Rwanda Gorilla Trekking for a Solo Traveler

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking for a Solo Traveler

Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris for a solo traveler: Planning to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking as a solo traveler? Get a complete Rwanda gorilla trekking guide for a solo traveler, what to expect, destination to visit, and preparation. Gorilla trekking is an amazing primate adventure that is enjoyable for everyone. You can go in a group or as a solo traveler.

Gorilla trekking safari as a solo traveler is a perfect way to adventure what Rwanda has to offer the world. Like any other gorilla tour session, gorilla trekking for solo travelers takes visitors on an active trek through the thick vegetation, and at times in swamps or steep slopes in search of a family of mountain gorillas. All gorilla treks in Rwanda offer visitors a chance to see mountain gorillas. The endangered mountain gorillas are the iconic primates/Apes that attract majority of the travelers to Rwanda. These unusual apes freely roam in the jungles of only Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda as a solo traveler?

On solo travel in Rwanda, there is only one location to consider a must-visit for gorilla trekking. This is Volcanoes National Park which is found in Northwestern Rwanda in the Ruhengeri area. Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 and today, it has expanded up to 160 sq. km inhabiting mountain gorillas (the subspecies of Eastern gorillas). Over 30% of the 1063 mountain gorillas on earth reside in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This park lies in the Greater Virunga Region and holds 13 habituated groups of mountain gorillas. Gorilla groups to expect to explore on solo gorilla trekking expeditions in Rwanda include Bwenge, Susa A, Hirwa, Umubano, Amahoro, Agashya, Ugyenda, Karisimbi –Susa B, Muhoza, Pablo, and Titus groups.

A maximum of 8 (eight) visitors are permitted to trek only one group of gorillas on a single day. A single group of 8 visitors (trekkers) is led by an experienced park ranger guide. The trek to search for your family in Volcanoes National Park begins with a briefing at Kinigi.

Cost of obtaining a gorilla permit

When you think of a solo or group gorilla tour in Rwanda, a gorilla permit is one essential document you shouldn’t forget to acquire. Gorilla permits in Rwanda can be obtained at USD 1500 per person and you can book it through a reliable tour operator on the ground. A gorilla permit is what is used by park officials to let you visit one of the groups of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

What is the minimum age limit for gorilla trekking for solo travelers?

Gorilla trekking is only conducted by persons above 15 years and even the elderly have a chance to engage in this adventure. Fitness levels and health matter a lot, a reason the minimum age is set at 15 years. Persons who fall in this age bracket are believed to be free from common sicknesses like flu and cough. Besides, they are fit enough to trek for 2-6 hours in search of mountain gorillas. The elderly also have an option of enjoying the trek till they return. If not fit enough, you can be carried on the sedan chair carriers. The sedan chairs are lifted by able-bodied park ranger guides.

Is solo travel the cheapest way to go about gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Visiting Rwanda or Uganda for gorilla trekking as a solo traveler can be the cheapest way to explore mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-3-hour drive meaning you are likely to spend less on fuel unlike the 8-9-hour drive from Kampala to Bwindi/Mgahinga. While the solo travel option may mean you bearing the entire cost of the safari, there are some options to cut down on the cost including booking a trip during off months. Talk to an expert Native Africa Tours to plan and book an affordable Rwanda gorilla safari as a solo traveler.

When to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking as a solo traveler?

It is possible to go to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda at any time of the year. But the most preferred period to embark on this adventure is during the dry months of the year which occur in two phases. The long dry season begins from June to September while the short dry months start from December up to February. These are the favorite months of the year to enjoy excellent photography with gorillas and enjoy a smooth trek through the forest because the park records the lowest amount of rainfall or completely no rain.

What to consider packing on your solo gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda

Things to consider packing for gorilla trekking in Rwanda include a pair of gardening gloves, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, a sweater, and a good camera but should be free from the flashlight. Other items to consider on your packing list include a safari hat, sunscreen, toiletries, a first-aid kit, a pair of binoculars, and more.

How to prepare for your gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Early preparation is required for anyone with plans to go trek gorillas. Key areas of interest to get you prepared or ready for your adventure include physical fitness, gear/clothing to pack, health, and travel documentation.

Physical fitness: When it comes to gorilla trekking, your fitness level plays a crucial role. Unlike other experiences, gorilla trekking entirely involves active trekking through the forest in search of gorillas. To enable you to make a round gorilla trekking adventure, you should be fit enough. You can embark on early exercise through some of the challenging altitudes back in your home country or travel early in Kampala. This can prepare you for the actual adventure challenge in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gear and clothing to pack: Essential gear and clothing to include on your packing list are waterproof rain jacket, gardening gloves, safari hat, waterproof hiking boot, and a camera free of flashlight.

Travel documents to have: Ideal travel documentation for a successful gorilla trekking includes valid gorilla permits, a valid passport, a visa, and vaccinations cards

Health Precautions/measures: Only trekkers who are free from illnesses or sicknesses are allowed to visit gorillas in their natural habitat. While on an actual trek with gorillas, a maximum distance of 8-10 meters should be kept away from gorillas.

Actual gorilla trekking adventure: The day to search for gorillas begins early with a briefing on gorilla trekking regulations. Additionally, the allocation of gorilla groups follows. The park ranger guides are assigned to lead you on your entire trek to see gorillas. The search for gorillas can run for 2 to 6 hours. This includes a special one hour guaranteed for photography and for you to observe how these apes behave in the wild.

Responsible gorilla trekking –rules to follow

• Do not use a flashlight camera to take pictures of gorillas. This can get them irritated or scare them away.
• Keep a distance of at least 8 meters away from the group of gorillas.
• Observe the guidelines from your park ranger guide.
• Do not go to explore gorillas when sick or ill.
• A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek one group of gorillas.
• Habits like smoking, eating, and drinking in the presence of gorillas are not acceptable.
• Keep the park clean and used items should be dumped in designated points.

In conclusion, even as a solo traveler, you can engage in a Rwanda gorilla trekking. Book your gorilla tour in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo for mesmerizing encounters with the massive mountain gorillas in the wild.