Eco-friendly Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park lies in North West Rwanda bordering Virunga National Park in DRC and is home to about five volcanic Virunga ranges. Volcanoes is home to Mountain gorillas and other wildlife and after suffering during the Rwanda genocide, the park was re-established in 1999 at the moment there are over 400 gentle Mountain gorillas with 12 habituated gorilla families that can be trekked all year round. The national park is secure with 24/ security and gorillas have the freedom to move from one place to the next and that is why tracking gorillas in Rwanda takes more than 2 hours. Eco-friendly gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park can easily be arranged and all you have to do is get in touch with us to help you with planning your gorilla safari.

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The Eco-friendly safari experience in Volcanoes is the best because you get an hour with the primates after tracking them and get to learn more about their behaviors. The tracking starts with a morning briefing from the guides about the rules and regulations, and what to expect when trekking and this is when you will also be assigned a habituated gorilla family to trek for the day. During the briefing, you can also air out your suggestions and inquiries so that your needs are catered for easily. The trek will start as soon as the briefing is over and it can take 1 to 4 hours or more depending on where the gorilla family you have been allocated is when you find it, you have an hour studying their behavior, recording videos, and taking photos. After trekking the gorillas, you will be led by the guides back to the park headquarters where you will receive an award for participating in the gorilla trek exercise.

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species and the government of Rwanda has come up with ways in which they are to be protected these include the introduction of the gorilla trekking permit, limiting the number of people that access the gorillas per day, and introducing the rules and regulations to be followed. Your gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes is different as you are provided with the best services and since the exercise is always in high demand, tourists are advised to book in advance to be able to participate in the trekking exercise.

Eco-friendly gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park are safe and this is because the government has come up with security measures to protect both the gorillas and trekkers. There are security checks carried out at the park entrance, you are provided with armed rangers and experienced guides and there is 24/7 security around the park including cameras.

A gorilla permit in Volcanoes

A gorilla permit is a document issued to aged trekking tourists by the Rwanda Development Board. Without the permit, you will not be allowed to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and the permit has to be booked at least 6 months before the trek date for proper planning. The cost of the gorilla permit in Volcanoes is higher and is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for African residents, and $200 for East African citizens. 

During the low season, Rwanda offers permit discounts to tourists however you need to have booked to spend at least two nights at either Akagera National Park or Nyungwe to be able to qualify. Tourists traveling in large numbers and attending a conference in Rwanda also qualify for the gorilla permit discount.

Purchase of the permit: The gorilla permit can be purchased directly from the Rwanda Development Board or from a trusted tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris which is the best option to use with all the years of experience we have in organizing safaris. Get in touch with the trek dates you have in mind and we will check for the availability of the permits on the said dates. Once we confirm the availability of the permits, you will be requested to make payments after you receive an invoice. The permits will be purchased on your behalf after payment and a copy sent to your email as proof of purchase. You will also be required to provide some information before the permits are purchased and these are your passport for age verification, name and passport number, and the number of permits to be purchased.

Rwanda has come up with ways in which the Mountain gorillas are to be protected and to be able to promote Eco-friendly gorilla trek safaris in Volcanoes National Park, the Rwanda Development Board has put rules and regulations that all tourists follow when trekking gorillas in the park and these include:

• The minimum trekking age limit for gorillas in Rwanda is 15 years and anyone above 15 can engage in gorilla trekking. Using your passport, your age will be verified before issuing a gorilla trek permit to you.
• Volcanoes National Park has to be kept clean at all times and in case you go with any rubbish, make sure that you take it with you after your one hour with the gorillas.
• If you are sick, you will not be allowed to trek the gorillas and this is one of how human to gorilla infections are being prevented.
• A distance of 7 meters has to be kept all the time when with the gorillas.
• A maximum of 8 people are to trek an individual gorilla family per day.
• Feeding gorillas has been prohibited. Gorillas are wild animals and need to find for themselves instead of depending on humans and it also lessens the likelihood of poisoning the Mountain gorillas.
• No one is allowed to eat and drink when with the gorillas.
• Never approach or touch the gorillas
• Smoking is not allowed
• Flash photography when taking photos of the gorillas is not allowed
• Dig a hole of 30cm to use as a toilet in case you need to go and cover it up well after use.
• All trek groups have an hour with the gorillas after finding them.
• You have to keep the National park clean at all times and this is because the rubbish can make the gorillas sick all tourists are advised to carry all the rubbish with them as they leave the national park.

