How long does gorilla trekking in Rwanda last.
One of the most common questions that visitors to Volcanoes National Park ask when thinking and planning their safari is, “How much time do we actually spend in the forest?” Because you are following wild animals in a huge, mountainous, and very wet rainforest, you can never know for sure when you will come across them. Usually, a gorilla trekking Rwanda excursion takes about two to eight hours. The length of the trip is mainly determined by the movement of the gorilla families, the physical condition of the group, and the weather on the day of the hike. Knowing the daily schedule will help you be fit and get psychologically ready for the adventure.
1. The Pre-Trek Phase: Briefing and Allocation (1 to 2 Hours).
The day of gorilla trekking starts really early. You must be at Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7:00 AM. Safety and logistical reasons make this stage very important, and it normally takes about 90 minutes.
Here, while having a cup of Rwandan coffee or tea, you will be entertained by traditional dancers. Meanwhile, the park rangers are busy contacting the “advanced trackers” who have already set off at dawn to locate gorilla families. The rangers will decide which of the 12 habituated gorilla families you will be going to, depending on your age and physical condition. You can also ask your guide to get you a “short” or “easy” trek if you want to be allocated to a family that usually stays closer to the park boundary. Your lead ranger will give a safety talk by 8:30 AM, and at 9:00 AM you will be at the “trailhead” and set out to the hike.
2. The Hike: Finding the Gorillas (1 to 6 Hours).
The most unreliable segment of the day is the gorilla trek. They keep changing their places constantly as they have to follow the bamboo and wild celery. Since they never go back to the same location twice, the trackers have to find the “nest” of the previous day and then follow the trail that leads them.
Short Treks (1 to 3 hours): On a day when the gorillas are in a good mood, you might get to them by going only 30 to 45 minutes from the park border. These short treks are mostly at an easy level and are suitable for those who want to have the experience without pushing themselves too hard.
Long Treks (4 to 6+ hours): A gorilla family can head up to the highest tops of the volcanoes (like Karisimbi or Bisoke) or go deep down the bamboo thickets. Therefore, a few hours of climbing through mud and getting scratched by the branches are what you will have to face. If you take the long hikes, you have a nice “wilderness” experience and at the same time, you get to exercise. The forest is a day-long trip by default and thus you should be bringing water and lunch with you in case the gorillas have taken paths leading deep into the forest.
3. The Magical Hour: Observation (Exactly 60 Minutes)
After your ranger has found the gorilla family, your “clock” for the encounter starts. You are only allowed one hour (60 minutes) in the presence of the gorillas for conservation and health reasons.
This time restriction is very close if any, for the animals only being stressed and it is mainly for the issue of human health. An hour might sound like a short time, but it is a very intense and emotional experience. During this time, you will be almost seven meters away from the family, observing the silverback keeping guard, the mothers grooming each other, and the juveniles playing in the trees. The ranger will remind you of the time and will give you a “ten-minute warning” before it’s time to leave. For most travelers the hour is over very quickly, thus it is wise to put the camera down for a bit and just enjoy the moment with your own eyes.
4. The Return Journey and Graduation (1 to 2 Hours).
When your hour with the gorillas comes to an end, you will go out of the forest by trekking back to the starting point where your driver-guide will be waiting for you. The trip down is generally quicker since it is downhill but you need to be careful with your steps as the slopes can be slippery.
Immediately after you get to the park exit, the lead ranger will organize a “graduation ceremony” for you. A Gorilla Trekking Certificate will be given to you the certificate, besides being a souvenir, shows that you have made the successful trek and your involvement in the conservation of the species. Most groups can have their late lunch at their lodges around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM though those who decided to take the longest treks may not come back until 4:00 PM. This is perfect for having a hot shower, going for a massage, or just relaxing your legs while going through your photos.
Summary: Factors That Influence the Duration.
Here are three things you should remember to keep your expectations at the right level:
Gorilla Movement: These are wild creatures and thus they depend on the food. It is not unusual for their location to change significantly from day to day.
Trekking Pace: No matter how slow the slowest member of the group is, the entire group won’t move faster than this person. The rangers are very patient and they will stop for breaks to ensure everyone stays safe and hydrated.
Weather: Rain may make the pace of the hike worms as the trails under such conditions become much more difficult to navigate due to the mud.
In conclusion, the one hour guaranteed with the gorillas is the main point of the experience but you might consider the whole day from breakfast at 7:00 AM till the afternoon certificate as the adventure. No matter if your trek lasts two hours or eight, the result will be the same a deep bond with one of the most rare and beautiful creatures of our planet with WildApes Safaris.