One day in a lifetime of a Rwanda Gorilla.

An ordinary day in the life of a mountain gorilla starts at sunrise, around 6 am. They wake up and begin looking for food which covers a great part of the morning. In general, a gorilla spends about 30% of the day feeding, 30% traveling, and 40% resting.

In contrast to many primates, the gorilla lives mainly on the ground. They travel not more than a kilometer per day within their home range of about 20 square kilometers.

The afternoons are mainly spent resting and playing. This last activity is very important in social life, especially for young gorillas, as it determines their integration into the group. They hug each other, bite, and hit or wrestle till one is pulled down on the ground.

At the end of the day, just before dusk, the great apes start constructing a nest where they will spend their night. Every single gorilla has its own nest, except for the infants who sleep next to their mothers. Nests are built on the ground or in trees and are carefully constructed by branches of bushes and other plants

Gorillas are vegetarians, though occasionally they may eat ants and other insects. Their daily meal consists of roots, leaves, stems, and pith of herbs, vines and shrubs, and some fruits. During certain months of the year, bamboo shoots supply a major part of their diet as well.

A male adult can even eat up to 20 kg per day! Because the gorillas receive a large quantity of water from their diet, they rarely have to drink.

 How much is Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari permit price?

Rwanda increased its gorilla permit price was increased to $1500. Our offices are always open to advise you on the price of gorilla permits. Bwindi Gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park costs USD 700 per person per trek sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Refunds / Cancellation Guidelines for Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari permits.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) charges the $100 when the date for gorilla trekking earlier specified is altered.

Visitors to the Rwanda gorilla safari receive a 50% refund if they show illness signs. As per the gorilla trekking rules, the visitors are not allowed to track gorillas if they are declared not fit by the Warden in Charge.  This applies to those guests who have traveled all the way to the park.

Rwanda Gorilla trekking Permit booking info.

To track gorillas in Rwanda on a Rwanda Gorilla tour, one requires a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit and these gorilla permits in Rwanda are solely issued by Rwanda Tourism Office (ORTPN). The gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person for foreigners and then 30,000 Frw for Rwandan Citizens.

Gorilla trekking safari permits in Rwanda are usually in high demand and are given out on first come first serve with the determining factor being payment. Therefore, it is advisable to book a gorilla permit far in advance to avoid disappointment.

A traveler intending to do a gorilla safari in Rwanda can purchase the gorilla permit directly through Rwanda Tourism Office or indirectly through a tour agent.

When the permit is booked and the money for the permit is paid, the date specified can hardly change. The move to alter the tracking date comes along with a cancellation fee which is $100 for every permit whose date has to change.

The direct gorilla permit booking through the Rwanda Tourism Office involves inquiring about availability on the dates that you intend to track. If the permit is available on the preferred date, you go ahead and book, and if it is not available, you might be advised on the nearby alternative like a date close to the specified one.

You then request a tentative hold as you work on the money transfer which is supposed to take about three (3) days and Rwanda Tourism Board requires can only hold the booking for 7 days while waiting for the transfer to go through.

Do not forget to e-mail the copy of the money transfer form immediately after transferring the money as an assurance that you have indeed wired the money. Also important to note is that the money should be sent with transfer charges otherwise the amount will arrive on the Rwanda Development Board account less and then the permit fails to be booked.

However, it can be noted that at times the procedures of the government structures become challenging prompting the Rwanda gorilla safari undertakers to book through tour agents. The Rwandan tour operators tend to secure gorilla permits at a small commission that ranges from $20 – $60 for each permit. Wild Gorilla Safaris does not charge the Rwanda gorilla permit booking if other items like transportation are booked through it.

What to pack for a Gorilla safaris in Rwanda?

You might need to carry the following in order to have a convenient gorilla trek;

• Hiking boots

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park needs hiking therefore tourists need to have some light boots to enable them to pass through the forest. Firm shoes are suitable for steep muddy slopes.

• Garden Gloves

As you hike in the forest looking out for the gorillas you will need to hold on to the plants, and soil and gloves will protect you from the germs.

• Rain Jacket

Volcanoes National Park is in the Virunga Mountains and therefore it rains sometimes, tourists carry jackets in case it may rain.

• Long-sleeved shirts/Brouse

Tourists are advised to put on long sleeves because there are always thorns in the forest and insects therefore the sleeves can save you.

