East Africa’s mountainous paradise, Rwanda, is a haven for travellers that are avid wildlife lovers. The country has earned the nickname ‘land of a thousand hills’ due its mountainous landscape and its renowned Volcanoes National Park,
which is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is the most visited park in the country, which is no surprise as it is home to 3 extinct and 6 active volcanoes, and you will experience the best tracking safari to see mountain gorillas. The shores of Lake Kivu can enjoyed with beach sports, kayaking, fishing or boat tours.
Rwanda is also a haven for coffee and tea as it is the country’s biggest export. Tea leaves create a beautiful contrast with blue skies and never-ending sunshine as they adorn mountain tops. Tea plantation tours can be enjoyed in a variety of locations across Rwanda, including at Sorwathe Guesthouse and Tea Tours.
Recommended accommodation includes the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge located on the foothills of the Mount Sabinyo neighbouring the Volcanoes National Park, with prices starting from $227 per night and the Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel in Gisenyi overlooking Lake Kivu, with pricing starting from $92 per night.
Visas are required from certain foreign nationals at a cost of $30. Visit the Rwanda Tourism website for up to date visa information. Citizens of the DRC and Mauritius may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of the East African Community, namely Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be issued with a 6 months visitor pass (renewable) upon arrival with no fee. South African citizens will be issued with a entry visa valid for a period up to 30 days and pay for a visa ($30) upon arrival without prior application.
This is definitely a country one has to tour at least once in their lifetime. Tracking the magnificent mountain gorillas through the lush slopes of the Virungas remains without a question the most thrilling and moving wildlife experience to be had on the world’s wildest continent. After decades of careless human activities on this planet including wars and destruction of the environment, many creatures have succumbed and become extinct. Some, like the dinosaurs are today popular stars in horror films and children’s stories although they are known to us only by the fossils they left on earth – only their fossils.
The damage today is so extensive that even with the efforts conservationists are putting in to protect the ecosystems and the creatures of this world, some species are still faced with the dreadful reality of being near extinct. One such species is man’s own very close relatives – the mountain Gorillas.
One of the last remaining populations of mountain Gorillas inhabit the mountainous region around lake Kivu in Rwanda. Here, it is possible to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.
The tracking may take up to 2 to 4 hours in the rain forest area however, a close-up view of these gentle giants feeding and grooming each other, is a just reward for the effort.
We would be doing a great injustice to Rwanda if we don’t highlight the beauty of its landscape and people. Rwanda is a green country and within its borders sit 1000 hills, thick rain forests, beautiful lakes and volcanoes. All these combined with the main attraction of Gorilla tracking make Rwanda the number one destination for the informed tourist of today.
Volcanoes National Park:
The Volcanoes national park, in Rwanda is currently the best place anywhere to go gorilla tracking as it also supports a number of other local mammals, birds and plant species. This 13000-hectare national park protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that straddle the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Between 2500m and 3500m above sea level, where an average annual rainfall of 2000mm is typical, bamboo forest is interspersed with alpine moorland, grassland and marshes, a landscape dominated by otherworldly giant lobelia and other beautiful plant species.
Approximately 300 mountain gorillas live in the Volcanoes national park. Seeing them is therefore almost a guarantee. A visit to the little known beautiful twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo would be a welcome idea to complete your tracking.
As you may be aware, there are only about 650 mountain gorillas remaining in their natural habitat. Their habitats are in Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. Presently, Rwanda not only enjoys the best security in the region but also had the easiest access routes for visiting the mountain gorillas.
GORILLA TRACKING ARRANGEMENTS
We organize thrilling treks to visit these gentle giants in their misty mountain home, also known as the Virunga Mountains (a chain of volcanoes with altitudinal ranges of 3500 m - 4507 m). Gorillas are found in the forests surrounding the volcanoes.
