What is the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Age Limit? The Rwanda gorilla trekking age is 15 years. The Rwanda Development Board sets this age restriction to minimize the risk of disease transmission, physical fitness, behavioural understanding and quick adherence to gorilla trekking rules and ensure the safety and well-being of both trekkers and mountain gorillas.
Popular Rwanda Packages
2 day Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
4 Days Golden monkeys And Gorilla Trekking Safari
5 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Tour, Rwanda
5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Akagera Wildlife Safari
6 Days Rwanda Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife
6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari
7 Days Wildlife Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari In Rwanda and Uganda
10 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari- Gorillas and Wildlife in Masai Mara
Why is the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Age Limit 15 Years?
The Rwanda Development Board has established the age limit for gorilla trekking at 15 years old. This restriction is in place for several important reasons:
Disease Transmission: Mountain Gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them highly susceptible to human diseases. Younger children are more likely to carry infectious diseases, which could be transmitted to the gorillas. By setting the age limit at 15, the risk of disease transmission is significantly reduced.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, involving long hikes through dense forests and steep terrain. Children under 15 may not have the physical stamina required for such treks, which could pose safety risks.
Behavioural Understanding: Interacting with gorillas requires a certain level of maturity and understanding of the guidelines provided by the guides. Younger children may not fully comprehend or adhere to these rules, potentially endangering themselves and the gorillas.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens. This fee includes entry into Volcanoes National Park, the services of experienced ranger guides, and an hour spent with the gorillas. While this might seem expensive, it’s important to remember that the funds go towards conservation efforts and community development, ensuring the protection of these endangered mountain gorillas and the support of local communities.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rules
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species that were almost extinct due to constant poaching from the locals, but with the coming and conservation ideas of the Rwanda Development Board, gorillas survived. With the help of the government of Rwanda, some rules have been set up to continue conserving the natural habitat of the Mountain gorillas. The rules are to be followed by all who intend to go for a gorilla trek for your safety and the safety of the gorillas, and these include:
When you set out
- Ensure to carry with your payment receipts and permits
- Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
- The minimum age for tracking is 15 years
- Human waste should be buried 30cm (12 inches) deep
- The maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group
When You Are with The Gorillas:
- Maintain a 10m (32.8ft) distance from the gorilla
- Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted during the tracking
- If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the
- gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
- Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
- Do not use flash photography.
- Do not leave litter in the forest
Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these periods, the weather is more favourable, with less rainfall making the trekking trails easier to navigate. The lush landscapes and clear skies provide the perfect backdrop for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country. This Park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park’s lush, mountainous terrain provides the perfect habitat for mountain gorillas.
Why Consider a Gorilla Trekking Safari Holiday to Rwanda?
A gorilla trekking safari holiday to Rwanda offers more than just the chance to see gorillas. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Rwanda’s commitment to eco-tourism ensures that your visit will have a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
How to Get to Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Site
Getting to the gorilla trekking site in Rwanda is relatively straightforward. Most visitors fly into Kigali International Airport, which is well-connected to major international hubs. From Kigali, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Many tour operators offer transportation as part of their Rwanda safari packages, making the journey hassle-free.
Rwanda Beyond Gorilla Trekking
While gorilla trekking is the highlight, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on a Rwanda safari tour. You can go golden monkey tracking, explore the vibrant city of Kigali, visit the Nyungwe Forest for a canopy walk, or embark on a 3 days Akagera National Park wildlife safari. These activities provide a well-rounded experience of Rwanda’s diverse wildlife and culture.
Where to Sleep When There
Rwanda is dotted with curio shops and five-star hotels that offer a range of accommodations from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly options. These establishments provide comfort, proximity to Volcanoes National Park, and a touch of luxury, ensuring a restful stay after a day of trekking. Check our blog about the Best Rwanda Honeymoon Resorts.
Essentials to Pack for a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda
Packing for a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda requires some careful planning. Here are some essentials to bring:
- Pack some warm clothes like sweaters for when the weather drastically changes.
- A raincoat is necessary whether you are travelling in the dry or wet season.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers protect your skin from insect bites, keep you warm, and protect your skin from tree scratches. The clothes packed should be neutral or in brown, khaki, and green colours. Avoid blue, any other brightly coloured clothes, and black. Also, make sure to avoid jeans.
- First aid kit fully packed with all the medicines prescribed by your doctor, bandages, spirit, iodine, cotton, tummy ache medicines, pain killers, and other things needed to treat scratches during the trek.
- Gaiters, socks, and garden gloves are needed. The socks are used to keep you warm, and during the trek, trousers are tucked into the socks to prevent insects from crawling up your pants. The garden gloves and non-surgical gloves protect your hands from tree scratches during the trek, and the adjustable gaiters are mainly used during the wet season.
- Strong ankle-length boots are necessary to keep your feet steady on the trek, especially during the wet season. They should be well-fitting to avoid blisters and waterproof if you can get them.
Other items that you need to pack include a refillable water bottle, flashlight, extra batteries, camera and extra lenses, binoculars, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, scarf, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sun hat, and toiletries, among others.
Gorilla Trekking Safari with Dav Safaris
Choosing Dav Safaris for your first gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda ensures a seamless and memorable experience. With our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction, Dav Safaris offers personalized itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and top-notch service. We handle all the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a unique and transformative experience. The cost of $1,500 is a worthwhile investment in conservation and community support, and the memories you’ll make are priceless. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of luxury Rwanda safaris, the ease of the trek, or the chance to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat, Rwanda is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking. Contact Our Team through our website for more information.