• Energy giving snacks and drinking water

Since gorilla tracking takes 2 to 8 hours tourists need to carry snacks and a lot of water so that they may get the energy to track the gorillas. Enough drinking water is also necessary to carry along with you.

• Cameras and Extra Batteries

You need the cameras because you will take photos of these gorillas together with other primates. However, carry a zoom lens that does not scare away gorillas.

• Hat and Sunglasses

You will carry these because sometimes the forest is too hot and tourists may need them

• Pair of Binoculars

These will help you have clear views of the forest, wildlife attractions, and also animals like buffaloes, lions, leopards, and so many others.

• Walking sticks

These can be hired at the park and can help you walk through the forest and support you through the challenging landscapes.

• Potters for your trek

The potters are community members and thus by taking them, you are contributing to community development.

• Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds
• Insect repellant

What are the Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari rules and regulations

Before leaving for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

In Rwanda, a maximum of 8 tourists may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This is done to ensure minimal behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.

1. Make sure that you wash your hands before your tracking exercise

On the way to the gorillas during your Rwanda gorilla tours – safaris:

1. Keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
2. DO NOT litter rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
3. You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
4.  The guides will inform you to get ready when you approach the mountain gorillas,

When you are with the gorillas after trekking and finding gorillas in Rwanda:

1. A 7-meter (21 feet) distance should be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
2. You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
3. Keep your voices low at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
4. Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Probably eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
5. Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
6. Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
7. Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
8. The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
9. After the visit keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General health rules: Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them:

1. Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed to visit the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
2. If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
3. If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
4. Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
5. Do not litter rubbish (e.g. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
6. If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What is Gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an incredible Africa safari experience involving travelers walking through dense tropical montane forests of central Africa in search of habituated gorillas until they find them and spend an hour with them in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviors, habits, lifestyles, taking photographs, and recording the moments. Read more

Why should I visit gorillas in Rwanda? Benefits of Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo Africa

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is such a thrilling primate-watching experience that any visitor on Uganda safari shouldn’t miss out. Mountain gorillas are among the Earth’s rarest and most majestic creatures and encountering them while on Uganda tours will make you one of the luckiest people in the world. Read more

What is gorilla trekking like in Rwanda Africa?

A day of gorilla trekking in Rwanda typically starts with a pre-gorilla trekking briefing where visitors are introduced to the gorilla trekking rules and regulations for their safety and for the safety of the endangered mountain gorillas. This briefing takes place at the park headquarters and starts at 7:00 am. Read More

Why the age limit for trekking gorillas is 15 years?

The age limit for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Cong Africa is currently 15 years and any visitor below this age is considered a young vulnerable person and therefore not fit to do a gorilla trek in Africa.

Below are the reasons why is the age limit for trekking gorillas in Uganda 15 years and above. Read More

How long does gorilla trekking take? |How long is a trek to see gorillas?

A gorilla trek usually lasts from 1 to 8 hours (sometimes a full day). Therefore, meeting gorillas depend on how far the group has moved since it was last observed nesting up the previous evening. However, whether it is a short or a long trek, travelers are 99% guaranteed a chance to definitely find and be triggered to an endless marvel of these peaceful… Read More

What is a gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a document or card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows any traveler above 15 years of age to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Read More

How many people are allowed to track a gorilla family or Group?

Only eight (8) people per day are allowed to track a gorilla family/group in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park in Africa and once you find the Mountain Gorillas after the long gorilla trek that takes 1-8 hours, trekkers/tourists are allowed to have only one (1) hour. Read More

Do I need to book a gorilla permit in advance?

Yes! It is important to note that the demand for gorilla permits always exceeds the number of permits available each day, especially during the high season. If you are planning your gorilla safari during the ‘low seasons’ Read More

Why is gorilla trekking so expensive in Rwanda?

why gorilla trekking is so expensive? The cost of gorilla permits in Rwanda is relatively expensive due to the high costs of conserving the endangered Gorilla, sustainable gorilla tourism, improving the livelihood of the locals, and cost of accommodation in the gorilla parks, reaching there, etc.  Read More

Is gorilla trekking better in Rwanda or Uganda?

Travelers, who wish to go for mountain gorilla safaris in Africa always wonder:-which is better for gorilla trekking in Rwanda Vs Uganda? Is Rwanda or Uganda better for gorilla trekking? Here is a comparison between the two countries; the choice is yours. Read More

what is a gorilla?

