3-day gorilla trekking Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

1. Introduction

1.1. Discover the Beauty of Rwanda

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is a country of unparalleled beauty, boasting diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and abundant wildlife. From its verdant rainforests to its rolling hills and picturesque lakes, Rwanda captivates visitors with its natural splendor and rich biodiversity.

1.2. The Fascinating World of Gorillas

Among Rwanda’s most iconic inhabitants are the mountain gorillas, a species shrouded in mystery and revered for their intelligence, strength, and familial bonds. These gentle giants inhabit the dense forests of the Virunga Mountains, where they live in close-knit family groups, foraging for food and raising their young amidst the lush vegetation.

1.3. Overview of the 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Embarking on a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda offers adventurers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating world of these majestic creatures. Over the course of three days, trekkers will journey into the heart of the Rwandan wilderness, guided by experienced trackers and park rangers, to witness firsthand the wonders of mountain gorilla conservation and habitat preservation.

2. Preparation for the Trek

2.1. Obtaining the Necessary Permits

The first step in preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda is securing the necessary permits. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and grant visitors access to the designated gorilla trekking areas within the country’s national parks. Due to the limited number of permits available each day, it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure availability.

2.2. Packing Essentials for the Trek

Packing the right gear and essentials is essential for a successful gorilla trekking experience. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is recommended, along with sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and a daypack to carry essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Additionally, trekkers should pack a camera or smartphone to capture memories of their encounters with the gorillas.

2.3. Understanding the Trekking Guidelines

Gorilla trekking is governed by strict guidelines designed to protect both the gorillas and the trekkers. These guidelines include rules on maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, refraining from making loud noises or sudden movements, and minimizing impact on their habitat. It is crucial for trekkers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and adhere to them throughout the trek.

2.4. Physical Fitness and Training Tips

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, requiring trek through rugged terrain and dense vegetation for several hours at a time. While no special skills or expertise are required, trekkers should be reasonably fit and able to hike for extended periods at high altitudes. Engaging in regular exercise, such as hiking, jogging, or cycling, can help improve endurance and prepare trekkers for the challenges of the expedition.

3. The Gorilla Trekking Experience

On the third and most anticipated day, travelers will have the chance to encounter the spectacular mountain gorillas; an experience that will remain with them forever. Before the trek, travelers are assembled for a briefing by the rangers at the Kinigi Park Headquarters. This is an opportunity for travelers to ask questions and to be briefed on the proper etiquette and safety measures when encountering the gorillas.

Once this is done, the rangers will then assign each traveler’s group a family of the gorillas to track. This is usually determined based on the physical ability of the travelers and it helps to make sure that people are able to keep up with the gorillas as they travel in search of food throughout the park. From the briefing point, it’s either a short or a long drive to the starting point of the gorilla trek depending on where the gorillas spent the last night. Visiting the gorillas, although the time can vary, usually takes a few hours and so travelers should have returned from the trek by lunchtime.

The trek to find the gorillas may take anything from 30 minutes to 3 hours in open terrain or dense forest and travelers should be prepared to be able to walk at least 3 hours. The rangers and guides are all very experienced when it comes to gorilla trekking and they have a very high success rate in terms of finding the different gorilla families. All the guides are from the local community and have gone through a national training program to become a guide. They all speak good English and this helps create a seamless experience for travelers. Also, don’t be surprised if the guides start to sing local folk songs; it is normal and shows the appreciation of receiving visitors! The trek is not just about gorillas.

3.1. Day 1: Arrival and Briefing

Day 1 is finally here – the start of the much anticipated gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda. Upon arrival at the Kigali International Airport, travelers are greeted by the friendly guide, who is a local expert in wildlife and nature, as well as experienced in organizing and leading trekking tours. The guide is easily recognizable, holding a sign with the travelers’ names on it. After a warm welcome and introduction, the guide leads the way to the vehicle, which is already loaded with luggage. The group members help each other and ensure everyone gets on board, then the guide sets off for the first stop of the trip – the famous Volcanoes National Park.

The road journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, snaking through beautiful landscapes and rural villages. Upon arrival at the lodge, which is the accommodation for the next 3 days, travelers are invited for a briefing by the park warden. The briefing covers general park rules, the “dos and don’ts” during gorilla treks, as well as valuable safety information. It plays a crucial part in setting the right expectation and ensuring travelers are well prepared both mentally and physically for the adventure, especially the challenging gorilla trek the following day.

