Trekking with Porters in Volcanoes National Park
Trekking with Porters in Volcanoes National Park
Trekking with porters in Volcanoes National Park is so important, especially if you have plans of trekking the endangered mountain Gorillas, tracking the endangered Golden monkeys, hiking the Dian Fossey Gravesite, enjoying forest hiking, bird watching, or Volcano climbing.
Porters are primarily the backbone of trekking in this Park as they make it easier to travelers to manoeuvre through the densely forested mountain slopes between 2400 and 4507 meters above sea level.
Trekking porters in Volcanoes National Park do not guide treks, and most do not speak fluent English. However, they do their best to make your trek easier and more enjoyable. Porters assist with carrying gear during activities like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, the Dian Fossey Gravesite hike, volcano climbing, and birding.
Hiring porters is a great way to support ecotourism. Their involvement in gorilla tourism helps them appreciate the importance of conservation. Over time, many porters have transitioned from poaching to working in tourism, recognizing how it benefits both their livelihoods and the park’s conservation efforts.
By employing porters, visitors contribute directly to local communities and encourage the protection of wildlife. Many of the porters are former poachers who now see the value of preserving the gorillas and their habitats. This shift not only benefits the park but also promotes sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Visitors.
Hiking through the slopes of Volcanoes National Park can be challenging, and this is worsened by the heavy backpacks and camera equipment. Therefore, it is the work of porters (who are most times accustomed to the mountainous slopes and dense vegetation because they have lived around the mountains all their lives) and is surprisingly adapted to carrying heavy backpacks. While the option of hiring trekking porters in Volcanoes National Park isn’t mandatory, it is advisable to do so as for visitors, heavy backpacks and camera equipment, combined with the high altitudes are able to make an already difficult day very unbearable.
How much does it cost to hire trekking Porters in Volcanoes National Park?
Hiring trekking porters in Volcanoes National Park costs between $10 and $20 per porter. This price doesn’t include porter fees, guide fees, tips, entry fees, or the chosen activity. Porters assist with carrying your backpack, water, and camera equipment, and may even help with holding your hands during the trek. It’s also customary to tip porters for their excellent service.
Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is a top safari destination, known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. The park is home to over 35% of the world’s remaining 1080 mountain gorillas. In total, 12 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking, offering visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Each day, the Rwanda Development Board sells 96 permits for gorilla trekking in the park. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person, per trek. we highly recommend you to book your permit at least 6 months in advance to avoid disappointment, as permits sell out quickly.
Whether you’re trekking to see gorillas or exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, the experience is one of a kind. With the help of local porters and guides, visitors can enjoy a safe and enriching trek through this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is open throughout the year, but the majority of travelers visit between June and September, or December to February because forest trails are drier and slippery from reduced rainfall levels. If your plans are flexible, you can plan to visit during the off-peak months- March to May or October to November when forest trails are less crowded.
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.