When to go for an Eco-friendly gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is an all-year-round gorilla trekking destination but the best time to go for the Eco-friendly gorilla safari is during the drier months/ season from June to September and December to February. The dry months have the best weather for trekking for example the trekking routes during this time are much easier to use and due to the thinning out of the vegetation, gorillas can easily be spotted. The low/ rainy season is a good time due to the low cost of the safari but be ready for the slippery routes, mud, and rain.

What to bring for your Eco-friendly gorilla safari in Volcanoes

When planning an Eco-friendly gorilla safari, some items shouldn't miss out on your list and that is why we have come up with an essential packing list for your Volcanoes Eco-friendly safari. Below is a list of items/essential things that are needed.

• Long-sleeved neutral-colored shirts, offer protection from insect bites, sun, and scratches from the trees during the trek and also keep you warm during the cold weather. They should be in neutral color because you easily blend in with the forest and the other brightly colored clothes attract too much attention and blue is associated with attracting tsetse flies.
• Neutral colored long pants which are well-fitting and not jeans. Jeans get heavy when trekking and will slow you down during the trek.
• Knee-length hike boots that are fitting and waterproof
• A refillable and foldable water bottle
• Snacks for when you get hungry but note that you will not be able to eat when with the gorillas but there are designated areas where you can stop for snacks when hungry.
• Garden gloves are a necessity. When trekking gorillas, you will be holding onto different shrubs and trees and the garden gloves will protect your hands from all that including thorns, scratches, and hand blisters.
• Thick socks will keep you warm throughout the trek and they are also used to protect you from insect crawls by tucking your trousers into the socks.
• A camera including other camera equipment and essentials like extra batteries, memory, extra lenses, and a tripod where you can
• Binoculars to help you spot gorillas and other wildlife in the national parks
• A first-aid kit
• Cash for shopping and tipping of the staff that help you around during the trekking exercise
• Adjustable gaiters
• A waterproof rain jacket to protect yourself from the rain during the trek

How many days are recommended for the Eco-friendly gorilla safari in Volcanoes?

The recommended days for an Eco-friendly gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park are three. These will give you ample time to trek and enjoy the endangered Mountain gorillas and at the same time participate in other gorilla-related activities which include the following:

Kwita Izina ceremony: This is usually carried out in September and many dignitaries are present for the ceremony including the president of Rwanda. During the ceremony, baby Mountain gorillas belonging to the different habituated families are named and this was introduced as a way of conserving and protecting the gorillas. You can participate in this wonderful ceremony if you plan your Eco-friendly gorilla safari within this period. It is a good way to also get to know more about the gorillas and the locals.

Visit the Dian Fossey grave: Dian Fossey introduced and helped in the conservation of the Mountain gorillas and her research has helped increase the number of Mountain gorillas in the world. She was killed by a poacher and was buried in the national park. 

Visit the Ibyiwacu village: The Ibyiwacu village is a reformation place where former poachers and other locals live helping with the conservation and protection of the Mountain gorillas. It is also the best place to learn about the Rwandan culture, enjoy the songs and traditional dance, and also be able to purchase souvenirs from the locals. 

Other Volcanoes National Park activities

Besides gorilla trekking, there are several other activities that you can carry out on your Eco-friendly gorilla safaris and these include Mountain hiking, a hike to the twin lakes, guided nature walks, and golden monkey trekking among others.

Where to stay during the Eco-friendly gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park

Discover the best accommodation facilities when you plan your gorilla trekking safari to Volcanoes National Park and this comes in three categories which are basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities. Rwanda has always marketed itself as a luxury gorilla trekking safari destination and some of the facilities to check out include the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, The Bishop’s House, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Amakoro Songa lodge, Lebambou Gorilla lodge, Davinci Gorilla Lodge, Tiloreza Eco Lodge, Villa Gorilla, La Locanda, Hotel Muhabura, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Faraja Hotel, and Garden Place Hotel among others.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park for the Eco-friendly safari

Volcanoes National Park is located 2 to 3 hours from Kigali and is easier to get to using 4x4 safari vehicles. The drive starts from Kigali International Airport or your hotel depending on your itinerary and it will take 2 to 3 hours to get to the National Park for the gorilla safari.

Eco-friendly gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park are one of how you will be able to contribute to the conservation of the park and the gorillas. We at Encounter Africa Safaris have experience in organizing gorilla safaris and our staff is always ready to answer any questions that you might have about the safari and help you in securing all that is needed to have a wonderful experience during your Eco safari.