Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Arusha
Organizing a gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda from Arusha, Tanzania. Assume you intend to embark on a gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda beginning from Arusha, Tanzania. Consequently, you are required to acquire a Rwanda gorilla permit and an East African visa, if necessary, prior to entering both nations. Tanzania and Rwanda are both members of the East African Community; thus, acquiring the East African Visa grants admission to these two nations without the necessity of separately applying for each country’s entry visa.
The gorilla permit serves as the access credential for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, particularly within Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is one of the rare habitats of the sole surviving mountain gorillas globally. Fifteen gorilla licenses are available for public reservation in Rwanda, totaling ninety-six permits every day.
Transportation is required to go from Arusha, Tanzania, to Kigali Airport, followed by a journey to Volcanoes National Park. Air travel is the most efficient means to circumvent the lengthy journey from Arusha to Rwanda.
Daily international flights operate from Dar-es-Salaam International Airport to Kigali Airport, from which a three-hour drive leads to Volcanoes National Park. Charter flight services operate from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park for anyone seeking a private gorilla safari experience in Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Arusha, Possessing a gorilla permit is the sole assurance for participating in a gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. The Rwanda Development Board is the authority responsible for the sale and regulation of gorilla permits. It is essential to obtain a Rwanda gorilla permit in advance because to strong demand and limited availability, with a maximum of 8 permits allocated per gorilla family per day. This initiative aims to save mountain gorillas, as they may be intimidated by large people and the detrimental impacts of mass tourism on their habitat.
Plan Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Arusha, Tanzania
Acquire a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
The gorilla permit is essential for coordinating gorilla safaris in Rwanda. A Gorilla permit is a document that permits travelers to spend one hour with fully habituated mountain gorillas. Rwanda gorilla permits are restricted to a maximum of eight per group, resulting in rapid sell-outs, particularly during the peak tourism season.
It is advisable to obtain your gorilla permits at least 6 months to a year in advance to prevent last-minute anxiety while attempting to acquire a permit. Determine a date for gorilla trekking and the individuals accompanying you, then verify permit availability. Upon discovering the availability of gorilla permits, it is important to obtain the permit promptly, as their status can fluctuate rapidly.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Arusha, Gorilla permits can be obtained through Gorilla Trekking In Africa as we are among the few acknowledged companies with access to the Rwanda Development Board’s Gorilla permit list. We can assist you with organizing your gorilla safari, including the procurement of gorilla permits, hotels, ground transportation, airport transfers, and pre-tour lodging. You may also inquire directly with the Rwanda Development Board.
Reserve Accommodations for Rwanda Gorilla Safari
Following the acquisition of the gorilla permit in Rwanda, the next priority is obtaining accommodation. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda commences early in the morning with a briefing, necessitating accommodation inside or near Volcanoes National Park. This is to prevent the necessity of waking early and driving in darkness to attend the morning briefing at ORTPN.
Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of lodging options classified as Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget. Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Hotel Muhavura, La Palme Hotel, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Mille Collines
Secure Transportation to Volcanoes National Park
From Kigali Airport, it is approximately a three-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern region of Rwanda. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the countryside roads as you near the park. During the intense rainy season, the terrain becomes saturated and treacherous when approaching Volcanoes National Park. You navigate winding roads as Rwanda is a country of a thousand hills. Chartering from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park is an option for those seeking a private and luxurious gorilla safari experience in Rwanda.
Schedule Supplementary Activities to Accompany Gorilla Trekking
In addition to the Gorilla trekking experience, Rwanda offers various other activities for participation. The Rwanda safari activities encompass game drives in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, a canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park, a visit to a genocide memorial, a boat ride on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, and a tour of Kigali city, among others.
If you have more time during your stay in Rwanda, our safari specialist can assist you in building an itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule.
What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda?
The cost of gorilla licenses in Rwanda is $1500 per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents, and $300 for East African residents.
Rwanda gorilla permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak season, Rwanda gorilla permits are sold out prior to the season due to their restricted availability. For conservation purposes, a maximum of 8 permits are available for public reservation each day. A reduced number of individuals permitted in the forest results in an increased availability of food for the mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas consume foliage, with bamboo as a preferred delicacy, along with seasonal fruits, sprouts, tubers, soft stems, and other vegetation suitable for their palate. Their daily visit count is therefore limited.
What does the cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda encompass?
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda from Arusha: The purchase of a gorilla permit for Rwanda includes ranger guide fees, park admission fees, a certificate post-gorilla safari, local community assistance, security throughout the gorilla tour, government tax, and contributions to mountain gorilla conservation.
What is not included in the cost of the gorilla permit for Rwanda? The purchase of the gorilla permit does not include snacks for re-energizing during the gorilla safari, accommodation, gratuities, porter fees, or any other personal expenses.
Is the Expense of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit Justifiable?
