Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda | Which land borders are crossed?

Which land borders are used to cross from Rwanda to Uganda for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda: When hiking for gorillas in Uganda, which land borders do you utilize to pass from Rwanda? Just three African countries—Ugandan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—offer gorilla trekking, a popular tourist activity. The Kyanika/Cyanika and Katuna/Gatuna border stations allow for frequent border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda.

The Cyanika border is just as busy as the Gatuna frontier when it comes to Uganda and Rwanda’s land borders. Cyanika provides the quickest route to Mgahinga from Kigali, in contrast to Gatuna, which requires two hours of driving from Kigali and an extra hour to reach Bwindi.

Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes 9–10 hours by automobile, therefore crossing the border is one of the fastest and easiest ways to go gorilla trekking from Rwanda to Uganda. Traffic and the 40km/hr speed limit may make driving from Kigali to Bwindi take more than three hours. Driving 60km/h in urban areas. Border crossings let you explore two countries with many tourist attractions and economical gorilla trekking.

Gatuna border | Gorilla trekking Uganda Rwanda

The constantly developing Katuna or Gatuna border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda has imported and exported many items. Rwanda’s main export-import hub is open 24/7. In 1996, the Belgians in Rwanda demarched the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda, making Katuna the last stretch of Ugandan soil before entering Rwanda. The Gatuna border and surrounding region were under Belgian authority in Rwanda and a key escape route for Rwandans to Uganda.

The Katuna border is 500 kilometers from Kampala. Katuna has a heterogeneous population of Rwandese, Ugandans, Burundians, and Congolese. All bulk imports and exports are processed at the border, therefore these firms gather there for business.

When traveling from Kigali to Uganda to gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks, many visitors stop at the Katuna border. Many facilities provide currency exchange near the Katuna border. U.S. dollars, Euros, Rwandan francs, and Ugandan shillings are accepted. However, counterfeit cash is common at the border, so be careful.

Gatuna border attractions for visitors

The Katuna border has helped Rwanda and Uganda, which offer more than gorilla trekking in the Virunga, develop tourism. Gorilla trekking is common at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Gatuna. Hikers can visit Lake Bunyonyi and Mount Muhabura, dormant mountains.

The border between Gatuna and Katuna overnight.
The Gatuna Border Post has basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. Katuna has various hotels, including Lake Bunyonyi View Hotel, Hawk’s Eye Lodge, Itambire Island Seeds of Hope, Katuna Inn, Kigezi Garden Inn, Jowillis Hotel, Albertine Tourist Resort, Heras Country Hotel, and others.

Kyanika-Cyanika border

Rwandan gorilla trekkers usually cross the Cyanika border into Uganda. Although less busy than the Gatuna border station, it’s nonetheless a vital entrance gateway for residents and travelers. The Kyanika border connects businesses and visitors visiting the DRC or Rwanda for gorilla treks.

The Kyanika border is in Rwanda’s Burera and Uganda’s Kisoro. Its proximity to Lake Bunyonyi, Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes it an attractive Rwanda-Uganda border crossing site. Kyanika also promoted Rwandan and Ugandan tourism. It’s best for southern Bwindi visitors.

After leaving Kigali International Airport, travelers may visit Kyanika for a gorilla walk in Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Ugandan tourists may easily enter Rwanda. Avoid traffic and reach the Kyanika border within an hour of Volcanoes National Park, particularly during peak hours.

Attractions near Kyanika border

The plethora of noteworthy places around the Kyanika border makes it more appealing despite its short length. This includes:

Volcanoes National Park, near Musanze in northwest Rwanda, attracts tourists eager to view the endangered mountain gorillas. The National Park contains the five Virunga Volcano Mountains—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. The endangered golden monkey population and other bird species live here.

At Cyanika Central Market, tourists may get all they need before continuing their vacation. The market sells refreshments, personal products, and souvenirs.

The famed Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located near Kisoro, 14 kilometers from Kyanika. Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest national park, is situated in Virunga. A gorilla family, golden monkeys, various primates, and birds live here. Mgahinga has several attractions, including the Batwa trail and neighboring communities.

Small Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda attracts migratory and resident birds. Due to its breathtaking beauty and 29 small islands in 2478 km of water, Lake Bunyonyi is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist sites.

Getting to Kyanika

Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, Rwanda, are 80 kilometers from the border station, whereas Kigali is 150 kilometers and Kisoro town is 11 kilometers. Kyanika is accessible via public and private transport. If you are visiting Rwanda and booked via a Ugandan tour operator, they must organize a safari vehicle to transfer you to Uganda. The paperwork for car registration, taxes, and other procedures makes crossing Rwanda-Uganda difficult.

Many bus companies connect Rwanda with Uganda. Buses from Kigali to Naybugogo stage take you to Musanze. Matatus or taxis from Musanze take 30 minutes to the Kyanika border. To travel by bus from Kampala to Goma and the Kyanika border, you must book with Trinity Bus Express or Jaguar Coaches.

Uganda’s Kampala to Kyanika border drive takes 9–10 hours. Gateway and Horizon buses operate. Flying enthusiasts may charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Accommodation near the Kyanika border

Kisoro has basic, mid-range, and luxury hotels near Kyanika. Tourists looking to unwind near the border might try these attractions.

The Lake Mutanda-area Nkuringo Safari Lodge is 14 kilometers from Kisoro. The camp provides three meals a day with international and local delicacies and has tent sites with private facilities and toilets.

This four-room hotel on the Kisoro-Kyanika road has a 24-hour front desk, private bathrooms and showers, cable TV, free WIFI, microwaves, parking, and BBQ grills.

One of Kisoro’s best hotels, it offers individual rooms, free parking, gardens to relax in, a restaurant providing local and international cuisine, WIFI, and more.

The Golden Monkey Guesthouse in Kisoro is 22 minutes from Mgahinga National Park. A well-stocked bar, three daily meals with local and international cuisines, free parking, WIFI, and 16 rooms with private bathrooms and toilets are hotel features.

Is the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing slow or fast?

Crossing the Kyanika border is easy with proper documentation. A $100 East African Visa simplifies the procedure. Rwanda’s early border crossing to Bwindi is quicker when fewer visitors pass, so you won’t wait long.

Rwandans need a $50 visa to enter Uganda. Only East Africans and residents with specific work permissions may cross the border for free using their national ID cards. Your passport stamp will come quickly, and you may pay online or at the border. All payment methods are accepted. You will require a multiple-entry visa for Rwanda at the airport since you will return to Rwanda that day.

What would be the timing to return to Kigali after gorilla trekking in Uganda?
It normally takes all day, but you’ll be back in Kigali by 5:00 pm, give or take an hour. This includes crossing the border into Uganda, trekking with the gorillas, spending an hour with them, and more. Credit cards are seldom accepted at the border, so carry US money. Your visa may be issued there.

Can I enter Rwanda from Uganda safely?

Border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda are safe due to their cordial trade and political connections. The free passage of persons and products between Rwanda and Uganda is facilitated. Uganda and Rwanda are great holiday destinations due to their decade-long peace. Remember that tourism is both countries’ main source of foreign cash.

To conclude, a Uganda-Rwanda gorilla trekking safari is a great way to experience two nations. Safe and economical transportation. The Katuna–Gatuna and Kyanika–Cyanika borders enable tourists to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Contact us for information, but first read TripAdvisor ratings.

Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda |Which airports do I fly to?

September 20, 2024 September 26, 2024
Katland Safaris
Rwanda safaris, Travel guide, Uganda safaris

Which airports do I fly to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda: To see the gorillas in Rwanda or Ugand, which airport should I travel to? Gorilla trekking in Uganda can only be done in two parks—Bwindi Impenetarable National Park in the southwest and Mgahinga National Park in the northwestern.

With 19 habituated gorilla families spread among the four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, Bwindi has the world’s largest mountain gorilla population. One habituated gorilla family welcomes visitors on trekking tours in Mgahinga National Park.

Bwindi and Mgahinga are an adventure to reach by car or air. Road travel is the most common way to reach national parks, taking 9–10 hours. Flying to the national park is simpler, more costly, and shorter for those with less time or who desire a premium gorilla trek safari.

Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip provide daily charter flights to Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kisoro, and Kihihi airstrips. These airstrips are closer to Bwindi and Mgahinga, however, the park headquarters needs a safari vehicle.

International Airport Entebbe | Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Only Entebbe International Airport is utilized by all safari travelers in Uganda. The main entry to Entebbe is where a driver guide will meet you and transport you to Kajjansi for your trip to Bwindi or to Entebbe airport, where your flight will be ready. Be on schedule for your flight to prevent a safari setback.

Kajjansi Airstrip

Uganda’s Kajjansi Airstrip charters flights to Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking. It is a few kilometers from Entebbe International Airport on Entebbe Road. This route has heavy traffic, therefore be on early to catch your flight.

Mission Aviation Fellowship owns the 1550-meter Kajjansi airport runway. Bar Aviation, Aerolink, and Fly Uganda fly to Kihihi and Kisoro for flying instruction. Still, they must be scheduled a few days before the hike for good preparation.

Kisoro Airport

You may fly to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks from Kisoro Airport. Kisoro, in southern Uganda, is minutes from the DRC-Rwanda border. Lake Mutanda, the Virunga Mountains, and gorilla treks make Kisoro a popular tourist destination.

It takes 9–10 hours to drive 500 kilometers from Kampala to Kisoro town via Uganda’s picturesque highways. Because it’s just a four-hour drive from Rwanda (approximately 135km), some visitors prefer flying into Rwanda and then to Uganda.

Kampala, Bwindi, and Mgahinga are easily accessible thanks to Kisoro Airport. Civil Aviation Authority runs Kisoro Airport. It is mostly used by small charter planes that carry visitors to surrounding sites, notably gorilla trekking in southern Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. Note that the airstrip only handles domestic planes.

Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip reach the airstrip. Kisoro Airstrip, 343 kilometers from Entebbe and 1–2 hours, is excellent for accessing Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park’s Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sections.

Kihihi Airport
One of the primary airstrips in southern Uganda for gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is Kihihi. Flying to the airfield on a gorilla safari is pleasant and takes around an hour and 45 minutes. Bwindi, notably the north section of Buhoma, is easiest reached via Kihihi Airstrip. It also opens Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Although tiny, Kihihi is Uganda’s 3rd biggest airfield and operates under the KHX code. Kihihi airfield connects air visitors to Bwindi, where gorillas may be walked. The Civil Aviation Authority manages the airfield, which exclusively accepts domestic aircraft.

Upon arrival in Kihihi, your tour guide will organize a 4×4 to transport you to your lodging facility, which takes around an hour. Kihihi flights are operated by Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation Uganda, and Fly Uganda.

Daily Aerolink charters fly from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi and return. Still, they must be purchased in advance to ensure flight availability on your trip day. Find out the charter plane’s weight and capacity before booking with the carrier.

Flights to Kihihi are available in the morning, afternoon, and late afternoon, and only weather may delay them. This occurs throughout the wet season, March–May, and October–November. Cheaper fares are available for Bwindi flights during the rainy season. Weather and other variables affect the flight schedule to Kihihi.

Departure Arrival

7:00 am 8:45 am

10:15 am 11:25 am

15:00 2:14 pm.

No matter the season, travelers may utilize Kihihi Airstrip. Gorilla trekking is greatest in the dry season, June–September, and December–February.

Kihihi Airstrip is excellent for Buhoma and Kisoro for other hiking areas.

Rwanda
Rwanda is one of the few gorilla trekking sites. The Virunga region’s Volcanoes National Park contains it. The airport to Volcanoes National Park is roughly 2 or 2 and a half hours from Kigali in well-maintained safari vehicles. Volcanoes feature about 400 mountain gorillas and 10 habituated families that hike year-round.

International airport Kigali
The only way to enter Rwanda for gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park is via Kigali International Airport. Rwanda Air is one of the most active African airlines, thus you may easily fly to Rwanda from other countries. The Rwandan capital, Kigali, is home to Kigali International Airport, a one-stop shop for gorilla trekking and other safaris.

Airlines that fly to Rwanda include:

KLM
Qatar Airways
Turkish Airlines
South African Airways
Air Canada
Brussels Airlines
Kenya Airways Precision Air
Ethiopia Airways
US Airways
Travel time varies on distance and weather. Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda may be reached from Kigali International Airport (KGL). Tourists trekking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda utilize KGL’s nonstop flights.

After learning about the airports you may travel to visit gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, you need to know a few gorilla trekking basics to organize your trip.

Gorilla licenses cost money: Without permission, you can’t hike gorillas. Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board gorilla permits may be purchased directly from the governments or via travel operators.

Rwandan gorilla permits cost $1500 for international non-residents, $500 for other Africans, and $300 for East Africans. Foreign non-residents pay $800, foreign residents $700, and EAC nationals 300,000 UGX for permission in Uganda. Bwindi allows gorilla habituation for $1500 per person.

Since gorilla permits in both nations are in great demand, travelers should reserve them at least six months in advance.

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari — Uganda gorilla trekking Tours | Wildlife Tours | Murchison falls tours | Uganda Short trips

Gorilla trekking restrictions

Uganda and Rwanda have comparable gorilla trekking guidelines that guests must obey. To preserve gorillas, Rwanda and Uganda have minimum trekking ages of 15 and 15. You cannot eat or drink with mountain gorillas, maintain 7 meters between you and them, avoid touching them, make little or no noise, and turn off your camera light before taking images of them. All waste is intended to be disposed of appropriately and not left in the national parks and a maximum of 8 persons are to hike a gorilla family every day.

What to bring for your gorilla trekking safari

Comfort and proper packing are essential for Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking. As a jungle, national parks have various terrains, so anticipate anything. For a gorilla safari, take neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, bug-repellent, and comfortable walking boots. A flashlight with spare batteries, warm socks, a waterproof jacket, sandals, a camera, and all photographic equipment like additional batteries, lenses, tripod, lens cleaners, sunscreen, binoculars, gaiters, gardening gloves, first aid kit, refillable water bottle, snacks, and warm sweater.

When to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda | Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla hike safaris in Rwanda are excellent from June to September and December to February because of the nice weather. The dry season is when many people go on gorilla safaris. Gorilla trekking is still possible in March-May and October–November during the rainy season for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind the rain. Rwanda and Uganda provide year-round gorilla safaris.

Why book with us |Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

You should book with us because we will help you plan and book a cheap Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari. You may pick from affordable to premium gorilla safari programs year-round.

Visit our website and contact us for gorilla trekking and flying to Rwanda or Uganda.

Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park 2025

What to expect on a Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park in 2024-2025

Volcanoes National Park golden monkey hiking safari 2024–2025 predictions. Volcanoes National Park in northeastern Rwanda offers unique safari activities like golden monkey trekking. The only other areas to go golden monkey trekking are Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, part of the Virunga region.

As a way to promote tourism, the government offers discounts on permits if you visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park in addition to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s top safari destination.

Golden monkeys are bigger than typical ones and live in groups of 60–100 under a dominant male. They are also readily identified because of their yellow-golden fur. Golden monkeys mostly eat bamboo shoots and natural fruits, although they occasionally invade community gardens.

Trek Day expectations | Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking begins early morning at the park headquarters with training on laws and regulations. The expedition will begin after the briefing when groups will be assigned a golden monkey family. Trailing golden monkey bamboo stems and leaves is the simplest method to trek them.

Trekking with golden monkeys requires patience since they are lively and move about. Depending on your family, it might take 30 minutes to 5 hours. You may also view indigenous and international bird species, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, mountain gorillas, baboons, and tree and plant species at Volcanoes National Park throughout the journey.

The professional tour guide helps you find the golden monkeys and spend an hour with them, learning about their habits, taking photographs and films, watching them eat, hop from tree to tree, and care for their young.

Gold Monkey Trek permits

A few things to remember before buying Golden Monkey Trek permits: The permit must be booked in advance with full payment since a deposit is unacceptable, visitors are expected to show up with their permits at the Visitor Centre for validation, and the procedure involves displaying a reference number provided to you when booking or a copy of the trek permission.

