Is it safe to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Yes, it is without doubt that Rwanda is one of Africa’s best and safest destinations to visit to enjoy gorilla trekking. Rwanda has enjoyed about 3 decades of prevailing peace and security making it a preferred destination for gorilla trekking. The historic 1994 genocide marked the end of civil wars in the Republic of Rwanda making it a peaceful and lovely place to track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
What you need to know about gorilla trekking when you visit Rwanda
Before you consider traveling to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda, it is important to take certain precautions. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is safe and secure but observing the set safety measures is essential because the entire interaction with mountain gorillas is done in the wild. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is where all gorilla treks are conducted and visitor adventure starts with a briefing about safety measures or gorilla trekking rules.
Safety measures to be observed during the gorilla trekking tour
A professional park ranger guide
During the actual gorilla safari, visitors are allocated an experienced armed park ranger guide. Volcanoes National Park has experienced and knowledgeable park ranger guides that the official allocates to lead a group of visitors to search for the rare mountain gorillas in the wild.
The park ranger guides are normally found at Kinigi during the briefing session. It is a must to have a park ranger guide accompanying you on a trek to see gorillas. While in the jungle interacting with gorillas, visitors are required to observe or respect the guide’s instructions.
Acceptable age limit for gorilla trekking
When it comes to gorilla trekking, the acceptable age is usually 15 years and above. This age limit should be respected for a good reason. First, persons above 15 years have confidence even when the gorillas charge and can easily be controlled. This is a different case with children who can easily get frightened when a silverback gorilla charges.
Presence of the park ranger guides
Volcanoes National Park is protected by a team of park rangers who also work together with other security organs. Not only do the park rangers play a significant role in protecting mountain gorilla habitats, but also visitors. Visitor safety during or after trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or any other destination is essential and is the priority by tour operators and the park authorities.
Security checkpoints
Right from the moment you touch the soil of Kigali, expect a thorough security check at the security checkpoint. Everything is done to ensure that there are no incidences of attacks on the clients. You can be allowed to embark on active gorilla trekking when the park authorities are certain that you are free from any threats. After you have been crosschecked, you can then join other visitors for a briefing about gorilla trekking regulations.
Safety measures to be followed
Before you go to search for gorillas, you will be briefed about the safety measures to be followed during the guided gorilla trek. There are multiple safety measures to be observed including respecting the distance of 7-8 meters away from gorillas, visiting only already habituated gorilla groups, embarking on a gorilla trek with the park ranger guide on the lead, avoiding wearing shouting clothes, and not use of flashlight cameras.
Gorilla trekking permits
A valid gorilla permit is essential for anyone with plans to track Rwanda mountain gorillas and should be booked in advance. Each permit is available for booking at USD 1500 per visitor and is valid for only a single trek.
How to ensure you are safe during gorilla trekking in Rwanda
When planning to book a gorilla holiday, ensure that you deal with the local tour operator on the ground. There are multiple registered tour operators or companies in Kigali to deal with for booking a gorilla trekking tour and also permits. During the actual trek to see gorillas, always observe what your park ranger guide tells you to do. Observe what the guide tells you to do, especially when the gorilla has charged at you. At this point, you are advised to stay calm and avoid any temptation of running away.
Book a safe safari lodge in the park or close to the park.
Your gorilla safari company or tour operator can guide you on which accommodation to book for an overnight stay in Volcanoes National Park. You must pay keen attention when choosing the right accommodation for an overnight stay. Top lodges to consider for overnight stay include Bisate Reserve, One & Only Gorilla Nest, Singita Kwitonda, Virunga Inn, and Amarembo By Touch Down.
When planning to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, choosing a safe and secure place to stay should be a must. Talk to the local expert to book the right accommodation for your overnight stay.
Where is Volcanoes National Park found?
Volcanoes National Park is lying in the Northern region in Rwanda. The park is surrounded by Musanze, Nyabihu, Rubavu, and Burera. The 160 sq. km Volcanoes National Park is home to not only mountain gorillas but also other wild animals. These include golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants, duikers, bush-bucks, spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, and many other primate species.
Bird species include the black cuckoos, Rwenzori batis, lagden’s bush-shrike, Kivu ground thrush, Black cuckoo, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Archer’s ground robin, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, weird weavers, baglafetch, red-faced woodland warblers, dusky crimson wing, and more.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park safely when visiting Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park can be reached safely by road whereby travelers can embark on a road trip from Kigali. From Kigali Capital to Volcanoes National Park can be reached within a 2-3 hours drive. Helicopter flights into Volcanoes National Park are increasingly popular, with approximately 30 scenic flights operating regularly. Many of the luxury lodges in the area also feature private helipads, offering seamless and stylish access to this breathtaking destination.
Visitors can connect from Kabale or Kisoro to Volcanoes National Park and within 4-5 hours, you can be at the park.
By air, your tour operator can also arrange a fly-in safari from Kigali to the Airport near Volcanoes National Park in Musanze/Ruhengeri.
Conclusively, Rwanda is safe and secure for gorilla trekking. Visitor safety is assured thanks to the safety measures for gorilla trekking and the government’s commitment effort to promote peace and security in the country at large.