Gorilla trekking Safari tour in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking Safari tour in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking Safari tour in Volcanoes National Park: Volcanoes National Park is situated in Musanze village in the northern section of Rwanda, on the border between the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Covering an area of 160 square kilometers in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is part of the expansive Virunga volcano conservation area, which comprises Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The national park was established in 1925 primarily to preserve and safeguard the critically endangered mountain gorillas, making it the oldest protected area in Africa. Mountain gorillas were in danger of going extinct due to poaching, thus a small region around the volcanoes of Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke was initially gazette.

Gorilla trekking is Rwanda’s most popular tourist activity. This activity entails hiking across mountainous terrain rolling hills and woodlands in quest of the human likely sub-species in order to encounter with them in their nature habits. Mountain gorillas are unique among gorilla subspecies due to their endangered status. Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity while on a Rwanda safari in Volcanoes national park and it attracts number of tourists who come from worldwide to explore these magnificent species. Besides gorillas Volcanoes national park also harbors numerous different primates such as golden monkeys. Golden monkey trekking is the second most popular activity in volcanoes national park after gorilla trekking.

Gorilla families in Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is home to 15 habituated gorilla families that are available for hiking on every day and only eight individuals are permitted to trek each gorilla family for one hour in their natural habitat. Some of these families include;

Amahoro family

Amahoro is a Rwandan word that means peace. Amahoro is consequently a tranquil family, and those who have been able to trek them can undoubtedly attest to the fact that all of its members are very peaceful. According to censor, the family consists of 17 individuals, including the silverback gorilla Ubumwe, two black-back “male gorillas,” five baby gorillas, and four young gorillas.

Sabyinyo family

Sabyinyo Mountain Gorilla Family draws its name from Mount Sabyinyo, which is located on Rwanda-Uganda border. The mountain is part of Virunga conservation area in Volcano region in Rwanda. Sabinyo acts as a shelter to Sabinyo gorilla family which is comprised of 9 members.

Hirwa family

This family’s name means “lucky one,” and it was adopted in 2006. Hirwa family consists of 9 individuals and lives between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga.

Muhoza Gorilla family

Muhoza Gorilla family is a member of the Gorilla family found in Volcanoes National Park. Muhoza now has a total of 12 individuals, including one silver-back, six adult females, two sub adults, and three newborns. Muhoza had seven members before acquiring some members from other Gorilla groups such as Hirwa in 2016. Muhoza is the most thrilling gorilla family to visit.

Where to Book A Gorilla Permit In Rwanda

A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda can be booked directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a tour operator such as Dav Safaris. Booking through a tour company is the ideal alternative since we will save you the stress of obtaining a permit and will also plan your full Rwanda safari, including transportation, food, and lodging, among other things. When making a reservation with Dav Safaris, you will contact us and let us know the date, month, and year you wish to go gorilla trekking. We will then check the permit’s availability, and once the permits are available, you will be requested to pay a deposit on the gorilla trekking permit. You will be required to transmit a scanned copy of your passport for use in registering for your permit after the deposit has been made.

What Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking Permits In Volcanoes National Park

A gorilla trekking permit is a document that the Rwanda Development Board issues to tourists who want to go gorilla trekking and who are over the age of fifteen. It entitles them to an hour-long visit to a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park cost $1500 for all nationalities, making it the most costly gorilla trekking destination in the world in contrast to other mountain gorilla destinations.

What Is The Best Time To go for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is open year around for gorilla trekking safari however the optimum time to go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from June to September and December to February. Since there is less rain during this time, it is easier to access the park and the gorilla trekking paths will be passable compared to the rainy season when they are muddy and slippery. The dry season is also known as the peak season, and during this time, many tourists prefer to travel.

What Is the Packing List for Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park?

• Garden gloves to protect your hands from the rough surfaces of the jungle
• Hiking boots that will keep you comfortable when hiking on muddy and slick mountain slopes
• Extra fully charged batteries to swap out if one runs out
• Safari hat to wear and cover your hair from buzzing insects in the wilderness
• Long-sleeved clothes to protect you from tropical insect
• Carry with you a bottle of water to relieve you when you thirst.
• Rainproof clothing is required because it rains without warning
• A camera to capture memories to look back on after the trip, as gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• First-aid kit with emergency care
• Bug spray