Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas are the largest primates with 98% similar DNA with human beings. Gorillas are divided into two species the eastern and western species and the mountain gorillas are under the Eastern gorilla species. The eastern gorillas live in areas with a high altitude. The are only in Central and eastern parts of Africa that is Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. Rwanda is located in the eastern part of Africa and it’s a top destination for gorilla trekking in Africa.
Where do mountain gorillas live in Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda live in the Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern of the country within the Virunga Mountains near its border with Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is found on the slopes of the magnificent Virunga ranges that is (Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo) and it was established in 1925. The park is home to over 380 mountain gorillas that are divided into 12 gorilla families that is Titus, Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda, Bwene. But not all these families are open for trekking. Mountain gorillas are known for living in high altitudes ranging from 8000-13000 feet in the bamboo woods and montane forests.
Relation to humans
Humans and mountain gorillas share 98% of their genetic makeup. It is susceptible to human illnesses because it has not yet acquired the requisite immunity to common human diseases. The gorillas’ health might be adversely affected by even a minor cold. The primary cause of these animals’ poor prospects of surviving extinction in the first place is gorilla tourism. Therefore, governments and conservation organizations have strict protocols in place to reduce the spread of human diseases to these priceless animals. Some precautions include keeping a minimum of 10 meters away from them, wearing a facemask when visiting, habituating them for tourism, monitoring their health, and limiting the number of visitors.
Size
The mountain gorillas are the largest and strongest of all the primates. Male silverbacks, who are the dominant members of a group, weighing over 200 kilograms (440 pounds with a height of 6.5. However other male gorillas weigh between 135-220 kg with a height of 4-6 feet. Females are generally smaller compared to the males since they weigh between 98 and 154 kg.
Diet
Mountain gorillas are vegetarians meaning they only feed on plants and vegetation but not meat. Their diet consists of the following: plant roots, leaves, shoot, fruits, tree bark, Wild celery and pulp. However, the mountain gorillas also feed on snails and ants. In one day, a male gorilla can devour up to 75 pounds(34kg) of food, while a female can eat up to 18 kg (40 pounds). In order to support their large stomachs, they have to move on their fours, stay in one place sitting and grooming for better digestion. In the lush forests of Rwanda in Volcanoes national park the gentle giants find plenty of vegetation to feast on.
Night life in the Volcanoes National Park.
During the night, each mountain gorilla makes a night nest where they sleep however the young one’s sleep with their mothers for warmth and safety. These temporary nests can be on trees or the ground
Life expectancy
Gorillas are termed as infants until they make three. And as adults when they make eight years old. Males aged 8 to 12 are known as blackbacks. At twelve years, they start to grow silver fur on their hips and back, hence calling them silverback. Mountain gorillas can survive in the wild up to 35 years.
Social life of a Mountain Gorilla
A majority of mountain gorillas inhabit stable family groups, referred to as troops of ten to forty gorillas, with multiple females and a single dominant male referred to as a silverback.
Males and females in the gorilla troop care for their babies by playing, embracing them, and carrying them around. To avoid inbreeding, the majority of the males and about 60% of the females emigrate from their birth group once they reach adulthood and move to a different colony.
Despite all these demonstrations and their evident physical might, the mountain gorillas are generally non-violent and not aggressive except when threatened
A silver back’s spectacular display of physical strength is used to intimidate any intruder. This is done through bark out, stern hooting, standing stiffly erect, throwing things about, charging fiercely, and pounding his great chest.
Roles of a Silver back.
Finding suitable places to browse.
Protecting their group from intruders.
Settling disagreements in the group.
Finding safe sites to nest at night
Patrolling their home territory.
Communication
Gorillas have been found to be very intelligent when in captivity and have even learned elementary human sign language. Sixteen distinct communication calls are employed by mountain gorillas, Mountain gorillas employ short barks to express slight concern or interest, Roaring and hooting, along with stiff-legged swagger and chest beating, are employed by male gorillas to intimidate rivals.
Mountain gorilla reproduction
After almost nine months of pregnancy, a baby is born to a female gorilla.
Newborns weigh only four pounds in comparison, to their huge parents. They move on their mothers’ backs and snuggle into their mother’s fur from the time they are four months old until their first two or three years.
How to see mountain gorillas
Visitors are able to see the mountain gorillas through the primate forest safari referred to as Gorilla trekking. Their a number of tour operators in Rwanda who organize gorilla trekking safaris. They take care of all the groundwork such as purchasing permits, booking accommodations and transportation. However, some tourists do it for themselves.
Gorilla trekking permit
A gorilla trekking permit is a document issued by the government that is required for one to trek for gorillas. The permit covers Park entrance fee, a guided trek with a guide and an armed ranger. A permit can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board.
How to get a gorilla trekking permit.
A permit cost 1500USD per person and it’s issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). And every day 96 permits are issued by RDB. The permit grants visitors one hour with the gorillas. Note you need to book in advance before your trekking date because the permits run out quickly especially in June-September and December-February.
Required documents for one to do gorilla trekking.
- A valid passport
- A permit
- Yellow fever vaccination card.
- Visa that can be got on arrival or online.
- You need to be 15 years old and above since gorilla trekking is physically challenging.
Best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
The best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the months of June to September and December to February that is in the dry seasons. Since these months have little to no rainfall. Due to this the trails are dry and less muddy hence making movement easy. During this time there is no fog hence offering a clear view of the Virunga mountains.
However, it’s possible to do gorilla trekking in the wet season, during this season the parks are less crowded due to the muddy trails. And also, in this season the prices tend to be low in terms of accommodation and transportation.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park
The gorilla trekking tour often starts from kigali up to the northwestern forests of Volcanoes National Park
By air
This is the fastest way to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. There are daily flights to the park from Kigali international Airport. The helicopters land at Musanze Airstrip in only 30 minutes. When you use air, you can experience breathtaking views of Rwanda.
By road
This is the most affordable way to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. The distance from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park is 105 km(65miles) which is a 2-3 hours’ drive depending on the road traffic. You will still have a chance to see the breathtaking views of Rwanda.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda
Luxury
- Bisate Lodge
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Mid-range
- Five volcanoes Boutique
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget
- La Locanda
- Amahoro Guest House