Gorilla Trekking
Please read this page in conjunction with the Rwanda Nature, Forests and Primates Photographic Holiday information.
Gorilla Guidelines - issued by the Government of Rwanda
- To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
- Viewing time is limited to one hour.
- Maximum 8 visitors per group.
- Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
- Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
- When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
- Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
- If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
- Do not litter.
To enhance your enjoyment
- The security of our visitors is our highest priorities. There is no need for concern about personal security.
- The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.
- Musanze, at 1,700m above sea level, is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised.
- Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings.
- Study walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find rain gear useful.
- Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
- Photography is permitted, although you may not use flash
- Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.
- Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.
Additional Information
- Gorilla trek permits need to be booked months in advance as only 50 - 56 permits a day are issued.
- If you are unwell, for example have a cold, you will not be allowed to trek as gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases and no risks will be taken with their welfare.
- You may trek for a short time or for a very long time to find a gorilla family. Even though we leave early in the morning and the park trackers will have already located where the gorilla families are, the gorillas can move quickly. The terrain is steep, muddy, overgrown and challenging.
- Food is not allowed in the National Park, so take a few snacks and lots of water to sustain you in case the trek is a long one. It's better to take more water than you think you'll need. For a small charge porters will carry your backpack.
One thing is for sure - when you encounter your gorilla family and spend an hour in the presence of these magnificent endangered creatures, the memory will remain with you forever. Have a look at the video clip below - this is what you could be doing!
Sigourney Weaver returns to Rwanda 20 years after starring in the film 'Gorillas in the Mist' - the story of Gorilla Conservationist Diane Fossey ©BBC Worldwide 2008
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