The trek permit includes what? Two armed rangers, an experienced guide, and an hour with the golden monkeys are included in the Golden Monkey trek permit. It does not cover gratuities, refreshments, lodging, or personal expenditures.

The cost of a Golden Monkey trek permit is lower than the gorilla ticket, however it varies by visitor type. Rwandans pay 4000 RWF, foreigners $100, locals $80, and East Africans $65 every trek. Golden Monkey permits are simpler and more plentiful than gorilla trekking permits, even in high season. This does not imply you should book slowly. We urge our guests to book early, combine the golden monkey safari with other excursions, and get permits in advance.

Please note that last-minute Golden Monkey trek permits are available due to the limited amount of people interested in the activity. Tourists should book in advance, particularly if they want to go gorilla trekking. Early booking ensures Golden Monkey and gorilla trekking permits on your selected dates.

How to book Rwandan Golden Monkey Trek safari permits

Golden Monkey hiking permits in Rwanda may be booked via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) website, phone, or email. We can assist you book the permit and plan your Golden Monkey safari.

The Golden Monkey Trek safari booking method is simple: email us with your passport name, day, month, and year. If the permit is available on your selected date, we will collect a deposit and book it. Booking with us is better since we book the permit and organize your safari, including extra activities, transport, safaris to other sites, and lodging.

Is Rwandan Golden Monkey hiking worthwhile?

Golden monkey trekking is worth it since you get to observe endangered animals and other wildlife in the national park and help preserve the natural ecosystem that residents devastated via poaching and invading.

The bamboo trees golden monkeys eat are protected by golden monkey hiking fees. Through the government, national park entry fees support the local community.

Volcanoes National Park Golden Monkey Trek Rules
Hikers must observe Rwanda Development Board trek standards to save golden monkeys, an endangered species. Regulations include:

Tourists must be 15 to hike the golden monkeys.
A copy of the permission is required for all visitors to enter the national park.
To preserve the golden monkeys, you must stay 7 meters away after finding your family.
Golden monkeys cannot be fed by tourists.

Eating and drinking with monkeys is forbidden.
Tourists spend an hour with the monkeys after finding them.
Avoid loud sounds that will interrupt golden monkey activity by turning off your phone or putting it in flight mode.

Volunteer to remain off hiking if you’re unwell, particularly with cough and flu. The biggest reason is that it might kill hundreds more monkeys.
The national park must always remain clean, therefore bring all trash till you locate a trashcan.
No restrooms are available, so dig a 30 cm hole (guides typically have tools) and cover it to prevent diseases.

Turn off your flash before photographing golden monkeys. The illumination may startle golden monkeys, who are unfamiliar with it.
Avoid smoking around golden monkeys. Only those above 300 feet from the golden monkeys may do this.

The Rwanda golden monkey hike takes how many days?

The ideal number of days is 3, but your budget and schedule determine the number. Volcanoes National Park offers 3-day and 4-day golden monkey safaris and gorilla treks.

Rwanda golden monkey safari packing list
We created a safari packing list to assist you avoid carrying needless goods and having a great trip.

Strong ankle-length hiking boots for national park terrain.
Long-sleeved shirts, undershirts, and trousers are preferable in neutral colors.
One waterproof rain jacket for dry and wet seasons
Cold-weather sweater

To remain warm and keep mosquitoes off your body, tuck pants into thick socks.
The sun hat and glasses
An excellent camera with additional lenses and batteries. The point-and-shoot camera is great for beginners.

Binoculars
A packed lunch, snacks, and water
Sunscreen and insect repellant
A day bag to carry water, food, sunscreen, bug repellent, and photographic gear on the hike.
When the ground is muddy and slippery, you may get a walking stick.
First aid kit

Reusable water bottles, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, toiletries, and sandals for after the trip.
Rwanda’s best golden monkey hiking season
Golden monkey trekking may be combined with other safari activities in the nation, making it year-round.

The dry season is the greatest time for Golden Monkey trekking since hike routes are straightforward and they are easy to locate. The rainy season is an excellent time for golden monkey trekking, but you must be prepared for rain, mud, and treacherous terrain. It is also a good time for travelers who like less people.

Rwandan Golden Monkey Hike accommodations

Golden Monkey trek safaris may be done in budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations. Volcanoes National Park has Kingi Guest House, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Virunga Lodge, Garr Hotel, Le Bamboo Gorilla Village, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Faraja Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Other Volcanoes National Park activities

Volcanoes National Park offers more activities than golden monkey trekking.

Volcanoes National Park’s principal activity is gorilla trekking with 10 habituated gorilla families. After finding the gorilla family, tourists spend an hour with endangered mountain gorillas.

Mountain climbing: Volcanoes National Park has three Virunga volcanic summits that provide stunning views. Hiking is possible on Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke.

Cultural trips: Explore Rwanda’s distinct culture by visiting rural villages. The yearly Kwita Izina names young gorillas, and anyone may participate.

Reaching Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a two-hour journey from Kigali in northwest Rwanda. If you booked with us, a safari vehicle with a driver’s guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport to take you to the Park headquarters for your golden monkey safari.

For any questions about Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda please contact us.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda on your wedding anniversary

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda on your wedding anniversary.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda on your wedding anniversary: Rwanda is a top African safari location for gorilla treks. Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC provide gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park in Virunga is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking location.

About 400 mountain gorillas live in volcanoes, with only 10 habituated gorilla families: Sabinyo, Susa, Karisoke, Karisimbi, Bwenge, Hirwa, and Agashya. You and your companion may be given any of these gorilla families on trek day, however, if you have health difficulties, tell your guide at the briefing so you can choose an easier journey. Learn about Rwandan gorilla trekking and how to spend your wedding anniversary with primates.

Rwanda gorilla wedding anniversary planning: what to consider

Planning a Rwanda gorilla wedding anniversary requires several considerations:

Volcanoes National Park has budget/basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. Rwanda is a premium safari location, but you may find affordable lodging. We recommend going all out on your wedding anniversary and getting a place that suits you. Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Virunga Volcanoes Lodge are other options.

Choose between shared or private transportation. Tourists are transported from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park in 4×4 safari vehicles. The comfy, well-aerated automobiles contain water bottles. Sharing the automobile with other travelers reduces safari prices. A private safari drive with your lover is possible, but it will cost extra.

Gorilla Habituation experience through Kigali Airport Rwanda.

Tips are not included in the safari price, but they are a vital part of it, therefore travelers should bring cash (local currency preferable) to pay their guides. Do tip the porters who help you carry your bags for a stress-free gorilla hike, driving guides, and room service. This additional fee shows gratitude for your services and is worth it.

This depends on your anniversary, but we’ll look at Rwanda’s peak/dry and wet/low gorilla trekking seasons. June to September and December to January are the greatest months for gorilla trek safaris in Rwanda, although service operators raise fees owing to the huge number of visitors. You must book in advance if you are not going on a budget. The low/wet season: October to November and March to May are the greatest months for budget travelers since service providers charge less.

The porters at Volcanoes National Park were locals who poached gorillas and other animals until being pushed out of the forest and moved to a neighboring settlement. If you can, utilize one—porters depend on it to sustain their families. Porter tips are not included in the safari fee and are paid at your discretion. We recommend spending $10 every day. Porters can only carry 15 kg, so pack accordingly.

Rwandan gorilla permits | Trekking gorillas in Rwanda

Gorilla permits are the only way to see endangered mountain gorillas. The Rwanda Development Board issues it to tourists who book gorilla safaris, and RDB-registered travel operators sell it. Rwanda’s gorilla permit price depends on the buyer. East African nationals (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan) pay $300, foreign non-residents $1500, and other African residents and citizens $500.

If you visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park on your gorilla trekking safari, Rwanda provides a $1050 per person discount. This is the only time the deal works.

Tourists should arrange gorilla permits six months in advance due to strong demand.

Rwanda gorilla trek packing list

A happy wedding anniversary with Rwandan gorillas requires proper packing. Below is a list of items to bring for the walk.

