Rwanda Gorilla terms and conditions

Rwanda Gorilla terms and conditions

The land of a thousand hills is one of the landmarks for gorilla tracking experience in the world, with great enthusiasm the government of Rwanda embarked on conserving the gentle apes from the mist of the renowned gazette Volcanoes national park where these primates occupy.

Rwanda and Uganda are currently the only two countries in the world where mountain gorillas can be visited safely, and the number of tourists visiting the Volcanoes National Park (VNP) has increased dramatically given the fact that it views gorilla tourism as a valuable conservation tool, and as such enforces strict rules for the habituation of, and trekking with, gorilla families.

Rwanda Gorilla terms

A number of rules designed to protect both gorillas and tourists have been established, as follows:

• Maintenance of a distance of 7 meters between the tourists and the gorillas
• A maximum of eight tourists per visit
• A limit of one tourist group per day to each gorilla group
• A limit of one hour per visit
• Tourists who are visibly unwell or declare themselves to be ill may not visit
• Tourists must remain together in a tight group
• No loud noises or pointing
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted within 200 meters of the gorillas
• Tourists must turn away and cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing
• Human feces must be buried in a hole of a minimum depth of 30 centimeters
• No trash may be deposited in the park
• Tourists are not allowed to clear away vegetation to get a better view

These rules were designed and set to minimize behavioral disturbance and disease transmission to the gorillas from tourists to ascertain their existence in the jungle. However, there are other conditions which you can put into consideration for a smooth tour as bellow.

• Consider the Age limit required for tracking gorillas.

Anyone under the age of 18 on the date of first travel is considered to be a minor. Minors must always be accompanied by an adult. One adult may accompany up to two minors. Unless otherwise indicated in the Tour description or by the Tour Operator

• Travel credentials.

It is the sole responsibility of the client to ensure that all passport and visa requirements are fulfilled prior to departure. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from the date of your return and two spare blank pages for the entry stamp and preferably more if several countries are being visited.

• Health standards

Medical travel records and required certificates must be brought with you however It is the responsibility of clients to advise us prior to departure of any specific medical conditions.  Some safaris are at altitude.  Anti-malaria precautions must be taken, and these are the sole responsibility of the client.

Conclusion

Rwanda has three national parks that cover about 10 percent of the country’s area, one of which is the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park offers a range of wildlife including elephants, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and zebras,  Nyungwe Forest National Park has a large tract of mountain forest and is rich in biodiversity. Guided walks and chimpanzee tracking is offered. Lake Kivu has recreational facilities as well.