How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda : If you’re interested in taking part in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are a number of considerations you should put in place before you engage in the activity and these include the nature of the activity, the climate of the country and the travel restrictions in the country among other considerations that you should focus on before you embark on your gorilla trekking safari in the country. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in volcanoes national park the home to the five Virunga mountains namely mount gahinga, mount muhabura, mount sabyinyo, mount bisoke and mount karisimbi where you can access the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda along the slopes. For you to prepare for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, here are some of the things you should follow to have an amazing experience during your Rwanda safari:
Training before embarking on your gorilla safari in volcanoes national park this is because gorilla trekking in Rwanda involves hiking the Virunga mountains to access the gorilla families. it should be noted that the gorillas are found above 4000metres and this involves hiking slippery trails, steep trails which can be very hectic but worth it because you will get to observe the gentle giants as they carry out their activities in the wild for an amazing experience
A gorilla trekking permit should be booked in advance for you to participate in the activity this is because the activity is quite competitive among the travellers. It should be noted that gorilla trekking is among the most carried out tourism activities in Rwanda because of the need of the tourists to watch the habituated mountain gorillas. Therefore, booking for your gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda so that you do not miss out on take part in the activity.
While preparing for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you should consider the packing list which is an essential aspect if you’re interested in having an amazing experience during your gorilla tours in Rwanda among the items you should pack include;
- Insect repellent should be carried because the park is home to a number of insects that can cause irritation with their bites for instance the tsetse flies, mosquitoes
- A camera should be carried which will help you take pictures of the gorillas as they carry out their different activities in the wild, you can also get to take pictures of the different attractions as you make your way to the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda. some of the different attractions include the numerous bird species like the long-crested eagle handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis Dusky turtle love, paradise flycatcher, archer’s ground robin, African Rwenzori, double collared sunbird, marsh harrier, Ruwenzori turaco, different primates like the golden monkeys, the vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkey species for an amazing experience.
- Hiking boots are essential gorilla trekking because the trails tend to be slippery, you should also have long sleeved trousers and shirts to avoid being scratched by branches and nettles and many other incidents that can make your experience quite unbearable.
- Carry a snack and some drinking water because the hike to the habituated gorilla families can be hectic and depending to a particular gorilla family, you will take about 2-8 hours to participate in the gorilla experience in Rwanda therefore carry a light snack and some water to refill in case you get tired.
When you make your way to volcanoes national park to participate in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you should follow the lead of the of the guide who will take you along the safe trails in the park and also offer all the relevant information about the gorillas in the wild. before you participate in gorilla trekking you will undergo the briefing session about the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Rwanda for an amazing experience in the park
While participating in gorilla trekking in the activity you should follow the lead of the ranger who will protect you against any vicious animal attacks and also you should keep in your gorilla trekking group to avoid getting lost which can be a problem because of the fact that you can be attacked by a number of wild animals like the forest elephants, monkeys, buffaloes and many others.