Gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the East African countries that has developed its economy through different strategies and through the use of local based man power and resources. There numerous ways that have as well led to development of their economy which include tourism which contributes US$14 billion by 2018 with an increase of 13.8% by 2017 and more so contributes 12.7% of the country’s GDP and more than 100,00 Jobs to the natives.Gorillas in Rwanda therefore contribute a lot to the sector ever since it was termed as luxury gorilla trekking destination with an increase in its permit cost.

The tourism sector in the country hosts a million tourists which has boosted their economy with the main tourist potential being mountain Gorilla tracking. If there is an adventure which wouldn’t disappoint you with high chances of having an encounter with then look no further than Mountain Gorilla trekking.

The gentle Apes which were discovered by the American naturalist Dr. Diana Fossey in the Virunga Ranges who made deep research and discovery about their behaviors and relation to human presence for over 16 years saving the gorillas from extinction and bringing their plight to the attention of the international community which later led to publishing of different articles and later a movie known as “Gorillas in the Mist” which popularized his work has been greatly valued thus many travelers have flogged the country for the adventure.

Gorillas in Rwanda are hiked in Volcanoes National Park, an area which was gazetted in 1925 being the first national park to be created in Africa with the soul aim of protecting gorillas from poachers. The park host over 400 mountain gorillas which is almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas with 10 habituated gorilla families.

Mountain gorillas are indeed endangered species named on the IUCN RED List which need protection thus the 10 habituated gorillas in Rwanda are open to travelers all year round with each gorilla family visited by 8 people per day with an hour experience with the primates in the jungle once met. Here you are allowed to ask questions to the rangers who have studied their behaviors and have all the necessary experience to give you accurate and relevant answers, take plenty of pictures for your memory and record to show your family upon completion of the safari.

 Rules and Regulations for safe gorilla tracking
It is important that all gorilla trekking participants familiarize themselves with the following regulations and rules of conduct:

• You MUST, at all times, follow the instructions of your guide. He is in contact with the gorillas every day and understands them well. Always remain in a quiet, compact group behind the guide, who will attempt to position you in such a way that the dominant male of the group can see you at all times.
• If the dominant male gorilla (usually a silverback) approaches very closely or if he charges, it is very important that you do not move backwards. Remain exactly where you are, look downward, and adopt a submissive, crouched posture. NEVER make any sudden moves or loud noises in the presence of the gorillas.
• If a young gorilla approaches, NEVER (under ANY circumstances) make any move to touch it. Your guide, in certain instances, may take steps to discourage a youngster from touching you, as this could create a threatening situation with the dominant male
• If a gorilla stares at you, look away or down.
• NEVER use a flash when photographing the gorillas.
• Only visitors in good health AT THE TIME OF THE EXCURSION will be permitted to track gorillas, as gorillas are susceptible to common colds and other respiratory diseases transmitted by humans. All visitors must be physically fit and capable of enduring a walk of several hours in difficult terrain (as described above).
• Each gorilla family is visited only once each day, during the morning hours. At this time, all gorilla visits are limited to a maximum of eight persons per gorilla family for a maximum length of one hour, it is not possible to do gorilla tracking on a private basis.
• Smoking, eating, and/or drinking is not permitted within 200 meters of a gorilla family.
• It is prohibited to destroy any vegetation unnecessarily or to make open fires in the national parks and reserves. The flora and fauna of national parks and reserves are strictly protected. All visitors must carry their own litter with them out of the park or reserve, leaving NOTHING behind.
• Children under the age of fifteen (15) cannot be accepted on gorilla tracking excursions. As mentioned previously,

Travelers should be in good physical condition and be physically and mentally prepared to walk long distances over rough terrain if that is where the search for gorillas takes them.

Best time to trek Gorillas in Rwanda

The short wet season is from October to November, while the long wet season stretches from mid-March through to June.

Cost of Gorilla permit in Rwanda

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda has been made luxurious and thus any visitor who loves spending his time in the jungle for gorillas in Rwanda will have to rise a total sum of $1500 per person per trek. The rise of gorilla permit to the country came up with an aim to increase the country’s GDP and as well improving the conservation strategies for the giant apes in the jungle. Therefore purchasing a gorilla permit at that price you not only benefit the country but everyone in the sector who are service providers.

Gorilla permits can either be got through a trusted tour operator where you only have to send in your travel plan: dates, month and year upon when you want to trek and then once the permit is secured a proof of payment will be scanned and sent to you. You can as well make online booking to Rwanda Development Board by sending them an email though the process may take time to get the permit and thus we therefore strongly recommend a trusted local tour operator upon securing and helping you organize well your safari.

Gorilla tracking with safari vacations & travel services not only takes you to gorillas in rwanda but extends beyond to mountain gorilla experience in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo with affordable and incredible packages to best suit your budget