Mountain gorillas are the major tourist attraction in Rwanda and it has attracted a very big number of tourists whole over the world, and it has contributed a lot to economy of Rwanda as a lot of revenue is collected from trackers, a gorilla permit costs US$1500 but the activity is worth the money paid and many visitors run for this activity. Spending at least 1-2 days in the world with these giants’ apes is regarded as the most memorial moment in life. Over 80%of travelers who come to Rwanda go gorilla tracking. Rwanda houses a third of the world’s population. There are about 1000 individuals remained worldwide so by tracking these apes you are helping the conversation process.
These giant apes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to many years of being hunted for trade meat and medicine by the poachers. In Rwanda, the mountain gorillas live in the rain tropical forest of the Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze (former Ruhengeri). The drive from Kigali to Musanze takes about 2-3 hours.
The park is shared by Uganda’s Mgahinga gorilla forest national park and Democratic Republic of Congo Virunga National park and tracking safaris in these countries is also superb and you can track in both countries on the same safaris if planned in advance. Mountain gorillas feed on fresh leaves, shoots, fruits and piths; they rarely drink water since most of the foods they consume contain too much water and a lot of moisture.
These apes are known as the second closest relative to man after the chimpanzee and it shares almost 97% of human DNA make up. They live in a family size of about 30 members and the silver back is the head of the group. Mountain gorillas are tremendous fan to watch in their nature habitat. Not like other primate and gorilla species that can be seen in zoos or under captivity these apes are only seen in their natural environment very deep in the forest the whole process more magical. You are allowed to take as many photos as you can although a flash camera is not allowed and you are only allowed. The one hour with these apes can’t be forgotten trust me, just book your safari with us you won’t regret. Many writers contend that, a safari in Africa is only complete when you visit mountain gorillas in their natural environment, in the true African wilderness, deep in the heart of Africa.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options within and around the park include Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, Virunga lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel La Palme and Kinigi Guest House . Those who fully participated in gorilla tracking adventure are rewarded a certificate at the end of each adventure as a sign of appreciating them. For more info about gorilla tracking or booking contact us for more information.