Rwanda is popularly known as the land of a thousand hills. The landlocked country in East Africa has an area of 26,338 Km sq. It is +2 Gmt. The population of the country is about 9 Million people, thus at 300 persons per Km sq. it has one of the highest population densities in Africa. The local people speak Kinyarwanda which is the national language. The climate is temperate and it can be visited through out the year.
Of the many tourist activities to undertake to undertake in Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tracking safaris are the main attraction. Besides this, Rwand is full of adventure with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Rolling hills about in the country hence the name the land of a thousand hills, the Switzerland of Africa. A perfect paradise is perhaps Nyungwe forest, the largest mountane rain forest in Africa, a biodiversity centre with 200 species of trees, 200 species of orchids, and 13 species of primates including the chimpanzees. Activities in Nyungwe forest include forest hikes, bird watching, tracking chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys. Without Nyungwe forest, a safari of Rwanda would be incomplete. A 7 days safari of Rwanda will accomplish a visit to Butare, Gikongoro, Nyungwe, lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park. 10 days are enough to see most of the country.
Gorilla Tracking takes place at Volcanoes National Park (Parc des volcans). With its five peaks (Karisimbi 4507M, Bisoke 3711, Sabyinyo 3634, Gahinga 3474 and Muhabura 4127) the park offers some of the most stunning views in Rwanda. The peaks can be seen clearly from the hotels in this region-Gorilla Nest, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Lodge and Kinigi Guest House. Besides gorilla tracking other activities in Volcanoes include tracking golden monkeys, hiking and mountain climbing.
Gorilla tracking takes place at altitudes of 3000 m above sea level. Tracking commences at 0700 Hrs at Kinigi Park headquarters. On the tracking days, trackers congregate at the park headquarters where they are allocated guides and groups to track. The earlier practice of pre-booking groups to track is not permissible these days. This usually led to lots of confusion and frustrations. The same applies to the guides. You are not allowed to pre-book a specific guide. Oh yes, do not bother your tour operator asking for a specific guide or group. If you are interested in a certain group, or a guide, you make a formal request in the morning of tracking.
Gorilla tracking is for any person of average fitness. What I am saying is that you (I mean you) can make it to the gorillas. Nobody is going to test your physical fitness. Just walk up the hills, through the bushes at your own pace. If others run up the hills do not bother. Just walk at your own pace, relax when you feel like enjoy yourself.
Comfort is very important when hiking and tracking Gorillas. What you wear is very important. You need gloves, hiking boots, long sleeves, warm cardigan, rain coat and a water proof container for your cameras.
Gorilla Tracking takes place through out the year.
Environmental consciousness is equally important. Gorillas are wild animals. Please do not feed or provoke them in any way. Avoid flash photography, keep your flight distance and respect gorillas. Do not look at them straight in the eye. This is considered an a front and the male gorilla (silver back) does not like it. Look at it sideways. Likewise do not imitate chest beating. This is a territorial behavior of the males and they will take it as a challenge. If charged croach into the ground. This show of submissiveness and respect will cool the male. Do not litter the park. Leave only your steps. Do not track gorillas if you are sick. This can transmit diseases to the gorillas. Only those 15 years and above are allowed to track gorillas.
Where to stay while tracking. Always remember that gorilla tracking will commence at exactly 0700 Hrs. That means the best place to overnight is Kinigi. At Kingi, we have several places of Accommodation. These include Gorilla Nest Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, virunga Lodge and Sabyinyo Lodge. See Hotels in Ruhengeri and Kinigi. Ruhengeri and Kinigi Hotels
Vehicles- Tracking gorillas requires a 4WD vehicle. You can rent cars from tour operators and travel agencies in Kigali. See Kigali car hire