After the briefing, travelers then have free time to explore the lodge and take a good rest, or enjoy an optional activity like a village tour or an Iby’Iwacu cultural visit. The first day provides a smooth start to the trip, giving travelers an opportunity to get a feel of the incredible Rwanda countryside and a good night sleep at the foothill of the park, where the journey for encountering the mountain gorillas begins.

3.2. Day 2: Venturing into the Wilderness

The next day begins even earlier. Travelers are advised to have a good breakfast before setting off, as the day will be packed with activities. At 5:30 am, it is time to embark on a thrilling drive to the national park. The estimated time of arrival will largely depend on the location and accessibility of the home of the gorilla family that travelers will be tracking on that particular day. The journey to the starting point of the trek can be an adventure in itself. For example, for those who will be trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the excursion will involve driving through the bustling local markets of Musanze, the second largest city in Rwanda and located just outside the park.

This presents a great opportunity for travelers to witness day-to-day life in a Rwandan town. The vibrant and lively scenes of the market offer moments for reflection on how the locals maintain their unique traditions and way of life. Different travel companies may arrange for different experiences on the starting part of the day 2, and the above description provides a general idea of what to expect. One of the best things that I have always enjoyed about the day 2 itinerary is the fact that it does not just provide a practical guideline to the gorilla trekking day; it also allows travelers to learn about and appreciate Rwandan culture and people.

Besides the scenario in Musanze, the day 2 adventure also includes a basic house visit in a rural village to see first-hand how some of the locals live and a chance to interact with the village kids and pay a visit to the village’s nursery school as well. Such visits help travelers to understand and appreciate the way of life, challenges and joy experienced by Rwandans outside the confinement of the national park and luxurious city lives. By blending such cultural and community encounters to the day’s main highlight of gorilla trekking, the overall experience of the adventure is enriched.

One could gain not just a closer appreciation of mother nature through walking in the lush foot slopes of Virunga or the bamboo-strewn interweaving jungle paths but also enjoy a sense of cultural immersion and understanding, a more fulfilling and sustainable way of experiencing the adventure for the body, mind and soul.

3.3. Day 3: Encounter with the Majestic Gorillas

After the briefing, we were put into groups of 8 and allocated a Gorilla group to track. The group was also introduced to our ranger guide. The guides are extremely important for several reasons including the fact that they will lead the trek and are so experienced in finding and interacting with Gorilla families. I also got the chance to ask them many questions although I found most of the information I needed was covered during the briefing. I must say, the second day in the Rwandan bush was also one of the most amazing and unforgettable days I have ever spent in Africa.

The actual Gorilla encounter was such an uplifting and positive experience and I would urge anyone who is thinking of doing this tour, do it! The altitude, the challenging trek and the suspense make sense when you finally find the gentle giants. All the ache and discomfort is forgotten and you just have to be in that moment. Seeing the Gorillas and watching them feed, groom and play right in front of you provides such an intimate and joyous experience. We were only allowed to stay for 1 hour in the company of Gorillas so as not to overwhelm them. It is just right.

After coming back to the hotel from the trek and saying goodbye to our ranger guide, we were refreshed with hot showers and a cold beer! We got a chance to chill and chat and of course, everybody was so keen to share our experiences of the day. The sense of achievement was high and we could not stop smiling or talking about the wonderful things we had witnessed. The lead guide Shaun was very pleased with our ‘success’ of the day too. He came to each of us in the bar area and offered us friendly handshakes. We were presented with a group certificate from his company to acknowledge that everybody finished the trek. It was a very kind gesture and now this certificate is on the wall in my study. Such unforgettable and beautiful memories!

Early morning wake-up alarm, followed by a good breakfast and preparation for the trek. Around 06:00 hrs, our tour guide comes to pick us for the drive to the park headquarters for a briefing at 07:00 hrs. I must say, I found the mist that is characteristic of the Virunga mornings to be quite amazing. It gives such a beautiful and surreal atmosphere.

3.4. Capturing Memories: Photography Tips

It is important to capture gorilla trekking memories on camera to share with family and friends. While taking pictures can be challenging in the dark, jungle-like conditions, there are several steps that can be taken to maximize the chances of getting some great shots. First and foremost, travelers do not need to be professional photographers to take great pictures. Ensure that the camera is charged for the big day and the night before. It is also a good idea to clear the memory card and keep the camera battery warm with body heat. It can be very cold at altitude and, especially in the early morning, batteries can die quickly.

When trekking and spending an hour with the gorillas, piles in the park have finally turned and travelers can take their ‘real’ camera out and start snapping. Remember that sometimes the light conditions may be quite very low inside the forest and travelers should take pictures much as closer to the gorillas as they can to avoid excess camera shake. The park rules, and guidelines and instructions from the rangers and guidelines should be followed while taking the photos. All visitor are supposed to switch off the flash while taking the photos but the use of flashlight for seeing battery status of the camera is allowed. Photography is an ideal way for preserving the memories of a gorilla trekking tour.

