Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The Volcanoes National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains, a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the north of the country. This area is home to the world’s last surviving mountain Gorilla populations, currently a mere 700 individuals. After breakfast, you will depart the lodge and drive for approximately 1 hour to the Park Headquarters where you will meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will provide an informative session on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. After the session, the hike into the forest begins.
A full day trek with your guide through the park is a reasonably strenuous activity which can last the morning or all day as you seek out the gorilla families. The guide will take you to where the gorillas were seen the night before and begin to track them from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and may involve a climb to altitudes, not in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times quite muddy. Once the gorillas are located all the aches and fatigue of the trek are forgotten, as the experience is often described as finding a hidden natural treasure in the mist. Viewing time is limited to one hour, and only 8 participants are allowed per group. Visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7 meters (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Cameras and plenty of storage space are recommended. It can rain at any time in the forest, so waterproof clothing is advised for you, as well as relevant protection for your camera equipment. Please note that plastic (e.g. carrier/shopping) bags are illegal in Rwanda. Children under age 15, or people sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
PERMITS MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF CONFIRMATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
