The Republic of Rwanda is a country located within East African Community. It borders Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. Rwanda is landlocked other than its western border of Lake Kivu. The government system is a republic, Rwanda was colonized by the Germans in 1884 followed by a Belgian regime during the First World War. Things went from bleak to really bad during the Rwandan genocide but have now recovered to a large extent. The economy is majorly supported by Subsistence Agriculture and tourism. Unlike other African countries the climate in Rwanda would surprisingly remind you of Germany. Kigali is the capital and largest city in Rwanda and is located in the heart of the country.

Rwanda is famous for Gorilla tracking experience, cultural tourism and magnificent sceneries such as inland lakes and rolling hills thus its other name is a land of a thousand hills. Tourist destinations include; Volcanoes National Park, Kigali City, Virunga Mountains and the Lakes region.

Gorilla Encounter Information

Welcome to Rwanda- the land of a thousand hills. We hope these tips will help you in your preparation. Please contact us should you have any questions.

Rules & regulations

• Visitors are required to keep a distance of seven meters from the gorillas.
• Sick persons will not be allowed to visit, as the transmission of illnesses is a major threat to the gorillas. Gorillas can die from human diseases!!
• Do not attempt to touch the gorillas, they are still wild animals.
• Always remain in a tight group.
• Keep your voices low at all times and avoid speaking unnecessarily.
• Eating and drinking is prohibited when you are near the gorillas.
• Sometimes, a gorilla will charge. Always follow the guide’s instructions – crouch down slowly, do not make eye contact with the gorilla and do not run as this will only increase the risk of attack. Wait for the animals to pass by.
• Flash photography is prohibited. Gorillas are scared of bright flashes and in particular, white flashes.
• In order not to disturb or influence the behavior of a gorilla family, visitor’s group sizes are limited (varies between countries).
• Visitors must be 15 yrs and older (varies between countries).
• Gorilla tracking can be fairly strenuous and it’s advisable that you are quite fit in order to enjoy the trek, otherwise there Gorilla family groups that are nearby for those who cannot walk far. Kindly enquire from your Driver Guide for assistance.

Recommended Gear for Gorilla tracking

• Hiking boots
• Rain Jacket over a warm sweater
• Long water resistant pants
• Long sleeved shirt
• A hat and gloves to protect from stinging nettles
• 1-2 liters drinking water
• Snacks, for you not for Gorillas