Planning A Family Safari in Uganda With Kids
December 5, 2023How is safety and security guaranteed during gorilla trekking in Uganda?
January 15, 2024If you want to spend your winter break safari with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then you are in the right place because we will discuss the various steps and how to plan a gorilla trek safari in Rwanda during the winter break.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is carried out in the Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcans, with over 400 Mountain gorillas. The park is also featured in the film Gorillas in the Mist, produced in 1998. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda where gorilla trekking safari and Dian Fossey spent almost 20 years studying the gorillas and fighting for their conservation as the locals were poaching them. Volcanoes at the moment has 12 habituated families that are trekked by tourists throughout the year. The money collected from the permits is used to conserve the Mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.
What you need to know before planning a gorilla safari during your winter break in Rwanda
Research your destination and learn about Rwanda, like the languages spoken, the currency used, what you can and can’t bring to the country, and other general rules you must follow. The Rwandan Franc is the country’s currency (RWF), and all tourists are advised to exchange their money for easy transactions the moment they land in the country. Credit and Visa cards are also accepted in some areas; however, you will need local currency to transact with the local people.
Getting around Rwanda is easy with the modern road system that has been set up. If you are using a tour operator, transportation is easy as 4×4 safari vehicles are arranged to pick you up from the airport and drive you around Rwanda till the end of the safari. For tourists using public means, some taxis and buses use the route to take you to Volcanoes National Park.
The languages used in Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, and English, which have also been introduced to ease communication. Swahili is also used as a mode of communication among the locals. As you pack for the gorilla safari to Rwanda, note that polythene bags are prohibited, and you should not bring any into the country.
Cost of a gorilla safari during a winter break in Rwanda
Rwanda is mainly known as a luxury safari destination. You can still go for gorilla trekking safaris on a budget with the correct information on how to do it. You will need to purchase a gorilla permit first, which covers the most significant expense of the safari. Other factors that affect the cost of the gorilla safari include the time of travel, the group of people traveling, and the type of accommodation chosen.
The gorilla permit: The gorilla permit in Rwanda is the most expensive compared to other national parks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The permit cost for East African citizens and Rwandan nationals is $200 per person, $1500 for foreign non-residents, and $500 for citizens and residents of other African countries. Rwanda offers discounts on permits during the low months and to tourists attending conferences within the country, selling them at a discounted rate of 10%. This also works for tourists who have booked to visit other national parks in the country, such as Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park.
The gorilla permit can be purchased directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator. However, we highly recommend you book through a tour operator to help purchase the permit and organize the winter break safari. Contact the tour operator with your desired trek dates, and you will be asked to provide personal information as it appears on your valid passport. After confirming that the dates you want are available, you will be sent the company bank details to send payment (make sure the bank details sent are not for an individual). No purchase will be made until the full amount is paid, and after we confirm that the payment has been made, the tour operator will proceed to purchase the permit, and a copy will be sent to you.
Gorilla permits are not refundable and only valid for the days they were made for. They cannot be used on any other day and expire after your one hour with the gorillas.
Time of travel: Winter in other countries coincides with the dry season in Rwanda, which is considered one of the best times for visiting Rwanda for a gorilla safari. It is also a peak season when many tourists can be seen in the country for gorilla trekking and other safari activities, and tourists are advised to book the permits early enough for proper planning. During the peak season, accommodation rates are high, increasing the cost of a gorilla safari. The costs are sometimes reduced during the low/rainy season (October to November and March to May).
The size of the group: Travelling in large groups reduces the cost of the gorilla trek safari since many expenses, like transport and accommodation, are shared, which is different when traveling solo.
Accommodation: Accommodation is used when gorilla trekking is categorized into three categories, and you get to choose the type of accommodation that you can afford. There are basic, mid-range, and luxury accommodation facilities, and whichever facility you choose will determine the cost of your gorilla trek safari during the winter break in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking rules/guidelines in Rwanda
The Rwanda Development Board set the rules for gorilla trekking for all trekkers in Rwanda, and they have to be keenly followed because failure to do so might lead to one not trekking the Mountain gorillas. Below is a list of trekking rules that will be repeated during the briefing to avoid mistakes.
