Affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park 2021- 2022
Affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda – A subspecies of the Eastern gorilla (the other being the lowland gorilla), the mountain gorilla is the largest primate in the world, and also one of the most endangered. Poaching and habitat destruction has led to a situation in which there are only 840 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, with the majority of these residing in Rwanda and Uganda.
Unlike the smaller primates that spend a great deal of their lives in trees, mountain gorillas are ground-dwellers who prefer to live in open canopy forests where light reaches the forest floor. They are herbivores whose diet consists of roots, leaves, vines, stems, and bamboo.
Despite being capable of bipedal movement, gorillas are predominantly knuckle walkers who move about on all fours. Females choose their breeding partners based on their ability to protect them, and groups of gorillas range in size from anywhere between a mated pair to up to thirty individuals. On average, ‘families’ of gorillas are comprised of nine gorillas.
Male mountain gorillas stand approximately six feet tall and can weigh up to 200 kilograms, while females are smaller at under five feet in height and weighing around 100kgs. Despite their size, mountain gorillas do not range widely, and tend to keep to a relatively small area of their habitat.
Best time for affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda
While it is possible to go gorilla trekking throughout the year, the dry season tends to be the best time to enjoy a gorilla trek. Not only does the wet season tend to make for more difficult hiking conditions, but the rain also encourages the gorillas to seek shelter – making them harder for you to observe.
Depending on the country you are in, wet season falls during different months.
Rwanda: The short wet season is from October to November, while the long wet season stretches from mid-March through to June.
Uganda: The wet seasons are March – May and September – November.
Congo: North of the equator, the wet season is April to October. South of the equator, wet season stretches from November to March.
Fitness & Health for affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda
It is not possible to predict ahead of time just how long you’ll be hiking before you encounter a gorilla family. Some people spend as little as 40 minutes hiking before they come across gorillas, while others can spend up to seven hours.
For this reason, it is recommended that all gorilla trekkers be in good physical and mental condition.
As gorillas are susceptible for human borne illnesses, you are not permitted to participate in a gorilla trek if you are sick.
Rules & Codes of Conduct
As gorillas are wild animals and an endangered species, there are a number of rules that must be followed when tracking them and observing them.
At all times, you must obey all instructions given by your guide. Your guide knows the gorillas very well, and will direct you as to where it is safe to stand.
Keep a minimum distance of 7 metres between you and the gorillas at all times.
If the dominant male gorilla (silverback) approaches you or charges aggressively, it is very important that you not back away. Remain where you are, low downward, and adopt a submissive, crouched posture.
Never make any sudden moves or loud noises.
If approached by a young gorilla, never touch it! Your touching a young gorilla might create a confrontation between your group and the dominant male.
If a gorilla stares at you, do not hold eye contact. Look away and down.
Never use a flash when photographing gorillas. Try to limit the number of photos you take.
You must be in good health when tracking gorillas. Gorillas are susceptible to human borne respiratory infections and you put them at risk if you visit them while ill.
Each gorilla family can be visited just once per day by groups of no more than eight people. Your time with the gorilla family is limited to a single hour.
Smoking, drinking, or eating are not permitted within 200 metres of a gorilla family.
Littering is strictly prohibited.
Children under the age of fifteen are not able to join a gorilla trekking safari.
While gorillas are not aggressive in the way that predators are, they are still wild animals capable of hurting people if they feel threatened. It is imperative that you follow all instructions your guide gives you.
As these are wild animals, we cannot guarantee that you will see them. While most groups do encounter a family group, we cannot give refunds if you do not spot the animals. The fee charged goes to the park for the ongoing conservation efforts.
What to Wear for your affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda
The hike through the rainforest to reach the gorillas can be strenuous, so it is important to dress appropriately and comfortably for the trek.
Due to the rugged nature of the land you’ll be passing through, it is advisable that you wear a long sleeved shirt, trousers, and a good pair of lightweight hiking boots to protect against scratches. You may also wish to wear protective gloves, although these are not necessary.
As temperatures can vary greatly during the day, it is also advisable to bring along a light jumper and a light, breathable rain jacket or poncho.
You’ll also wish to bring along a small backpack in which to store your extra clothing, water, lunch, and your photography equipment.
While on your gorilla trek, you should wear neutral colored clothing that is comfortable.
What to Bring for your gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National park
In addition to the aforementioned warm clothing and rain protection, there are a number of other handy things we recommend you bring along with you on your gorilla safari.
The below packing list is much the same as what you would bring along for a traditional game drive safari. A bag pack, A warm sweater or light fleece, A windbreaker or waterproof jacket, Walking shoes or boots, A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers, Sunglasses, Hat or a cap, Sunscreen and lip balm, Insect repellant, Camera, Binoculars, Batteries and/or charger for your camera, A flashlight or headlamp, Guide books, Phone and charger. Contact Great Adventure Safaris to book your affordable gorilla tracking in Rwanda in 2021 – 2022