Rwanda

Rwanda is a country where visitors can feel safe and secure. According to the World Economic Forum, Rwanda is the 9th most safe country in the world.

Travelers visit from all over the world to get a glimpse at these magnificent gorillas. And after, there is so much more to do and see.

Rwanda's stunning vistas offer a new perspective on life.

Rwandans are warm and friendly and they believe in progress. They start at the grass roots and work their way up to the top. Creativity is celebrated in every age, from ancient kingdoms to modern times, through unique architecture and traditional dance.

It is a unique experience to witness gorillas in their natural habitat. Some even claim it can change your life. Expert trackers and guides lead small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered hills to have a rare and unforgettable encounter with the gentle gorillas.

Gorillas, the largest primate living, are found in large areas of the equatorial African rainforest. The species can be divided into two groups: mountain and lowland gorillas.

The endangered mountain gorilla lives in the volcanic range that stretches across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It is relatively easy to track gorillas in Rwanda.

According to the most recent count, approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas live in the wild. 604 are found in the Virunga Masif. Thanks to the concerted efforts of our governments, communities, and NGOs, the population is steadily increasing.

Although the troops can be flexible in their composition, they tend to stay within a predetermined area. Park rangers keep them safe and watch over each troop. Each group is allowed to contact tourists for no more than one hour per day.

At 7am, visitors meet at the Volcanoes Park Headquarters in Kinigi. They are assigned a family group based on their fitness level and given instructions on how to visit the gorillas.

The hikes to the various destinations can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. They reach an elevation of between 2,500m to 4,000m. You can hire a porter to help carry your backpack and camera, or to lend a hand on the way.

Many locals are also employed in gorilla tracking, including rangers, trackers, porters, drivers, and staff at tourist lodges.