Before You Travel
Before you set off on your once-in-a-lifetime Rwanda gorilla trek, you need to ensure you are fully prepared for this epic adventure. You will want to know what to pack and wear on your Rwanda Gorilla Trek as well as have a clear understanding of the Rwanda health & safety regulations, which are designed to protect both gorillas and visitors.
Participants must be at least 15 years old and in good health, as any signs of illness may result in being denied permission to trek. Understanding a little about gorilla families, their habitat and habits, will enhance your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure.
By following the gorilla trekking guidelines and respecting the gorillas’ space, trekkers can ensure a safe and memorable experience while contributing to the conservation efforts that help protect these critically endangered primates, and aid local communities.
What to Pack
When packing for a gorilla trek in Rwanda, it’s essential to prepare adequately for the challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. Besides the right clothing, minimizing the risk of disease transmission to the gorillas is important, so visitors may wish to bring hand sanitizer and wear face masks during their gorilla encounter.
You will want to pack long-sleeve shorts and pants as well as long socks and sturdy hiking or walking shoes, for your Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. Choose neutral, earth-tone colors to avoid startling the gorillas. This ensures you are protected from plant scratches, insect bites and the sun. A small backpack for water, snacks, your camera and other essentials, is recommended.
Additional items to consider adding to your packing list that will enhance your gorilla trekking experience include items such as a rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as a pair of garden gloves which will come in handy when you are making your way through possible thick vegetation or reaching up to grab branches as you get closer to gorilla families.
Vaccinations and Medications
When planning a trip to Rwanda, it is crucial to consult with your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance to determine the necessary vaccinations and medications. Rwanda requires a mandatory yellow fever vaccination, while recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, and meningitis. Anti-malarial medication may be recommended too.
Your healthcare provider can assess your individual needs based on your medical history, planned activities, and specific destinations within Rwanda. Before you depart, you will want to make sure that, along with your yellow fever certificate, you have an ample supply of any personal medication you regularly take, along with a copy of your prescription. It is advisable to keep medications in their original packaging and carry them in your carry-on luggage.
It is important that when you are planning a gorilla trek, it is essential to be in good health and free from communicable diseases. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses, and even a common cold can be dangerous to them. If you are feeling unwell, it is crucial to postpone your trek to protect these endangered animals.
Travel Insurance
When you are planning for your Rwanda gorilla trek, it is highly advisable to consider purchasing travel insurance and a policy that specifically covers nmedical emergencies and evacuations. This type of insurance is essential for safeguarding against unexpected health issues that may arise during your travels.
Given the remote locations of your gorilla trekking experience, having coverage for emergency medical evacuation can be crucial. Such policies typically cover hospital bills, ambulance services, and the costs associated with transporting you to the nearest adequate medical facility if necessary. Before finalizing your travel insurance, be sure that your policy extends coverage for travel to Rwanda, considering an option to upgrade your travel insurance policy to provide adequate protection abroad.
It is important to note that travel insurance for Rwanda is not just a precaution, it is a requirement for all international travelers. You may be required to purchase travel insurance upon arrival if you arrive without any, which could be both inconvenient and potentially more expensive. By securing travel insurance in advance, you can enjoy your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure with peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt your travel plans or affect your health while exploring the beauty of Rwanda.
Register with Local Authorities
Registering with your country’s local travel advisory department before you travel to Rwanda, is a vital step to take for several reasons. It allows your government to provide you with timely safety and security updates that are specific to Rwanda, and these can include information about potential risks, civil unrest, natural disasters, or any changes in the political climate that may affect your travel plans.
Receiving travel alerts for Rwanda before you travel can help you make informed decisions about your itinerary and for you to take relevant precautions or perhaps reschedule your gorilla trekking experience if absolutely necessary. Registering your travel details with your government means they are able to locate you and offer consular assistance if need be.
While registering your travel plans for Rwanda with your government authorities doesn’t necessarily guarantee your safety, it significantly enhances your government’s ability to assist you in case of unforeseen circumstances during your stay in Rwanda. This can be really important in situations where you may face legal issues, medical emergencies, or if you lose your passport. Providing your Rwanda postal address and contact information to local authorities serves a similar purpose. Visitors can check out and follow the instructions laid out by their country’s enrollment programme.
