A trip to Rwanda is a requiurement for any trip to Africa! Don't miss the photos at the bottom of the page.
A gorilla visit can entail anything from a 1 to 4 hour trek through the mountain forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. On your trek you weave through overhanging vines, jungle bamboo, moss-covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. You may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life.
The high point, of course, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, will be spending an hour or so with the gentle giant gorillas as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, raising their young. You will get very close to the animals. Your guide will keep you safe. The gorillas are used to humans and largely ignore you. We were at the edge of a clearing about 15 feet across that contained a troop. There was one large silver back, a number of junior males and a group of females. One had a 2-3 day old baby she was nursing. There were two toddlers and they act just like children. Rolling on the ground, poking at dad trying to get a reaction and darting out touch member of our group. The photos below were all taken with a short focal length lens. We were very close to the animals. Feet not yards.
At the end of your visit you will understand what kept conservationist Dian Fossey living in this same forest for 18 years protecting these wonderful animals.
The world's remaining mountain gorillas live within four national parks, split in two regions that are 45 kilometers (28 miles) apart. One population of mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A census in 2003 recorded 340 gorillas here.
The second population of mountain gorillas is found in a mountainous region referred to as the Virungas, which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo). Approximately 380 gorillas are found in the Virungas.
Rwanda has one park in the North of the country encompassing its share of the mountain gorilla population: the Virunga National Park or Parc National des Volcans (PNV). The park covers an area of about 46 square miles and encompasses six volcanoes. Despite the terrible genocide in the early 1990's the country is fairly stable and the park permit system is running smoothly. The PNV was where Dian Fossey set up her base and research center. Tracking gorillas in the PNV is slightly less strenuous than at Bwindi since the gorillas move around a little less. The more open terrain also allows more light for better photo opportunities than in Bwindi.
Getting to see gorillas is not easy, nor are you guaranteed to see them. The trek to where the gorilla groups live takes you through very dense vegetation, up steep slopes and can last several hours. Gorillas move around so they aren't all that easy to track. The gorillas you'll be meeting are habituated to humans which is why you are able to get quite close to them. Some basic rules of tracking gorillas include:
* You have to be over 15 years of age
* You can not be sick or have any infectious disease
* Only one hour is allowed with the gorillas and you have to keep a distance of at least 5 metres
* Maximum number of visitors per day is 6-12 people per group
* No flash photography is allowed
* Trekkers must be fit and well equipped, which includes warm clothing for the wet cool climate high in the mountains.
* No eating or drinking in the vicinity of the gorillas
* No touching the gorillas (although they may decide to touch you)
You need an official permit handled by each of the national parks to see the gorillas. Usually you have to obtain these several months in advance. If you are going with a tour it will be arranged for you. THESE SELL OUT AS MUCH AS A YEAR IN ADVANCE. The permits cost USD 500 per person per day (as of Summer 2007).
My wife and I were 58 years old when we did this. We are moderately fit and were able to make the hike. The footing was trechorous in addition to the strenuous nature of the hike. My advice is to get your fitness level up starting six months before you leave to do this.