Gorillas are massive ground-dwelling apes that live in Central and West African forests. There are several examples of famous gorillas and gorilla stories known by many people around the world. Gorillas are very common primates in popular culture, and almost anyone will name at least one character, like King Kong, or those in the Planet of the Apes. Read More

Where do gorillas get their name from?

The name gorilla was derived from the Ancient Greek word “gorilla”, which means ‘tribe of hairy women. The history of the word ‘gorilla’ dates back about 2500 years. A Carthaginian explorer called Hanno the Navigator was on an expedition to the African west coast in around 500 BC when he came across a group of predominantly female primates that he described as savage. Read More

How many species of gorillas are there?

There are two species of a gorillas-Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla Beringei) & Western Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla) Each gorilla species is further subdivided into two subspecies as shown below.  Read More

Where can you see gorillas in Africa?

You can see Gorillas in Africa in Uganda, Rwanda, and Dr. Congo for the Mountain Gorillas and the Lowland Gorillas in central Africa in Congo Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon  Read more

What is the size of the Mountain gorilla?

How do Gorillas communicate in several ways as humans do, to pass on important timely communication amongst themselves through; – sounds, postures, and gestures as well as facial expressions. Gorillas make about 22 unique sounds to communicate unique feelings.  Read More

What’s the biggest type of gorilla?

The Eastern lowland gorilla of the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies weighing up to 250kg belonging to the bigger Gorilla Beringei subspecies.. Read More

What makes mountain gorillas unique? |What is special about mountain gorillas?

Mountain Gorillas are one of nature’s largest primates! With thicker, longer fur than other gorillas. Read More

What do mountain gorillas look like/What special features do mountain gorillas have?

Mountain gorillas have shaggy black fur that covers most of their body leaving out the face, and massive chest to mention but a few. Read More

What is special about a mountain gorilla’s nose? /Do gorillas have unique nose prints?

Contemplating what is special about a mountain gorilla’s nose? And if gorillas do have unique nose prints? Yes, mountain gorillas have unique patterns of wrinkles on their nose which differentiate them from each other. Mountain gorillas, just like humans have features that make them different from one another including;- Read More

What is the daily life of a gorilla-like?

Travelers on Rwanda gorilla tours in Africa have always been wondering: – since gorillas are herbivores, why do they have big canines? Well, teeth aren’t just for chopping meat. In particular, the gorilla’s long–sharp canine teeth are used for display, especially when it is threatened or trying to fend off other male gorillas competing for dominance. Read More

How do mountain gorillas move?

Gorillas, the greatest of the apes, are primarily terrestrial (meaning they travel on the ground) and quadrupedal which means that they use both their hands and feet to walk. More specifically, gorillas use a form of locomotion called knuckle-walking, meaning they walk on the top of their knuckles as opposed to putting all their weight on their palms. Read More

Can a mountain gorilla climb? /Can gorillas climb trees?

Mountain gorillas primarily live on the ground. They can spend about 5% of the day in trees, whiles chimpanzees spend about 61% of the day above the ground and orangutans nearly 100%. Read More

Do gorillas live alone? /Do mountain gorillas live in families?

People have families. Mountain gorillas have families too. A gorilla family/group is called a troop. Each troop is made up of 5 to 30 individuals. The biggest gorilla group known to date was found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: It consisted of 65 individuals for a short period.

A gorilla family travel together eats together and sleeps in the same location. Read More

Do gorillas live in nests? /Do gorillas build nests?

Gorillas make nests to sleep in every night. At the end of the day, just before dusk, these great primates start constructing a nest where they will spend their night. Nests are carefully constructed using branches and leaves and are constructed by individuals. Nest building usually takes around 5 minutes. Read More

What do mountain gorillas eat?/Will a gorilla eat a human?

Mountain gorillas are herbivores, which achieve their impressive stature on a mostly vegetarian diet. They have massive jaw muscles which help them chew tough vegetation.  Read More 

How much does a gorilla eat per day?

Mountain Gorillas consume as large quantities of food as needed to sustain their massive bulk. An adult male mountain gorilla can consume up to 34 kg (75 pounds) of vegetation a day, while a female can eat up to 18 kg (40 pounds). Read More

Why do gorillas have canines?

Teeth aren’t just for chopping meat. In particular, the gorilla’s long-sharp canine teeth are used for display, especially when it is threatened or trying to fend off other male gorillas competing for dominance. Read More

How do Gorillas communicate?

