(RNXAS 001) Gorillas in the mist 4 Days / 3Nights- Rwanda Gorilla Tracking , Hiking  Safari

The following are the optional  activities available in Volcanoes National park.

•  Tracking Golden monkeys

•  Visit grave of Dian Fossey

•  Hike Bisoke-1day

•  Climb Karisimbi 2 days

•  Visits to the crater lakes.

The activities will require an extra day.  Please book with us in advance.

REQUIREMENTS

Please remember to bring the following with you for Gorilla Trekking,  Hiking & tracking safari

• Hiking boots-not mountain climbers-anything hardy above the ankle is okey

• Gloves 

• Water proof container for your camera

• A warm cardigan

• If you desire to wear a headgear, a base ball cap is recommended

• Long trousers and long sleeves are ideal

• Enough film.

Encounter with and gorilla tracking tips.

1.  Submissiveness

When you encounter gorillas, you are required to portray total submissiveness. 

Do not look at them straight in the eyes and avoid standing over them.  

If the male gorilla charge at you, crouch down.  Gorillas have freedom 

of way. Do not drum your chest.

2.  Gorilla Photography/Photograhic Safaris

Flash photography is prohibited.  Tourists are allowed normal photography and filming for domestic use.

Special Photographic and filming safaris may be organized for particular groups. These will include those who want to film specifically for commercial use and documentaries.  These will require accreditation cards unlike normal tourists.

3.  Health of the Gorillas

There are currently approximately 700 mountain gorillas in the wild.  Thus these animals are classified as endangered species.  To avoid transmitting human diseases to them,

• Avoid tracking if you suffer from contagious disease.  In case you develop a sever case of flu, your money will be fully refunded if you make this known in advance. However if you attempt to track and       fail for whatever reason, or if the guides discover that you cannot    track due to disease, you do not qualify for any refund. 

• Do not sneeze towards them

• Do not spit in the forest or defecate carelessly.  If you need to the guides will help you with a matchet to dig a hole to bury your waste. 

4.  Environmental consciousness

Leave  only your steps in the national park.  Do not litter and if you spot any litter, collect it and take it down with you.

5. Hiking, trekking and Tracking gorilla in Rwanda and Uganda- the facts

How hard should one prepare for gorilla tracking in Rwanda?  The facts below will help you to answer this question.

• Gorilla Trekking, hiking and tracking takes place at altitudes of 3000 metres-this means that moderate/ average physical fitness is what is necessary and not athletic fitness.

• Trekking, hiking and Tracking gorillas is conducted by patient, qualified and knowledgeable ranger guides with wide experience in natural history with particular attention to gorilla behaviour

• Trekking hiking and tracking is conducted at a moderate pace with plenty of stops for resting, fielding questions further briefs etc.  Competitive hiking is discouraged as the aim of the guides, porters       and rangers is for all the group members to make it to the gorillas      and back to the base.  Believe it or not, the slowest hiker/ trekker     will determine the pace of the trek.

6.  Eating

You can carry your picnic but do not eat in the vicinity of the gorillas.

7. Chest beating

Please do not imitate the male gorilla chest beating. It may take that as a challenge and charge after you which can result in severe injuries.

8. Age Limit:  Only people of 15 years and above can track gorillas.