Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Safe?

Rwanda is one of the safest countries on the African continent and in the world, and this is because the government has made Security and safety a top priority after the Rwanda genocide of 1994. Rwanda has been safe for over 20 years now and, with the friendly people, has become a safe safari destination for gorilla trekking and other tourism experiences.

Besides the fact that the population of gorilla trekkers in Rwanda has increased, there are still so many asking the same question about whether it is safe to go on a gorilla safari in Rwanda, and the answer is yes. It is understandable when this question is asked because we all need our safety assured, especially if we are trekking through the jungle for the first time. Tourists need to be assured that gorilla trekking experience is safe because even though mountain gorillas are wild animals, they have been habituated to get used to human presence, and once the trekking rules and regulations have been followed, there will be no issue with the experience.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking experience is done in Volcanoes national park and is one of the only four known destinations in the world that protect the mountain gorillas. Other destinations are; Virunga national park of Congo, and then Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national park of Uganda. To ensure that gorilla trekking experience is safe in Rwanda, there are safety measures taken during the encounter and these have to be followed by each and every trekker. Below is the list of these measures;

Purchase of Gorilla trekking permits: Gorilla permits are legal documents printed by Rwanda Development Boardand are the only way tourists get to trek the gorillas. These need to be booked in advance because of their high demand. Gorilla permits are part of the safety and security measures to protect the gorillas. A few permits are printed daily to reduce the number of people who trek the gorillas, and each goes for $1500. To know more about the cost of a gorilla permit and how to purchase one, check out our website on how to purchase gorilla permits.

The security checkpoints: After tourists get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali, each person has to go through a security checkpoint to ensure that they are not a danger to the gorillas, themselves, and other tourists. After undergoing a security check for firearms, knives, and any other considered to be a threat, you will be allowed to enter the park and participate in the activity. Note that immediately after the security check, you must attend a briefing at the park headquarters.

Briefing: The briefing is minutes between experienced tour guides and trekkers. During the briefing, trek rules, and regulations are re-echoed so that tourists get to remember them (we are going to be looking at the trek rules and regulations later on), and it is also the time when groups of 8 are assigned the gorilla families that they are to trek. CCTV cameras: You will notice CCTV cameras in the different parts of the national park, as well as security personnel. Gorilla trekking is a top-earning activity for Rwanda in terms of revenue, and that is why Security is always on standby to help and protect the tourists.

Assignment of experienced guide: As you are heading for a gorilla trekking experience, a professional and knowledgeable tour guide is assigned to you during the briefing session, and he or she will take you through the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and take you through the exercise. The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the gorilla families and the best routes to use. To be safe, you need to follow all the guidelines and instructions given to you by the tour guides.

The age limit for tracking: The age limit for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is 15 years and above. This is the age limit for all tourists planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda. Age verification using your official identification documents like national IDs and passports will be done. The age limit was put at 15 because all those that are 15 and above can easily be controlled, unlike children below the age who are hard to control and might be forced to run in case a gorilla approaches them.

Provision of armed rangers: The park authorities provide one or two armed rangers to provide Security to all the trek groups within the Volcanoes National Park. The rangers are always in contact with each other, and only use routes they believe are safer. Volcanoes have other wildlife, so the job of the armed ranger is to keep you safe as you enjoy a memorable and safe gorilla safari in Rwanda.

Personal safety

Although safety measures have been put in place by the government of Rwanda, you also need to ensure that you take care of your personal security to contribute to safety during a gorilla trek safari. Below are some security measures you can take during and before the trek.

1. Before booking your gorilla safari, make sure that you carefully research the tour company you are planning to use. Ensure that the company is registered; do not pay on personal bank accounts but ask for the company bank account and read reviews on TripAdvisor.

1. Get proper clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers, to protect your body from tree scratches, branches, and sharp plants. A walking stick will be available if you need it, as well as waterproof raincoat and warm clothes to keep you warm. Make sure you do not feel sick during the hike by packing right for the safari.
2. If you are not used to hiking or physically capable, ask for an easier trek so that you can handle trekking a hard one. This can be done during the briefing, or you can ask your operator during the booking process.
3. When feeling sick, avoid trekking, this is one of those rules that need to be followed to the dot. You risk infecting the gorillas if you have a contagious disease because mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human illnesses/diseases. We advise that you wait until you are strong enough and well to enjoy the trekking business.

Rwanda Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking

For all tourists planning on participating in gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed to keep both the gorillas and the tourists safe. Following such rules is like a safety measure, and failure to do so might result in the person breaking the rules being banned from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Below are the rules and regulations to follow:

1. Tracking commences from the park office, and each tracking group is allowed a maximum of eight visitors per day

1. Treks are usually conducted with one park guide and armed escorts
2. The guide liaises with about two to three trackers who have gone ahead to ascertain the location of the gorillas
3. Once the gorillas have been located, guests will be allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. This time limit is carefully observed to protect the gorillas from undue stress
4. Only people over 15 years old may trek, to minimise the exposure of gorillas to childhood diseases
5. Anyone suffering from a communicable disease, such as the flu or diarrhoea, is not permitted to enter the park because of the risk of transmitting these conditions
6. You should always stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas – do not surround them
7. Avoid making loud noises, or making any sudden movements while trekking gorillas. Assume a crouch position while observing them
8. It is not permitted to eat, drink or smoke when with the gorillas or within 200 m (656 ft) from them
9. You should not get closer than 7 m (22 ft) of the gorilla
10. Some parks require you to wear a mask to prevent any possible human contamination. These masks will be provided where stipulated

What to carry for a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

For a fun-filled gorilla safari, you will need to carry essential items which include trousers, long-sleeved shirts all in neutral colors, ankle-length hike boots, a warm sweater, waterproof rain jacket, sunscreen, a sunhat, warm clothing, insect repellent, a first aid kit, day backpack, camera and camera equipment, flashlight, binoculars, sandals, running shoes, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, cash (preferably visit UGX and in smaller notes for easy tipping) snacks, refillable water bottle and personal toiletries among others.

Best time to visit Rwanda for a Gorilla Safari

The best time to go for a gorilla trek safari in Rwanda is from June to September and December to February during the dry season. This is also the best time to go for other safaris within the country.

Overall, with these comprehensive safety measures and the dedication of Rwandan authorities to protect both visitors and gorillas, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a safe and well-organized activity.  Also, there are several activities carried out in Volcanoes National Park besides gorilla trekking, and these include bird watching, golden monkey trekking, Mountain hiking on the Virunga mountains that are found within the national park, attending the Kwita Izina ceremony, cultural tour to the nearby villages and a guided walk to the Ruhondo and Burera Lakes.