Volcanoes National Park Tours and Tickets - page 2

The trek is a truly unique experience. The gorillas were so close you could touch them (but don't do that). One person in my group was slapped in the leg by a sub-adult, male gorilla who walked by! The listing for this excursion was pretty detailed, except with the amount of gratuity you should bring. The tips should be a minimum of 15,000 RWF ($10 USD) per person. Here is a breakdown: -There are porters who will carry your backpack for you (they are former poachers who now work for the park). -There are also 4 trackers who should be tipped for helping to locate the gorillas and keep us safe from other animals in the forest. -There are two guides who provide information about the park, the gorillas, and enhance the experience. -Your Viator-assigned driver. -At lunch, they have folks who will clean your hiking boots and gaiters. Know that they will get water inside the boots! (Why I suggest bringing another pair of shoes to wear.) The park provides a walking stick to help you get up the mountain (you will definitely need it). Be prepared with knee-high gaiters (there are ants and stinging nettles), insect repellent, altitude meds/patches if you aren't used to it, rain gear, extra socks/other shoes for after, and bring your own water/trail snacks for the hike (none were provided by the guide)! The area is a malaria-positive zone, so taking prophylaxis is recommended. No single experience is the same. Because the gorillas can be on the move, it is not guaranteed how little (or much) you will have to hike to see them. The day I visited, it had rained the night before, so we trekked through slick/deep mud. I would definitely recommend this excursion to help continually support the conservation efforts of the park and its community involvement (they give a percentage of the proceeds to programs).

I had an amazing time on my gorilla trekking tour—truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! The trek itself was challenging at times, but absolutely worth it. The scenery was beautiful, and being face-to-face with a gorilla family in the wild was unforgettable. Our guides and rangers made the experience feel both safe and exciting. Jerome was with us in the forest and made sure we were informed, comfortable, and respectful of the gorillas. His passion for the animals and his work were evident. Our driver, Shadady, was fantastic as well—friendly, punctual, and always making sure we were taken care of. Great lunch after the trek with someone available to wash our shoes which was nice. Highly recommend a porter. Overall, this was a fun, memorable, and very well-organized tour.

This tour was a huge success thanks to the efforts of Darius Twamihigo and Usalama tours. Darius did an excellent job of telling me how to prepare for this tour and answered all my questions. Darius picked me up early and delivered me timely to the Ranger Station. He did an excellent job of pairing me with a Ranger and tour participants that matched my physical fitness level. WE SAW 12 GORILLAS! Darius has an intricate knowledge of the Rwanda and surrounding landscapes that provide the traveler with valuable insight.