Gorilla Trekking on a Weekend.
Is it possible to go trekking gorillas in Rwanda on a weekend?
Gorilla Trekking on a Weekend.
Yes, gorilla trekking can be done on a weekend in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a tourism activity that is done through out the year thus making it possible for all nature and adventure lovers to participate in this breathtaking activity in the land of a thousand hills.
However, for one to get involved in the tracking activity, he/she must make prior preparations like knowing the specific time of the year they wish to travel, whether in the peak or low season. Booking gorilla trekking permits should be done as early as 3 -4 months before the travel dates as they tend to run out of availability especially in the peak season, that is the months of June to September and December to February. For travellers who prefer tracking gorillas in Rwanda on a weekend, it’s always best to land at Kigali International airport on Friday for a Saturday trekking or on Saturday for a Sunday trekking. If your tracking date collides with the Umuganda day (the last Saturday of the month), you must get up as early as 4:30am to drive from Kigali to Kinigi park center. In case you are already in Musanze, by 7:00 am you should be at the briefing center. Arriving in Kigali before the trekking date enables the traveller to explore the country to the best and make good preparations for the trek.
Volcanoes National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that was first name by the Belgian Authorities in 1925 and was later renamed and expanded in 1969 and currently covers 125 sq. Km and comprises of five towering old volcanoes including Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Mhabura and Mount Sabinyo. Volcanoes National Park is highly recognized due to the efforts of the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey towards the protection and conservation oof the mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is an amazing activity mainly and only carried out in the Volcanoes National Park; a pristine park located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. This park is a popular habitat for mountain gorillas and is part of the Virungas that are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other mountain gorilla tracking destinations are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Volcanoes National Park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also other wildlife creatures including golden monkeys, 75mammals, 109 reptiles and amphibians, 200 bird species and several plant species. This popular tourism destination comprises a unique biodiversity and vegetation that is made up of montane forests, alpine moorland, bamboo forests, and grasslands which support wildlife including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bushpigs, duikers, leopards, bush elephants, and several bird species thus making the park a conducive place for activities like gorilla trekking, golden trekking, volcano hiking, birding and guided nature walks.
Acquiring a gorilla permit for a weekend gorilla trek.
A gorilla tracking permit is a legal document that allows individuals of 15 years and above to participate in the gorilla trekking excursion to spend one adventurous hour in presence of the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat.
The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda remains at $1500 whether it’s weekend or any other day of the week. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda offers 96 gorilla permits for daily trekking. So, travelers who wish to go for gorilla trekking should book their trekking permits in advance. Bookings are always made through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a licensed tour operator. The permit cost includes park entrance, guide fees, security and one hour of interacting with the gorillas. The gorilla trekking activity is one way of promoting and conserving wildlife and the natural wilderness and contributing to development of the neighboring local community.
The gorilla tracking experience on a weekend.
Like any other trekking day, the gorilla trekking activity starts with a briefing at Kinigi park headquarters. The briefing usually starts at 7:00am. At the park center, the park guides take you through the rules and regulations to be followed while on the trek and with the gorillas. After the briefing, participants are grouped in groups of 8 individuals and later allocated to a particular gorilla family.
Allocation largely depends on the trekker’s fitness levels and request. As a trekker, you can opt for a short, medium or long trek depending on your physique. If you are a bit weak or have any mobility issues, inform your tour operator in advance before the trekking date. This will help him inform the park authorities to allocate you to a gorilla family close to the starting point or organise for a sedan chair.
After the group allocation, you will be driven to the starting point and with the leadership of an armed ranger guide, you will trek into the park jungle to search for the gorilla family. The trek takes 30 minutes to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. You will traverse through the park’s challenging terrain along the forest trails.
When you find the gorilla family, try to be quiet, maintain 7 meters from the gorillas and always listen to your guide. You will be allowed only one hour with the gorillas as you observe them feed, play and groom. Avoid flash photography. After the one hour, return to the starting point for trekking certificate that confirms your contribution to the gorilla conservation efforts.
What to pack for your weekend gorilla trekking safari
For your weekend gorilla trekking safari, the first and most important documents you should pack are the necessary documents like the gorilla trekking permits, personal identification documents like a passport and the travel insurance. In addition to the documents are the following, sturdy hiking boots, warm stockings, pairs of trousers, long sleeved shirts, warm jacket and sweater, waterproof jackets and a backpack. Also, light clothing is needed for the varying weather conditions. Do not forget the sun protection like hats, sunscreen and sunglasses. Include insect repellents, first aid kit, a camera with extra batteries and binoculars. On the trekking day, carry backpack with drinking water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energetic as you trek. Trekkers are advised to avoid brightly colored clothing that can attract the attention of the gorillas. It’s also good to carry some gifts or extra money for tipping the porters and guides.
Where to stay when a weekend gorilla safari
There are several accommodations close to Volcanoes National Park that provide the best stay for tourists with different budgets. The accommodations range from luxury, mid-range to budget. Some of these accommodations include Bisate Lodge, Sabinyo Silver Lodge, Mountain Gorillas View Lodge, One and Only Gorillas nest, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla lodge, Eagle View Lodge, Kinigi Guest house, Hotel Muhabura and many others.
All these accommodations offer different amenities, and give quick access to the park center, so you budget determines where you will stay comfortably as you prepare for your weekend gorilla trekking excursion.
Best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for a weekend gorilla trekking safari.
The most appropriate time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking on a weekend is the dry season in the months from December to February and June to September. During this time, the trekking trails are always dry and enable quick hikes. The mountain gorillas are also easily spotted due to less vegetation growth. However, this doesn’t guarantee a condition of no rainfall because the park lies composed of a dense tropical forest where rain pours are expected at any time of the day, so you should carry waterproof garments.
If you are a budget traveler, consider visiting the park in the low season in the months from March to May and October to November. This period attracts discounted accommodation and transport costs. Photography is also best during the wet season due to the green vegetation cover.
How to access Volcanoes National Park for a weekend gorilla tracking
By air transport, travelers can take a flight from Kigali International airport to Ruhengeri airstrip for 45 minutes and then connect to the park center in a using a private vehicle.
By road, travelling from Kigali takes two and a half hours to reach Musanze, the closest town to Volcanoes National Park, depending on the stopovers you make along the way. So, if you are to track mountain gorillas on Saturday, it’s always good to arrive in Musanze on Friday evening or early Saturday morning.