How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Safari in Rwanda

How to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Safari in Rwanda: The country also known as ‘Land of Thousand Hills’ has, however, been attracting a number of tourists interested in wildlife and adventure activities. Offering the prospect of a bizarre and rich biological and geophysical landscape, Rwanda’s altitude is indeed an ideal place to kick start both physical and cultural exploration. If you want to combine two fascinating adventures, you definitely shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a gorilla tracking combined with a safari in Rwanda.

As promised in this article, we will walk you through the details and practicalities of organizing an amazing trip that involves gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes National Park as well as wildlife viewing in the Akagera National Park.

Primate watching at the Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda and is home to the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. Visiting these magnificent creatures in their natural setting, on a hill or mountain, is one experience that every tourist will never forget. To make the most of your gorilla trekking experience, here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Obtain a permit: A gorilla trekking permit for Rwanda costs between $750 to $1,500 depending on the season per person. In this case, you need a permit beforehand since the number of people who will be allowed to stay near the gorillas is restricted to eight people per group per day.

2. Choose your tour operator: You should contact a reliable tour operator who will assist you in acquiring the permit as well as arranging the transportation and the accommodation. Some recommended operators are; Wild Gorillas, Eco-tours Rwanda, and African adventurers.

3. Prepare physically: Prepare for a tough hike that can take from 2 to 8 hours based on the geographical location of your respective gorilla Group. Take strong hiking shoes, take a small backpack which has a raincoat and always walk with a bottle of water.

4. Join a gorilla trekking tour: The majority of tour operators who organize gorilla trekking safaris besides offering tours offer the services of a local guide, meals, and transport to and from the park. It is such a good opportunity that everything will go well and on the other hand get the chance to learn more about the wonderful mountain gorillas while on the trek.

Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park

When you are done with the gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park, transfer to eastern Rwanda to do the plains of Akagera National Park. This African safari tourism destination is ideal for landscape view, and wildlife and has the second largest elephant population that inhabits savannahs in Africa. Follow these steps to make the most of your safari adventure:

1. Choose your safari package: Many of these operators provide detailed packages of the safari trips that come with accommodation, transport, and guided game viewing trips. The traditional packages take 3-4 days. Some of the renowned operators are Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, and Magasi Camp.

2. Opt for a guided game drive: Having a professional guide for your game drive will however go a long way in improving your experience during your safari. The guides know Rwanda’s over 720 species of birds and other wildlife like the rear of their hands, and, therefore, they are of great aid in pointing out animals that may be well concealed.

3. Spot the big five: Lions, elephants, buffalos, and leopards are some of the big five that one can easily see in Akagera National Park besides the rhinoceros. It becomes difficult to be sure to spot all the five animals at the park but due to its rich wildlife population, a visit to the park is a good chance for a successful photographic safari.

4. Enjoy birdwatching: The avian list for Akagera National Park is over 500 species and these include the elusive shoebill stork. Increased bird watching is evident courtesy of the many different bird species that inhabit this park.

Travel Logistics and Tips

To ensure a seamless experience, consider these travel logistics and tips before embarking on your Rwanda adventure:

1. Secure travel insurance: Gorilla trekking and safari should be covered with travel insurance. Make sure your policy provides for undertakings like trekking and game driving.

2. Plan your itinerary: Make sure that you set aside enough time to consider both Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park for your tour. Some of the stress is eliminated by having an effective schedule in that a good portion of the time will be spent participating in said activities.

3. Stay safe: Rwanda has malaria, especially in certain regions, so take prophylaxis before traveling. Also, to minimize the risk of getting other tropical diseases it is advisable to cover up with insect repellent and only drink water that is bottled or purified.

4. Respect local customs: Rwanda is a cultural country – it has its own cultural practices and people have their own moral values. Be polite when dressing appropriately, abstaining from kissing or holding hands in public, and requesting prior permission for photographing native people.

Conclusion on how to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Safari in Rwanda

Intercepting gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best Rwanda offers on the natural front. If you aim to stop your adventurous journey and enjoy a variety of sights and wildlife in this country, the guide and tips above are your go-ahead. Well, let’s go pack our bags to explore the enchantment of the small but unique country.