The professional photographers can follow the gorillas while taking their pictures and thereafter register their work for sale but this is an activity that is typically limited to only a few people in the entire gorilla group. A maximum number of eight visitors may visit a group of habituated gorillas in a day. In doing so, they also get the opportunity to learn about the habitat and behavior of the great apes and about the conservation issues that relate to the gorillas and their fragile ecosystem. Capturing the moments on the camera during the one hour with the gorillas is an exciting and fantastic experience. The benefit of trekking in Uganda for gorillas is that there are very many habituated gorilla groups and this gives travelers chance to tailor their trekking tours according to their special interest like whether they are trekkers or photographers.

3.5. Interacting with Local Communities

In addition to wildlife, the trip also offers a valuable opportunity for interacting with local communities in Rwanda. “I think it’s a very important part of people’s experiences,” says Daniel, “because I believe that it gives a really good idea of what the country is.” To some people, however, visiting local communities raises questions about the ethics and impacts of such encounters. A good example is the way we interact with the local communities in Rwanda when we take people to see the gorillas. As Rwanda’s tourism industry has developed over the years, there has been growing awareness and recognition of the importance of visiting local communities and the role they play in the experiences that tourists have in the country.

However, just because visiting local communities is now a part of many tour itineraries and is promoted by the Rwandan government does not mean that everyone agrees with it. When gorilla trekking first started in Rwanda, the contact between the primates and humans was a major concern to conservationists. Local communities, through methods such as beekeeping and making and distributing crafts, as well as the income they receive from tourism, do a great deal to support and reach conservation aims. “The money that comes from the local communities, the larger proportion of it goes to the park to support the conservation of the endowed wildlife in Rwanda,” explains patrol guide Ernest.

He also adds that, “We believe that by involving local people in different activities, they will become a part of the conservation together with their future children and the future generation.” For tourists, the opportunity to visit local communities is clearly beneficial in terms of providing an insight into Rwandan cultures and tradition. Rosa and Malte, who joined a group gorilla trekking tour in Germany and travelled to Rwanda, agreed that the experience of visiting with local communities was a highlight of their trip.

“You do more than just look at animals. You actually learn about the country and the people, and I think it’s a really important aspect of the whole trip, not just the gorillas,” says Malte. “The families are very cheerful and so welcoming, which makes it a worthwhile experience when you visit these people,” Rosa adds. “You see all these handicrafts on the streets in Kigali, but once you visit the families and see it in person and see how it’s made, it’s just an eye-opener for everything,” she explains.

However, Daniel warns that it is also important for visitors to be culturally sensitive and behave appropriately. “If you’re taking photos of people, especially with children, and they’re saying no, don’t take a picture, then you should respect that, really.” He suggests that it is always better to engage with the local communities rather than just being an observer. “People want to actually say something about their culture or about their own situation in life to someone who is visiting them. So don’t be afraid to answer questions.” He believes that such meaningful interactions will definitely enrich the experience for both visitors and the local people.

4. Conclusion

4.1. Reflecting on an Unforgettable Journey

As the gorilla trekking adventure draws to a close, trekkers are left with lasting memories of their time spent in the Rwandan wilderness. From the thrill of encountering gorillas in their natural habitat to the warmth of Rwandan hospitality, the experience leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who embark on this journey. Trekkers reflect on the unique bond formed with these magnificent creatures and the profound impact of witnessing their beauty and resilience in the wild.

4.2. Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda not only provides an extraordinary travel experience but also plays a crucial role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered animals. By supporting responsible tourism practices and sustainable development initiatives, travelers contribute to the preservation of Rwanda’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. The revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits helps fund conservation projects, habitat restoration efforts, and community development initiatives, ensuring the long-term survival of mountain gorillas and their ecosystems.

4.3.Planning Your Next Adventure

As trekkers bid farewell to Rwanda, they are already dreaming of their next adventure. Whether it’s exploring the diverse landscapes of Africa, embarking on a wildlife safari, or trekking to other gorilla habitats in neighboring countries, the spirit of adventure continues to beckon. The gorilla trekking experience serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel and the profound connections forged with nature and fellow travelers along the way. With memories of Rwanda’s breathtaking beauty and the enchanting presence of mountain gorillas still fresh in their minds, trekkers eagerly begin planning their next expedition, fueled by the promise of new discoveries and unforgettable experiences awaiting them on their journey.