All gorilla treks begin at Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Spanning ninety-nine miles in the northern part of Rwanda, it is the oldest national park in Africa. As a part of the great volcanic chain of the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, it encompasses six dormant and two active volcanoes. Most famously it is home to around half of the world’s precious mountain gorillas – some 400 of them. Moreover, it’s also the site of groundbreaking gorilla conservation efforts conducted by primatologist, Dian Fossey, the inspiration for the book and film, Gorillas in the Mist. Guests can visit her grave and research center. The park’s altitude ranges from about 8,202 feet to the peak of Karisimbi, at 14,763 feet resulting in extensive bamboo forests and some of the last remaining afro-montane forest habitat on the planet.
The mountain gorillas are up to three times the size of the average man and males can weigh around 430 pounds. A fully erect males may reach six foot three inches in height with an arm span of eight feet six inches long. Their thick fur enables them to live in colder climates. Adult males are called silverbacks because a saddle of gray or silver-colored hair develops on their backs with age. They primarily stay on the ground unless a tempting fruit tree can bear their weight. In addition, they are diurnal and most active between six a.m. and six p.m.
Gorilla tracking tours take visitors into the forest for an hour-long encounter with the gorillas which is about as much time as these noble creatures can endure. To limit their exposure to both human disturbances as well as diseases, only a maximum of eight people can visit the gorillas at a time. It is very important for both the gorilla’s safety as well as the human’s that guests follow their guide’s rules at all times. A seven-meter distance much be kept at all times to keep the primates comfortable. Quiet voices and no flash photography ensure they don’t become startled. After all this is their home and should be treated with respect. Which is why all trash must be disposed of elsewhere. Most importantly, never ever touch the gorillas! It’s also crucial to remember not to visit the gorillas if sick, these primates, an evolutionary cousin of humans, are highly susceptible to human diseases.
Those embarking on a gorilla tracking expedition should remember to prepare accordingly. Good hiking shoes that can traverse muddy terrain are vital to success. Because there are two concentrated wet seasons, short rains in March-May and heavy rains in September-November with long hours of soft drizzle, adventurers should bring rain gear as well as sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellant. Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water but remember to take the trash back to the hotel. Of course, a camera minus the flash is an essential for capturing that once in a lifetime moment of watching these majestic primates in their forest home.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
All gorilla treks begin at Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Spanning ninety-nine miles in the northern part of Rwanda, it is the oldest national park in Africa. As a part of the great volcanic chain of the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, it encompasses six dormant and two active volcanoes. Most famously it is home to around half of the world’s precious mountain gorillas – some 400 of them. Moreover, it’s also the site of groundbreaking gorilla conservation efforts conducted by primatologist, Dian Fossey, the inspiration for the book and film, Gorillas in the Mist. Guests can visit her grave and research center. The park’s altitude ranges from about 8,202 feet to the peak of Karisimbi, at 14,763 feet resulting in extensive bamboo forests and some of the last remaining afro-montane forest habitat on the planet.
The mountain gorillas are up to three times the size of the average man and males can weigh around 430 pounds. A fully erect males may reach six foot three inches in height with an arm span of eight feet six inches long. Their thick fur enables them to live in colder climates. Adult males are called silverbacks because a saddle of gray or silver-colored hair develops on their backs with age. They primarily stay on the ground unless a tempting fruit tree can bear their weight. In addition, they are diurnal and most active between six a.m. and six p.m.
Gorilla tracking tours take visitors into the forest for an hour-long encounter with the gorillas which is about as much time as these noble creatures can endure. To limit their exposure to both human disturbances as well as diseases, only a maximum of eight people can visit the gorillas at a time. It is very important for both the gorilla’s safety as well as the human’s that guests follow their guide’s rules at all times. A seven-meter distance much be kept at all times to keep the primates comfortable. Quiet voices and no flash photography ensure they don’t become startled. After all this is their home and should be treated with respect. Which is why all trash must be disposed of elsewhere. Most importantly, never ever touch the gorillas! It’s also crucial to remember not to visit the gorillas if sick, these primates, an evolutionary cousin of humans, are highly susceptible to human diseases.
Those embarking on a gorilla tracking expedition should remember to prepare accordingly. Good hiking shoes that can traverse muddy terrain are vital to success. Because there are two concentrated wet seasons, short rains in March-May and heavy rains in September-November with long hours of soft drizzle, adventurers should bring rain gear as well as sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellant. Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water but remember to take the trash back to the hotel. Of course, a camera minus the flash is an essential for capturing that once in a lifetime moment of watching these majestic primates in their forest home.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
