All you need to know before booking Rwanda gorilla safari

All you need to know before booking Rwanda gorilla safari – Volcanoes national park

All you need to know before booking Rwanda gorilla safari – Gorillas in Rwanda are found in Parc National des Volcans which is located in the Virunga and is joined with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park. Gorilla tracking safaris to Rwanda have become a household name in Rwanda because of the nature of vegetation and terrain and its proximity to Kigali International Airport. Visiting Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills you should not miss out on the magnificent opportunity to visit Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans consisting of 125 kilometres squared of mountain forest and home to the six Virunga Volcanoes and the world famous Mountain Gorillas.

The forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriate dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable Gorilla tracking wildlife experience in the world. The exhilarating climb to the shady bamboo forest the natural habitat to the Gorillas offers fantastic views in all directions before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest alive with the calls of colourful bird species and the chattering of the rare Golden monkeys.

Parc National des Volcans is protected and managed by Rwanda Development Board and its access begins in Musanze town situated at the base of the entrance of the National Park. Musanze town has for long been the base point for Gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Mgahinga and Mount Muhabura volcanoes.

Musanze town is a two hours’ drive from Kigali the capital of Rwanda. One can choose to either hire a private vehicle or use public buses to get to Musanze town and if you intend to make a mountain Gorilla visit you will need to organise your own transport from Musanze town to the National Park boundary where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town. This town is also only 45-minutes’ drive away from Gisenyi town and the stunning Lake Kivu.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits Fee

Rwanda Gorilla tracking permits costs USD1500 per person per trek and this allows you one hour staying with the Mountain Gorillas in the jungle when you meet them. One your Gorilla tracking day you will have to join the briefing at the National Park offices at 7:00am.

Health Rules

Mountain Gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases and the following rules are ways to minimise the risk your visit might poses to them.

Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the Gorillas each day. This minimises the risk of disease transmission and stress to that particular Gorilla family.

In case you feel like coughing or sneezing when you are near the Gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimise the spread of bacteria or viruses.

If you feel sick or you have a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you or you will be refunded.

Always keep the recommended distance of seven metres from the Gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.

Kindly do not litter in the forest as this can harbour diseases or other contaminants to the Mountain Gorillas.

If you need to use a toilet while in the forest, please ask the ranger guide to dig you a hole with his machete. Make sure that the hole is 30 cent metres deep and fill it in after using it.

What to bring on your Gorilla Safari.

You need to bring comfortable hiking shoes suitable for muddy slopes.

Come with some ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the forest sounds.

Your lodge will provide you with a packed lunch and enough drinking water.

Carry a rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat and an insect repellent.

Bring a photo or a film camera. Using flashlight is not allowed when you are with the Gorillas.

Contact Great Adventure Safaris for more information about all you need to know before booking Rwanda gorilla safari and we help you plan your Gorilla safari well.