There are currently four habituated gorilla families that can be visited. In order to minimize the behavioral disturbances to the gorillas, only 8 people are allowed to visit each of the four families. This means that only 32 people are allowed in the park daily. The limits serve to protect the gorillas from the risk of exposure to human-borne diseases.
In order to execute your bookings effectively, the following information is required.
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Intended period of stay in Rwanda.
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Number of participants in your group
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How many gorillas’ visits you intend to make.
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Please note that children under 15 years are not allowed in the park.
Flight information
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Contact your travel agent for other connection to Kigali via Nairobi, Kenya where daily connections are possible. A flight from Nairobi to Kigali takes only one hour and half.
Park National Des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park)
Situated 91 kms NW of the capital Kigali, it's a 2 hours drive to the town of Ruhengeri. You are then driven on to the starting point in Kinigi where the hike begins to the edge of the forest. Here, you will get a brief break for instructions on how to behave in the presence of gorillas. The tracking then begins. Once inside the forest, the following must be observed.
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No spitting in the park.
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No littering.
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No coughing in the direction of the gorillas.
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Only speak in whispers.
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Do not point at the gorillas.
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Movement around the gorillas must be unthreatening.
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No venturing behind thick shrubs. You may surprise a gorilla.
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If you get stung by a nettle, do not cry out, scream and shoot-out loud or make any sudden moves.
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If a gorilla charges or vocalizes, do not look directly at it. Stand perfectly still unless the guide asks you to crouch or move back.
Essentials for the hike
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Long pants (jeans/khakis) and long sleeve shirt.
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Good hiking boots.
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Light weight rain coat.
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Cap/hat.
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Camera (no flash)/personal camcorder.
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Drinking water.
Before the climb
Be properly equipped
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final checklist to get to this very important step in you preparation.
Be physically Prepared
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physically challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have developed a fitness training program which will assist you in getting your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition. Please click fitness program for more information in this regard.
Mental preparation
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be top most in you mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remaining a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possible encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group, Your mental stamina will, with out a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru , easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from this internet guide-you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
Adequate travel Insurance.
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Go slowly
Go slowly –“Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili !. this is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Drink enough water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – Preferably water. For both the Marangu and Machame routes, It is possible to buy mineral water at all the huts and camps. Although a little bit more expensive on the mountain, this is probably the most convenient option – we are however at this stage, not to sure how reliable the supply lines are, for your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the Mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day 2 onwards, but care should still are taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
REMEMBER ! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb
Walk high sleep low
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low ” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
Climb light
Climb as lightly as possible, this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Packing
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable to pack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in Plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in
Clothing:
Hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to walk with boot or climbers shoes until the last sections where scream and rocks are encountered) and very importantly, a walking stick/ski –Pole. One of the most critical items of clothing is an outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions of keeping you warm, Protect you at temperature of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still ”breath”. Try to avoid tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower slop, when thee day temperature are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct clothing layers, starting from against the body. A common mistake made by climbers is to wear almost everything they have and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, and moisture trapped against the skin will result in a definite lowering of the body temperature, which could even lead to hypothermia. It is therefore very important to use Proper thermal underwear with “wicking” Properties ( a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body ) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof and breathable. Products like Vertex, Goretex or Entex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.
Take a ski – Pole
A ski – Pole is essential, buy one or hire one but take one – click here for our Gear Rental options.
New batteries.
Replace your headlamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarize yourself with this condition and take Preventative care.
Malaria
Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side-effects may lessen your chances of success. Currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contra captives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.
Travel Document
-
Valid passport and visa
-
Airline ticket
-
International health card with immunization (yellow fever)
-
Travel Insurance
-
Medical insurance
-
US$ cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Essential Items
-
Duffel bag – Large enough for all climbing gear and clothing.
-
To be carried by the porters, An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear
-
Small luggage lock – into lock zippers
-
Day backpack – between 20 – 35. Liter.
