Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Embarking on Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park – Unveiling Rwanda’s Africa Gorilla Safaris

Prepare for an extraordinary adventure as you plan your Rwanda Gorilla safari to the renowned Volcanoes National Park. Trek Africa Expeditions is your companion in this detailed travel guide, ensuring a seamless and memorable Gorilla encounter. Delve into the intricacies of Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park to enhance your experience and eliminate any potential disappointments.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

As you set out for your Gorilla tracking excursion in Rwanda, be sure to carry your Gorilla permit and all essential gear, including gloves, trekking boots, long-sleeved wear, rain jackets, snacks, packed lunch, and a walking stick. The day begins with a visit to the park headquarters for an early morning pre-tracking briefing conducted by park officials. During this briefing, your Gorilla permits are crosschecked with your passports to ensure validity.

As part of the experience, indulge in a cup of tea or coffee while enjoying traditional Kinyarwanda dance performances, setting a vibrant tone for the exciting yet strenuous day ahead. Subsequently, a ranger guide will provide essential tips on conduct during the trek.

Following safety measures and a briefing on what to anticipate, participants are grouped into maximum-sized groups of 8 individuals. Each group is assigned a specific Gorilla family to track, and Rwanda boasts 10 Gorilla families, allowing 10 groups to track on a given day.

Group Assignments Based on Fitness and Age

Group assignments are influenced by the fitness and age of participants. Those above 45 years or with lower fitness levels are typically assigned Gorilla families closer to the trailheads, ensuring a less strenuous trek. However, participants with specific preferences for particular groups can communicate with their guides to negotiate assignments.

As wild animals, Gorillas may not always be found in predictable locations, even for groups assigned to less challenging treks. The unpredictability adds to the excitement, making each tracking experience unique.

Tracking Team Composition and Safety Measures

Each Gorilla tracking group comprises a main guide and two scouts armed with AK-47 guns—one leading and another trailing the group. The scouts serve as protection against potential threats from wild elephants or agitated Gorillas. While firing shots is rare, it is a safety measure, and the National Park prioritizes ensuring the safety of visitors.

Additionally, each group has a pair of trackers sent out early in the morning to locate the specific Gorilla family and assess their movements. Trackers communicate this information to the guide, helping determine the best approach to meet the Gorilla family.

Hiking to Find the Gorillas

The duration of the hike to locate the mountain Gorillas varies, ranging from 30 minutes to five to seven hours, depending on the animals’ location. The forest terrain is characterized by hills, steep volcano slopes, and an absence of discernible trekking paths. Participants may need to ascend steep grades by grasping onto branches, roots, and bushes. Guides provide directions on the best paths to take, and participants are encouraged to communicate their need for breaks.

Carrying energy-giving snacks and bottled water is advisable to combat fatigue and stay hydrated during the trek.

Actual Encounter with the Gorillas

Upon finding the Gorilla family, a countdown begins. Participants are advised to remain quiet, move slowly, and avoid sudden movements to avoid disturbing the Gorillas. Sitting down and avoiding direct eye contact is recommended, as direct eye contact may be perceived as a threat.

While the encounter unfolds, participants can observe the Gorillas feeding, resting, moving, or playing in the trees. Photography is encouraged, but flashlights and sounds should be avoided to prevent irritation. The recommended distance to maintain from the Gorillas is no shorter than 7 meters, and participants must stay close to the guide, following instructions diligently.

Trackers clear the brush with machetes to provide a clearer and closer look at the Gorillas, allowing participants to witness their grace and peaceful nature.

For tailor-made Gorilla safaris and tours in Rwanda and Uganda, reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions for comprehensive information on booking Gorilla permits and planning your unforgettable Gorilla trip.