Are you planning a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda? This article is yours to read. Rwanda is located in central Africa within the Virunga region. It is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region in the south of the equator. The country is among the smallest countries in Africa. Rwanda is also considered a land of a thousand hills since most of the areas in the country are hilly.
Rwanda also has a tropical-type climate with two rain seasons. The country is covered by the savannah and montane vegetation descending from the west to the east of the country. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts with a transfer to Kigali to the Volcanoes National Park in the west of the country depending on how your safari package is.
Gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park
The works of Dian Fossey towards the conservation and habituation of the gorillas led to the increased gorilla trekking activities in the Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to several mountain gorillas and the park is home to over 10 families of the mountain gorillas which are habituated for the gorilla trekking.
Some of these families include;
Susa A gorilla family
This was the largest gorilla family that had about 48 members during the time of Dian Fossey. This group is the one that Dian Fossey focused on in her research about gorilla trekking. In this group, there are some of the gorillas that Dian Fossey used in her research. Currently, the group has about 29 members with 3 silver backs. The family also originates its name from the Susa River that is within the park. The group is also famous for giving birth to twins that is to say Impano and Byishimo.
Karisimbi or Susa B family
The family’s main origin is from the breakup of the Susa group and it formed the Susa B family. The family is made up of 15 members with 3 silverbacks as some of the members. The family is from the Karisimbi volcano where the family lives.
Sabyinyo family
This group is led by a powerful and largest mountain gorilla called Guhonda Silverback about 220 kilograms. The group is currently made up of 13 members with 2 silver backs. Also, the group lives in the areas of the mountain Sabyinyo. The word Sabyinyo means the “old man’s teeth’’ in the park.
Amahoro family
The word Amahoro is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “Peace’’ relating to the family. This is one of the peaceful families in the park where its silverback doesn’t attack other families. The family has lost several members due to the situation the silver back lives in. This is the family that needs a tough hike to visit.
Hirwa group
Hirwa group has about 13 members and some of these members are from the Sabyinyo group. The group name originates its name from the Kinyarwanda word Hirwa meaning “lucky one’’ Also, the group is famous for having twins living in the areas of the mountain Sabyinyo.
What are the dos and don’ts for a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda?
While on a Rwanda safari for the gorilla trekking, there are steps one needs to follow for him to enjoy his gorilla trekking safari.
- A traveler must have a valid gorilla permit to allocate the family to track
- A valid passport and a tourist visa last for 90 days per single entry.
- No littering in the park
- Travelers are recommended to be healthy and fit.
- A group of 8 are allowed to visit one gorilla family a day
- During the gorilla trekking, you are not allowed to surround the gorillas.
- Travelers are recommended to keep a 7-meter distance when they meet the gorillas.
What other destinations can you visit during the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda?
During a gorilla trekking safari, there are also several destinations that travelers can visit and these destinations include;
Akagera national park
This is the only savannah park in Rwanda which is located on the eastern side of the country at the border of Tanzania and Rwanda. The park is famous for hosting the Big Five animals and also other wildlife like hippos, zebras, impalas, and many others. In the park, the primary activity is the game viewing in a 4×4 safari van with a popup. Also in the Akagera National Park, there is a boat cruise that is done on Lake Ihema.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
This park is famous for the chimpanzee trekking which is another activity to encounter with the big primates of the country. The park is located in the western part of the country and it is home to several chimpanzees and other small primates. Travelers while in the park can also engage in the canopy walk.
Gorilla Guardian Village
The village is located next to the Volcanoes National Park. It is a cultural village showcasing the culture of the Rwandese. The Batwa who were transferred from the park are also part of the members of the village. During the visit to the village, you will encounter different cultural activities.
Kigali city
This is the main administrative center of the country with several administrative government offices. The city has several historical sites that the travelers usually visit for the safari. The attractions in the city include; the Kigali genocide, the president’s museum, the Belgium monument, and many others.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Rwanda?
As you plan to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, travelers are required to have a gorilla trekking permit to allow you to see the gorillas. The permit is usually valid for the day of the gorilla trekking. Before getting the permit the travelers are recommended to have booked in time before doing the gorilla trekking to ensure availability. The gorilla permits in Rwanda cost about 1500 dollars for foreigners and 200 dollars for East African citizens.
What is the best time for the gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
As you plan to go for gorilla trekking, you are required to know what is the best time to do the gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The gorilla trekking is done throughout the year but the best time to see the gorillas is usually in the drier months of the year since the trekking routes are drier which makes the trekking.
Also in the wet season, the gorillas are visited. In these months, there is less traffic, the gorillas are seen in the less groups of people and also more information is collected about gorilla trekking in the region. The travelers are required to plan accordingly on how they are to do the gorilla trekking in the region. It is also recommended for travelers that they should always book in advance for one to do the gorilla trekking. Booking in advance also ensures the availability of the gorilla trekking permits for travelers on their safaris in Rwanda.
