Home to the Gorillas in the Mist, the Volcanoes National Park is as a sanctuary for the rare and endangered mountain gorilla and is an environment covered in bamboo and rainforest affording privacy and protection for these majestic animals. Best known for the mountain gorillas, the park is also home to golden monkeys, spotted hyena and an array of bird species.
Located in the northwest of Rwanda, the park borders National Parks in both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tourism is encouraged but highly moderated to ensure that responsible tourism is adhered to.
There are only 80 daily permits granted by the park, these are a necessity if you would like to track the gorillas, at a cost of $1,500 per permit. One of the most adventurous safaris possible, be prepared as it can entail a hike for up to around five hours to find one of the main groups of gorilla but this is an experience truly like no other. The high permit cost which was doubled in recent years goes towards conservation efforts to preserve these endangered animals as well as governmental costs and local projects aimed at benefiting local people.
Ecotourism by definition, gorilla trekking in Rwanda shouldn’t negatively impact the environment, local inhabitants and animals and your presence should only enhance those around you.
