Entry visa fees
Optional extras whilst in Kigali
Drinks throughout the trip
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance
The best time to see the mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
The months of June to September and December to February are often the best time to see the mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park because during these times, rainfall levels reduce thus making forest trails less challenging. The months of March to May and October to November are with heavy rains making trekking challenging but are with smaller crowds.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
- Hiking Boots
- Garden Gloves
- Rain Jacket
- Long Sleeved Shirts
- Energy Giving snacks
- Cameras and extra batteries
- Hat and Sun Glasses
- Pair of Binoculars
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandan native, we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in Trip Advisor reviews.
