What To Expect On Volcanoes NP Gorilla Safari
What To Expect On Volcanoes NP Gorilla Safari, there is no doubt that Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking safari is a humbling experience, which happen once in lifetime. Millions of travelers prove the credibility of a gorilla trek in Africa. They flock gorilla destinations every day to have a face-to-face encounter with the gentle and incredible mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
While planning a gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, expect a variety of things along the way, during and after the incomparable thrilling adventure in the jungles.
A gorilla safari in Africa can only be done in three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A traveler who intends to see gorillas must travel to one of these countries.
During the safari, various happenstances take place. You should be ready for them.
To ensure a smooth flow of your gorilla safari experience, we highlight things you should expect from the start to the end of the trekking session.
Morning Briefing and Group Allocation
On the day of trekking, you will have an early breakfast. After that, you will transfer from your hotel or lodge to the national park headquarters. You will attend a briefing at around 7:00am.
At the briefing, guides introduce the dos and don’ts for safe interaction with gorillas. After this, officials group visitors into teams of eight people. Each group receives a specific gorilla family.
All responsible government bodies in gorilla destinations allow a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family. These bodies include Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC respectively.
Also Read: African Safaris for Seniors
Gorilla Permits and Essentials
What can I carry along?
You must carry a valid gorilla permit and other travel documents such as passports for verification.
The permit comes with a receipt showing the trekker’s name and the allocated sector such as Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija or Buhoma for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Without a permit, visitors cannot trek gorillas. The permit remains valid for one hour during the gorilla encounter. Rwanda Eco Company & Safari guide manages your documents and permits. The guide also supports the entire trekking process. You only sign where necessary.
Gorilla Families and Allocation
Rwanda divides gorilla families into two categories: research and tourism. Researchers access groups such as Pablo’s, Shida’s and Beetsme.
What To Expect On Volcanoes NP Gorilla Safari is an important question since Rwanda has more than 15 gorilla families. However, only 10 are open for tourism. Officials assign only 8 visitors to track one family per day. The groups include Susa gorilla group, Amahoro gorilla group, Umubano gorilla group, Karisimbi group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, 13 group and Bwenge gorilla group.
Booking Gorilla Permits
When to book the gorilla permits?
Due to high demand for gorilla permits, travelers should book at least 6 months before travel. This avoids last-minute disappointments. It also secures preferred trekking dates.
For more information on what To Expect On Volcanoes NP Gorilla Safari, get in touch with Rwanda Eco Company & Safaris. They answer your questions and assist with all arrangements.