Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in November
Rwanda gorilla trekking in November presents a once-in-a-lifetime moment for visitors to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. November on the equatorial calendar closes Rwanda’s second wet season every year. Although November is in the wet season, it offers epic scenic views, topping up the gorilla trekking. The wet season, as it sounds, is a period of heavy rainfall patterns that lasts until it ends. During the wet season, it does not rain all the time since the tropical weather is unpredictable. Notwithstanding this factor, gorilla trekking in November is an incredible time to be in the gorillas’ natural habitats. This is not just for encountering the mountain gorillas but also for the beautiful views of the flourishing forest.
Why travel to Rwanda for gorilla trekking in November?
Most visitors to Rwanda are always asking whether Gorilla Trekking is only done in the dry season. Several reasons explain why visitors should consider coming to Rwanda in November for gorilla trekking. These reasons include the following.
Cool temperatures
The cool temperatures in November can be quite comfortable for gorilla trekking adventure experiences. These temperatures ensure the overall participation of the visitors in this incredible gorilla trekking safari as they explore stunning biodiversity without being affected by the extreme heat of the dry season.
Easy to locate the gorillas
Since November presents itself as a wet month, the heavy rains overrun the gorilla destination of Volcanoes National Park. Because it is automatic, rainfall comes with cool temperatures, and also, the mountain gorillas stay in higher altitudes. All these factors affect the movements of the primates. To adapt to such conditions, the mountain gorillas usually seek shelter in dense vegetation or congregate together for warmth. This usually reduces their movement, hence making them easy to locate.
Discounts
With other factors remaining constant, gorilla trekking in Rwanda in November sees a reduction in the number of visitors since it’s a wet season. This low visitor turnout leads to the facilities, like accommodation, giving discounts to the visitors who come for gorilla trekking in November.
Adventure thrills
Most visitors prefer taking on a Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure in the dry season. This is because of many factors, such as easy navigation and visibility due to limited rain. However, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers like adding a touch of adventure, and November presents the best adventure thrill for gorilla trekking. This is because of the muddy and slippery trekking trails, and also the fully grown vegetation of undergrowth and forest canopies. These scenic views make gorilla trekking in Rwanda in November worth it.
How is gorilla trekking in Rwanda in November done?
Rwanda gorilla trekking in November takes place in Volcanoes National Park in the northern side of the country. At entry into the park, visitors begin their gorilla trekking adventure with a short briefing held at the park offices. The ranger guides are in charge of this briefing since it is a preparation for what is to come in the deep forest canopies. From the rules and regulations to the expected code of conduct of the visitors in the presence of the mountain gorillas, this briefing illustrates it all.
After visitors have understood what is required of them in the presence of the mountain gorillas, they are then grouped into groups of 8 people. Visitors need to know that mountain gorillas are wild animals that can be stressed by large numbers, causing them to be aggressive or flee deep into the forest. Therefore, 8 people in a single group are given a particular gorilla family to trek each day.
Through the dense forest canopies, visitors are led straight under the guidance of a guide ranger. The ranger’s ample knowledge about the forest and movements of the mountain gorillas leads the visitors on the tracking trails to the mountain gorilla habitats. Upon locating the primates, visitors are awarded an hour to spend in the presence of the endangered mountain gorillas. Calmly witness the mountain gorillas as they happily go about their daily chores of feeding, playing, and resting, all in the watchful eye of a silverback. Females can also be spotted as they groom their babies.
Are there discounts on gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda in November?
There are no discounts on the gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda in November. The price of Gorilla Trekking Permits is constant all year round, regardless of the season. This is because the money collected from the gorilla permits is crucial for the running and maintenance of the gorilla destination of Volcanoes National Park. Since mountain gorillas are an endangered species, a lot of work and money go into protecting and conservation efforts. Encountering these primates in their natural environments costs USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for foreign residents, and USD 200 for East Africans and Rwandans.
