Gorilla Trekking Rwanda: Gorilla Watching – Rwanda Car Rental.
Gorilla Trekking is the safari activity that is loved by primate travelers and it can only be done in Africa, Mountain Gorilla tours can only-be enjoyed in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo yet lowland gorilla trekking can be done in kahuzi biega national park and various destinations in the world.
However Rwanda car rental on this section of gorilla trekking its only covering the eastern lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi and Virunga National park in Congo for those undertaking Congo safaris which are always guided by expert guides with security guard.
Plan for a road trip to Rwanda as an independent traveler? Find the ultimate suggested safari circuits to make your self drive adventure to enjoy gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park. Dont get worried about how to secure the gorilla permit, find the procedures for how to book the gorilla permit.
Gorilla trekking is an encounter with these charismatic creatures is a highlight of a trip to Africa for many visitors. An encounter with a silver back male gorilla at close quarters can be hair-raising experience, especially if you have only ever seen large wild animals behind the bars of a cage or from the safety of the car, yet despite their intimidating size, mountain gorillas are remarkably non aggressive animals, entirely vegetarian, and usually quite safe to be around. This gorilla trekking encounter can be enjoyed even on self drive safari once you have booked the gorilla permit & car hire with Rwanda car rental.
Mountain Gorilla Encounter in Rwanda
Visits to the gorillas are restricted to one hour and flash photography is banned. While you are visiting the gorillas, do not eat, drink, smoke or go to the bathroom in their presence, if you have any potential air borne illness, do not go tracking as gorillas are extremely susceptible to human diseases.
In theory, visitors are requested to remain more than 5 meters from the gorillas at all times, though in practice the guides (and the gorillas) tend to flaunt this rule. Although no tourist have ever been harmed by the gorillas, you should give them the respect and wide berth you would give any wild animal.
Upon sighting the gorillas, the guides will make their presence known through a series of loud calls and grunts. This is an important part of the habituation process and also helps to alert the gorillas to the presence and whereabouts of their visitors.
Please Observe the Gorilla Trekking Rules and Guidelines
- Briefing: On the Morning at 7:20 am before the Gorilla expedition, all travelers must be thoroughly briefed on the gorilla species and the risks involved in the trek, so that they are fully aware as to why it is so essential they keep to the rules and regulations set out by The Great Projects. An in depth detailed presentation explaining how great apes are being affected by current ecotourism practices and the necessity for change in these practices will be given by an expert.
- Group Size: To minimize behavioral disturbances and air-born human disease transmission, the maximum group size of volunteers must be limited to 7 people per trek.
- Possessions: Travelers will only be allowed to take certain items with them on the trek. They will be given a set list of items permitted including cameras, water bottles and first aid kits. Everything else must be left at camp and volunteers must have empty pockets, no bags and no poisonous substances such as insect repellent. The facilitator is responsible for all items taken into the nature reserve and be an Responsible Traveler in Rwanda.
- Disinfection: Before embarking on the gorilla trek, it is essential that all travelers, tour guides and anyone else attending the trek must be disinfected and sterilized. This includes hands and shoes.
- Noise Levels: Noise levels must be kept to a minimum so as not to disturb the wildlife.
- Appropriate Distance: The IUCN recommends a safe distance of 20 meters and The Great Traveler project leaders / guides should attempt to keep to this distance wherever possible. Current distance guidelines are 7 meters and this, under no circumstances should be broken. The project leaders / guides will be responsible for keeping volunteers at the recommended safe distance.
- Time Spent With Gorillas: No more than 1 hour can be spent in close proximity to the gorillas.
- No Contact: Absolutely no touching of the animals is allowed. It is dangerous to both the gorillas and volunteers.
- Appropriate Behavior: Never look a gorilla in the eyes, this can be perceived as threatening behaviour and the animal can occasionally display aggression. In the event of gorilla charge, crouch down and never run away. Wait for the gorilla to pass, it will.
- Eating and Drinking: No eating or drinking when in close proximity to the gorillas.
- Smoking: No smoking on the Gorilla trek.
- Photography: No Flash Photography during the Visit in Volcanoes National Park .
- Illness: In the event of a traveler becoming ill whilst on the project, they should not go on the trek and will be given the opportunity to re-arrange for another time.
- Litter: Anything taken into the nature reserve must be carried back. No rubbish can be left behind.