-
Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, and warm clothing
-
Sleeping bag
-
Ski – Pole / walking stick
-
Water bottle / containers
-
Kilimanjaro map ( Can be bought at Park gate )
High Altitude Gear
-
Waterproof, breathable and Windproof Jacket (outer wear) like Venter, Gore-Tex or Entex
-
Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants
-
Polar fleece (middle layer)
-
Thermal underwear (under layers)
-
Mittens or warm gloves
-
Glove liners (if necessary )
-
One pair thermal (polertex) socks
-
Balaclava
-
Gaiters
-
Thermal water flask
Hiking Gear
-
Shorts
-
Hiking pants
-
Regular underwear
-
T-shirts
-
Raincoat or Poncho
Footwear
-
Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great
-
Shoes for overnight Camps –i.e sneakers, running shoes, etc
Sock – several pairs for the climb.
-
Line socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
-
Sun hat or similar (with a brim)
-
Collapsible ski stick (optional but highly recommended)
-
Water bottles – two or three (total capacity at least 6 liters)
-
Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and a extras light bulb
-
Water purification tablets
-
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
-
Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
-
Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc)
-
Towel
-
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
-
Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc from dust
-
Toilet paper
-
Money belt for passport and valuables
Medical and First Aid Supplies
-
Headaches –Syndols
-
Altitude sickness –Diamox
-
Diarrhea –Imodium
-
Nausea – Valid
-
Malaria _ Prophylaxis
-
Water purification tablets
-
Painkillers
-
Muscular sprains
-
Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
-
Antiseptic cream – Betadine
-
Flu and colds
-
Eyes – drops
-
Insect repellent
Optional Items
-
Camera, extra lenses and film (ASA 200 film recommended)
-
Binoculars
-
Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks
-
Pocket knife
-
Notebook and pencil
-
Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape
-
Energy snacks and sweets
-
Video, tapes, battery packs and tri-pod
Before the climb
Be properly equipped
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final checklist to get to this very important step in you preparation.
Be physically Prepared
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physically challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. We have developed a fitness training program which will assist you in getting your body in shape for your Kilimanjaron summit expedition. Please click fitness program for more information in this regard.
Mental preparation
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be top most in you mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remaining a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possible encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group, Your mental stamina will, with out a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from barafu to Uhuru , easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from this internet guide-you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
Adequate travel Insurance.
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
Go slowly
Go slowly –“Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili !. this is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Drink enough water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 liters of liquid a day – Preferably water. For both the Marangu and Machame routes, It is possible to buy mineral water at all the huts and camps. Although a little bit more expensive on the mountain, this is probably the most convenient option – we are however at this stage, not to sure how reliable the supply lines are, for your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water which may be purchased at the hotel in moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the Mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day 2 onwards, but care should still are taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
REMEMBER ! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb
Walk high sleep low
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low ” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
Climb light
Climb as lightly as possible; this becomes even more important on your summit night.
Packing
Remember that you will be on the mountain for at least 5 or 6 days. You need to take enough clothing, especially socks to last for this period. Due to frequent rainfall as well as numerous streams on the routes, it is advisable topack items individually in your bag. These individually packed items should be wrapped in Plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet in
Clothing:
Hiking/running shoes (it is not necessary to walk with boot or climbers shoes until the last sections where scream and rocks are encountered) and very importantly, a walking stick/ski –Pole. One of the most critical items of clothing is a an outer jacket. You want it to perform the functions of keeping you warm, Protect you at temperature of as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, keep the wind out and yet still ”breath”. Try to avoid tight fitting clothing or underwear. This will hamper circulation, causing either cold or discomfort on the mountain. A balaclava is a must, as it will protect your face against cold, wind, sun and snow. Other clothing like shorts, sweaters and T-shirts are strongly recommended, especially during hiking on the lower slop, when thee day temperature are still high.