- You must be at least 15 years of age to be able to trek the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Age verification will be carried out using the copy of your passport sent during the booking process. There is, however, no limit to the maximum age for as long as you are physically fit.
- After locating them, you will keep a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas. This is to prevent the easy spread of diseases and infections from tourists to the gorillas.
- Tourists are to be separated into groups of 8 during the briefing, and this is the maximum number of people allowed to trek a gorilla family daily.
- Every group has to spend an hour with the primates after locating them. The one-hour restriction protects the gorillas, but when the gorillas start acting out before the hour elapses, you will be requested to leave early.
- Volcanoes National Park is supposed to be kept clean at all times; therefore, all the rubbish and everything you bring to the national park must be taken out and placed correctly in the bins.
- You might want to relieve yourself (especially number two) during the trek, ask for a machete, and dig a hole away from the crowd, and after you get through with your business, cover up the hole properly.
- Make sure you make minimal or no noise when with the gorillas.
- Volunteer to avoid gorilla trekking if you feel sick on the trek day. Gorillas quickly get sick, and to prevent their deaths, trekkers who are feeling sick are not allowed to trek.
- Under no circumstances will you be allowed to eat, drink, or smoke when with the gorillas.
- Avoid using flash photography when taking photos because it is prohibited.
- Never touch the gorillas, and avoid direct eye contact and touching them.
What to bring on your gorilla trek winter break safari in Rwanda
Clothes: Rwanda is keen on decency, and you must pack right to fit in with the locals. Gorilla safari is carried out in the jungle. The clothes to be packed include long-sleeved shirts for extra protection of the skin and warmth, lightweight trek pants (these should not be short and jeans), all these should be in neutral colors to easily blend in with the jungle, undershirts, long socks for warmth and tucking in of trousers. Garden gloves are also necessary; these protect the hands from blisters and other forms of harm during the trek.
Strong hiking boots should be on your list because they are necessary. They do not need to be new but should be waterproof, ankle-length, and comfortable to avoid blisters on the feet. Before traveling, try walking or hiking in them so that you get used to their size and ensure that they are not heavy.
A warm sweater and waterproof raincoat.
Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a sunhat, a first aid kit, waterproof day backpack, toiletries, and adjustable gaiters.
Safaris are incomplete without a camera, and one should be on your packing list. A point-and-shoot camera is the best and easiest camera to use. Don’t forget other camera equipment, including batteries, lenses, extra storage devices, a tripod, and a waterproof camera bag.
Binoculars help spot the gorillas hiding in the trees and other wildlife found in the national park, for example, golden monkeys and several bird species, both international and endemic.
Accommodation when gorilla trekking in Rwanda
The different accommodation options in and around Volcanoes National Park are basic, mid-range, and luxury facilities. Some of these include One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Five Volcanoes Hotel, among others.
When should I book for my Winter break gorilla safari in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is a highly participated activity by tourists visiting Rwanda, so if you want to participate during your winter break, you need to book as early as June or earlier to get your desired dates. With permits being in high demand, getting one early enough and enjoying your break without any hurdles is advisable.
Other safari destinations and activities in Rwanda
Rwanda offers numerous safari destinations and activities you can enjoy after gorilla trekking during your winter break. These include chimpanzee trekking and habituation, cycling and a walk on the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Golden monkey trekking, enjoying the Kwita Izina ceremony and cultural trips in Volcanoes National Park, game drives and bird watching in Akagera National Park, visiting the genocide memorial centers spread across the country, cycling safaris, enjoying a walk through Kigali City and a boat ride along Lake Kivu.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a 2 to 3-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, where you will be picked up in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle. If you arrive early, you can explore Kigali before the drive to Volcanoes National Park.
Why you should book with us your winter break gorilla safari
We have been organizing gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda for a long time. We can navigate them easily by helping you plan your winter break safari to see the mountain gorillas. Rwanda has recently removed visas for African citizens, which means you can enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda during your winter break. We will organize your safari, considering your budget and advising you on what is best.
And if you have any more questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda, feel free to contact us as we have staff ready to answer any queries and more you might have to ensure your holiday is fun and fabulous.