Gorillas in Rwanda
An American researcher Dian Fossey devoted over 15 years to the study and preservation of mountain gorillas in neighboring Rwanda. Her work, her book (then movie), Gorillas in the Mist, and her still unsolved murder brought international attention to the species.
Rwandaƒ?Ts landscapes in this ever green country are truly incredible. A visit to Rwanda makes you realize thatAÿtheAÿphysical beauty of the country is unique on the African continent. Its no wonder thatAÿRwanda is popularly known as ƒ?~the land of a thousand hills’ because of its many tourist attractions. Have a life time experience in the forested habitat of the mountain Gorilla, where you get to view them with their young, foraging for food. Aÿ
Rwanda is a country of a thousand hills, filled with lush vegetation and thick rain forests. The country is reknown for its mountain gorillas which inhabit par de volcanoes providing wonderful gorilla tracking adventures for those on safari to Rwanda. Rwanda is a destination for the adventurous & discerning traveller. The physical beauty of the country is unique on the African continent
Lying in the northern part of Rwanda, Parc National Des Volcans looms up to almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda the most notable amongst these is “the Virungas”, and is inhabited by Rwanda’s most prized endowment- the endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorillas in Rwanda are tracked from the Parc National des Volcans which currently has 7 groups and thus 56 permits available per day. The gorilla families here are those of Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro , Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda which has crossed from Djomba in the DRC and Hirwa which has recently formed from different habituated families. The Susa group is the largest and thus the rest for photographic purposes.
Rwanda is just south of the equator and thus, prone to hot humid weather. You are likely to encounter rain in the forests when you are trekking to locate the gorillas and the entire trek can take anywhere between 1 and 8 hours. Once the gorillas are located, you will get to spend 1 hour in their company. If your budget and time allows, you can track them two days in a row and then perhaps go and see another group.
The peak season runs from June to September and then again from mid December to the end of February.
Permits are required for all tours to see the Gorilla and need to be secured at least three months in advance and sometimes, longer in peak season, Flexibility of dates is essential in booking. The cost of permits is included in the tour. Gorilla tracking permits are limited to 8 permits per gorilla family per day. In Rwanda, 56 permits are available per day and in Uganda, 32.
Certain rules apply to Gorilla tours and must be adhered to strictly; these are attached along with the contract form. Note that there is a minimum age limit of 15 years.
Related package vacations
