Volcanoes National Park Tours and Tickets - page 4

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.

I had the privilege of going on a Gorilla Trek today with John as my guide, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish! John picked me up right on time at 4:30 AM, fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Knowing I had forgotten my gaiters at home, he thoughtfully lent me a pair, and he even had water bottles ready for me to take on the trek. Afterward, when my boots were caked in mud, he had slippers on hand for me to change into—such a thoughtful touch! At the national park, John expertly coordinated with the park guides to get me into a fantastic trekking group, ensuring the best possible experience. He then drove us to the hiking point, where the park guides took over. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking—I had the incredible privilege of seeing a group of gorillas up close, an experience I’ll never forget. On the way back, John went above and beyond once again, taking me to a great restaurant for lunch. During our five hours in the car together, we had an amazing conversation. I bombarded him with questions about Rwanda, and he answered each one with enthusiasm, sharing fascinating insights about the country and its culture. John’s attention to detail, kindness, and preparedness made this an unforgettable day. If you’re planning a Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, you couldn’t ask for a better guide. 5 stars all the way!