Unlike other Gorilla hosting destinations, a 1 Day Gorilla Trek is possible in Rwanda and is mostly perfect for visitors who are in the country a day before. It requires early pickup and drop off in the late evening.
Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes (Day Tour)
At 4:30 am early in the morning, our driver will meet you at the hotel, embark on the Safari vehicle and start the two-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.
On arrival, you can have breakfast in town and after proceed to the park headquarters for the morning briefing. After the briefing session and group allocation, the journey to the Jungle starts at exactly 8:30 a.m. in a group.
The 1 Day Gorilla Trek adventure is best done when a visitor is already in Rwanda since it requires an early pickup.
Trekkers often wander via trails that pass through lush vegetation, valleys and rolling hills up to the exact location of the Gorilla family you are tracing. Time taken and distance moved in the jungle depends on where these apes spent their last night.
After discovering the Gorillas, you are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour. Within this period of time, you will see Gorillas feeding, playing with colleagues, laughing and strolling around.
You are free to take plenty of photos and videos of these creatures. It’s advised that you come along with packed food and drinking water.
After one hour you will descend back to the Park offices. Transfer back to Kigali for drop-off at the airport or hotel for an overnight stay.
The Package Includes:
- One Gorilla permit
- Ground transportation.
- Airport drop.
- English-speaking driver guide.
- Breakfast & Packed Lunch.
It excludes:
- Visa Fees
- Luxury drinks
- Tipping Fees
- Other expenses are not indicated in the Package.
1 Day Gorilla Trek – Volcanoes The 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is an exhilarating and unique experience that offers visitors the chance to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This trek is designed for those who are short on time but eager to have an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect from this adventure:
Pre-Trek Preparation
– The trek begins early in the morning, typically around 4:30 to 5:00 AM, with a pick-up from your hotel in Kigali or a nearby location.
– The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
2. Arrival and Briefing at the Park Headquarters
– Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Kinigi, trekkers are welcomed with tea or coffee.
– The park rangers conduct a detailed briefing session covering the rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek.
– Trekkers are divided into groups, usually consisting of 8 people, and assigned a specific gorilla family to track. Groups are assigned based on fitness levels and preferences.
The Trekking Experience
1. Starting the Trek:
– Trekkers, along with a guide and armed rangers for protection, set off into the dense forest.
– The duration of the trek can vary significantly, ranging from 1 to 4 hours or more each way, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the difficulty of the terrain.
2. Navigating the Terrain
– The trek can be physically demanding, involving steep climbs, muddy paths, and dense vegetation.
– Porters are available for hire to assist with carrying bags and provide support during the trek.
3. Gorilla Tracking
– The guides communicate with trackers who are already in the forest locating the gorilla groups.
– Once the gorillas are found, the group approaches quietly and is allowed to spend one hour observing them.
Encounter with the Gorillas
1. Observation:
– Trekkers are instructed to maintain a safe distance (usually about 7 meters) from the gorillas.
– During the one-hour observation period, visitors can watch the gorillas feed, play, groom each other, and interact within their family group.
– Photography is allowed, but without flash, to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
2. Interaction Rules
– Trekkers must follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
– Talking should be kept to a minimum and done in whispers.
– Direct eye contact with the gorillas should be avoided as it can be seen as a challenge.
Post-Trek Activities
1. Return to the Park Headquarters:
– After the one-hour interaction, the group treks back to the starting point.
– Trekkers receive certificates of participation upon their return to the park headquarters.
2. Lunch and Return to Kigali
– A packed lunch is usually provided, or trekkers can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
– The return journey to Kigali typically concludes in the late afternoon or early evening.
Practical Information in gorilla trekking ways.
1. Permits
– A gorilla trekking permit is required and costs around $1,500 per person.
– Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance due to high demand.
2. What to Wear and Bring.
– Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against stinging nettles and insects.
– Sturdy hiking boots for navigating the rugged terrain.