Cameras and binoculars are devices. Any camera will work, although we recommend a lightweight point-and-shoot. A tripod, spare lens, batteries, lens cleaning, memory, an additional camera if feasible, and a camera bag are also needed. You can observe gorillas, birds, golden monkeys, and other primates in the national park using binoculars.

"</span

Clothing: packing clothing is difficult since you may have a lot to carry and not want to overpack. To enjoy your Rwanda gorilla hike, bring the proper outfits and colors. Tsetse flies are drawn to blue, so don’t pack it. Black camouflage, associated with the army, absorbs heat. Long-sleeved shirts prevent bug bites and tree scrapes and keep you warm. If you don’t wear jeans, non-jean pants are better. Bring undershirts also.

Keep your legs toasty and keep mosquitoes out with thick socks. Before the walk, tuck the pants into the socks.

Hikers may avoid scrapes using garden gloves.

Because Uganda’s weather is unpredictable, take a thick sweater and rain gear for both seasons.

For Volcanoes National Park treks, sturdy ankle boots are advised. The shoes don’t need to be fresh to fit properly and prevent blisters. Ensure they are robust enough to keep you on your feet throughout the walk and buy waterproof ones if possible.

You may also bring sandals and shoes to wear at your hotel/lodge after the trip. Take adjustable gaiters while buying shoes, especially in the rain.

Ugandan tap water is dangerous, but your safari includes bottled water. You will need a refillable water bottle of at least a liter to carry water on the journey.

Insect repellent: protects skin from insect bites.

Sunscreen and a sunhat: Apply your preferred sunscreen before the walk. Sunhats and sunscreen may be carried in the bag for reapplication.

First Aid kits: Hotels/lodges usually provide these, but you may bring your own. Emergency supplies including painkillers, gauze, spirit, iodine, cotton, and plaster should be in the pack.

Day backpack: You can’t carry all your stuff, therefore this bag will hold your daily essentials. The day backpack should be waterproof and hold basics like:

Bug spray.
Sunscreen.
First aid kit.
A reusable water container.
Any other personal things.

Rwanda gorilla trekking restrictions | Trekking gorillas in Rwanda

Visitors planning a gorilla trip in Rwanda must obey the Rwanda Development Board’s requirements, which include:

Trekking minimum age: Rwanda prohibits gorilla trekking under 15 years old. This is because children are harder to handle and may break rules. You may bring the kids to other activities than gorilla trekking.

No more than eight persons per day may hike with a gorilla family to minimize illness transmission and disruption of their routine.
After finding the family, each group spends an hour with the gorillas.
Visitors should stay 7 meters from gorillas.

Loud noises and sudden moves near gorillas are prohibited. Communicate in low tones.
If a gorilla approaches, follow the guide’s instructions: don’t run and bow to indicate submissiveness, and don’t stare at it since it may be a challenge.
Keep the national park clean by avoiding littering. All trash should be carried out of the park and placed in designated containers.

Eating and drinking around gorillas is prohibited. You may consume snacks in authorized spots.
Smoking is prohibited for gorilla trekkers and visitors.
Tourists should turn down the camera flash before snapping images of mountain gorillas because it scares them.

Golden monkey trekking is another safari activity in Volcanoes National Park after gorilla trekking. One additional area to observe golden monkeys is Mgahinga National Park. Attend the Kwita Izina ritual to name infant gorillas, primate hikes, community visits, and bird viewing.

Couples’ weddings are significant. Celebrating an anniversary is the greatest approach, particularly if you’ve planned a safari with your sweetheart.

We can help you plan a Rwandan gorilla wedding anniversary safari. You must contact us to make your day special.

Short trips to do in Rwanda before or after a conference in Rwanda

Short trips in Rwanda before or after a conference in Rwanda

Short trips in Rwanda: Short Rwandan travels before or after a conference. Visitors wanting a brief safari before or after a conference or meeting should visit Rwanda. This is where you locate safari places and activities.

Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, has several tourist attractions that will make your trip unforgettable. These exercises may be done before or after your conference.

Volcanoes National Park gorilla hiking
Nyungwe Forest National Park exploration.
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Visit Genocide Memorials
Explore museums
Lake Kivu exploration
A short tour of Kigali

Volcanoes National Park.| Short trips in Rwanda

Short trips in Rwanda: UNESCO-listed Volcanoes National Park is one of three places to see mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s leading safari attraction, has 10 habituated gorilla families for trekking. Her burial is in the national park, where Dian Fossey did much of her gorilla conservation studies.

Volcanoes’ major attraction is mountain gorillas, which need permission to view. The Rwanda Development Board or local travel companies sell gorilla permits for $1500 per person.

Besides gorilla trekking, Volcanoes offers bird viewing, primate walks, golden monkey trekking, the Kwita Izina ritual, and visits to local settlements. Volcanoes National Park is ideal for a quick vacation before or after a conference to see primates.

Akagera National Park, situated on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania, is the biggest park in Savannah Park in Rwanda. After the 1994 Genocide, refugees returning to the nation invaded the park, forcing many animal species to escape to adjacent parks and locals to hunt others.

Short trips in Rwanda: A few years later, the government restored Akagera by adding lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017 to the already existing antelopes, crocodiles in the Akagera River, buffalos, elephants, spotted hyenas, leopards, and bushbucks to boost tourism.

Over 500 bird species have been documented in Akagera National Park, including vervet, red-tailed, baboon, and black and white colobus monkeys. Akagera offers bird viewing, guided nature walks, game drives, sport fishing, community visits, and boat excursions.

Consider a brief excursion to Lake Kivu before or after a conference. Gisenyi, Cyangugu, Amahoro, and Kibuye Islands on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu are worth visiting. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda share it as a boundary. Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s biggest lake, is located in the Albertine Rift Valley (Great Western Rift Valley) and ranks 6th in Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo owns 58% of the Lake, which Rwanda shares.

Lake Kivu’s shoreline hamlet of Rusizi is worth seeing. The south side of the Kigali-Rusizi route offers stunning views of the Lake’s undulating hills and greenery. One of the major settlements on Lake Kivu is Rubavu, commonly known as Gisenyi. The town has ancient, rustic homes since Ugandan colonial overlords used it as a beach. Rubavu is an excellent stop after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Karonji village on Lake Kivu is known for its beaches and vistas.

Rwanda gorilla treks and visiting mountain gorillas.

Lake Kivu offers kayaking, cycling, mountain hikes, and boat cruises. | Short trips in Rwanda

The Genocide Memorial locations in Rwanda commemorate the 1994 Genocide, which resulted in thousands of deaths and refugees from surrounding countries. Rwanda has recovered from the Genocide, but there are memorial sites around the nation that teach about its past. Visit these sights during your brief Rwanda visit before or after a conference:

Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, has the Genocide Memorial Centre. A mass grave with an undefined number of deaths, names of Genocide victims on the wall, and skeletal skulls of some of the children who died are there.

Nyamata memorial site: Over 3000 war refugees were slaughtered in this old church in Bugerera. Some evidence of their murders remains in the church.

Gisozi Memorial site: Hutus and Tutsis were buried there in 3000. A cemetery, exhibit house, picture gallery, and Genocide and Rwanda library are on site. Over 300,000 were buried at Gisozi.

Ntarama Memorial site: Over 5,000 refugees were slaughtered in this chapel. It is an hour from Kigali and commemorates the war dead.

Bisesero Memorial location, today known as the Hill of Resistance in Karongi town, was where people fought hard against the Genocide with limited weapons. This place saw almost 30,000 combat deaths.

Murambi Genocide Memorial: Nearly 2800 people were killed at this school. It is presently an exhibition location after renovation.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a conserved rainforest with several primate species. Chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Mangabeys, and over 300 bird species live there. Nyungwe’s primary attraction is chimpanzee trekking with the Cyamudongo and Uwinka families.

A short safari to the national park allows you plenty of time to explore on foot while enjoying guided nature walks, chimpanzee habituation, bird viewing, and the 91-meter canopy walk 50 meters above the trees.

