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