– Rain jacket and hat, as the weather can be unpredictable.
– Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good camera with a telephoto lens for photography.
3. Physical Fitness.
– Trekkers should be in good physical condition as the hike can be strenuous.
– It is recommended to prepare with regular exercise prior to the trek.
Highlights and Unique Aspects
1. Unforgettable Wildlife Encounter:
– Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare and profound experience.
– The interaction is strictly controlled to ensure minimal impact on the gorillas.
2. Scenic Beauty
– Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including lush forests and volcanic mountains.
3. Contribution to Conservation
– The fees collected from gorilla trekking permits are used to fund conservation efforts and support local communities, helping to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Overall, the 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park is a well-organized and deeply enriching experience, providing an opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most endangered species while contributing to their preservation.
The 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is a thrilling and immersive experience, offering an up-close encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Here’s a detailed description and explanation of what to expect during this adventure:
Overview
Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is one of the few places in the world where you can observe mountain gorillas in the wild. This park is part of the Virunga Mountain range, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Itinerary
Early Morning Departure
– Start Time: The trek typically begins very early in the morning, around 4:30 AM, with a pick-up from your accommodation in Kigali or nearby areas.
– Drive to Volcanoes National Park:
The drive from Kigali to the park headquarters in Kinigi, takes approximately 2-3 hours. The journey offers scenic views of the Rwandan countryside, including rolling hills and lush landscapes.
Arrival at Park Headquarters
– Briefing Session: Upon arrival at the park headquarters, trekkers receive a briefing from park rangers about the guidelines and safety measures for gorilla trekking. This session usually starts around 7:00 AM.
– Group Assignment: Trekkers are divided into groups of 8, each group assigned to track a specific gorilla family. The assignments are based on fitness levels and preferences.
The Trek
– Start of the Trek: The actual trek begins around 8:00 AM. Depending on the location of the gorilla family, the trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours.
– Hiking Conditions: The hike can be challenging, involving steep climbs, dense vegetation, and varying weather conditions. Proper hiking boots and comfortable clothing are essential.
Encounter with Gorillas
– Duration: Once the gorilla family is located, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour observing these magnificent creatures.
– Observation: During this time, you can watch the gorillas engage in their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, grooming, and resting. The experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling, as you witness the close-knit family dynamics and behaviors of the gorillas.
Return Journey
– Hike Back: After the one-hour encounter, trekkers hike back to the starting point, where they receive a certificate of participation.
– Drive Back to Kigali: The return drive to Kigali concludes the day trip, arriving back in the city by late afternoon or early evening.
What to Bring
– Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against nettles and insect bites.
– Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
– Rain Gear: The weather can be unpredictable, so carrying a waterproof jacket or poncho is advisable.
– Water and Snacks: It’s important to stay hydrated and energized, so bring plenty of water and some high-energy snacks.
– Camera and Binoculars: To capture the incredible sights, though flash photography is not allowed.
Key Highlights
– Unique Wildlife Experience: Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, and seeing them in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.
– Scenic Beauty: The trek offers stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and lush, green landscapes.
– Cultural Insight: The experience also provides insight into the conservation efforts and the importance of gorilla tourism to the local communities.
Conservation and Community Impact
Gorilla trekking permits are expensive (around $1,500 per person as of 2024), but the fees play a crucial role in funding conservation efforts and supporting local communities. The high cost helps limit the number of visitors, reducing the impact on the gorillas and their habitat.
Tips for a Successful Trek
– Fitness Preparation: Being in good physical condition will enhance your trekking experience, as the hike can be strenuous.
– Respect Guidelines: Follow all instructions from the guides and maintain a respectful distance from the gorillas to ensure their safety and yours.
– Be Patient and Positive: The trek’s duration and difficulty can vary, so staying patient and maintaining a positive attitude will help you enjoy the experience fully.
The 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and witness one of the world’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.
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