If you are planning to have a great adventurous experience in Africa put the gorilla trekking experience on your bucket list. These gentle creatures are astounding. They are almost totally indifferent to your presence as they go about chewing on the various plants. Except for the teenagers! They are like teenagers anywhere determined to show off! The young babies and the mothers together are a wonderful sight. The silverbacks know they rule the roost and show it with an imperial nature.

The hike in is rigorous. All the advice about good boots, long sleeve shirts, long thick pants and the use of wooden walking stick should be taken. You will get filthy. You will get exhausted. But the first time you see a silverback staring at you, no pain is left in your body, only awe.

Without question, trekking through dense jungle for an encounter with mans closest relative 97% gene match was the highlight of my year. The hike in itself was awesome. Game rangers hacking vines, poison ivy and giant leaves to create a path, the riche volcanic soil underfoot wet and slippery and the altitude grabbing breath away from you … combined adding a new dimension to hiking. Then there, in front of me stood a Silverback. Huge, majestic with intelligent eyes ensuring the safety and obedience of his family. The hour spent with the gorillas went far too quickly. Throughout the trek, the Rwanda gorillas Safaris  and guide were observant to both our needs and that of the gorillas. Outstanding organization, knowledgeable guides, comfortable vehicles, well behaved gorillas made this trip a must do, must return. Remember 15% of the fee you pay goes to the immediate community, 35% to the government and 45% to developing infrastructure in the area. It works Rwanda is an African country to watch develop and grow.

This is more than then an incredible experience and your contribution to help keep these majestic, kind creatures live and survive in their own habitat. I did not book in advance other than sending my park entrance fee to the hotel manager at hotel Muhabura… just a place to sleep but maybe that it’s all you need. 1 night in Kigali (extension to my trip to Tanzania) and 2 nights at Muhabura, (you do have to pay the $ 80.00 from the hotel to the entrance to the park round trip. no negotiating here) from Kigali I hire local taxi and negotiated a price. No way was I going to pay $ 80.00 USD for a 1 1/2 hour drive. Good people in Rwanda but there is a premium for tourist going to Volcanos National Park. I was hesitant when arrived at the entrance thinking that because I did not buy a pre-organized tour I will be left out, not at all my group was great and after 1 1/2 hour hike we encounter the group that I was actually looking forward to see ‘ 17 group family ‘ with one silverback who was a movie star and baby twins.. Was the fastest hour ever? Do hire a porter. They need the money and mine was very helpful and caring. Guides and trackers were very professional. It was an amazing experience. Safe beautiful clean country.