GORILLA TOURISM IN RWANDA

Gorilla Tourism in Rwanda is the country’s biggest source of  tourism earnings. Visit Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans (PNV) occupying 125 sq km of mountain forest with six Virunga Volcanoes and home to the world celebrated mountain gorillas. Secluded within the PNV, the woody slopes of the mountains form duly colorful natural view for what is undoubtedly the most moving and excellent wildlife experience on the planet, Gorilla Tracking. The electrifying scale to the gorilla’s territory dappled with bamboo forest offers unbelievable views in all directions, before the trackers are absorbed in the mystifying acquaintance of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the babbling of rare golden monkey.

During gorilla tourism, stumble upon a nonviolent and composed mature silverback gorilla is an electrifying moment. Parc National des Volcans is managed and protected by the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) and it can be accessed from Ruhengeri town, located near the base of the way into the park. Ruhengeri has for a long time been the base point for gorilla visits and gives an eye-catching view of Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. Ruhengeri town is a 45-minute drive from Gisenyi and the magnificent Lake Kivu.

Gorilla tourism may involve anything from 1 to 4 hours of trekking via the forest, led by experienced and knowledgeable trackers who have spent much of their lives living in or in the vicinity of the forests. Walking into the forest is charming as you push through the hanging vines, moss covered Hagenia trees and huge Lobelias that thrive in the environment of the tropical forest. While in the forest, you will see the beautiful golden monkeys ditheringly jumping on the bamboo trees, wild buffalos, bush duikers and a wide diversity of birds.

The Virunga ecosystem is self-possessed with four major vegetation zones; bamboo (base altitude), Hagenia and Hypericum forest (2600-3300m), Sub-alpine (3300-4000m), and Afro-alpine (4000m+). Nothing may well be more of a chance than to utilize an hour watching the gorillas as they go about their daily practice, feeding, playing and soothing, as you query your primeval existence and memorize the wonder that kept Dian Fossey living in the forest for almost 18 years. With its beautiful, landscape, rich wildlife heritage and reception, Rwanda is a country everyone should visit for a vacation as you enjoy gorilla tourism at its best.

Gorilla permits

Gorilla tourism permits can be got through a tour operator, AAB Tours and Travel can help you secure a gorilla permit from the Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN) / The Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks, at the headquarters in Kigali, or at their Musanze office. At present, a gorilla tourism permit costs $750 per person, per day and it part of the rates trip itinerary.