How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda? Gorilla trekking is a thrilling experience that involves traversing steep, muddy trails through dense vegetation in search of the gentle giant apes. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in the Volcanoes National Park which lies in the northern part of the country and is found in the Virunga volcanos that are shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic Of Congo. The gorilla trekking adventure is a challenging but rewarding activity. The difficulty of this activity varies according to different factors like fitness levels, the terrain, weather conditions, age limitations, and altitude but at the end of it all, you will feel great and amazed at meeting human cousins in their natural habitat.

The question of how difficult gorilla trekking is always accompanied by other queries like safety conditions in the gorilla parks, distance and time taken to reach a specific gorilla family, and the cost of the trek among others but with proper preparation, the experience is so rewarding.

Cost of gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda.

Before one is allowed to participate in the gorilla tracking activity in Rwanda or any other country that has residents for gorillas, he/she must obtain a gorilla trekking permit.  Unlike in Uganda where the gorilla trekking permit is $800 and in DRC is $400, the cost of the gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 per trek. This is somewhat a hindrance to tourists who wish to track gorillas in Rwanda, especially those with a tight budget.  Getting gorilla permits in Rwanda can be done by booking them directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through a trusted operator company like Active Africa Vacations.

Location of the gorilla family

This is a key factor that determines how challenging the gorilla tracking experience is. Be trekking starts it is a guideline that each visitor is assigned to a group of eight members to trek into the dense jungles of Volcanoes National Park to search for a specific gorilla family. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 12 gorilla families that are open for daily tracking and 2 families are set aside for research purposes. Sabinyo group is usually easy to access while the Susa family, Karisimbi family, Amahoro family, and Ugenda family are more challenging due to residing in higher altitude areas but tracking these groups is most rewarding.

Other groups like Agashya, Kwitonda, and Hirwa are relatively challenging and difficult to reach. However, trekkers should not mind about the particular group to trek because the experience from each family is equally the same because on finding the gorilla family, you are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of the gorillas.

There is no specific guarantee as to which gorilla family one should trek but in case of any inability like old age or young individuals, inform the park authorities in advance to allocate you to a family that doesn’t require trekking for a long time.

Weather conditions and the terrain.

Most visitors to the mountain gorilla homes are used to moving on well-maintained road surfaces which is quite the opposite of the park terrain.  If you opt to go for gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes National Park, expect to go hiking through uneven terrain, slippery paths and expect weather changes like rain pours at any time because the park is found in the tropical rain forest zone. Travelers are advised to come with proper hiking boots, waterproof clothing and other warm clothing that can help you be successful with tracking.

Time chosen for trekking

Tourists are advised to visit Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trekking in the dry season between June to September and December to February. The hiking trails are dry and passable which makes it easier and enjoyable for trekkers to move to specific gorilla families especially those that reside in higher altitudinal areas. However, if you plan your trekking safari in the rainy season, hiking may be difficult though there are chances of getting discounted transport and accommodation costs.

The age and physical fitness of the trekker.

Age is a determining factor for one who wishes to participate in the gorilla tracking experience. The recommended age is 15 years and above. In most cases, age determines the distance one can travel during trekking. One must be physically fit and in good health condition, at times the elderly find it difficult to walk for more hours which brings in another expense of hiring a sedan chair and porters to carry them to and from the gorilla family.  Other trekkers are provided with walking sticks at the park headquarters,  porters are always available for hire before starting the trek.  A porter helps you carry your luggage and packed lunch while on the trek. This will help you keep physically fit before you find the gentle giant primates… as the trek can take 2- 6 hours. Therefore, age and fitness are important factors when expressing how difficult but impressive gorilla trekking is in Rwanda.

 Accessing Volcano National Park.

Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where gorilla tracking is done.  Connecting from Kigali City by either road or air transport is easy as the roads are well-tarmacked and in perfect condition. It only takes 2 and a half hours to reach the park headquarters and when using air it only  30 minutes. However, the difficulty comes when you start trekking, the trails have a rough terrain with varying altitudes.  Some gorilla families tend to stay in high-altitude areas which some trekkers are unable to reach due to unfavourable climatic conditions that lead to altitude sickness. This makes it a hindrance to some tourists to trek gorillas.

And for this matter, trekkers are advised to come along with the necessary hiking essentials like hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof jackets, sunscreen, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts, trousers, hats, and a camera.