Explore the romantic and scenic Virunga Mountains, where Dian Fossey carried out her ground-breaking gorilla research, traversing slopes covered with rainforest and bamboo.
Home to no less than five volcanoes, you will delve deep into the park’s misty forests, accompanied by an expert ranger. It typically takes between two and five hours to locate your allocated gorilla family group and you will then have the opportunity to spend some time quietly observing these charismatic creatures.
What do I need to know?
- Make use of the porters (approximately USD 15 per trek), not only does it encourage sustainable employment in the community, but they are a great help up steep inclines and carrying your pack
- Be respectful when you see the gorillas, be silent and submissive. Stay calm and do as your expert guide directs you – the gorillas will be unperturbed by your presence
- Take enough water and energy snacks. Your lodges should supply these, but if you have a particular energy treat that you like, it is worth bringing along, as treks could take a couple of hours
- Gratuity guidelines per guest are USD 15 for porters and USD 5 – 10 for park guides
- For guests who might find this terrain too challenging, we are able to offer the solution of a local stretcher or sedan chair to the nearest tracking point. These need to be booked in advance, at an additional cost
- For the photographers:
- As you are close to the gorillas, long lenses aren’t usually the best to use (and they are heavy to carry), a mid-zoom lenses such as a 24-70mm is a good option. Also be aware that lenses can mist up due to the humidity levels
- Flash photography is not allowed, so make sure you have the correct light settings
- Keep your camera in a waterproof bag to avoid getting it wet
- Don’t forget to charge your battery
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