Health and Safety in Rwanda
Global Health Security Agenda
The Global Health Security Agenda is a collaborative effort involving over 70 countries comprising international organizations and non-governmental entities aimed at strengthening global capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. Rwanda is a proud member of GHSA and has, over the years, made significant strides in improving its public health infrastructure and capabilities. Rwanda works closely with international partners to strengthen its health systems and implement effective prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases.
Some of the key developments Rwanda has achieved as a member of the GSHA, include enhancing real-time disease surveillance through animal health event reporting, as well as monitoring and early detection of potential disease outbreaks. Rwanda has conducted several multi-sectoral training programmes which include in-service veterinary training and advanced field epidemiology. With increased laboratory capacity, the country has been able to improve their ability to quickly identify and respond to emerging threats.
While Rwanda has certainly strengthened the country’s capacity to respond to infectious disease threats, like many countries in the region, the country still faces significant challenges from infectious diseases. Malaria remains a major public health concern in Rwanda with a continued focus on prevention and control efforts. Rwanda has been successful in treating AIDS and reducing new HIV infections over the years, and a significant process has been made in Tuberculosis treatment since the early 2000s.
Medical Facilities and Services
When considering Rwanda’s medical facilities and health services offered, there are a few things to consider. Medical facilities and services in Rwanda are generally limited, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns. Major urban centers like Kigali offer better healthcare options, with more advanced hospitals and clinics equipped to handle a wider range of illnesses and any serious accidents.
It is therefore advisable for visitors to seek medical attention in bigger cities such as Kigali or Kibuye, where more comprehensive care is available. These larger urban areas are more likely to have specialized medical professionals, diagnostic equipment, and treatment options that may not be accessible in rural areas.
Transporting visitors who may be seriously injured can prove vital, and air ambulance services may be available for emergency situations in Rwanda, providing an important lifeline for patients requiring urgent medical evacuation. Critical ill or injured patients are transported to more advanced medical facilities within Rwanda or to neighboring countries for specialized treatment.
Safety and Security
Behavior
When planning your visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there are some key rules and regulations to bear in mind, from how to prepare for your Rwanda gorilla trek, and how to behave in front of the gorilla families. With limited numbers and strict health requirements put in place by the Rwanda \Health & Safety department, your gorilla trek will be both safe and comfortably enjoyable.
The minimum age of visitors embarking on a gorilla trek is 15 years of age. This ruling is for the safety of the visitor and gorilla families alike. The Rwandan government only permits eight visitors per gorilla family, per day, with visits lasting one hour. This limit helps minimize disturbance to the gorillas and reduces the risk of disease transmission. It is important for visitors to follow all instructions given by the guides and rangers and to follow general rules of not littering or eating or smoking in front of the gorillas.
Speaking in a low voice and avoiding any sudden movements that could startle the gorillas is important to remember, and visitors are asked to maintain a distance of at least 23 feet from gorillas at all times. Visitors are reminded to wash their hands before their gorilla trek begins and remember to cover their mouth and nose if they cough or sneeze during a gorilla encounter. Refraining from embarking on a gorilla trek if visitors are ill is strongly advised as this protects gorillas from human diseases.
Personal Safety
Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure such as a gorilla trek in Rwanda requires thoughtful planning and a clear understanding of the rules of the Rwandan government and the Volcanoes National Park. With a focus on your safety both in the cities and towns as well as out on safari or gorilla trekking, it is vital, with a few key tips to keep in mind.
When out in Kigali or other cities and towns in Rwanda, it is important to ensure you are always alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly in busy markets or key tourist areas. To avoid pickpocketing, visitors are advised not to wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive equipment openly. Carrying personal items in a cross-body bag is a good idea when out and about.
Visitors are encouraged to use reputable transportation when you are moving around, especially at night, with official taxis or motorbike taxis that are recommended by your hotel or tour operator. When visiting the national parks, ensure you are in compliance with the safety rules and regulations put in place by tourism authorities and gorilla trekking guides.
