From Kigali: A 4-Day Gorilla & Chimps Trekking Safari Review
So, you’re possibly thinking about heading to Rwanda to witness some seriously awesome wildlife? Like maybe a 4-day safari that gets you up close with gorillas and chimps? Very cool idea, I have to say. Actually, this part of the world offers just outstanding opportunities to see these animals in their own home. Let’s walk through what one of these trips might look like, sharing the ups and downs to give you a clearer picture if it is right for you. Just you keep in mind, it’s a wild place, full of surprises!
A Quick Peek at What to Expect
Often, this safari begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s main hub. The overall aim? Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Very often, the itinerary features quite long drives through the country, permits, plus time spent in the forest with specialized guides. I mean, sounds grand, does it not? But really, it’s not always entirely roses; Rwanda’s roads, you see, can be challenging, yet very scenic, too.
Day 1: From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Anyway, the tour typically kicks off with a drive from Kigali straight to Volcanoes National Park. At least, expect this drive to chew up a decent part of your day; usually, the Rwandan countryside is a feast, truly, offering stunning views of hills, villages, and farms that you’ll never forget. Arguably, you may stop for lunch along the way. Also, when you get to your lodging near the park, there’s generally a briefing on the gorilla trek for the next morning. Almost like, think of this day as primarily transit with some glimpses of charm rather than full-on adventure, sort of.
Day 2: Gorilla Encounter Day
As a matter of fact, gorilla trekking is why people book these safaris. Normally, early start, with a gathering at the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Right, then, trackers guide you and your group into the forest to try locating a gorilla family. More or less, the trek might last anywhere from a short hour to possibly four or five, mostly depending on where these animals happen to be that day. You know, once you encounter the gorillas, that is that! One whole hour with them, simply watching them behave in their familiar surrounding is simply awesome! Anyway, going to be really silent, move little and soak every detail. The afternoon, rather? Commonly reserved for rest; could be, some opt for cultural tours around, you see.
Day 3: Travel Day – Volcanoes to Nyungwe
Anyway, this day means another hefty drive, that one being from the northern part of Rwanda to the southern region, near Nyungwe Forest National Park. Clearly, the roads are lengthy and winding, so be prepared for possibly a bumpy ride. Anyway, the views will still very captivate, if you’re into seeing rural Rwanda. Very much, lodging upon arrival is pretty basic at or near Nyungwe; mostly get ready early for the chimp trek scheduled for the very next day.
Day 4: Chimp Trekking and Return to Kigali
So, very early start again! At least, chimp trekking in Nyungwe generally starts early to make the very best of chimp activity hours. Apparently, unlike gorilla trekking, looking for chimpanzees can be really active and kind of fast paced, they like moving quite a lot. The forest there is super thick, actually! The paths, really, might be muddy plus challenging. More or less, after a successful viewing (ideally), it’s then straight back to Kigali for your flight out or another nights stay. To be honest, arriving back will heavily rely on the trek, and your own driving.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Alright, every adventure is a blend, you know? These safaris usually promise extraordinary encounters but also offer realities that you will wanna be prepared for.
Pluses:
- Life changing experiences: Just seeing mountain gorillas or chimpanzees in the wild isn’t an experience lots get. Basically, that alone can change you.
- Rwanda’s stunning beauty: Really, the country is postcard beautiful, and there is views at every twist or turn on every single road.
- It’s all organized: That way the logistics, that way the permits, the transports? So, the whole lot taken care of means it’s a truly carefree vacation, usually.
Drawbacks:
- Those extended drives: To be honest, spending many hours upon roads, that can very deplete your energy.
- Level of Physical demand: Just keep in mind that trekking could be arduous; you probably will need a fair state to engage, alright.
- The expense of permits: Truth is, gorilla or even chimp permits? Often steep and may influence the price massively.
How to Choose the trip that suites you: What to keep in mind?
Picking just that ‘ideal’ safari is tricky, yet here is where, potentially, you have to be able to consider factors, such as these, I will show you:
- Reputations: Check that the company has a valid record; look at experiences; ask travellers on-line.
- How is the Itinerary: Does plan give that appropriate amount of trek or rest for transit in any particular place?
- Accommodations matter: From backpackers, for that ‘deluxe, to find what fits needs, preferences most precisely.
- Value/Pricing: Understand where monies gets going. Is food inside? Tips? Extra hikes? All may quickly mounts upwards.
Making the very most of your experience. Tips & Ideas
If you plan wisely it will result into making one fantastic visit for one! Consider these steps below, I would strongly suggest.
- Workout and physical preparations: To be honest, trekking will drain, starting physical active will dramatically uplift trek.
- Package strategically. : Pack clothing for the rains, good hiking boots and equipment. I’m talking layers to cater at temperature and climatic changes.
- Go and respect culture and environmental regulations: Mind the nature guidelines or showing regard towards culture for people. Always ask first before someone is taking those pictures!
Final Thoughts: Was the trek beneficial
Right, the 4 days for safari with chimps and gorilla, which it set off in Rwanda is rather exciting but there are times, you might be struggling to keep pace at which trip happens at! So, you consider travelling or when it looks beneficial will turn entirely around if like going those, extremely exceptional animals close for, with wonderful landscapes.
So the travel arrangements can create more, from ‘good’, too when get fully planned at!
Common questions for those who want to enjoy!
What actually will perfect occasion last just like seeing the animals?
Arguably for many visitors seeing monkeys with apes goes from life that cannot compare anything else, especially coming near family.
Did travelling with car happen really tired at all?
Often trips get taken using great number through roadways those tend winding! The point in making these longer goes when one may fully get some magnificent outlook surrounding countryside.
Is safari beneficial to a traveler looking?
Actually or actually as for seeing chimps also family in natural world looks like something special while needs or want to cope with travelling plus any physical exercise or activities involved with treks, there it suits ideal if planning visiting those places!