How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an amazing life-changing adventure that you shouldn’t miss while in Rwanda. Many travelers, ask ‘‘How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?’’ when planning gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda. How difficult is trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda?

Despite Mountain gorillas living in thick jungles, with high humidity and elevations reaching 3,000 meters you can still succeed in trekking them just like many have. Tracking to see gorillas in Rwanda can be demanding, but it’s generally achievable for individuals with moderate physical fitness.

The guides often help to clear paths with machetes through the dense jungle during the trek, and there’s assistance available from porters to navigate the toughest sections of the forest. Anyone planning to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda should be prepared to get muddy and sweaty during the hike.

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Here is all you need to know about gorilla trekking difficulty in Rwanda – How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda involves various stages. At first, you will walk for 30 to 60 minutes from the closest parking area to the offices. Then upon reaching the headquarters, you will embark on a trek through the forest to find the gorillas. The guides are given information about the location and movement of gorillas by the trackers who usually track these primates early enough.  Trekking may take anywhere between 10 minutes to two hours. On average, for groups closer to the edge of the forest, it’s around 20 to 30 minutes.

At the start of the trek, it may seem generally flat and not too demanding, except for the more challenging uphill climb to reach the Susa Group. During the trek, because of the vegetation cover, you might need to bend, crawl, and find your way through the jungle, especially when dealing with sharp nettles.

Why is trekking to see gorillas in Rwanda difficult? – What makes gorilla trekking difficult

Fitness Levels

Physical fitness is one of the most influential factors when it comes to gorilla trekking.  The level of difficulty of gorilla trekking in Rwanda can vary greatly depending on your age and fitness condition. This is especially important if you are tasked with following the Susa Family, which is the most demanding group of all groups in Volcanoes.

Despite the challenges involved in gorilla trekking, it is uncommon for elderly tourists to get so overwhelmed that they choose to cancel their trip. Although the gorilla trek can be extremely difficult, many travelers usually succeed on their treks. Tourists often overcome challenges because the experience is awe-inspiring.

Location of Rwanda’s gorilla groups – 

The location of the gorilla group you are assigned to visit is another major determinant of how difficult your gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda will be. Generally speaking, the hike to the Susa Group is usually the hardest (though, with just about 19 members, it’s also the most rewarding). The Sabyinyo Group, on the other hand, is typically the most accessible.

It’s usually not too difficult to trek to groups like Kwitonda, Hirwa, and Group Thirteen. On the other hand, although not as difficult as the climb to the Susa Group, the hikes to the Amahoro and Umubano Groups can be more strenuous. It’s crucial to remember that every group may occasionally pose unforeseen difficulties or be very easy to reach on a given day.

Furthermore, the park officials cannot guarantee in advance which particular group you will be allocated to. But the guides at Kiningi do their best to pair people up with the right group, particularly if you let them know what you’re into. Trekkers to the Sabyinyo Group are often older, individuals, whilst those to the Susa Group are typically younger and more muscular.

Terrain and Topography – How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda? 

Rwanda gorilla trekking tours are done in Volcanoes National, where the terrain is ragged and uneven. The ragged terrain and uneven ground can make the hike challenging for some individuals, especially those who are not used to such conditions.

Altitude and Height

Volcanoes National Park sits at a high altitude that sometimes needs one to first stay around the area to acclimatize. The high altitude can also pose a challenge, as some of the gorilla trekking areas are located at high elevations.

Climate and Weather conditions

The weather in Rwanda can also play a role in the difficulty of gorilla trekking. Rainfall is common in the region, and trails can become slippery and muddy, making the hike more challenging.

Despite the potential challenges, many visitors of various fitness levels successfully complete gorilla trekking in Rwanda each year. The experience of encountering these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is well worth the effort for many people. Plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking tour with us and enjoy long-lasting memories of these beautiful creatures.

Plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure with us and experience unmatched gorilla encounters today. Our team will ensure all arrangements are done as you request.

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