The only way to ensure that you are dressed warmly is to follow the principal of wearing the correct clothing layers, starting from against the body. A common mistake made by climbers is to wear almost everything they have and to start off with cotton against the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture perfectly, and moisture trapped against the skin will result in a definite lowering of the body temperature, which could even lead to hypothermia. It is therefore very important to use Proper thermal underwear with “wicking” Properties ( a fabric which has the ability to draw moisture away from the body ) and thus enabling it to evaporate to the outside. The middle layer should provide the insulation and a product like polar fleece will be adequate in this regard. The outer layer should be windproof and breathable. Products like Vertex, Goretex or Entex offer these properties. Short of altitude and physical exertion, cold is one of the most serious obstacles when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.
Take a ski – Pole
A ski – Pole is essential, buy one or hire one but take one – click here for our Gear Rental options.
New batteries.
Replace your headlamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarize yourself with this condition and take Preventative care.
Malaria
Malaria occurs below 1800 meters and you should use the recommended prophylactics. Please consult your doctor about these. Larium is very popular, but should be taken with care. Known side-effects may lessen your chances of success. Currently found in Tanzania. Women using oral contra captives should consult their physicians before using prophylactics.
Travel Document
-
Valid passport and visa
-
Airline ticket
-
International health card with immunization (yellow fever)
-
Travel Insurance
-
Medical insurance
-
US$ cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Essential Items
-
Duffel bag – Large enough for all climbing gear and clothing.
-
To be carried by the porters, An extra bag to be left at the hotel with extra gear
-
Small luggage lock – into lock zippers
-
Day back pack – between 20 – 35. Liter.
-
Large enough to carry your water, camera, raincoat, lunch pack, and warm clothing
-
Sleeping bag
-
Ski – Pole / walking stick
-
Water bottle / containers
-
Kilimanjaro map ( Can be bought at Park gate )
High Altitude Gear
-
Waterproof, breathable and Windproof Jacket (outer wear)like Venter, Gore-Tex or Entex
-
Waterproof, breathable and windproof pants
-
Polar fleece (middle layer)
-
Thermal underwear (under layers)
-
Mittens or warm gloves
-
Glove liners (if necessary )
-
One pair thermal (polertex) socks
-
Balaclava
-
Gaiters
-
Thermal water flask
Hiking Gear
-
Shorts
-
Hiking pants
-
Regular underwear
-
T-shirts
-
Raincoat or Poncho
Footwear
-
Water resistant semi-stiff hiking boots – mid weight boots work great
-
Shoes for overnight Camps –i.e sneakers, running shoes, etc
Sock – several pairs for the climb.
-
Line socks – to keep your feet dry and limit the risk of blisters
Equipment
-
Sun hat or similar (with a brim)
-
Collapsible ski stick (optional but highly recommended)
-
Water bottles – two or three (total capacity at least 6 liters)
-
Head lamp, good strong one with spare batteries and a extras light bulb
-
Water purification tablets
-
Sunglasses, good quality dark lenses for the climb, with a securing strap
-
Flashlight (torch) with spare batteries
Personal Items
-
Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, wet wipes, etc)
-
Towel
-
Sun screen and lip protection, SPF 30+
-
Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars, etc from dust
-
Toilet paper
-
Money belt for passport and valuables
Medical and First Aid Supplies
-
Headaches –Syndols
-
Altitude sickness –Diamox (if not allergic to sulha)
-
Diarrhea –Imodium
-
Nausea – Valid
-
Malaria _ Prophylaxis
-
Water purification tablets
-
Painkillers
-
Muscular sprains
-
Abrasions blisters and cuts – Plaster, bandages
-
Antiseptic cream – Betadine
-
Flu and colds
-
Eyes – drops
-
Insect repellent
Optional Items
-
Camera, extra lenses and film (ASA 200 film recommended)
-
Binoculars
-
Powdered sports drinks for the climb (ex. Game or Isotonic drinks
-
Pocket knife
-
Notebook and pencil
-
Plastic bags to keep clothing dry (masking tape
-
Energy snacks and sweets
-
Video, tapes, battery packs and tri-pod