Visiting Rwanda Gorillas on New Year’s Day – A New Year’s visit to see Rwanda’s gorillas is as exciting as any other adventure.
Gorillas, found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are herbivorous animals that primarily feed on vegetation and fruits.
They are a well-habituated species with a close genetic and behavioral relation to humans, making them a highly relatable and interesting mammal group.
It should be noted that gorillas are the strongest mammal group in the world.
However, due to devastating human activities like poaching, gorillas have been classified as an endangered species, and their population has greatly reduced to approximately 1,063 individuals.
In Rwanda, fantastic gorilla trekking activities are available in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country.
Volcanoes National Park is home to over 15 fully habituated gorilla families that are open for gorilla trekking any day at any time.
It is important to understand that Volcanoes National Park comprises five Virunga mountains: Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Sabyinyo.
These mountains not only provide habitats for the endangered mountain gorillas but also for other animals such as blue monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and many others.
New Year’s in Rwanda is considered a safari time or peak season; therefore, tourists are advised to book and pay for their gorilla trekking permits and services in advance.
This is due to the high number of tourists arriving, which leads to increased prices for goods and services.
However, the good news is that interested tourists can make their bookings through the Rwanda Development Board or a safari company.
Full payment for the gorilla permit is highly recommended, but exceptions are also given, with Rwanda accepting 30% and 70% permit installments, respectively.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda
- It costs about 1,500 USD per person per trek.
Precautions:
- Children below the age of 15 years are not allowed.
- Visitors are not allowed to eat or smoke within 200 meters of the gorillas.
- Visitors are required to keep a distance of about 5 meters from the gorillas.
Exclusions from the Cost:
- Transport
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Other personal items
Other Activities to Carry Out on New Year’s Day
- Golden monkey trekking
- Volcano climbing
- Birding
- Tour to Musanze caves
- Tour to twin lakes
- Dian Fossey grave visit
Requirements to Carry on New Year’s Day
- Gorilla permit
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
- Packed lunch
- Pair of trousers
- Hat and sunglasses
Visiting Rwanda gorillas on New Year’s Day is important because it offers many other activities, making the tour adventurous.