How do Gorillas communicate in several ways as humans do, to pass on important timely communication amongst themselves through; – sounds, postures, and gestures as well as facial expressions. Gorillas make about 22 unique sounds to communicate unique feelings Read More

How smart is a mountain gorilla? How intelligent are gorillas?

These great Apes have been taught sign language, they can laugh, grieve, and have great emotions. Gorillas always develop very strong family bonds among group members, have great territorial boundary protection for their domain, use tools, have memory, and think of the future. Read More

Why do gorillas beat their chest?

Silverback Mountain Gorillas many times beat their chests when perceiving danger and feel threatened by humans or an intruder, sometimes fellow gorillas or wild animals. When angry the Alpha male stands upright, and hoots.  Read More

Do female gorillas beat their chests?

When people think of gorilla chest-beating, they usually think of a huge silverback signaling to another male that he’s in charge. However, anyone in a gorilla group, even females and juveniles, may be seen pounding the chest. Read More

Why can’t you look at the gorilla’s eyes?

Gorillas do not like direct eye contact cause it means you want to challenge their dominance and hence you are considered an enemy in their domain worth being attacked. If you insist, the Silver attacks you. Read More

Can a gorilla be a pet?

Although gorilla shares almost 98% of our DNA, they do not make good pets. You may see pictures of baby gorillas and think “how cute! I would love one as a pet!” But gorillas can be AWFUL pets for several reasons them being wild animals.  Read More

What is a baby gorilla called?

Baby gorillas are called infants just like humans. Baby gorillas are called infants, just like baby humans, which makes sense when we’re so closely related. Read More

How many babies do female gorillas have?

Female gorillas have a slow reproduction rate. The maximum number of offspring they may have during their lifetime is 2-6. Normally, male gorillas have 10-20 offspring, but from different females. Read more

How long do baby gorillas stay with their mothers?

Mother gorillas stay with their younger ones until they are four years old. All this time the mothers attend to their babies until they can support themselves. A newborn gorilla weighs 5 pounds at birth and is covered with black hair. Read More

What is the average life span of a mountain gorilla? /How long does a gorilla live?

The life span of mountain gorillas usually ranges from 35 to 40 years. Old gorillas often suffer from arthritis, which mainly damages the bones in their hands and feet. Read More

Are mountain gorillas friendly? /Are gorillas gentle?

What do you do when you encounter a gorilla? For decades, the answer might have been to scream and run. Gorillas were wild beasts that could tear cities apart or so many thought based on the movie King Kong. However, Read More

Can mountain gorillas be aggressive? /Are gorillas aggressive?

Gorillas are calm vegetarians that can only become aggressive when disturbed. Gorillas are wild animals and despite the fact that they share about 98% of our DNA, a visitor on a gorilla trekking tour is required to take some precautions in order to have an exciting gorilla encounter. Read More

How strong is a mountain gorilla? /How strong is a silverback gorilla?

How strong is a silverback gorilla? The fact that these animals have immense physical power is one of the facts about gorillas that indicate you should treat them with caution. It’s hard to measure how strong a gorilla really is, but estimates range from around 4 to 9 times stronger than your average human. Read  More

What is a gorilla afraid of? /What do gorillas fear?

Certain reptiles such as chameleons and caterpillars worry the gorillas. They are also afraid of water and will cross streams only if they can do so without getting wet, such as by crossing over fallen logs, and dislike rain. Read More

Who are gorilla enemies? /Do gorillas have predators?

One possible predator of gorillas is the leopard. Gorilla remains have been found in leopard scat, but this may be the result of scavenging. When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, an individual silverback will protect the group, even at the cost of his own life. Read More

Are there mountain gorillas in zoos?

No, mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity. They only live in mountainous forested areas of Central Africa. All gorillas in zoos around the world are lowland gorillas and mainly western lowland gorillas. Read more

How many mountain gorillas are left in the world?

Because there are only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left, it’s important that their population size be continuously monitored to evaluate whether, and which, conservation tactics work. Their populations must keep growing because mountain gorillas have very low genetic diversity Read More

Why are mountain gorillas endangered?

Mountain gorillas are endangered due to a number of reasons including human conflicts and diseases. Read More

How can we help save mountain gorillas?

Visiting Mountain Gorillas families and learning about the life of the gorillas is one way of contributing to the ongoing efforts of saving these endangered apes. The revenue received from gorilla trekking tours benefits gorilla conservation. Read More