Trekking to see mountain gorillas at a close distance in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda is one of the incredible and unique experience in the world. In the northwestern part of Rwanda, the park stretches over an area of 160 square kilometers of rainforests and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains and these are; Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. Bordering Virunga national park of Congo and Mgahinga Nnational Park of Uganda, Volcanoes Park is not only a home to the endangered mountain gorillas but also other species including; golden monkeys, and several bird species. As you are travelling to the park, here’s what you can generally expect during a gorilla trek;
Preparation and Briefing: Before the trek, you’ll receive a briefing from park officials. This typically covers safety guidelines, gorilla behavior protocols, and what to expect during the trek.
Group Allocation: Visitors are divided into small groups, each assigned a specific gorilla family to track. Groups are usually formed based on trekking difficulty preferences and fitness levels.
Starting the Trek: Gorilla trekking usually starts early in the morning. You’ll meet your guide and possibly armed guards at the park headquarters who will lead you into the forest in search of the gorillas.
Trekking Duration: The duration of the trek can vary widely depending on the location of the gorilla family you’re tracking. It can range from 1 to 6 hours or more, involving hiking through dense vegetation and steep terrain.
Encountering Gorillas: Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend a precious hour observing them in their natural habitat. Visitors are usually allowed to spend up to one hour in close proximity to the gorillas, although this can sometimes be shorter or longer depending on circumstances.
Observation: You’ll have the opportunity to observe the gorillas as they feed, play, groom, and interact with each other. This is an incredible chance to witness their behavior up close and capture photos.
Respectful Behavior: It’s important to follow the guidelines provided by the park authorities and your guide to ensure minimal disturbance to the gorillas and their habitat. This includes maintaining a safe distance, keeping quiet, avoiding flashlights, and refraining from making sudden movements.
Return Trek: After your time with the gorillas, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters. This may involve retracing your steps or taking a different route.
Debriefing and Certificate: At the end of the trek, there’s usually a debriefing session where you can share your experiences and ask questions. Visitors are often presented with a certificate to commemorate their gorilla trekking adventure.
Optional Activities: Depending on your itinerary and preferences, you may have the option to engage in additional activities such as visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb, exploring nearby villages, or participating in community experiences.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while contributing to their conservation efforts. It’s an experience that’s both exhilarating and deeply rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.