Gorilla trekking is the main safari activity that sets Rwanda apart from any other African country. So what do you need to pull off one of the most memorable gorilla trekking in Rwanda safari?
There are mainly five things that you have to give all your attention when planning a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. These are:
- Gorilla Trekking permit
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Packing list
- Fitness Level
Gorilla Trekking permit
Unlike the savannah parks where access is to anyone who has money to pay the park entrances. In the case of gorilla trekking, you need to secure a gorilla trekking permit. This is a document that makes you one of the few people who are allowed to encounter a gorilla family on a given day.
However, it is important to note that the permits are date-specific. They can only be used on the specified day. Therefore if you cannot make it to the park, that means losing your permit. It is therefore wise to ensure that you buy an insurance policy when buying a gorilla trekking permit so that in case of any changes, you do not end up losing your money.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda goes for $1500 per foreign non-resident. This is without accommodation and transport. Therefore it is important to look into all the costs involved.
Gorilla Trekking Accommodation
Rwanda is one of the best if not the best gorilla trekking destinations because of its accommodation options. It is possible to spend a night in Rwanda’s capital Kigali and trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
It is therefore wise to make up your mind on where you will spend the night before trekking. It is often recommended to spend the night in the park or near the park but in case you cannot find something that fits your budget, you can stick to spending a night in Kigali and then setting off early for Volcanoes National Park.
Transportation To The Gorilla Park
There is a likelihood that you might think of a taxi to Volcanoes National Park but it is always better to organize everything with a tour company. You would not wish to pay $3000 in case you are a couple and then miss your trek because the taxi driver was gambling about the destination.
It is therefore wise to stick to a tour company for transportation so that even when things go bad, such as a car mechanical issue, they can easily get you another car to take you to the briefing point.
Gorilla Trekking Packing List
It would have been unfair to speak about gorilla trekking in Rwanda without highlighting the things you might need to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Here are some of the most recommended items for your gorilla trek:
- Energy snacks
- Garden gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Small backpack
- Camera
- Power bank
- Drinks/water
Fitness Level
One of the most annoying things about gorilla trekking is that sometimes it requires some level of fitness. If you are the kind that cannot even afford to walk for three kilometers without having a hard time, then you need to prepare in advance.
There are quite many other Rwanda tours that might not require physical fitness but gorilla trekking is not one of them. Of course, when we talk about fitness, we do not mean gyming. We are referring to your ability to hike for at least six hours.
If you go gorilla trekking without some level of fitness, chances are very high that you will not enjoy the trip because, by the time you meet the gorillas, you could be too tired to continue. The alternative usually becomes getting carried on a sedan chair which is also another cost to consider.
In conclusion, when planning for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, think about transportation, accommodation, gorilla trekking permits, packing list and your level of fitness to ensure that you get a memorable trip.