Travel Companions and Timing
When staying in Kigali, it is advisable to go out with other visitors, avoiding any solo travel or excursions, especially at night. Group safety can be practiced in both urban and rural settings, with gorilla trekking always offered as a group experience, resulting in ‘safety in numbers’, deterring any potential risks. Most excursions will take place during the day and experiencing these with companions significantly enhances both safety and enjoyment.
When embarking on a Rwanda gorilla trek, being part of a group not only provides a sense of security but also fosters camaraderie, allowing trekkers to share the awe-inspiring experience of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. They can support each other in navigating the challenging terrain and keeping an eye out for those gentle giants.
Timing is also essential for a successful gorilla trekking experience, with the early morning treks the best time to embark on a gorilla trek as this is when the gorillas are most active and feeding, increasing the likelihood of memorable encounters. Moreover, trekking during daylight hours minimizes safety risks associated with navigating the dense forest and reduces the chances of encountering wildlife after dark. By coordinating schedules and traveling together, companions can enhance their overall experience, making the trek not just a journey into the wild, but a shared adventure filled with lasting memories.
Physical Fitness and Altitude Considerations
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda requires a certain level of physical fitness due to the altitude and terrain, with other preparations key to overall comfort and success of your gorilla trekking adventure. Opening up to your guide about any health concerns you or if you feel unwell at any time during your trek, is vital. The amazing, qualified guides are trained to handle various situations and can adjust the pace if necessary.
Treks occur at elevations between 2,500 and 3,500 meters, so it is advised to spend a day or two acclimatizing before your trek if possible. Cardiovascular fitness is important for a gorilla trek, although the hiking pace will not be rushed. Visitors will be hiking through dense forest on steep, muddy trails, so regular exercise before your trip can help prepare you.
Ensuring you have the proper gear, such as sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support to prevent injuries on uneven terrain, long-sleeve shirts and pants to guard you against scratches and possible insect bites, can ensure your gorilla trekking experience is wonderful. Hydration is key too, as the high altitude can lead to quicker dehydration, so visitors need to drink plenty of water before and during their trek.
Additional Tips and Advice
Waste Management
Maintaining the pristine environment of Rwanda’s National Parks is vital for the conservation of its unique wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors are expected to avoid littering and must carry all waste with them, including food wrappers and any other rubbish.
This practice will help preserve the natural habitat and prevent harm to the animals that may ingest foreign materials. Additionally, if nature calls, it is essential that strict hygiene in the park is adhered to, with instructions on how to proceed, shared discreetly with visitors.
By adhering to these waste management guidelines, trekkers contribute to the sustainability of Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes and its captivating wildlife. Local communities are also impacted by the actions of visitors, so mindfulness during a gorilla adventure is important.
Photography and Drones
While capturing the unforgettable moments of a gorilla trek is tempting, it is important to adhere to strict photography guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the gorillas. Flash photography is prohibited, as the sudden burst of light can startle the animals and disrupt their natural behavior.
Similarly, the use of selfie sticks and drones is not allowed during a gorilla trek, as these devices can intrude on the gorillas’ space and create stress for them. By respecting these photography rules, visitors can enjoy a more authentic experience while ensuring that their actions do not negatively impact the wildlife and environment.
Trusting Your Guides
Your guides play a vital role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. They are highly trained professionals who possess extensive knowledge of the gorillas’ behavior, the surrounding environment, and the best practices for wildlife observation.
Their navigational skills through the Volcanoes National Park is impressive. Adept at handling often challenging terrain, they read the bush like a handbook, noticing signs of gorilla presence as they carefully walk along. Following their directions is important for the safety of the gorillas and visitors alike.
Gorilla trekking guides will provide valuable insights and information throughout the trek, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of these incredible animals while ensuring that you adhere to the park’s regulations. By cooperating with the guides, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the experience and contribute to the conservation efforts that protect Rwanda’s wildlife.
They will provide valuable insights and information throughout the trek, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of these incredible animals while ensuring that you adhere to the park’s regulations. By cooperating with your guides, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and contribute to the conservation efforts that protect Rwanda’s wildlife.