The Rwanda National Museum is situated in Huye district in the southern region. The greatest museum in East Africa, founded in 1987, has historically classified goods, archeological relics, and seven categories. The museum’s relics highlight Rwanda’s rich culture, and a skilled guide explains them, as well as the culture and politics. A museum visit is the simplest method to learn about Rwandan culture.

If you have limited time before or after the conference, consider visiting Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, which the UN has deemed the most beautiful city in Africa. The Statehouse Museum, Museum of National History, Handt House Museum, and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre are among the attractions of Kigali. A quick tour of Kigali shows how inhabitants live and enjoy nightlife. You may also visit traditional milk businesses and join Kigali’s monthly cleanup on the final Saturday.

The Virunga region’s Musanze Caves, situated in the Musanze area, are significant to Rwanda’s history. After volcanic eruptions over a million years ago, more than 32 caverns were formed at the foot of Volcanoes National Park. The 2-kilometer caverns are covered with greenery and are home to hundreds of bats. The subterranean journey takes roughly two hours to exit the other side.

Short Rwanda travel packing list | Short trips in Rwanda

Safari packing is crucial to a fun Rwanda vacation. Neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and trousers, a day backpack, sunscreen, strong hike ankle boots, garden gloves if you plan to trek, a camera, extra batteries, and lenses, binoculars, insect repellent, a first aid kit with essential medicines and items, a sunhat, a flashlight, thick socks, waterproof raincoat, warm sweater, recognition books, wet wipes, and an emergency kit are essential for your safari.

The best time to visit Rwanda

Rwanda may be visited year-round, depending on the activities. The ideal months are June, July, August, September, and December, January, and February, the dry months. Gorilla trekking, wildlife drives, nature walks, cycling, canopy hikes, and chimpanzee trekking are ideal in the dry season. However, bird-watching safaris are greatest in March, April, May, October, and November, when it rains.

Rwanda: Safe safari destination?| Short trips in Rwanda

Rwanda offers the safest safaris in Africa. After millions died in the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has worked to prevent recurrence by prioritizing security for tourists and residents.

Here are some things to know before visiting Rwanda. No plastic bags are permitted at Kigali International Airport, the country’s principal gateway. Make careful not to bring them on the safari. On a Rwanda safari, revealing too much flesh is illegal.

If you’re not traveling to Rwanda for a conference, you may still plan a private safari to see the rolling hills and all else the country has to offer.

In conclusion, the short visits reveal Rwanda’s safari spots, making your safari worthwhile. These may be done before or after the conference, and we recommend booking activities early during the high season to receive the greatest rates.

Short trips in Rwanda: We can help you organize your safari and answer questions regarding short trips and more. Contact us about your safari desire and we’ll assist.

Planning a cycling safari in Rwanda

Rwanda cycling safari planning. Rwanda, renowned as a country of a thousand hills, is famous for gorilla trekking and bike safaris. Rwanda’s hills, landscapes, and other features make bicycle safaris more fun. Rwanda has several riding safari itineraries because of its many off-road cycling routes.

Rwanda’s southern and northern regions provide cycling safaris. They will transport you to Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. We work with various cycling businesses, like Africa Rising Cycling Center, to provide the finest Rwanda riding safari. Our bicycle routes were created to let tourists appreciate the ride and Rwandan culture.

A good tour operator makes Rwanda’s cycling safari planning easier. Planning a stress-free riding safari starts with research and choosing a tour operator. After choosing an operator, you must choose what to pack for the safari and pay before visiting Rwanda.

Cycle paths in Rwanda

Rwanda has several riding places, but we’ve picked our favorites. For appropriate planning, book a bicycle safari in any of the places listed in advance.

Congo Nile Trail cycling
One of Rwanda and East Africa’s top cycling paths, the Congo Nile Trail, is 227 kilometers long. The Rubavu-Rusizi path takes 5–7 days to cycle. All travelers may complete the hike in 5 days in portions.

The Congo Nile trail cycling safari begins with an almost three-hour trip from Kigali to Gisenyi. The return trip to Kigali takes about 5 hours from the finish. Using public transportation requires negotiating with the conductor for more room for your bike if you’re traveling alone. Private tours are superior since tour operators handle everything.

The Congo Nile trek is difficult and requires fitness. Those who aren’t fit may still join by riding parts of the Congo route.

How to rent a bike

Tourists should rent bikes from many stores countrywide since carrying one is pricey. Tour operators can help you rent bikes from specific shops before you get to Gisenyi, but remember that not all bikes are in good condition, so test ride the bike, and make sure it has a pump, and spare parts, and is comfortable.

Due to its route through commercial towns, marketplaces, villages, and stores, food, and water are fine. These have clean bottled water, fresh fruits, and market-prepared cuisine. Learn to negotiate and understand business signage to help travelers locate them. Stopping at villages and commercial hubs is a great chance to meet people and try Kinyarwanda food.

Options for Congo Nile trail lodging exist. Rwanda Development Board has built various campsites with signposts directing travelers to the camp’s location. All they need to bring is camping gear and bedding for the safari. Campsites are solely for tents, however you may set up your camp in a safe location near schools and communities.

Along the Congo trail, you can stay at Kibogora Guest House, Inzu Lodge (strategically located in Gisenyi), Bethanie Guest House (in Kibuye), Peace Guest House, L’Esparance Guest House, Mariah Hill Hotel, Paradis Malahide, Cormoran Lodge, and Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

The Rwandan Cycling Federation organizes the Rwanda Cycling Cup throughout the year, in addition to the Congo Nile Trail. More than 5000 athletes and 20,000 dignitaries will attend the 2025 UCI World Road Cycling Championship in Rwanda. Additionally, this is the first time the competition will be conducted in Africa.

5 days Congo-Nile Trail Cycle safari itinerary

This 5-day cycling trip follows the Congo Nile. The trek has several stopovers and begins on difficult dirt roads through villages before reaching the highlands of Gisenyi and Kamembe. Keep an eye out for vehicles and motorcyclists on the riding routes. Expect some hills and descents. Food and water are accessible during your trip since it passes through communities.

Day 1: Gisenyi to Kinunu takes 5–6 hours. At 41 kilometers, this is the steepest cycle.

Day 2: Cycling 50 kilometers takes 5–8 hours, longer than the prior day. From Kinunu to Kibuye, the trip features more hills than usual.

Day 3 is 35 kilometers from Kibuye to Mugonero. The highest ascent, 1887 meters, takes 3–5 hours on Day 3.

Day 4: We cycle 35 kilometers from Mugonero to Kibogora for 4–5 hours. After rising, day four descends to Lake Kivu at 1440 meters before climbing over 10 kilometers to 1750 meters.

The 6-hour bike safari from Kibogora to Kamembe concludes on Day 5. Since it’s tarmac with fewer hills, the 54-kilometer segment is easy.

Based on the guesthouse/lodge location, the days might be longer than five.

The Kigali bike path
Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is one of the world’s most attractive and cleanest cities. Biking around the Kigali Metropolis is one way to explore the city and visit tourist sites including the Genocide Centre, local markets, restaurants with delicious local foods, and milk bars.

Twin Lakes bike path
The Twin Lakes path, Rwanda’s second-best cycling path, is around Volcanoes National Park. Tourists may pedal along a 1-kilometer stretch between Rwanda’s twin lakes to see primates and meet locals.

Rwanda cycling safari packing list

Before going on a Rwanda bike safari, you should pack the following:

Driving and nighttime gloves.
Bicycle headlight
Waterproof sleeping bag. Keep it warm and comfy.
Bike and hiking shoes.
Bottled water and snacks. Remember to bring a 1-liter refillable water bottle.
Extra bike tires for replacement.
Extra clothing for changing and biking. Bring a sweater and raincoat.
Toiletries
Camera, additional lenses, waterproof bag, batteries, and tripod.
A helmet
Dusty bike road sunglasses.
A bike pump
A dust mask
Knee and elbow protectors aid in emergency falls. The pathways are unpaved, so anything may happen.
First aid kit in case, full.
Additional Rwandan tourism activities to combine with riding

Other activities you might incorporate on your riding safari are,

Game drives: Rwanda’s biggest park, Akagera National Park, offers game drives, bird viewing, and nature hikes. Cycling safaris might include visits to Akagera to observe lions, rhinos, and antelopes.

