Visiting Rwanda Gorillas on Christmas Day – Gorillas are the largest primates, with a height of about 1.25m to 1.8m and a weight of about 270kg.
They live in troops or families and are led by a dominant silverback.
Some of the families include Gahonda family, Igisha family, Karisimbi family, Agashya family, Noheli family, Sabyinyo family, among others.
The dominant silverback has the role of leading the group, determining the movement of the troop, protecting the family, etc.
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered, and currently, there are about 1063 individuals living in the wild.
They occupy the cloud forests of the Virunga volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2200 to 4300 meters.
Mountain gorillas tend to live 35-40 years in the wild, and their birth rates are very low, which makes it not easy to recover their reducing numbers.
Gorillas are vegetarians and feed on natural plants in the forests, which enables them to easily survive in their habitats.
They move around by knuckle walking, although they sometimes walk upright for short distances, typically while carrying food or in defensive situations.
Rwanda is one of the countries that inhabit mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, besides Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, and is home to the magnificent mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda in Musanze district. Being a home to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is the leading center for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Visiting Rwanda Gorillas on Christmas Day
Christmas Gorilla visits are one of the long-awaited tours by tourists because the Christmas holiday comes with many interesting things for adventure lovers.
Likewise, Rwanda provides opportunities for tourists to go gorilla trekking in one of the leading gorilla habitats, Volcanoes National Park.
On Christmas Day, visitors are able to explore and learn many interesting facts about mountain gorillas, such as diet, trek gorilla groups, behavior of gorillas, and conservation efforts, creating a wonderful experience for adventure.
On top of that, tourists are able to enjoy many special festive parties, thus creating unforgettable memories.
Booking gorilla trekking permits on Christmas Day
It is advisable that visitors book in advance, at least a month before the actual date of going gorilla trekking because during this season permits sell out fast.
Cost of gorilla permits
Permits cost $1500 for visitors outside Africa, $200 for citizens of Rwanda and citizens of East African countries, and $500 for citizens of other African countries.
Accommodation for tourists on Rwanda Gorilla visits on Christmas Day
- Gorilla Solutions Lodge
- Faraja Hotel
- Bisate Lodge
- Da Vinci Lodge
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- La Palme Hotel
Requirements to carry for Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla permits
- Pair of trousers
- Hats and sunglasses
- Energy snacks
- Hiking boots
- Packed lunch
- First aid kit
- Insect repellents
Instructions and guidelines for Gorilla trekking on Christmas Day
- Children below the age of 15 are not allowed to go gorilla trekking.
- Visitors are required to keep a distance of 5 meters away from the gorillas.
- Visitors are not allowed to use flashlight cameras while trekking.
- Visitors are required to stick to their groups under the leadership of the park Rangers and guides.
Other Activities to carry out on Christmas Day
- Golden monkey trekking
- Dian Fossey grave hike
- Community walks
- Nature walks
- Birding
- Tour to Musanze caves
- Tour to the twin lakes
- Volcano climbing
- Special festive season parties
In conclusion, visiting Rwanda Gorillas on Christmas Day is a very interesting activity, and tourists are in a position to explore and learn about the gorillas.
