Gorilla tracking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa. These remarkable creatures' numbers have increased from a low of 250 in the 1970's to approximately 400 in 2001.
Most of the population of Mountain Gorillas can be found in and around the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorillas trekking in Rwanda
The Virungas are best known as the home of the rare mountain gorilla, but also offer an rare glimpse into an ancient mountain volcano flora and fauna. Its unique as you can trek through this park in far northwest Rwanda bordering the Congo and Uganda.
The Parc National des Volcans (PNV) is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and covers more than 125 km2. PNV is home of five Virunga volcanoes: Sabyinyo (3.674 m), Gahinga (3.474 m), Bisoke (3711 m), Muhabura (4.127 m) and the Karisimbi, the highest volcano with an altitude of 4.507 m. These volcanoes are all extinct now.
Within the Virunga ecosystem, the mountain gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia and bamboo forests. There are 4 major vegetation zones: bamboo (base altitude), Hagenia and Hypericum forest (2600-3300m), Sub-alpine (3300-4000m), and Afro-alpine (4000m+). When it rains they come down lower and feast on the bamboo shoots.
Opinion: The area is well protected and there is no need for concern about personal security. The rangers are very kind and motivated, and they will do everything possible to make it a pleasant trip. It is still a wonderful place to see the mountain gorilla, and it normally offers excellent opportunities for photos. The gorilla trekking is less strenuous than in Bwindi Impenetrable NP however the altitude may cause difficulties for some visitors and gorillas tend to climb higher during dry season. A good physical condition is also here recommended, as you may have to climb higher during dry season.GETTING THERE: Ruhengeri, is the normal base for a visit to the gorillas. It can be reached from Kigali within a few hours drive. Wherever you eventually select to overnight for the trek, you will need a private vehicle to drive you to and from the rangers and we provide for all of this on our organized tours.
WHERE TO STAY: The hotels closest to the park entrance are Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge –{ we recommend this accommodation ) an attractive resort with individual huts around a central garden of fountains and flowering trees -- and the Kinigi Guest House. The latter is run by ASOFERWA, a charity established to help women and children struggling to recover from the traumas of the genocide; all profits go toward the group's work. The hotel has a Swiss-chalet feel, comfortable public areas and good food.
Consider our package package tours. A custom-made tour, including a car and driver, from Kigali to trek or go beyond the parc des Vulcans and visit the other parks.
The beautiful emerald-green Virunga Volcanoes straddling the Rwanda-Uganda border are the stronghold of the celebrated mountain gorilla.
There are 4 gorilla groups habituated for tourism in Rwanda with the Sabinyo group, divided up in two:
- Susa group has 35 individuals
- Amahoro group has 11 individuals
- Sabyinyo A - group has 13 individuals
- Sabyinyo B - group has 4 individuals (break away group)
- Group 13 has 7 individuals
There are others to visit in Uganda which can be combined as in out tours.
They only exist in two small, protected afromontane forest patches in northwest Rwanda, southwest Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Visoke and Karisimbi Volcanoes
This park contains the 'gorillas in the mist' that Dian Fossey lost her life for while trying to protect.
Only about 355 mountain gorillas remain alive on the damp forested slopes of these volcanic mountains, and eco-tourism is one way to assist in their survival.
Planning Your Travel to Visit the Gorillas
If you want to travel to Africa and see the gorillas, you should start planning in time - especially if this is your first visit to tropical Africa. This is crucial for your safety and health. Consult your travel agent not only for formalities, such as visas, but also for information how to order a gorilla permit, which may need to be obtained well before you fly to Africa.
You should also consult your doctor in time; certain vaccinations or preventions may be recommended or necessary. Keep yourself informed on the situation in the country you want to visit before you start your trip (e.g. by checking AllAfrica).
For planning a trip to Uganda or Rwanda, you will find interesting and useful information on the website of the Ugandan Tourism Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux, the Uganda Travel Planner.