The most visited park in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking, Twin Lakes visits, primate walks, Dian Fossey grave visits, Kwita Izina ceremonies, and village visits may be added to your Volcanoes safari with cycling.

Visit the genocide memorial centers: Rwanda was devastated by the 1994 genocide, which murdered millions. Several monument centers were established to honor the victims and demonstrate the destructive effects of genocides. You may see what occurred years ago and meet survivors and relatives who attend genocide memorial facilities to see their loved ones.

Rwanda’s largest tourist destination, Nyungwe Forest National Park, is renowned for chimpanzee trekking. Besides chimpanzee trekking and habituation, Nyungwe offers canopy walks, primate walks, and birding throughout your bicycle safari.

Best time to cycle in Rwanda

Cycling is possible year-round in Rwanda, however, avoid March to May and October to November, which are rainy seasons. If you don’t mind the rain, bring additional clothing, a thick sweater, and a waterproof raincoat. These months are frequently muddy, slippery, and chilly. Cycling trails are greatest in June–September and December when they are drier, less slippery, and less muddy.

We recommend riding around Lake Kivu on the Congo Nile Trail via Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Kigali City for your Rwanda cycling tour. Cycling requires fitness and is not for the faint-hearted. Try to observe Rwandan traffic laws and enjoy your bike ride.

Book your Rwanda cycling vacation with us.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda : How to plan during the winter break

September 19, 2024 September 25, 2024
Katland Safaris
Gorilla trekking, Rwanda safaris, Travel guide

How to plan Gorilla trekking in Rwanda during the winter break.

We’ll cover how to organize a winter break Gorilla trekking in Rwanda if you want to see mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) has about 400 mountain gorillas for gorilla trekking. The 1998 film Gorillas in the Mist features the park.

Gorilla trekking safaris are only available in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s northwest, where Dian Fossey spent over 20 years investigating and battling poaching. Volcanoes has 15 habituated households that visitors hike year-round. The permit fees help protect mountain gorillas and their environment.

2 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda | Dian Fossey Tomb in rwanda | Mountain Gorillas — 2 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | Dian Fossey Tomb

What to know before booking a Rwanda winter break gorilla safari

Research Rwanda, including its languages, currency, what you can and cannot bring, and other basic restrictions. All travelers should convert their money for the Rwandan Franc (RWF) before arrival for convenient transactions. Some places take credit and Visa cards, but you’ll need local cash to transact.

With its current road infrastructure, Rwanda is simple to navigate. To make traveling easier, tour operators organize 4×4 safari cars to pick you up from the airport and drive you across Rwanda till the conclusion of your safari. Taxis and buses convey visitors to Volcanoes National Park.

To improve communication, Rwanda uses Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Swahili is also spoken locally. You cannot carry plastic bags into Rwanda for a gorilla safari.

Gorilla safari cost in Rwanda during winter break

Rwanda is famous for its luxurious safaris. Gorilla trekking safaris might be affordable with the right knowledge. You must first get a gorilla permit, the safari’s biggest cost. Gorilla safari costs depend on travel duration, group size, and lodging.

The Rwandan gorilla permit is the most costly compared to Ugandan and DRC permits. East Africans and Rwandans pay $300 for permits, international non-residents $1500, and other Africans $500. Rwanda sells licenses at a 10% discount to conference attendees and low-season visitors. This also applies to travelers visiting Akagera and Nyungwe national parks.

Gorilla permits may be bought from the Rwanda Development Board or a reliable travel operator. We suggest booking via a tour operator to get the permit and plan the winter break safari. After selecting your journey dates, the tour operator will need your passport details. After confirming your dates, you will get the business bank credentials to transfer money (not personal). After we confirm payment, the tour operator will buy the permit and provide you with a copy.

Gorilla permits are non-refundable and good just on the days assigned. After one hour with the gorillas, they expire and cannot be used again.

A gorilla safari in Rwanda is ideal during the dry season, which is winter in other nations. Many visitors visit the nation for gorilla trekking and other safari activities during this peak season, so they should get permits early. Gorilla safaris cost more during peak season due to high lodging fees. The low/rainy season (October–November and March–May) may lower prices.

Compared to solo travel, big groups share transportation and lodging costs, lowering the cost of the gorilla trek safari.

7 Days Rwanda Gorilla tracking and Wildlife Safari — 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari | Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Tracking | Dian Fossey Tomb | Nyungwe national park | chimpanzee trekking.

Lodging: Three kinds of gorilla trekking allow you to pick affordable lodging. Choosing between basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodations will influence the cost of your Rwanda winter break gorilla trek safari.

Rwandan gorilla hiking guidelines

For all Rwandan gorilla trekkers, the Rwanda Development Board sets strict restrictions that must be obeyed or risk not hiking the mountain gorillas. For accuracy, the briefing will repeat the following trekking rules.

You must be 15 to hike gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Your passport copy from the booking will be used for age verification. However, if you are fit, there is no upper age restriction.
Keep 7 meters away from the gorillas after finding them. This prevents visitors from infecting gorillas.
The briefing will divide tourists into groups of eight, which is the maximum number permitted to hike a gorilla family daily.

Each group must spend one hour with primates after finding them. Gorillas are protected by the one-hour limit, but if they act out before then, you must leave.
Volcanoes National Park must be clean, thus any trash and items brought in must be disposed of properly.

Consider asking for a machete, digging a hole away from the throng, and covering it up after using the restroom (particularly number two).
When among gorillas, be quiet.
If you become unwell on gorilla hike day, volunteer to skip it. To avoid killing gorillas, unwell tourists are not permitted to trek.

You cannot eat, drink, or smoke around gorillas.
Avoid flash photography, which is illegal.
Stay away from gorillas and avoid eye contact.

What to carry on your Rwanda winter break gorilla trek
Clothes: To blend in, Rwandans value decency and, therefore pack well. Gorilla safaris are jungle-based. Long-sleeved shirts for warmth and protection, lightweight trek pants (not shorts or jeans), undershirts, long socks for warmth, and tucking in trousers should be brought. The walk requires garden gloves to prevent blisters and other injuries.

You need sturdy hiking boots. They should be waterproof, ankle-length, and comfy to minimize foot blisters, but not new. Wear them on a walk or hike before going to get acclimated to their size and weight.

WARM sweater and waterproof raincoat.

Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunhat, first aid kit, waterproof day bag, toiletries, and adjustable gaiters.

Safaris are incomplete without a camera, so carry one. The best and simplest camera is a point-and-shoot. Be sure to bring batteries, lenses, additional storage, a tripod, and a waterproof camera bag.

Binoculars assist in identifying gorillas lurking in trees and other animals in the national park, such as golden monkeys and international and unique bird species.

Rwandan gorilla trekking accommodations

Volcanoes National Park has basic, mid-range, and luxury hotels. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Five Volcanoes Hotel are examples.

When should I plan my Rwanda winter break gorilla safari?

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is popular, so if you want to go during winter break, book before June. Permits are in great demand, so acquire one early to enjoy your holiday without hassle.

Other Rwanda safari places and activities

Rwanda has several safari spots and activities following gorilla trekking during winter vacation. These include chimpanzee trekking and habituation, cycling and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, golden monkey trekking, the Kwita Izina ceremony and cultural trips in Volcanoes National Park, game drives and bird watching in Akagera National Park, visiting genocide memorial centers across the country, cycling safaris, walking through Kigali City, and taking a boat ride on Lake Kivu.

Reaching Volcanoes National Park
Travel to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali International Airport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, a 2- to 3-hour trip. Visit Kigali before driving to Volcanoes National Park if you arrive early.

Why book your winter break gorilla safari with us

We have long organized Uganda and Rwanda gorilla excursions. We can help you organize a winter break mountain gorilla safari. Rwanda no longer requires African visas, so you can gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda over winter break. Our safari planner will analyze your budget and recommend the best options.

For any more concerns regarding gorilla trekking in Rwanda, please contact us. Our team is ready to help you plan a great vacation.

