Gorillas in Rwanda
Gorillas in Rwanda are some of the most iconic species in the country, and also the biggest tourist attraction for the Tourism sector of Rwanda. Rwanda is a small landlocked country located in the heart of East Africa. It is famously known as the land of a thousand hills due to its scenic landscapes, but there’s more to this country than just hills. Rwanda is also home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which attract thousands of tourists each year.
Mountain gorillas are the largest primates on earth, with males weighing up to 400 pounds and standing over six feet tall when upright. They are found only in three countries in the world: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is classified as critically endangered, with only around 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Gorillas in Rwanda
The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and is native to the forests of the Virunga Mountains. These mountains span and are shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is home to roughly a third of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with about 600 individuals living in the Volcanoes National Park. The gorillas live in the Volcanoes National Park, which covers an area of 160 square kilometers in the northwestern part of the country. The park is located in the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Rwanda, and it’s an experience like no other. Visitors get to spend one hour with a gorilla family, observing their behavior and taking photographs. However, before embarking on a gorilla trek, visitors must first obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. The permit costs $1,500 per person and includes the services of a guide and trackers.
Gorillas in Rwanda
The trek itself can take anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. The trek is usually through dense vegetation and steep hills, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Along the way, visitors may also encounter other primates such as golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees.
When visitors finally reach the gorilla family in the forest, they get to spend one hour observing them and taking endless pictures as well as videos. The gorillas are habituated, meaning they are used to the presence of humans and are not aggressive. Visitors have to maintain a distance of at least seven meters from the gorillas. However, the Mountain Gorillas are free to come closer if they want to.
During the hour-long visit, visitors can observe the gorillas as they go about their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, and grooming. Visitors can also take photographs and ask the guide questions about the gorillas and their behavior. It’s a truly unique experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Gorillas in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is not just a tourist attraction in Rwanda; it’s also a vital conservation effort. Revenue generated from gorilla permits goes towards the conservation of the gorillas, their habitat as well as supporting local communities. The local communities that live around the park also involve in conservation efforts and benefit from revenue-sharing schemes.
In addition to gorilla trekking in Rwanda, visitors can also explore other attractions in Kigali city such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Far west is Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe National Park is another important conservation area in Rwanda, home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. The park is also home to over 300 bird species and has a canopy walkway that provides stunning forest views.
In conclusion,
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are a unique and special attraction that draw visitors from all over the world. Gorilla trekking is an experience like no other, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The revenue generated from gorilla permits goes towards conservation efforts and supports local communities.