What are the Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas?

Unlocking the Mysteries: What are the Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas?

What are the Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas? — This is a common inquiry for those embarking on the mesmerizing adventure of gorilla tracking in this remarkable destination. Nestled just 2 hours away from the Rwandan capital, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park stands as a haven for wild apes, forming part of the Virunga Trans-boundary tourism zone alongside Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Spanning an area of 160 sq kms, Volcanoes National Park is home to approximately 11 gorilla families available for tracking in Rwanda. Managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), this national park plays a pivotal role in contributing to Rwanda’s economy, with tourism being a major income generator.

Explore beyond gorilla tracking by discovering other national parks in Rwanda, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks; Akagera National Park, celebrated for its boat safaris, game drives, walking safaris, and birding safaris; and Gishwati National Park, awaiting its grand opening for tourism, housing chimpanzees and golden monkeys.

Securing a Rwanda gorilla permit, priced at USD 1500 per permit, grants you the privilege of spending an hour with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Gorilla Tracking Experience in Volcanoes National Park: A Step-by-Step Exploration

Understanding how gorilla tracking unfolds in Volcanoes National Park is essential for maximizing your safari experience. The process commences with dedicated trackers entering the rainforest early in the morning. Subsequently, tourists receive a briefing at the park headquarters, where they are grouped into family units, with a maximum of 8 individuals per group. As you embark on your trek, your assigned ranger guide communicates with the trackers, determining the gorillas’ overnight location. The trek’s route is contingent on the gorillas’ whereabouts.

Unveiling the Reality: Exceeding 99% Probability of Spotting Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda

In reality, the chances of spotting mountain gorillas during your gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda exceed an impressive 99%. This remarkable success rate is attributed to the well-coordinated tracking process, ensuring an immersive encounter with these majestic creatures.

Factors Influencing a Slight Reduction in Gorilla Sighting Chances Below 99%

While the chances of seeing gorillas are overwhelmingly high, a few factors may contribute to a slight reduction below the 99% mark:

1. Availability of Food: Gorilla movements are closely linked to food distribution. During dry seasons with limited food resources, less fit tourists may face challenges keeping pace, potentially affecting the trek.
2. Interaction with Another Gorilla Group: Gorillas are territorial, particularly dominated by adult males. When two gorilla families encounter each other, the weaker silverback or blackback may move far beyond their usual home range. This increased distance can pose challenges for trackers, impacting the ease of locating the gorillas.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we provide detailed insights into the chances of encountering mountain gorillas, and with the assistance of our advanced tracking teams, travelers consistently witness these magnificent creatures during their safari adventures.