Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda has become a popular safari and tour activity that the govermnment has even increased the cost of a gorilla permit from USD500.00 to USD 750.00./
There are only 700 mountain gorillas left in the world and Rwanda is the premier destination to track them. The Virunga volcanoes where Rwanda gorillas are is a 3 hour drive from Kigali, the capital. And the habituated gorilla groups are a little easier to reach from the Rwandan side, than those living in the same mountain range in Uganda and the DRC (just across the border). Tracking the gorillas takes some effort. The bush is thick with stinging and burning nettles, the slopes of the mountains are steep and muddy. But the hour you spend with the gorillas makes it more than worth the effort.
Rwanda has one park in the North of the country encompassing its share of the mountain gorilla population: the Virunga National Park or Parc National des Volcans (PNV). The park covers an area of about 46 square miles and encompasses six volcanoes. Despite the terrible genocide in the early 1990’s the country is fairly stable and the park permit system is running smoothly. The PNV was where Dian Fossey set up her base and research center. Tracking gorillas in the PNV is slightly less strenuous than at Bwindi since the gorillas move around a little less. The more open terrain also allows more light for better photo opportunities than in Bwindi.
GORILLA TRACKING RWANDA FACTS
Tracking Gorillas in Rwanda is slightly different from Uganda. In Uganda, you purchase gorilla permits for a given gorilla family and you will trek that family but in Rwanda, you are allocated a gorilla family to track depending on several factors. After briefing, tourists are categorised depending Age, fitness level and location of gorilla families.
GORILLA TRACKING PACKAGES
Gorilla Tracking Safari-3 Days
This gorilla safari is for those interested in gorilla trekking experience and have less time. These three days will take you to the jungle to look for the gorillas. It is also ideal for residents who can take off a weekend to track these great primates….Read on
Rwanda Gorilla Tour-5 Days
This five day gorilla tour goes beyond tracking mountain gorillas to include wildlife and culture. Kindly contact us for more about this gorilla trekking Rwanda safari….Read on