How to plan a team-building safari for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

If you’re thinking of planning a team-building event, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda could be a unique and memorable experience. This park, located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to over 400 mountain gorillas, with 12 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking, also known as gorilla tracking, involves walking through the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park to find gorillas. The trek starts early in the morning with a briefing from guides, explaining what to expect, the rules, and assigning gorilla families. The duration of the trek can vary from one to six hours, depending on the assigned gorilla family. Once located, each group has an hour to spend with the gorillas, offering a unique and intimate wildlife encounter.

Team-Building Activities in Volcanoes National Park

To enhance team-building, consider exploring other activities in Volcanoes National Park. In addition to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you can visit local villages to learn about the indigenous culture, enjoy a cycling safari, participate in the Kwita Izina ceremony, and embark on a golden monkey trek. These experiences not only contribute to team bonding but also provide a broader understanding of the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Essentials for Gorilla Safari

Proper preparation is key for a successful gorilla trekking experience. Here are some essential items to pack:

• Clothing: Wear lightweight trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colors. This attire provides warmth, protection from bugs and scratches, and minimizes attention from wildlife.
• Footwear: Opt for strong, waterproof hiking boots that are ankle-length for a comfortable and secure trek.
• Accessories: Gaiters, adjustable to protect from dust, insects, mud, and water. A refillable water bottle, snacks, camera with sufficient memory, and binoculars are also recommended.

Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Understanding the guidelines for gorilla trekking is crucial to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with these magnificent creatures:

• Maintain Distance: Keep a minimum of 7 meters from gorillas to avoid close contact, touching, and disease transmission.
• Limited Group Size: Trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people to protect the gorillas from unnecessary disturbances.
• Health Considerations: If feeling unwell, it is advisable to opt-out of the trek to prevent the spread of diseases to the gorillas.
• Environmental Responsibility: Dispose of rubbish properly to maintain the cleanliness of the park and ensure the safety of the gorillas.
• Time Limit: Groups spend a maximum of one hour with gorillas to avoid disrupting their behavior patterns.
• Restrictions: Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited in close proximity to gorillas. These activities are only allowed at a distance of at least 200 meters.
• Age Limit: The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, ensuring better control and adherence to trekking rules.
• Sanitation Practices: Dig a hole for toileting and cover it afterward to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
• Photography Rules: While taking photos of gorillas is allowed, flash photography is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the animals.

By following these guidelines and adequately preparing for the trek, you can enjoy a team-building safari while respecting the natural environment and ensuring the well-being of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

A gorilla permit is a special document given to tourists who want to meet gorillas in Rwanda. The Rwanda Development Board issues this permit, and it’s crucial for getting access to the gorillas. Since these permits are in high demand, it’s important to book them early, ensuring you get the dates you want.

The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person. This fee covers the permit and is valid for one hour with the gorillas. You can buy the permit directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a tour operator. The process is the same for both options. First, you contact the tour operator with your preferred trekking dates and provide your passport details. The operator checks if the dates are available, confirms via email, and then requests payment to secure the booking.

Payments are usually made through the company’s bank details, and once the payment is confirmed, the permits are booked. You’ll receive evidence of the booking via email. It’s important to note that you must pay the full amount for the permit; otherwise, the purchase won’t be completed.

Rwanda offers a 10% discount on gorilla permits for tourists who plan to visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. This discount aims to boost the country’s tourism sector. Additionally, tourists visiting Rwanda for conferences can get a discount on gorilla trek permits if bought in bulk.

A common question is when to purchase the gorilla permit. The answer is that permits can be bought six months before the trek date. This allows ample time to plan your team-building safari in Rwanda for gorilla trekking properly.

Other Team-Building Activities in Rwanda

Apart from gorilla tracking, Rwanda offers various activities for team-building safaris. Here are some options in different safari destinations:

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Nyungwe National Park, located at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an excellent destination for chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to over 13 different primate species, including baboons, vervet monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Other activities in Nyungwe include chimpanzee habituation, primate tracking, bird watching, and canopy walking.

Wildlife Viewing in Akagera:

Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda, and it’s perfect for game drives. The park is home to the Big Five and other wildlife species, such as bushbucks, hippos, zebras, impalas, crocodiles, and oribis. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride along the Akagera River and indulge in bird watching.

Accommodations for Gorilla Team-Building Trips

For your team-building gorilla trek safari in Rwanda, there are accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park that cater to various budgets. These options include budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations, with prices ranging from $100 to over $1,000 per person per night.

Some of the safari accommodations you can choose from include Five Volcanoes Hotel, Davinci Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcano Lodge, Faraji Hotel, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palm Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, and Mountain View Mountain Gorilla View Hotel, among others.

Ideal Time for Gorilla Team-Building Safaris

The best time for a team-building gorilla trek safari in Rwanda is during the drier months of June to September and December to February. During these periods, gorillas are easier to spot, and the trekking routes are more accessible. In contrast, the rainy/wet season from March to May and October to November makes the trekking routes muddy and challenging due to rain. Choosing the right time enhances the overall experience of the safari.