Why Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda are Making a Remarkable Comeback

Why Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda is making a remarkable comeback? Are mountain gorillas really coming back? Millions of wildlife are on the brink of extinction and it is of no doubt that mountain gorillas have for long left conservationists worried for their survival in the wild for the next generations. It is rare to hear a conservation success story about unique creatures such as mountain gorillas but thanks to Rwanda mountain gorillas for the milestone.

Rwanda has had the longest-running gorilla research study on planet earth. In the 1980s, Gorillas in the Mist movie made the then critically endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda popular. At the time, Dian Fossey, the world’s famous primatologist camped at the Virunga region to study more about mountain gorillas and this was a period when the population of these rare apes was drastically decreasing.

At the time Dian Fossey was conducting her research, there were fewer than 254 mountain gorillas. Luckily, today, their number has increased up to 1063 in the world with a third of them all living within the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. This makes them the only great ape in the world whose population is on the rise.

How mountain gorillas of Rwanda are making a comeback

The gorilla conservation success story in Rwanda today is a result of a joint effort by scientists and the Rwandan government to save mountain gorillas and also support for the local residents adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. The role tourists have played isn’t left out. Mountain gorillas are top attractions and a reason why many heads to Rwanda for a holiday.

All Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are regulated where 8 tourists are allowed to visit a single gorilla family a day. Each group of trekkers on Rwanda gorilla safari is led by an expert guide and treks begin after briefing on gorilla trekking rules and regulations at Kinigi offices of Volcanoes National Park. The 8 visitors spend one hour with mountain gorillas on finding them in the wild and safety measures are a must observe to ensure that they are safe from infectious human diseases.

An encounter with mountain gorillas for one hour comes at a price and for too many, this is a priceless experience. In Rwanda, a visiting gorilla requires you to have valid gorilla permits and each permit can be obtained at USD1500 per person. It should be noted that Rwanda has positioned herself as a prime destination offering luxury gorilla safaris and remarkably, there are numerous luxurious hotel facilities already set up all contributing significantly to Rwanda’s tourism sector.

10% of the revenue collection from Rwanda gorilla trekking is also offered to adjacent districts to Volcanoes National Park in what is termed as a tourism revenue sharing initiative. The revenue sharing scheme is aimed at facilitating a number of projects including the construction of schools, hospitals/health centers, and supporting projects of local residents in their communities. The move is intended to boost gorilla/wildlife conservation and protection considering the fact that poaching is still a major threat to the survival of these apes.

With the current rise in mountain gorilla population, there is a need to expand their habitat and interestingly, the government of Rwanda plans to make a 23% expansion of Volcanoes NP and also relocate some local communities. The government has invested a lot in re-afforestation and afforestation through the forest planting season.

Volcanoes National Park (VNP) lies in Ruhengeri, Northwestern Rwanda, and sits on 160sq.km. Increasing it by 23% will greatly improve not only the lives of local residents but will enhance the visitor gorilla trekking experience. About 13 habituated gorilla families currently live in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and each of these is trekked by only 8 visitors.

Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda also inhabits a variety of other wildlife including golden monkeys, forest hogs, duikers, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, bush pigs, forest elephants, 200 bird species, and more. The birds in Volcanoes NP include Kivu ground thrush, red-backed shrike, cinnamon chested bee-eater, baglafecht weaver, lagden’s bush shrike, Rwenzori turacos, bateleur, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, archer’s round robin, and more.

Other activities worth booking on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park include volcano hiking, golden monkey tracking, guided nature walks, cave tours, cultural visit, birding, and more.