What to anticipate on a mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda
What to anticipate on an exhilarating mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda: Once all the preparations are complete and you are set for that exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking experience in the renowned volcanoes national park, here’s what you can anticipate on the day of the trek.
At this stage, we trust you have everything you require: the trekking permit, your presence in Volcanoes National Park, your gear ready, the appropriate clothing, gloves, trekking boots, hats, rain jackets if necessary, and more.
Be sure to pack your snacks and water, along with any energy boosters you might need. If you find yourself in need of a porter, it means you have already secured one and have your trekking or walking stick ready for the journey ahead.
Your day will unfold like this, in a nutshell.
Rise and shine at 6am! After getting ready and enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will set off to the park headquarters for an exciting early morning briefing with the trekking rangers and park officials.
The park officials will check your mountain gorilla trekking permit along with your identification. To ensure that the individual in possession of the permit is indeed the rightful owner of it.
Wow! Make sure to bring your identification or passport along with your trekking permit, so keep that in mind!
When it is time to check your permit and identification card, make sure you are fully prepared for your exciting journey ahead.
As you reach the conclusion, a warm cup of tea or coffee awaits you, accompanied by captivating performances from traditional dancers. This delightful experience immerses you in the rich cultures of Rwanda, allowing you to unwind before embarking on the challenging trek ahead.
Before embarking on your journey, you will receive an essential briefing on safety and trekking guidelines. Following that, you will be organized into groups of no more than eight, each accompanied by a dedicated ranger who will guide you to a specific gorilla family. The Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 gorilla families, and that number is on the rise. However, it is important to note that each day, a group of 8 people treks to visit just one family.
Groups are assigned at random, though occasionally factors like fitness and age come into play. The individuals who appear the most fit and daring will tackle the challenging terrains, while the older or younger participants will be directed to the more accessible paths.
At times, individuals such as wildlife scholars develop a keen interest in specific gorillas, leading to their assignment to those particular groups.
You are likely to have a fantastic time with your group and forge new friendships during the trek.
What to anticipate on an exhilarating mountain gorilla trek in Rwanda
Gorilla, a creature that embodies the spirit of exploration and the wild, invites us to delve into the heart of nature’s wonders.
Your group of eight trekkers will be accompanied by a main guide or gorilla ranger, along with security scouts who carry AK-47 guns for protection against the wild animals and fierce gorillas. Typically, there are two scouts, with one leading the way and the other bringing up the rear.
They will discharge shots into the sky at the slightest hint of peril, sending the creatures fleeing in fear. It is important to understand that while these scouts accompany every group, they only resort to firing shots into the air in rare instances, typically when all other attempts to defuse the situation have been exhausted.
Typically, when a wild animal approaches your group, it is recommended to remain still for a moment and allow the creature to pass by on its journey.
For every gorilla family that adventurers seek out, there must be a dedicated tracker or team of trackers to follow their movements, ensuring that the main guide or ranger is continuously updated on the family’s whereabouts. This allows you to conserve energy that would have been wasted wandering without purpose, and you avoid the fatigue of going in endless loops. You head directly towards the gorillas. The time you spend walking really hinges on how deep into the wilderness the gorilla family is from the trailhead. At times, you might stroll for just a moment, while at other times, you could wander endlessly.
But rest assured, you will reach the gorillas, and you will be in awe. The long walk will fade from your memory. Prepare to immerse yourself for an hour with the gorillas, relishing their company, marveling at their grace, and simply soaking in the experience of being near them.
This hour offers a chance to rejuvenate and relish the vibrant, moist forest surroundings. The gorillas inhabit lofty heights, where you may encounter some misty moments that add to the thrill without being overly distracting.
As you find yourself in the presence of the gorillas, remember to maintain a sense of calm, tranquility, and serenity. Maintain your distance, move slowly if necessary, avoid looking directly at them, and be cautious with any coughing or sneezing. Capture as many videos and photos as your heart desires, just steer clear of using flash photography.
After your one hour with the graceful, calm, peaceful, amazing gorillas, the rangers and guides will signal for you to know it’s time to go, and then you will follow them out of the forest, ready for what lies ahead. Arrive at the trailhead where you can refresh with some water, take a moment to unwind after your trek, and then you will be ready to move on to your next adventure.