What to pack for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Are you preparing for a visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to observe the Mountain Gorillas and need guidance on What to pack for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park ? Preparing for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park necessitates careful planning. Below is a compilation of necessities to guarantee a comfortable and pleasurable gorilla trekking trip in Volcanoes National Park:

Clothes

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants: Safeguard your skin against abrasions, insect stings, and solar exposure.
Rain Jacket: The weather is generally erratic, and precipitation frequently occurs in mountainous regions.
Hiking Boots: Durable, waterproof footwear with adequate ankle support is crucial for the frequently muddy and steep pathways.
Gaiters: These will prevent mud, water, and insects from entering your boots.
Headgear for sun protection and gloves to shield your hands from thorny flora.
Insulating Layers: Early mornings and elevated terrains can be rather cold.

Equipment and Attire

Daypack: A comfortable backpack designed to transport your needs, preferably equipped with a rain cover.
Walking Stick: Assists with equilibrium and steadiness on irregular surfaces. These are frequently supplied by guides.
Binoculars: For avian observation and animal identification.
Camera: Accompanied by additional batteries and memory cards. An optimal zoom camera is essential for photographing remote wildlife.
Reusable Water Bottle: Maintain hydration. Contemplate utilizing a hydration pack.
Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix for an immediate energy enhancement.
Personal Belongings
Insect Repellent: To safeguard against mosquitoes and various insects.
Even on overcast days, UV radiation can still induce sunburn at elevated altitudes.
First Aid Kit: Essential supplies comprising adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescribed drugs.
Moist Towelettes and Hand Sanitizer: Effective for cleansing hands and minor abrasions.

Financial Documents

Permits: Your gorilla trekking permit will be held by the tour operator with whom you have made a reservation, unless you are on a self-drive expedition.
ID or passport: Essential for identification and travel purposes.
Cash: For gratuities and little transactions (small denominations are advantageous).

Discretionary Items

Waterproof Bag or Dry Sack: To safeguard electronics and other valuables against precipitation.
Notebook and Pen: For recording notes or observations.
By assembling these materials, you will be adequately equipped for an exhilarating and unforgettable gorilla trekking expedition in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas are the primary attraction at Volcanoes National Park, with daily gorilla trekking occurring year-round. Gorilla trekking entails visiting habituated endangered mountain gorillas in their native habitat, observing their feeding, movement, resting, and harmonious living behaviors. Volcanoes National Park hosts around 12 habituated gorilla families available for daily trekking, with a limit of 8 tourists permitted per gorilla family each day. The probability of encountering mountain gorillas is 99%, facilitated by the presence of trackers, guides, and park guards. Gorilla trekking commences daily in Kinigi at 7:00 AM with a briefing on the guidelines to adhere to throughout the trek. Despite sharing 99% of their DNA with humans, gorillas remain wild, and adherence to the dos and don’ts provided by the guides is strongly suggested. The gorilla journey may last from 30 minutes to several hours, contingent upon the gorillas’ mobility and position inside the jungle.

Essential items to pack for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. To embark on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, one needs obtain a gorilla permit for a specific day from the Rwanda Development Board. The gorilla permit is priced at USD 1500 for all nationalities, permitting one hour of gorilla observation and photography. Securing a gorilla hike at Volcanoes National Park is a quintessential experience to fulfill your bucket list; Eco Adventure Safaris will assist in arranging a customized, cost-effective, and unforgettable gorilla trek tour.

Additional activities in Volcanoes National Park.

Trekking for Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

The Golden Monkey Trek at Volcanoes National Park is an extraordinary adventure to have in your itinerary when visiting Rwanda. Golden Monkey tracking is observing the uncommon and aesthetically pleasing golden monkeys in their natural habitat. Volcanoes National Park features two habituated golden monkey colonies available for daily hiking, each including approximately 80 individuals, with no restrictions on tourist numbers. The permit for hiking golden monkeys is priced at USD 100 for all citizens and may be acquired from the Rwanda Development Board to facilitate visits to the endangered golden monkeys. The activity commences at the park headquarters at 7:00 AM with a briefing on regulations by the park wardens. Subsequently, park guides and rangers will escort you into the forest to locate the golden monkeys. The duration of the walk may range from 30 minutes to several hours, contingent upon the location and movement of the monkeys. Upon locating them, you are permitted to observe and remain with them for a maximum of one hour before returning.

Excursion to the Tomb of Dian Fossey and Trekking

The Dain Fossey tomb tour is one of the most renowned activities undertaken by visitors in Volcanoes National Park. The tomb is about one hour’s hike from the Karisoke Research Camp. The Dian Fossey Memorial walk is named after the renowned American primatologist and zoologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to safeguarding endangered gorillas from extinction in the volcanoes and raising awareness about their plight. She was murdered by the purported poachers, interred in the park, and a memorial was erected. She is renowned for her role in the film “Gorillas in the Mist.” The climb ranges from 2,500m to 3,000m, leading to the tomb of the late Dian, who advocated for the protection of endangered mountain gorillas and promoted gorilla tourism through conservation awareness. The celebration of her personality, passion for Mountain gorillas, study, and history renders this trip extraordinary.

Iby’Iwacu cultural experience

African cultures are distinctive and intriguing, meriting exploration at Volcanoes National Park upon commencing your journey from the Cyanika border. The culture of Rwanda is highly enjoyable and engaging. The locals previously resided in the forest and were involved in the poaching of endangered species. They were subsequently relocated and organized into a village, known as Iby’Iwacu, located in Volcano National Park in Nyabigoma, Kinigi, Musanze District, Northern Province of Rwanda. We customize excursions to the volcanic national park, ensuring an extraordinary experience that includes interactions with the Iby’Iwacu people. You will engage with local communities, exploring their heritage, lifestyles, activities, artifacts, dances, and cultural practices. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village exhibits the lifestyles, traditional customs, and dances to visitors.

Bird Observation

Birdwatching is an additional activity in Volcanoes National Park, where the forest serves as a habitat for a diverse array of bird species. Over 300 avian species inhabit the volcanoes, including the vulnerable Grauer’s rush warbler, frequently observed in the swamps, as well as the francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s ground robin, red-faced woodland warbler, dusky crimson-wing, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, collared apalis, Rwenzori batis, strange weaver, and numerous others. We provide birding packages to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Uganda. The expert avian guides will assist you in locating and identifying the species.

Accommodations for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of lodges and hotels, categorized by price range: luxury options include Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest, and Virunga Lodge; midrange options comprise Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge; budget accommodations feature Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge. Hotel rooms may rapidly become unavailable, particularly during peak season; therefore, your lodging selection must be reserved in advance for your stay to Volcanoes National Park. A discount on lodging will be available for extended stays.

Reasons to Reserve a Journey to Volcanoes National Park via Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorilla Trekking in Africa provides exceptional experiences at Volcanoes National Park. Reach out to us for our reduced packages, as well as customized gorilla excursions, birdwatching, cultural experiences, and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Our expertise in curating genuine experiences arises from our diverse team, which combines youthful vigor with seasoned professionals who are deeply passionate about their work.