| Rwanda
Gorilla Information
There are only 650 mountain gorillas remaining in
their natural habitat in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. In Rwanda, they only are to
be found in (a chain of volcanoes with an altitude range of
2,000m-4,507m). Mountain Gorillas are found in the high altitude forests
surrounding the Volcanoes.
There are currently 7 habituated gorilla families
that can be visited:
1 Sabyinyo Group-This is a family of 8 gorillas,
led by the biggest silverback known in the entire jungle called Guhonda.
2 Amahoro Group- 14 members including one
silverback
3 Umubano Group- 8 members including one
silverback
4 Group 13- 21 members including one silverback
5 Susa Group- The largest family with 38 members
including 3 silverbacks.
6. Kwitonda Group- 17 members including one
silverback
7. Hirwa Group- 9 members including one
silverback
In order to minimize behavioral disturbances to
the gorillas, only 8 people are allowed to visit each of the families and for a
period not exceeding 1hour. This means that only 56 people are allowed in the
park daily. The limits serve to protect gorillas from the risk of exposure to
human- borne diseases.
Please note that children under 15 years of age
are not allowed into the park.
Visiting the Gorillas:
Mountain gorilla visits are
in Parc National des Volcans managed and protected by the Rwandan
Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Access begins in the town
of Ruhengeri, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Ruhengeri
has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning
backdrop of Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura
volcanoes.
Ruhengeri is a 90-minute
drive from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. Ruhengeri is also only a 45-minute
drive away from Gisenyi and the stunning Lake Kivu. Kinigi Guesthouse
provides comfortable and clean accommodation with breathtaking scenery
at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo. It is situated 14 kilometres from Ruhengeri
town, and only 200 metres from the Park headquarters..
A gorilla visit can entail
anything from a 1 to 4-hour trek through the forest, led by experienced
trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest.
Your trek through the forest will be enchanting as you weave through overhanging
vines, moss covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the
tropical climate of the forest. You will spot golden monkeys swinging from
the bamboo, or see wild buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird
life.
Climate and clothing:
The climate in Ruhengeri
is unpredictable although you can generally expect both sun as well as
rainfall during the day. Ruhengeri is 1,700m above sea level. It is generally
quite cold, particularly in the evening. Recommended clothing is long trousers
and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings. It is likely that
you will get hot whilst walking though the forest and will cool down having
reached the gorillas due to the high altitude, so you are advised to bring
additional clothing. Nights are quite cold, so a warm jumper is advisable
for the evenings.
Wellington boots or hiking
boots as well as waterproof raingear are essential when on a gorilla
visit. You are strongly advised to bring a water bottle and a small snack
although eating, drinking and smoking in the presence of the gorillas is
forbidden.
Viewing gorillas
Photography is permitted,
although you may not use a flash and if you are intending to bring a video
camera, then this must be cleared with ORTPN and will involve a fee. Porters
are available to help you with transporting your baggage for a small charge.
The altitude during gorilla
visits may cause difficulties for some visitors, however pace yourself,
drink plenty of water and make sure you eat well the day prior to your
trip and eat a substantial breakfast. No one should feel deterred
from making this trip.
To minimize human disturbance
to the gorilla groups, visitors must maintain a distance of 7m proximity
to the gorillas, the duration of each visit is limited to one hour and
maximum number of visitors is 8 people per group.
Once inside the forest, the following
must be observed:
Ø
No spitting in
the park
Ø
No littering
in the park
Ø
No coughing in
the direction of the gorillas
Ø
Only speak in
whispers
Ø
Do not point
at the gorillas
Ø
Movements
around the gorillas must be unthreatening
Ø
No venturing
behind thick shrubs. You may surprise a gorilla.
Ø
If a nettle
stings you, do not cry out, scream, shout-out loud or make any sudden moves.
Ø
If a gorilla
charges or vocalizes, do not look directly at it. Stand perfectly still unless
the guide asks you to crouch or move back.
ESSENTIALS FOR THE HIKE
Ø
Long pants and
a long sleeved shirt (muted colours)
Ø
Good well-worn
hiking boots
Ø
Light raincoat
Ø
Cap/Hat
Ø
Camera (no
flash)/ personal camcorder
Ø
Plenty of
drinking water
Ø
Plenty of drinking water
Travel in Rwanda
A valid passport is
mandatory. VISAS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR NATIONALS OF THE USA, GERMANY, CANADA,
UGANDA, TANZANIA, KENYA, BURUNDI AND THE DRC. For further information,
please call the Rwandan Embassy/Mission nearest to you.
A certificate for yellow
fever vaccination is required. Malaria is present and anti-malarial drugs
are recommended. Bottled mineral water, which is available in all major
towns, is recommended instead of drinking ordinary tap water.
Language: In addition to
the indigenous language, Kinyarwanda, French and English are the official
languages. French is widely spoken throughout the country, while many people
speak English in Kigali and the main tourist areas. Kiswahili is also widely
spoken around the country. |