How to plan a winter Holiday safari to Rwanda

How to plan a winter Holiday safari to Rwanda.

Rwanda winter holiday safari planning. Tourism to Rwanda is one of the greatest and most economical ways to escape the cold. December to February is a good time to visit Rwanda since it is dry, and you can do gorilla trekking, wildlife drives, cultural visits, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, and bird viewing.

First, communicate with your tour operator about what you require and any schedule adjustments while booking a winter trip safari. Also, check for limits and modifications and what to expect from your destination. Your tour planner can provide all this for a well-organized safari.

Easy safari planning involves a few steps. These include choosing your safari destination, tour operator (read and investigate the company to avoid scammers), packing list, and destination.

6 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Game Safari | Golden monkeysVolcanoes National Park — Rwanda Gorilla tracking and Game Safari.

What to know before a winter holiday safari in Rwanda

Rwanda safari transportation
Safari vehicles

Those who purchase through a tour operator will be transported in 4×4 safari vehicles. After payment, these well-maintained vehicles are hired. It is the most private way to safari in Rwanda, but it can be pricey.

Matatus

Yellow or green minibusses that locals take across the country. Even isolated Rwandan locations are accessible via good transportation. Kigali rents well-maintained matatus for large groups. Many buses go between Kigali and the rest of the country every 30 minutes.

Taxis

Common in Rwanda and Kigali provinces, these can be found at taxi stands. The most expensive way to get across the country is by taxi, which can be contacted or requested from your accommodation.

Money
Safari guests should bring Rwandan Franc (RWF) for smooth transactions. Exchange cash dollars or Euros at the airport, banks, or forex offices. Cash advances are available at Banque de Kigali, and some luxury establishments accept credit cards. ATMs are everywhere, especially in Kigali. Rwandan banks are closed on Sundays and the last Saturday of the month during Umuganda (until 11:00 am).

Safari tipping, shopping, and other activities benefit from local currency. Tipping is traditional and shows appreciation for services. Restaurant and hotel servers, potters, and drivers must be tipped.

The Rwandan language
Locals mostly speak Kinyarwanda. French is also widely spoken as the office language. English and Swahili are taught in schools and utilized nationwide.

Visas
Tourists to Rwanda need visas and passports. East Africans only need a passport and national ID because Rwanda no longer requires visas for all Africans. Tourists can seek visas online or upon arrival. Please book your visa at least three months before your trip. A new East African tourist visa lets you visit Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.

The Rwandan food
Rwanda may not be the food basket, but it cooks indigenous and world foods. Starchy cassava, beans, and fresh fruits including papayas, avocados, mangoes, watermelons, pineapples, and others make up Rwandan cuisine. Local cuisines like isombe use spinach, cassava leaves, eggplants, Mizuzu (plantain), and others.

Rwandan culture and people
Before a safari, learning about Rwanda’s culture and people is one of the greatest methods to fit in. Rwandans are friendly but pack carefully because provocative clothing is prohibited. The country bans polythene bags to keep cities clean.

Kwita Izina 2022 — Kwita Izina | Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safaris | Gorrlla naming in Rwanda

Safari locations in Rwanda
We recommend the following safari destinations for your winter holiday safari. This helps you plan your safari early, but you do not have to visit them all.

Rwanda’s main safari location is Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. Trekking mountain gorillas is only allowed in Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC. About 400 gorillas live in Rwanda, including ten habituated ones. The principal activity at Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking.

Also available are bird watching, guided nature walks, hiking the Volcanoes mountains in the park, the Batwa trail, the Kwita Izina ceremony where infant gorillas are named, golden monkey trekking, and cultural tours. A Volcanoes gorilla trekking permit must be purchased six months in advance. These are always popular, so book early.

Despite animal migration and poaching during the genocide, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s largest. Refugees returned and encroached. Since reintroducing extinct animals like lions and rhinos, Akagera now has lions, antelopes, elephants, bush duikers, hippos, crocodiles, black rhinos introduced in 2017, zebras, buffalos, rare hyenas, and giraffes. It has over 408 bird species. Safaris offers birdwatching, wildlife drives, and guided nature hikes.

Lake Kivu, on the Rwanda-DRC border, is a winter tourist safari destination in Rwanda. Small Lake in the Great Rift Valley has Kinyarwanda settlements where you can learn about their culture. Boat cruises on Lake Kivu, cycling along the shores, bird watching, and guided cultural and ecological walks are available.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s greatest chimpanzee trekking and habituation spot. Vervet monkeys, olive baboons, Mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys exist in the national park. Chimpanzee trekking is the best way to learn about them and may be done year-round in the park. Canopy walks, bird watching, nature walks, and cycling are other Nyungwe safari activities.

The Genocide Memorial Centers in Rwanda remind people of the 1994 genocide and teach them about Rwandan history and culture. The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Nyamata Memorial Site, Murambi Memorial Center, Ntarama Memorial Center, and Gisozi Memorial Site are all worth seeing.

Bugarama and Nyamyumba hot springs in Cyangugu and Rubavu districts are among Rwanda’s most popular. Gisovu hot springs near Lake Kivu are also worth seeing. The water boils to 100 degrees Celsius to boil an egg. Locals think water heals most ailments.

Winter holiday safari packing

To have the finest Rwanda safari, you must carry the appropriate things. A holiday packing list has been created to help you prepare efficiently. Strong hike boots, neutral-colored clothes, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers (avoid jeans if trekking), insect repellent, gadgets like binoculars and cameras (including camera equipment), refillable water bottle, waterproof backpack, sunscreen, snacks (all meals will be provided at your accommodation facility, but you can still pack favorite snacks), garden gloves, sandals, sneakers, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, medical first

Safari lodges in Rwanda

Rwanda is a luxury safari destination, although there are budget-friendly accommodations across the safari regions. Accommodation has improved, from luxurious to mid-range and basic. Rwanda Safaris offers a variety of comfortable hotels for guests.

Akagera National Park: Rusizi Tented Camp and Akagera Game Lodge

Volcanoes National Park: Go, Lux Lodge, Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and others

Gisenyi Town: Galaxy Kivu Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Gisenyi, Hill View Hotel, Hakuna Matata, Paradis Malahide, Wind Land Hotel, The Palm Beach Resort Lake Kivu, Kivu Paradis Resort, and Umbwe Hotel.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Guest House Igishigishi, One&Only Nyungwe House, Ken Barham Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Chimpanzee Lodge, Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge.

Kigali Hotels: Five to Five, Kigali Serena, Onomo, Hotel De Mille Collines, 3000, Heaven Retreat, Flame Tree Village, Marriot, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Iris Guest House, The Manor, and Lebanon Hotels.

Rwiza Village, Comoran Lodge, Hotel Golf Eden, Moriah Hill Resort, Bethany Hotel, Kibuye.

When should you plan your Rwanda winter holiday safari?
Due to the dry season and Christmas holidays, December to February is one of the busiest months for tourism. We recommend scheduling 4–6 months before the winter season to receive the best safari bargains and avoid last-minute bookings, which may cost more.

After gathering all the information, start planning your Rwanda vacation safari. Plan your winter holiday safari with a trustworthy licensed tour operator like us to ensure the greatest safari in the country and first-hand knowledge about your trip. Safari planning entails choosing the finest destinations, accommodations, and permits, and meeting all requirements.

Contact us for details.

How to celebrate your birthday with gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

September 19, 2024 September 23, 2024
Katland Safaris
Gorilla trekking, Rwanda safaris, Travel Blog

How to celebrate your birthday with gorillas of Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Birthday with gorillas of Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda is primarily famous for its gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is possible in four national parks worldwide: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s Virunga National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
An unforgettable birthday celebration on a Rwandan safari would not be complete without going gorilla trekking. Located near the hamlet of Musanze in Rwanda’s northwest, Volcanoes National Park has many names, including Parc Des Volcans and Pariki Y’Igihugu Y’Ibirunga.

About 10 gorilla families call the park home, and visitors may trek with them daily. Gather at the park headquarters first thing in the morning for a briefing from your guide, and then go out on foot into the forest in search of your designated gorilla family.

