Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda Worth It? There is no doubt that gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an amazing experience. Watching these giant primates as they swing through the trees, cross rivers and scale mountains is an unforgettable experience. However, the journey to the gorillas isn’t always easy.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda only happens in the Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the southern part of the country. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person and is valid for one year. It must be purchased in advance and is usually booked months in advance. It can also be difficult to secure a permit if you have little free time or can’t travel during the peak seasons of June through September.
When trekking to see the gorillas, you will spend the majority of the day hiking through the jungle to reach them. Although the trails are well-marked and easy enough to follow, the terrain can be extremely challenging and the altitude can be dangerously high in some areas. You could easily spend all day trekking without seeing any gorillas. If you are not physically fit, it is not recommended that you do the trek on your own. It is important to hire an experienced guide who will keep you safe and help you to spot the gorillas.
These guides are also very knowledgeable about the gorillas and can answer any questions you have about them. Seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an amazing privilege and one that not everyone gets to experience. However, it is also a privilege that comes with some unique challenges and risks. As an ethical tourist, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of gorilla trekking before making your decision to go. If you decide that this is an activity that is important to you, you should make sure that your tour operator is taking all the necessary precautions to make sure that the experience is as safe and as enjoyable as possible. If the above still holds true after doing your research, then by all means go ahead and book that trip! You will be in good company!
Being in the presence of mountain gorillas is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a traveler. Watching them interact in their natural environment is fascinating and inspiring and it is an experience that you will never forget. But even if you do not get to see the mountain gorilla, you will leave with enough knowledge about gorillas and wildlife in general that you will still be enriched by your time in Rwanda.
You will also encounter a number of other animals, birds, and plants on your trek in the volcanoes national park, and learning about them and their importance to the ecosystem is an important part of your experience.
There are also many companies that offer tours to Rwanda specifically to see the mountain gorillas such as Explore Rwanda Tours, and many of these are reputable and offer good value for the money.
