There is nothing more adorable in the world than meeting face to face with mountain gorillas. This can be done on a gorilla trekking trip to Rwanda, an amazing small country located in the heart of Africa. Though Rwanda has for long been known on the international scene because of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, one of the worst events that has ever happened to humanity, the country has recovered a lot and 20 years down the road, the country is becoming one of the top tourist spots in the country! The country has undergone a lot of changes, enjoyed a semblance of peace for the past 18 years and invested a lot in infrastructural development.
Today Rwanda is the best country to visit for gorilla trekking, an adventure activity on which travelers hike within the impenetrable jungles of Volcanoes National Park, looking for the endangered mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri, Northern Rwanda is the special place for tourists looking for this adventurous holiday.
Nearly a third of the total population of these rare beautiful individuals live within volcanoes National park and accessibility to this park is easy.
Getting There
Wondering how to get there? Tourists travel along well tarmacked roads to the Northern part of the country and the journey takes only 2 hours from Kigali, the country’s capital. You can also easily travel to this park aboard a fully inclusive tour package offered by one of the Rwandan local tour operators, use a privately organized car rental service from one of the car hire agencies in Kigali or on a public bus or matatu-kind of service.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Encountering the mountain gorillas’ the Manly gentle giants and watch their young ones play in tree branches is just part of the visual drama you will enjoy on your tour. The experience of observing these creatures is unexplainable and the one hour you will spend in the forest will never fade from your memories! There is something about the ‘mist’, the ‘mud’, the ‘hike’, in search for gorillas and therefore be ready for a thrilling, exhilarating and heart pounding experience.
Gorilla watching is among the most mesmerizing adventure activities to include on your safari holiday on the African continent, leaving visitors immersed and exhilarated simultaneously. You will fall in love with the country and remember it was this park, where the American zoologist Dian Fossey began her research into mountain gorilla lifestyle in the 1960s. Her published book, Gorillas in the Mist, was made into a Hollywood film in 1988 in one of the most popular films! Therefore get ready to retrace the footsteps of Dian Fossey and see the mountain gorillas;
Planning a Gorilla Trek
You can easily plan a gorilla trek in Rwanda through a local tour operator or travel agency. Though most tour operators offer already crafted tour itineraries, you can easily request for a tailor made trip. If you are looking for independent travel, get handy with a gorilla trekking guide book to help you create a perfect holiday. Remember, you need gorilla permit in order to track the mountain gorillas and it is advisable to book it in advance.