If you want to see these unique and endangered mountain Gorillas then Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a must. So many tour packages available online, ranging from a 1 day Rwanda gorilla trek to as many as you want combined with Uganda and/or Republique Democratic de Congo (RDC). Too many writers all over the world, a safari in Africa is incomplete without tracking mountain gorillas in the magnificent Virunga Volcanic mountains in East and Central Africa.
The incomparable volcanoes national park is without doubt one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations and beat the delight of superb, year-round game viewing let alone all the thrills of the Great mountain gorilla tracking.
Gorillas live in volcanoes national park – a remote jungle that is wild and beautiful. Rwanda’s climate is hot and humid and the rain can be relentless from September to November. The long dry season is from June to August and is a good time to visit.
About 880 mountain Gorillas are thought to survive in the world according to 2011 gorilla census, only found in Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda, and thus listed as highly endangered. In order to protect these amazing creatures, primatologists Diany Fossey built two extremely comfortable camps within Karisimbi area and initiated the habituation of Gorilla groups in the forest.
The six-night itinerary in Rwanda includes two nights visit to Volcanoes National Park and 4 nights Akagera and Nyungwe Forest National Park – driving from the capital, Kigali, you reach at Akagera where you are met by your guide.
Akagera safari lodge and Ruzizi Tented camp have a good location from which to explore Akagera National Park, and the service is friendly. They have fantastic views over Lake Ihema, with swimming pools perched on the edge of the savannah. Akagera Game Lodge is located in Eastern Province; about 2 hours drive from Kigali. The surrounding area has a wealth of big game and other wildlife on the open savannah, protected woodland, deep valley, and Lakes. Akagera game lodge can accommodate several guests and offers a combination of walking and game drives. There is a wide range of tropical birds, wildlife and nocturnal visitor to Akagera national park is leopard.
Volcano’s popularity means a number of factors must be considered when choosing a place to stay around Volcanoes National Park where gorillas stay. Choosing which area to visit and when to go will impact on your experience. The Volcanoes’ region is busiest during peak season June-August and its many lodges and safari hotels cater to large numbers of people. The Area around Volcanoes national park offers more privacy and tucked-away accommodation such as luxury tented camps and decadent safari suites. You will be able to enjoy a greater selection of activities like guided walks, hiking, and gorilla tracking. Volcanoes national park offers a great wildlife viewing throughout the year and your safari experience will certainly be different out of peak season. Our selection of accommodation in the Volcanoes National Park includes safari lodges and family-friendly hotels, colonial-style tented camps, and even mobile camps – all you need to do is decide when to go, contact us, and we’ll do the rest.
Mountain View Gorilla Lodge is located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park where you will base to track mountain Gorillas and it usually takes an attempt to get a good sighting. Gorillas are constantly hunting for fruit and other foods but the trackers monitor the location of the gorillas to make the tracking a little easier. Once your tracker spots handprints on a path or listens to alarming gorilla noise, then you are ready for a remarkable experience.
Gorilla tracking is recommended to everyone traveling to Africa including those on honeymoon safari in Rwanda and viewing is limited to an hour but it only takes that hour to feel you have gotten to know the characters and personalities – watching the group play, fight in the trees, dig for roots and nurse their babies. Adult male gorillas are usually very shy and there is only one silverback per family. When a young male has matured, he leaves and heads out alone to start a family of his own by enticing females from other families to join him. The opportunity to watch these rare and fascinating creatures in their natural habitat is a huge privilege.
Apart from gorilla tracking in Rwanda, you can extend your safari with more exciting activities in nearby countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar depending on the number of days you have. An extension into Uganda offers an opportunity to trek more gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National park as well as other wildlife viewings in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, and Semilik Parks, Birding, Chimpanzee and other primates tracking as well as a fantastic boat cruise.
Kenya and Tanzania are also popular for big game viewing including Africa’s Big 5 Animals that include Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinos. Here we also have the popular wildebeest Migration, many primate species, birds, and beautiful sandy beaches. Zanzibar Island is one of the best places to relax after your safari in Africa, with beautiful sandy beaches, cultural and historical monuments.
