Why is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda too expensive?
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda costs a lot because it takes a lot to keep the gorillas safe. Many people, like those who provide security and healthcare, work hard to protect these amazing animals. They often spend long hours away from their families. Also, Rwanda is a place for fancy tourism. They have fancy hotels and lodges for travelers who like luxury. So, gorilla treks in Rwanda are costly, mostly for people who want to spend a lot on a nice trip.
Getting Your Rwanda Gorilla Permit
To join a gorilla trek in Rwanda, you need to get a permit. You can buy it online from the Rwanda Development Board’s website or from a local tour company. The permit costs $1,500 per person and covers the fee to enter the park. Only people 15 years old and above can get a permit. While you can buy permits at the last minute, it’s better to get them early, especially from June to September when lots of people want them.
How tough is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be tough. The trek has two parts. The first part is easy, a 30 to 60-minute walk from where you park to the park’s edge. But the second part can be harder. You have to walk through the forest to find the gorillas. This can take 10 minutes to two hours, depending on where the gorillas are and how steep the ground is. You need to be fit and ready for altitudes of 7000 feet or more, which might make it hard to breathe.
Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas
When you join a guided gorilla trek in Rwanda, you have a good chance of seeing the gorillas. Park rangers and trackers work together to find the gorillas and keep everyone safe. The gorillas are used to people being around, so they don’t mind visitors. But it’s important to know that seeing gorillas isn’t guaranteed. They’re wild animals and can move around freely. Even though the success rate of seeing gorillas on a trek is high (97%), there’s still a small chance you might not find them.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda?
When you’re going on a gorilla trek in Rwanda, you need to pack a few important things:
- Yellow fever vaccination card
- Tourist visa (it costs $50 per person, but if you’re visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda together, you can get an East African Visa for $100)
- Light and waterproof hiking shoes
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Hiking pants and a long-sleeved shirt
- Gloves, sunhat, or a cape
- A warm sweater for cold mornings
- Waterproof backpack for water, lunch, and gadgets
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera and binoculars
- Walking poles or a stick (you can get one at the trailhead)
- At least one liter of water and packed lunch (some lodges give you lunch)
- Disposable face masks
Basic first aid kit with wipes, cream, repellent, painkillers, and more.