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The park is a natural rain forest near the Equator. That means it rains all year long. In fact they average 1975mm (77.7 inches or 6.5 feet) of rain! If you look closely at these photos you will see the rain. I took 3 cameras and used 2. Both were damaged to some extent. One dried up after a few days and works fine now. The other has zoom problems now. If you can think of a way to shelter your camera, do so before you go. I had a hat that absolutely did no good during heavier spells of rain. You only get to spend 1 hour with the Gorillas when you find them and they move constantly. You really have to keep moving, sliding, climbing and falling to keep within eyesight and get those pictures. There are less than 750 if these magnificent animals in the world and all you photos will be priceless. If you have very expensive equipment you should discuss this issue with your local camera shop. Not only direct rainfall, but humidity will affect your equipment and lenses.
I would also recommend disposable, one-use, lens cleaners as a cloth will be useless within minutes.
No matter what you do – you are 100% likely to get wet.
Updated Feb 22, 2010
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DO NOT RUN
OK. That sounds counter productive, but Gorillas can run at speeds of 25 mph (40 kmh) through dense jungle. They could easily see your running as a threat and rip off an arm or leg with very little effort. What you have to do is QUIETLY and slowly sink to the ground, preferably into a foetal position. This shows them that you are not a threat in any way. It also establishes for them that you have acknowledged their territory and that they have nothing further to fear from you.
The first Gorilla I saw was a male and he charged. Please see the video on the Videos tab of my page. The Ranger and I lay down on the ground and this essentially teen aged male stood over me, beating his chest, and made a lot of noise. He then moved off and joined the larger group.
I asked the Ranger if a Gorilla had ever hurt a Visitor. He said no, but that no one had ever stood up or run before either.
Gorillas are essentially non-aggressive, but they will defend themselves against perceived threats. So get ready to drop down on the ground.
Updated Feb 17, 2010
Website: http://www.ortpn.gov.rw/instructions.htm
I was very saddened to see this article on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22627399/) about Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (fka Zaire). The park is now completely overrun by armed militia and the Rangers can't even go in to check on the status of the Gorillas. It is a real tragedy.
Written Jan 15, 2008
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Today no danger in virunga national park like before in the time of war wich oposed Congoleses and Rwandese troops, tourists ar visiting Gorillas in this park without any problem for now since 2004.
Written Apr 6, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Parc National de Virunga attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Parc National de Virunga sightseeing.
Today no danger in virunga national park like before in the time of war wich oposed Congoleses and Rwandese troops, tourists ar visiting Gorillas in this park...
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1
I HAD THE PARK & GORILLAS ALL TO MYSELF !
Why did you go see the Gorillas in the DRC? OK. Actually friends and family asked “DRC? Are you crazy?” The reasons (plural) I decided on DRC were: • I had not visited the DRC before • I wanted to...
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"Mum, I Went to Congo to see the Gorillas"!!!
Was exactly what my email home read when I was safely back in Kisoro - Uganda. To think that I was going to give up the chance of tracking the mountains gorillas now that I have done it is a sin!......
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Gorilla trek into the Congo - Virunga Nat. Park
In September 2005, I travelled with Africa Travel Company on a 14 day round trip from Nairobi. The day of our trek started early leaving our Kisoro campground and travelling to the border in our...
4
Trekking for the Mountain Gorillas
I spent 4 months in Kenya in 1993, taking many trips around East Africa. One of the most exciting and amazing trips I took was to then Zaire to the Virunga National Park to visit with the Mountain...
5
VIRUNGA THE HOME OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK THE HOME OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IS LOCATED IN THE EASTERN REGION OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO THE FOMER ZAIRE, JUST AT ABOUT 45KMS FROM GOMA TOWN. YOU CAN REACH VIRUNGA VIA...
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