Is it safe to see Mountain gorillas in Rwanda

In the whole world, the African continent is one of those exceptional areas which reside the wonderful mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are one of those largest animals in the world. Gorillas are also referred to as  the closest relatives to humans and can be to be found in many countries in Africa though only 3 countries are the most popular ones that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo in their national parks.

Different tourists may have a lot of questions in their minds for instance is it safe to see Mt gorillas in Rwanda. Yes gorillas can be seen in Rwanda and with a lot of easy

You need not to worry about your security because the Rwandan government  distributes many policemen in different parts of its country. Not forgetting the brutal acts of the genocide that occurred in 1994 the country has managed to transform its self in various ways strictly emphasizing peace, law and security. Today different tourists visit the country  in large numbers since they are sure that the place is tightly secure.

What do you need for gorilla for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking like any other activity you need to have certain requirements you must have before you participate in  it. You need to have a gorilla permit that you will present on your day for trekking. Gorilla permits are legal documents that you provide to any park in order to participate in gorilla trekking.

How to get a gorilla permit

Getting a gorilla permit is one of those easiest and simple way though there are various alternatives. The first option is booking a permit online using the Rwanda development board website. The other way is by booking with any trusted registered tour company and help you obtain  a permit.

Minimum age for trekking in Rwanda.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda involves you having a minimum number of age all is to ensure safety. The minimum age for trekking gorillas is 15 years and above. This is because at least someone above 15 years will be able to follow the rules and regulations compared to those below 15 years .Those below 15 years may tend to make noise thus disturbing the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking as an activity

Gorilla trekking refers to the process of hiking dense forests, rugged terrains, steep hills and slopes in search for the endangered mountain gorillas.

The activity starts with a briefing very early in the morning at 7: 30 am is only done once a day.

The briefing is one of those important sessions not to  miss out because its one which  highlights you to what you will do while in the jungle.

It includes you having vast knowledge about which gorilla family to trek, rules and regulations to follow while with these great apes and some necessary information about gorillas.

When you are done with the briefing you will join a group of 8 people to go to the forest. When you reach the forest and happen to encounter with the gorillas only 1 hour is offered to you to spend with the gorillas.

The one hour is a very magical experience since you take photos with gorillas, see them feed, behave while with their young ones . After you are done with trekking, you will go back to the briefing point and winners are awarded with certificates.

Requirements for Gorilla Trekking

Going in to the jungle very early in the morning, as you hear the sounds of the birds up the trees, adventuring awhile appreciating the beauty of nature is an interesting activity though you shouldn’t miss out the requirements so that you have an extremely wonderful time while in volcanoes national park.

The following are some of the requirements.

Good hiking boots.

Make sure you have good hiking boots since you are hiking rugged terrains and some times the trails may be slippery.

Insect repellents.

You need to carry the insect repellents in order to protect your self from insect bites so that you have a good trekking experience.

Long sleeved t shirts and trousers.

Put on long clothings in order to prevent your self from cold weather and harm from insects that may want to climb you.

A rain jacket.

This is also important to carry on your trekking because it protects from rain especially when it starts to rain and you are still in the forest.

Garden gloves.

Make sure you carry the garden gloves because they can protect your hands from scratches and insect bites.

Cameras with a strong battery.

Make sure you have a camera while on this wonderful adventure. This is because if you need  to take photos which you will always make you remember that you had an extremely amazing experience with the gorillas.

Packed snacks and water.

You are not sure at  exactly what time will you be done the trekking activity though it takes approximately 2 to 30mins though it depends on the location of gorillas. Having packed foods and drinks is necessary so that hunger can not stop you from enjoying your experience.

Those are some of the requirements to carry before going to the forest for trekking though they are other essential tools to carry such as binoculars, sun glasses,

Safety Tips in Trekking gorillas of Rwanda.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda is completely very safe since the country is taken to be one of the safest countries though there have been r

The following are different alternatives how you can see how safe is trekking gorillas in Rwanda.

Right measures for getting a permit.

We all know that before  trekking, you must have obtained a permit. The best way of obtaining a gorilla permit is by booking with any trusted tour operator. To look for tour operators you can go online and search.

While searching go to trip advisor and read through the reviews of various tourists who have have ever used any of the tour company and then select one of your choice.

In addition to that you have to make sure you donot book with a reliable tour operator to control issues of fraud and insecurities.

Briefing.

The briefing is one of those important things to carry out before gorilla trekking. This is another way of keeping security either with the tourists plus and the gorillas. This is because the briefing gives you prior knowledge about the dos and donts for gorilla trekking. Attending a briefing helps you know the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest.

Provision of armed ranges.

When you are done with a briefing you are given a group f 8 people to go and trek a different gorilla family.

That group must have an armed ranger to protect you while trekking. Rangers are completely trained so that in case of inconveniences they  help in there and then so that you have a wonderful experience.

Vast security checking points.

Volcanoes national park has many security checking points all because it wants to ensure the safety of the clients. Checking is mainly done to ensure that no harm is done at the gorillas, and to the park at large.

The reason for checking you is whether you don’t have any harm fuel objects like knives, firearms and many others because people have various intentions.

Follow rules and regulations for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking has various guidelines to follow while carrying out this activity. Note the rules and regulations are put across in order to ensure safety measure. I am going to outline  some of the rules and regulations to follow in volcanoes national park.

• You must be 7 m away from the gorillas despite the fact that they are endangered thy still remain to be wild animals.
• You must be 15 years and above to trek the mountain gorillas. This is done to prevent inconveniences since young children may fail to follow the rules and regulations.
• Don’t smoke or even litter in the park while trekking gorillas.
• Never touch the gorillas or even make an eye contact with them. This is because they may mistake you for aggressiveness.
• Don’t put on a flash photography while taking photos for gorillas. This is because gorillas may get scared and charge thinking you a threat.

Book with excellent hotels.

You need  to book with excellent hotels  because you need to be sure of your security. Security is very key for one planning a trip. This can be done by booking with a trusted tour operator that will help you on selecting excellent lodges. This is all done because you need to be sure of your safety and property like your car.

Best time for visiting Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes national park is visited through out the year. The year has got two seasons that is the dry and wet season.

The best time for visiting volcanoes national park is the dry season. Since gorilla trekking is the most commonly done activity to be done in volcanoes national park the dry season is indeed the suitable time for visiting.

This is because the roads and the trekking trails are not slippery.

Nevertheless, different tourists can still visit volcanoes in the wet season and will also have diverse experiences.

The only elegance for visiting in the wet season  is that some prices of things are reduced for example the lodges. Visiting volcanoes national park is all year round .

How to reach volcanoes national park?

Getting to volcanoes national park is very easy. The park is found in Musanze district It is just a 2 hrs drive from Kigali international airport to the park. It you did not book with any trusted tour company you will have to get a car up to Musanze.

Where to stay while at volcanoes national park

Please don’t worry about your accommodations while in volcanoes national park. There are many accommodations to stay in  and are classified in to luxury, mid range or budget.

5 volcanoes lodge luxury

This is a luxury hotel situated in the calm places of Musanze along the main road leading to Kinigi.

The hotel is comprised of self contained nice looking rooms for visitors. In terms of meals you need not to worry because the lodge offers tasty and delicious foods both international and local.

Virunga hotel.

The hotel is located very close to Musanze. The hotel has a got a variety of self contained rooms thus offering good accommodations to tourists. The hotel also offers both international and local meals. Your stay at this place will make you more comfortable.