It is indeed a privilege to track Mountain Gorillas in any of the 3 remaining countries that they still have left as their home. However there is something particularly special about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, with the rich history of Gorilla study and protection started by George Schaller and continued by Diane Fossey. Add to this the relatively open habitats they are found in and the incredible interaction of the individuals in the group, and you have without a doubt one of the most rich and rewarding wildlife experiences to be found on this planet.

Protected within the Parcs National des Volcans (PNV), the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla tracking. The exhilarating climb to the gorillas natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkeys. Nothing can prepare one for the impact of encountering a fully grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors.

Parc National des Volcans is managed and protected by the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Access begins in the lively town of Ruhengeri, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Ruhengeri has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

One of the main differences between Gorilla trekking in Rwanda compared to Uganda is the larger group sizes of the trekking parties. In Uganda at present there are only six tourists allowed to trek with each Gorilla group, whereas in Rwanda that number is eight. Obviously your gut feeling would be that the smaller the group the better, not just for you personally but also the Gorillas. However from my experience a lot depends on the group dynamics and the individual behaviour of clients within that group. You can sometimes have a larger group where the tourists are very considerate of each others experience and their behaviour in the presence of the Gorillas is impeccable.