Gorilla trekking is a commendable endeavor for generating funds through the sale of gorilla licenses. These money are allocated to facilitate the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat. Mountain gorillas are among the most critically endangered primates globally, according to a census conducted in the 1980s by American primatologist Dian Fossey. One method of supporting mountain gorilla conservation initiatives involved the sale of gorilla licenses, facilitating human engagement with the jungle, where mountain gorillas excel.
Every dollar expended on a gorilla safari is effectively allocated towards essential initiatives, including habitat patrols, mountain gorilla healthcare, ranger guide training, community education, and numerous other endeavors. Conservation measures for mountain gorillas have proven effective, as the current census indicates a population of over 1,000 individuals, up from 300 in the 1980s.
Is gorilla trekking in Rwanda physically demanding?
The terrain of the Virunga region is predominantly mountainous due to volcanic activity. Volcanoes National Park has five volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, Mount Karisoke, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo.
The highlands affect the geography of Volcanoes National Park and the habitat of the mountain gorillas. Occasionally, one must trek to locate areas where the mountain gorillas might be resting or foraging.
A certain level of fitness is necessary to navigate the hazards of the jungle. Engaging a porter to transport your gorilla safari equipment will save excessive fatigue during your trip to locate the mountain gorillas. The porter can assist you by providing a push if you become fatigued during the hike. Request a walking stick for additional help throughout your trip to locate the mountain gorillas. Additionally, choose appropriate gorilla safari attire to safeguard your feet from injury while traversing the jungle. During the gorilla safari, the ranger guides navigate the route to facilitate your trip in search of the mountain gorillas. The jungle is dense with thick foliage, particularly creepers that envelop hills, complicating access to the potential locations of the mountain gorillas.
Are mountain gorillas in Rwanda hostile?
Mountain gorillas are tranquil primates despite their intimidating appearance. Mountain gorillas possess substantial physiques characterized by black, hairy integuments. They ambulate using knuckle movement, which is extremely intimidating at first glance. During your time with the mountain gorillas, you gain insight into the misconceptions surrounding their characteristics.
They are typically placid and exhibit less opposition to their guests. As you approach, the mountain gorillas continue to forage on the vines, seemingly acknowledging your presence with a sense of familiarity. Adhering to gorilla trekking regulations is essential for a successful experience with mountain gorillas, as only one hour is permitted in their presence. When in close proximity to mountain gorillas, maintain a minimum distance of 8 meters to prevent direct contact with these animals.
Refrain from gazing into the deep brown, sunken eyes of the mountain gorillas, as they are inherently timid primates. Mountain gorillas inhabit the jungle discreetly and value their autonomy, making them susceptible to agitation by strangers. The dominant silverback seeks to demonstrate his autonomy to visitors, necessitating adherence to his regulations for an optimal gorilla trekking experience. When agitated, mountain gorillas pound their chests, gather grass, vocalize, and flee into the jungle. This is not the moment when mountain gorillas exhibit anger towards visitors. It is advisable to await the ranger guides’ observations and recommendations before hastily proceeding, since this may prevent a stampede in the forest. Occasionally, it involves a familial conflict or an assault by a rival gorilla group.
What measures can I take to ensure safety during a gorilla safari in Rwanda?
The gorilla safari is secure as the gorilla family is thoroughly accustomed to human presence prior to its commencement. The gorilla habituation procedure acclimates wild mountain gorillas to human contact without compromising their natural behavior. Professional researchers and trackers conduct this for an unspecified duration until the mountain gorillas are deemed prepared for tourists.
Each group of tourists is accompanied by a minimum of two well-trained and experienced ranger guides in the bush. Rangers escorted the group of visitors, equipped with protective devices such as a machete and a rifle radio for potential support. An emergency squad is prepared for deployment should the need arise in the bush. Tourists should prioritize personal safety by refraining from traversing the rainforest without an accompanying ranger guide, as they may be vulnerable to attacks from other wildlife. Teasing or agitating mountain gorillas is perilous, as the implications of your communication may be unclear.
Equipping yourself with safari boots, a hat, and bug repellent safeguards you from injury while traversing the forest. Engaging in pre-tour workouts prevents muscle strains during your trip in the bush to locate the mountain gorillas. The path is arduous, and one may experience muscle strains that could impede progress. Enhance your muscle flexibility to acclimate to an extended expedition prior to the gorilla safari.
What is the age restriction for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
The age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years and older. The timing for locating the mountain gorillas remains uncertain, which may lead to frustration for youngsters under this age throughout the wait. Even mountain gorillas are intimidating at first appearance, which may be overwhelming for a child under 15 years old.
Due to the mountainous terrain inhabited by gorillas, hiking may be necessary, which could be challenging for children under 15 years of age. Are you located in Arusha, Tanzania, and intending to trek in Rwanda? We are prepared to assist you in planning your trip today. Kindly reach out to us at info@gorillatrekkinginafrica.com