Gorilla Tracking: The trek to find gorillas can be quite short, but on most days an hour or two of rough hiking each way is necessary. The climb begins through the lush terraced farmland of the lower volcanic slopes. As the slopes become steer and rockier, the vegetation becomes thick and tangled; the guides must use their machetes to help clear a path. Huge trees, clinging vines and undergrowth add to the challenge of swift streams and slippery red mud underfoot.
Usually at around 8000 foot signs of the huge animals become apparent. Damage to the bamboo trees is an obvious sign as the gorillas relish the young tender shoots and break older stems to suck the sap. The smell of the gorilla may waft by in the stray breeze or, if one is really near, it is strong and unmistakable. Their sounds are distinctive: they can be remarkably loud crashes or dull reverberating thuds. ..................................................................................................................................................
GETTING THERE
FLIGHTS:
Traveling to Rwanda is easy, swift and uncomplicated. It’s just one hour’s flight from Nairobi to Kigali, capital city of Rwanda. Kenya Airways/ Rwanda Air : Twice daily flights Nairobi / Kigali Ethiopian Airlines: 3 times weekly ( Wed, Fri, & Sun) flights Addis / Kigali South African Airways / RwandaAir: Twice weekly ( Wed &Sun) Johannesburg / Kigali SN Brusels: Daily scheduled flights via Nairobi ( except Thurs) Brussels / Kigali
TRANSPORT:
We operate a fleet of new, custom built 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers with 3 roof hatches and 8 seats. We also have a luxury Mitsubishi Pajero for smaller FIT goups. From Kigali it is just one and a half hour’s drive to the Virunga Massif, known as the ‘volcanoes of the moon’, which hosts the volcano National Park.
GORILLA VIEWING: MAIN RULES
Total silence No smoking No eating No pointing or staring directly at the gorilla Do not stand above the guides height, if he kneels so do you and follow the guides actions at all times If the ‘Silverback’ charges DO NOT RUN & KEEP BEHIND THE GUIDES AT ALL TIMES No children under 15 years |