Booking instructions for a gorilla trekking Safari in Rwanda

In Volcanoes National Park, you can celebrate your birthday with a gorilla safari, and our specialists are here to assist you arrange every detail. So that we can assist you in checking the availability of gorilla trekking permits, the first step in scheduling a gorilla safari is to contact a local tour operator. They will need to know your full name as it appears on your passport and the dates you would want to go trekking.

The Rwanda Development Board also has an online tool where you can see whether gorilla permits are still available. Once you’ve confirmed that the days you want to use the permits are available, you may pay in full to reserve them. Just remember to always use the company’s bank account and never transfer money to someone’s account. The Rwanda Development Board will give you a copy of the permit and collect payment directly from you if you make your reservation via them.

The only opportunity for travelers to spend time with the gorillas is to get a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board. You will get a copy of the trek permit and a confirmation email after your purchase. Please double-check that the information you provided when booking the gorilla permit (names, nationalities, etc.) matches what is required for verification when you arrive. Since the gorillas are still considered government property, the park officials will gather the necessary permissions before the expedition begins.

Volcanoes National Park gorilla permits are only good for one hour, and they expire once you’ve trekked around the park. You may request a reschedule with a valid cause, but you need to let us know in advance.

Acquiring a Gorilla permit for a Birthday with gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

Foreign non-residents, foreign residents, and East African nationals are the three types of tourists in Rwanda. The fee for the gorilla permit varies based on your category. The gorillas and their environment are protected by using the funds from the most costly gorilla trek permits, which are sold in Rwanda.

Individuals residing outside of the country… Individually, $15,000.

People living abroad (people from other African nations) Four hundred dollars for each individual

The cost for nationals of East Africa is $300 each.

Gorilla trek permits in Rwanda are 30% off from November to May for non-resident foreigners (down from $1150), however, this is just for those who have already made reservations to visit Nyungwe or Akagera National Parks, not other Rwandan attractions like Uganda. This was done to boost tourism in the nation.

Guidelines for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

To preserve the gorillas’ native environment and save these almost endangered animals, the Rwanda Development Board, a conservation organization, established well-defined norms and restrictions. No one may legally engage in gorilla trekking unless they adhere to these regulations, which spell out the specific requirements for doing so.

There are more than 1,070 mountain gorillas that are hiked in three countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The gorilla trekking safaris and the regulations put in place would have prevented the extinction of these magnificent creatures. The following are some of the restrictions and guidelines for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park:

No more than eight individuals are permitted to accompany a gorilla family on a daily journey. As a result, the gorillas are less likely to be disturbed by people and therefore less likely to get human diseases.

On the morning of the trip day, the lead guide will provide a briefing that all trekkers are required to attend. At this point, the rules and regulations will be reviewed with you, and trekkers will also be allocated to gorilla families.

To ensure the safety of the gorillas, you will not be permitted to travel with them if you exhibit any signs of illness on the day of the journey.

As a precaution against illness transmission, all visitors are required to wash and sterilize their hands before beginning the hike.

Please do not leave trash within the park. Everything you bring into the park must be accounted for and disposed of according to the park’s regulations.

When you’re among the gorillas and on the trip, it’s best to be quiet. No matter how close you get to the gorillas on your journey, you still need to pay attention to the other animals in the park and follow the directions your guides tell you.

Only those with a camera, binoculars, or a phone may approach the gorillas, and you must maintain a distance of 7 meters from the primates at all times. At least fifty meters must pass before you may approach the gorillas with your belongings, including your bag.

You should maintain a distance of 7 to 10 meters from the gorillas after you’ve found them. Even though the gorillas may want to get closer to you, you should do your best to avoid touching them. The gorillas will be more relaxed if you give them some space.

Because flash photography is illegal, you must move carefully and turn off your flash while shooting pictures.

Each group gets one hour with the gorillas, however, if they’re acting off, their time will be shortened for their own good.

No food, drink, or smoking is allowed within 300 meters of the gorillas. Cravings could fall on the floor after eating or drinking, which might spread germs.

To prevent the transmission of germs, turn your face away from the gorillas and cover your mouth with your hand if you feel the need to cough or sneeze while you are near them.

When you need to use the restroom, have your guide dig a 30-centimeter-deep hole for you (pangas are often used to remove shrubs on treks), and then cover it up.

The Essentials for a Gorilla and Volcano Safari | Birthday with Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

Hiking boots that are comfortable to use on the national park’s steep, muddy, and slippery trails. Waterproof, ankle-length sturdy hiking boots are a must; to avoid blisters on the trail, break them in by walking about in them before the big day.

Having the proper weather gear, such as a waterproof jacket, warm sweater, gaiters, and bug repellant, is essential for an exceptional gorilla safari. The gaiters shield your legs from the jungle’s hazards, such as dirt, wetness, insects, and rocks.

For a more natural jungle look, try muted tones. If you want to avoid being bitten or scratched by insects when hiking through the wilderness, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

You can’t have a gorilla walk safari without a camera and spare batteries; not only that, but you’ll want to capture the special moment of your birthday among the primates forever. We recommend bringing additional batteries and memory for use in the forest, even though hotels often have charging stations for cameras.

A waterproof bag that can accommodate all of your daily necessities. For a more relaxing gorilla safari experience, tourists should simply bring the essentials in their day bags.

If you want to see more than just the mountain gorillas in the national park, bring binoculars.

When hiking, garden gloves are a must-have for protecting your hands from sharp objects.

Bring your food, water, a walking stick, sunscreen, a cap, and any other supplies you may need.

Rwanda sets the minimum age for gorilla trekking.

The Rwanda Development Board instituted a 15-year-old minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking to save the endangered species. Trekking is open to people of all ages. If you’re in good enough shape, you may get a gorilla permit and take part in the activity. Reasons for setting the age restriction at 15 include the following:(1) children under the age of 15 are seen to be young, and(2) they are not physically capable of engaging in vigorous physical activity. Their unpredictable behavior makes them more difficult to manage, especially among gorillas.

We cannot guarantee that children under the age of fifteen will adhere to all the regulations established for trekking gorillas in Rwanda since mountain gorillas are docile animals who only respond when threatened. Before you can buy the trekking permits, we need to verify your age by getting copies of your passports. Kids may be a real drag on the hiking group as well. Not everyone will be emotionally or psychologically prepared to do the activity at the same time.

How can I organize my trip with kids less than fifteen? | Birthday with gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

I get this question all the time. Children may participate in a wide variety of activities, that much is true. Simultaneously, they take pleasure in the journey, which includes indoor activities such as playing games, seeing movies, and engaging in guided tours of the hotel under the guidance of hotel personnel.

Staying in a volcano while having a gorilla birthday party

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Volcanoes National Park, you’ll find a wide variety of lodges and hotels to suit all budgets. Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes, Bisate, Da Vinci, Kinigi, Lebambou, Villa Gorilla, La Palme, Faraja, and Gorilla Solution Lodge are just a few of the wonderful lodges that we can recommend.

Volcanoes National Park is a great place to celebrate a birthday since there are plenty of things to do there. Activities such as hiking with golden monkeys, bird viewing (best done during the rainy season), guided nature walks, attending the annual Kwita Izina ceremony (attended by the president and other dignitaries in August), and cultural visits are just a few examples.

Methods for Reaching Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Depending on traffic, the travel from Volcanoes National Park might take anywhere from two to three hours. Once you’ve had a quick briefing from your driver guide at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be on your way to the national park. Before heading to the Volcanoes for the climb, if you arrive early enough, you may still have time to see Kigali city.

On your birthday, why not have a gorilla trek safari with the greatest local safari company? We’ll help you arrange the trip, show you the ropes, and make sure you have a blast celebrating your special day. Booking in advance ensures that your preferred dates coincide with treks with the endangered gorilla species, which is essential for a top-notch Rwandan gorilla safari.

Get in touch with us via our website and peruse our TripAdvisor reviews for additional information. If you have any questions about gorilla trekking or need assistance planning your safari, please don’t hesitate to use any of our many contact methods.

Category: Rwanda safaris