Reasons why trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Reasons why trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda – Many people always wonder why they should go and trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda despite having other cheaper options in the Democratic republic of Congo’s Virunga national park and Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
There are very few mountain gorillas left in the wild with limited home range only living in the Virunga massif and Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Before the completion of gorilla in 2019 mountain gorillas were regarded as critically endangered species however after the gorilla census reports were released in end of 2019 the gorilla population had gradually increased hence moving them from critically endangered species to endangered species.
It is believed now that there are over 1000 mountain gorillas living in the wild compared to the previous 880 mountain gorilla population.
Some of the key problems facing the mountain gorilla population are:
- Loss of habitat.
Before the park boundaries were marked the forest lost a lot of land to the farming near the slopes of volcanoes national park.
- poaching.
Up to date poaching for bush meat is still being experienced in the park usually the poachers are targeting antelopes and bush pigs but sometimes the gorillas fall victim of the traps.
- Ape trafficking.
This has really being a problem for Democratic republic of Congo where apes are trafficked as pets in homes and the zoos.
- political instabilities.
Political instabilities in the eastern democratic republic of Congo have greatly affected the gorilla conservation efforts as rangers have been attacked and killed.
- Human population.
The increase in human population is becoming a huge problem to the conservation as the human demands have gone up forcing the locals illegally enter national parks without permission to get resources like honey, wild fruits.
- Global warming.
Global warming effects have also affected the mountain gorillas through change of seasons which affects the food distribution in the park has changed and hardships have been in the feeding pattern of the mountain gorillas.
- Human and Animal conflict.
Increase in human and animal conflicts as animals move out of the park like the gorillas and elephants which destroy their food crops and there is no compensation for the losses involved and this has caused stain the conservation relations in the national parks.
- Fights among mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas being territorial they always have fights among themselves leading to death of individuals.
- Vulnerability of mountain gorilla babies.
The baby mountain gorillas are vulnerable during the acrobatic age where they swing on branches and sometimes they fall and die on spot.
- Wild fires.
Wild fires have also burned some parts of the forest which has affected the home range of the mountain gorilla.
- Human and animal infections.
Cases like scabies have been recorded in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park which has caused a big threat to the mountain gorilla health.
- Difficulties in funding.
During dry season mountain gorillas struggle to get food hence moving a lot and this affects their breeding circle.
- Low tourism turn up.
Some areas in Africa due to security have seen low number of tourist like Virunga national park which has made funding of the national park activities very hard.
Why trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
- Easy gorilla treks.
Rwanda’s volcanoes national park has one of the most easy gorilla treks in Africa as the habitat of the mountain gorillas in only as far as the bamboo zone.
- History of Rwanda.
Rwanda’s history of genocide has made it a popular destination to visit as the country has developed in a very short period visiting will help you understand the country more and meeting the beautiful people..
- improved tourism facilities.
The government of Rwanda has continuously encouraged investors to the country this has seen the introduction of chains of hotels like bisate, singita kwitonda and one and only lodges.
- Accessibility from Kigali.
Volcanoes national park is located 3 hours from the main capital making it one of the popular safari destinations in east Africa.
- Use of aviation.
Rwanda has continue expand its national carrier Rwanda air which has made the access easier for travelers.
- Safety.
Rwanda is one of the countries in east Africa with low crime rate making it preferred destination to visit.
- Marketing.
Rwanda development board has been investing in marketing the product through sports sponsorships and TV shows this has made it known to the outside world.
- Government efforts.
The government of Rwanda has been actively managing poaching activities in volcanoes national park this has seen the gorilla population increase.
- Topography.
The topography of volcanoes national park has made it accessible to older travelers and the unfit.
- Friendly people.
Rwandan people are now friendly after the genocide they united and now they are friendly people to visit.
Other tourist attractions.
Besides mountain gorillas you can see chimpanzees, golden monkeys or go on safari to Akagera national park may be if your beach holiday maker then Lake Kivu is your premier spot to do that.
Best time to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda is open for tourism all year round but the best months are June-September and from December –February. Great Adventure safaris gives you reasons why trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and we can secure gorilla permits for all travelers that confirm their gorilla trekking safaris with us.
