Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Before the horrors of the 1990s, gorilla tourism was Rwanda's third highest earner of foreign revenue.

The subsequent war, poaching and landmines jeopardised the survival of the mountain gorilla but the good news is that with Rwanda's return to stability, the fate of the gorillas has improved and gorilla trekking is back on track.

The Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda is possibly the best place in Africa to see these gentle giants but a gorilla trek isn't just a gentle stroll through the woods to plonk yourself down in the middle of a family group.

Gorilla trekking is - necessarily - expensive and limited. You can't just turn up and expect to be granted a permit - they need to be booked well in advance and usually as part of a package (which we at Go2Africa can happily do for you). Gorilla Trekking involves a hard slog through wet, steep, unforgiving rainforest at high altitudes. It also means adhering to strict behavioural rules and maintaining a deep respect for the gorillas and their environment.

But what wildlife experience can rival the chance to sit face to face with giant primates, with whom we share 97 percent of our biology?

Rwanda's gorilla industry also brings into focus the conservation work that is done in the area.

The authorities are aware of the importance of the park and its primates and are engaged in sustainable conservation programmes with the ultimate aim being to encourage the locals to recognise that a living gorilla is more profitable than a dead one.

Numerous conservation bodies are involved including the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund; her grave is located at the Karisoke Research Centre on the slopes of a volcano - Bisoke - next to the graves of her beloved gorillas.

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