Gorilla Trekking Safari During Christmas in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking Safari During Christmas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a memorable way to enjoy the holiday season in Africa. Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is home to mountain gorillas and offers a unique wildlife experience during the festive season. Gorilla trekking during Christmas is a popular activity for families and groups of friends who want to make lasting memories.
Volcanoes National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas. The park is home to 15 gorilla families that visitors can trek and observe. Besides mountain gorillas, the park is home to other primates like golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys. The park also boasts a variety of bird species, with more than 300 birds recorded, including some that are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Christmas is a time for celebration, and spending it in the company of mountain gorillas adds a special touch to the holiday. You can enjoy the thrill of trekking through the misty forests with your family or friends. As you hike through the forest, you’ll create lasting memories that you can cherish until the next Christmas.
Gorilla trekking on Christmas Day is a unique way to spend the holiday, but since it’s a peak season for tourism, securing a gorilla trekking permit early is essential.
Gorilla Permit Cost During Christmas
In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is:
- $1,500 for foreign non-residents,
- $500 for foreign residents,
- $300 for East African residents.
The cost of the permit includes:
- Park entrance fees,
- Fees for ranger guides,
- Security during the trek,
- Contributions to local community projects,
- Support for gorilla conservation,
- A certificate after completing the trek,
- One hour with the mountain gorillas.
The permit cost does not cover tips, food, snacks, or personal items like packed lunch or gear for the trek.
Booking Your Gorilla Permit
Booking a gorilla permit for Christmas should be a priority. When planning for gorilla trekking, it’s essential to know how many people will be joining the trek and whether you’d like to trek more than once. The gorilla trekking permits operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and no permits are reserved without payment.
To secure your permit, contact a safari consultant who will check availability from the Rwanda Development Board. Once availability is confirmed, you should purchase your permit quickly as they tend to sell out, especially during the holiday season.
When to Book Your Gorilla Permit for Christmas
It’s advisable to book your permit well in advance, at least 6 months to a year before Christmas. By the last quarter of the year, most permits and accommodations for the Christmas season are usually sold out.
If you’re traveling with family, note that children below 15 years are not allowed to trek gorillas. The jungle terrain and the rules of gorilla trekking are not suitable for younger children.
Accommodation During Gorilla Trekking
Once you’ve secured your gorilla permit, the next step is to book accommodation. During the Christmas holiday, accommodation options tend to fill up quickly, so it’s important to make reservations early.
Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury to budget. Some of the popular accommodations near the park include:
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge,
- Mid-range: Hotel La Palme, Hotel Milles Collines,
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhavura.
Remember, if you’re planning to trek more than once, you’ll need to attend a briefing each day before heading into the park. Each gorilla family has different behaviors, and the briefing will help you understand what to expect during your trek.
What to Pack for Your Christmas Gorilla Trekking Safari
Packing for your gorilla trekking safari is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential items to include in your packing list:
- Safari Hat: A hat with a large brim to protect you from water dripping from the forest canopy.
- Binoculars: To spot birds and animals hidden in the dense forest.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn during your trek.
- Backpack: A waterproof backpack to carry your belongings, including snacks and a raincoat.
- Long-Sleeved Shirts and Convertible Trousers: These will protect you from insect bites and keep you comfortable. Earthy colors like khaki are ideal, as bright colors can attract insects.
- Raincoat: The weather in the forest is unpredictable, and a raincoat will protect you in case it rains unexpectedly.
- Snacks: Pack some energy bars or snacks to keep you going during the trek.
- Camera: Bring a camera to capture the special moments of your Christmas gorilla trek.
- Cash: It’s helpful to have some cash on hand for local transactions.
- Extra Battery: Carry an extra battery for your camera or phone in case one runs out of charge.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from stinging insects while trekking.
- First Aid Kit: A small first aid kit with personal medication or basic supplies in case of any minor injuries.
- Toiletries: Bring toiletries that suit your skin type, as some lodges may not provide them.
