Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, and it’s an experience that should not be missed by anyone who loves nature and adventure.
Gorillas are fascinating creatures and are considered to be one of our closest relatives. They share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them not only fascinating to watch but also quite relatable. There are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and Rwanda is home to over a third of them. This makes Rwanda one of the best places to go gorilla trekking.
When to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the trails are drier and easier to navigate, and the gorillas tend to stay closer to the trails. However, it’s still important to be prepared for rain as the weather can be unpredictable.
How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is not for the faint of heart, and it’s important to be prepared physically and mentally for the experience. You will need to be in good physical condition as the trek can be quite strenuous. It’s also important to bring appropriate clothing and gear, such as sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a rain jacket, and a backpack with plenty of water and snacks.
You will also need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Permits are limited to a certain number of visitors per day and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s important to book your permit well in advance to ensure that you don’t miss out on this incredible experience.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
On the day of your gorilla trek, you will meet your guide and trekking group at the park headquarters. Your guide will give you a brief on what to expect during the trek, including safety precautions and what to do when you encounter the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you will be visiting.
When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will be asked to keep a safe distance from them, but you will still be close enough to see them up close and personal. The gorillas are used to human visitors, and as long as you follow your guide’s instructions, you should have no problem getting close to them.
It’s important to note that gorilla trekking is a conservation effort, and it’s important to follow the rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the gorillas. This includes not approaching the gorillas too closely or attempting to touch them.
Final Thoughts
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an experience of a lifetime that is not to be missed. It’s an opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat. However, it’s important to be prepared physically and mentally for the trek and to follow the rules and guidelines set forth by the Rwanda Development Board. With the right preparation and mindset, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
