Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

MOUNTAIN GORILLA SAFARIS RWANDA

Rwanda, home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas is a small landlocked country, it borders on Uganda in the north, on Tanzania in the east, on Burundi in the south and on Congo in the west. Kigali is the capital of Rwanda. The country is dominated by a central plateau made up of steep mountains and deep valleys and has therefore received his subtitle “Land of thousand hills”.

Rwanda Mountain gorillas are more prominent in high altitude areas and at times this becomes difficult for some gorilla trekkers in the gorilla zones. To achieve enough enjoyment, you should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water to endure this difficulty.

The Virunga Volcanoes

Virunga volcanoes in the country are the major habitat to these rare mountain gorillas. The undulating slopes create an ideal setting for the best exciting wildlife experience ever in Africa. It is an awesome moment in Rwanda whenever you come closer to a group of gorillas munching bamboo in their unhampered natural habitat, led by a silverback approximately thrice the size more bulky than an average man.

The presence of the Gorillas in the virungas is largely attributed to the late Dian Fossy who shot a documentary entitled, “Gorillas in the mist”, set in Pac Des Volcans. Unfortunately, she died shortly after much of her research had been done and was buried at the Karaoke at her research centre in the Virungas. The critics and the general public concluded that, “Gorillas in the Mist” served to raise international awareness of the plight of the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla population has increased from 250 in 1970’s to about 400 in 2001, where almost half of the world’s mountains Gorillas are residents in the virunga. There are four groups of habituation gorillas in sizes of 7 of 250 individuals which can be visited by up to 32 tourists daily.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA

Gorilla Tracking in Nyungwe

Rwanda gorilla tours entail anything from a 1 to 4-hour trek through the forest, conducted by expert gorilla trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. Expect your gorilla trek to be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss-covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate.

Rwanda Gorillas trekking tips for an eventful excursion

• Keep the voice low when you come closer to the gorillas.
• If a gorilla charges at you, do not panic, stand motionless, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.

Gorilla Safari Regulations in Rwanda

• To regulate the possible transmission of diseases, tourists advised to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. This is for the good of your health and animals. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Maximum 8 visitors per group.
• Littering the park is strictly prohibited.
• Speedy and noisy movements that may frighten the gorillas are prohibited.

Rwanda Gorillas

What you need for an enjoyable Rwanda Gorilla safari

• Study walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find raingear useful.
• Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
• Camera Photography without use of flash is permitted
• Sunglasses may also be helpful especially in times of more sunlight
• Binoculars help to enhance visibility

Mountain gorilla trekking permits for mountain gorillas and Golden Monkeys safaris in Rwanda are booked and issued by the country’s tourism body office – Rwandaise du Tourioure et des parcs Nationaux (ORTPH). The Rwanda Tourism Board is headquartered in Kigali or Ruhengeri. You can contact the tourism body with the following address;

Rwanda Tourism Board

P.O BOX 905

Kigali, Rwanda

Phone: +250-576514 / 573396

Fax: +250- 576515

Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com

Fees for mountain gorilla permits

With effect from 1st June 2007, the fee for gorilla visits will cost US$500 per person for non-nationals, US $250 for foreign non residents and 20,000 Frw for Rwandan citizens. This is inclusive of park entry fees. It is advisable to organize your own transportation to take you up to the park boundaries.