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Have you ever dreamed of seeing an endangered species in the wild?

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species. You are able to see them living in their natural habitat in Rwanda, known as The Land of a Thousand Hills. This is a beautiful country, and the national park has six volcanic mountain peaks as a backdrop. Volcanoes National Park is a well-known area for the gorilla habitats.

What a magnificent sight, to come across a gorilla in its natural habitat.

What an unforgettable, extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The spectacle will be beautiful, yet they are wild animals. You are venturing into the gorilla’s natural habitat. You must keep your distance and follow the instructions and directions of the guides.

Gorilla trekking is a popular choice for those travellers seeking adventure, being in nature, and assisting with conservation.

The number of visitors each day is limited to eight persons per habitat, and 96 permits daily. This is all arranged for you, to ensure you have the best experience. There is an investment for each permit. The fees collected cover park entrance fees, trackers, rangers and guides. A portion of the fees goes toward the conservation of the gorilla habitats and the national park.

A variety of trek options are available for travellers, from single day to multi-day tours. The tours begin early in the morning, around 7am, and can last between one to six hours. Tourists must return to their lodgings each day.

Tours can be customised to suit your needs, and the time you have available. Other activities are able for inclusion into your tours. Chimpanzee tracking is available, or Golden Monkey tracking. Are you interested in going on safari? Game viewing is another option available for inclusion.

The tours have English speaking, experienced and knowledgeable tour guides. The lodges provide comfortable accommodations suitable for all budgets.

You do not need to be an elite athlete, yet a reasonable level of fitness is required. After all, you will be trekking in the park and mountains. The trails may be slippery and can become quite muddy in the wetter months. The humidity under the forest canopy contributes to the slip and slide.

When is the best time to travel?

Tours run year-round. The best time to visit is during June to September, as these are the drier months. The trails are less muddy. April and May are the wettest months and the trails will be more difficult to traverse. Having said that, expect there may be rainy days throughout the year, not only in April and May.

What should you bring with you for the trek?

• Light and breathable clothing as it will be very humid.
• Durable waterproof hiking boots.
• Some warm clothes for early morning and evenings.
• Toiletries – bite relief cream, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent.
• Small backpack.
• Drinking water, snacks, lunch if longer trek.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Non-flash camera with extra batteries and lenses.

If this is the type of travel you would like to discover, I am able to tailor a safari to meet your specific needs and desires.  For inspiration check out some Rwanda-inspired itineraries by clicking here!