Are you contemplating on planning for a gorilla trekking safari yourself, but are confused on how to go about with it? You are not alone in this dilemma. When some tourists are planning to use the services of tour operators to plan for their gorilla trek. Others find it comfortable of plan their own gorilla trekking safaris though these are fewer given the logistics of planning a trip. As a matter of fact, planning for a Rwanda gorilla safari by yourself is easier if you are well acquainted with the booking process! It is very cumbersome and can really become challenging because you will need to plan for everything from the gorilla permit to the day you finally visit Rwanda for the safari.
Gorilla trekking is one of the exceptional tourist activities (actually the major activity) that draws thousands of tourists to Remarkable Rwanda – the Land of a thousand hills. With over 300 mountain gorillas within the Volcanoes National park alone (of all the 440 mountain gorillas within the Virunga Massif), it is no doubt that it takes the lion share of all the National parks within the Virunga Massif (Mgahinga National Park of Uganda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo). To plan for a gorilla trekking safari yourself needs adequate information on the availability, price of gorilla trekking permits and how to acquire them, transport means and fares from Kigali International Airport up to the Volcanoes National Park/accommodation facilities and back to Kigali after the safari, the accommodation facilities to book with and other helpful information (especially exchange rates, security issues and other tips required). However, with the information provided, it is a guaranteed that your personal gorilla trekking safari is going to be successful;
Booking for Gorilla Trekking Permits
The first and most important thing to consider is to book for a gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months in advance to guarantee your participation in the adventure. You will need to first check with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for the availability of the gorilla permits for the day you wish to track the mountains gorillas. Currently gorilla permits for tracking one of the 10 habituated Gorilla groups is at $1500 per person. You can contact the RDB by calling +252 57 65 14 or send an email to reservation@rwandatourism.com or reach their offices in Kigali physically. If you are far, no need to worry because after making Payments, the scanned copy of gorilla permits can be sent to you.
Book for Accommodation Facilities
It is very important to book for accommodation in advance after confirming that the gorilla permits are available. Tourists are advised to book for accommodation facilities not far away from the trailhead and the Park Headquarters, but the best options for accommodation facilities include Bisate Wilderness Lodge/Da Vinci Safari Lodge/Sabinyo Silverback Lodge for tourists interested in Luxury options, Le Bambou Gorilla Village Mountain gorilla view Lodge for midrange facilities and Hotel Muhabura/Kinigi Guesthouse/Amahoro Guesthouse for budget facilities.
What to Pack for the Gorilla Trekking Safari
You will also need to know the right things to pack for the activity and they include long sleeved shirts, long trousers, a camera, a backpack, a pair of binoculars, strong waterproof hiking boots, long socks, a hat and sun glasses, a rain jacket/poncho, a sweater and insect repellant among others. On the day of tracking the mountain gorillas, make sure to hire a porter to carry your backpack and also carry a walking stick, packed lunch and enough drinking water among others.
After arrival at Kigali International Airport, it is important to book for transport to Ruhengeri
There are several local bus companies in Nyaburogo Bus Station, in Kigali that head to Ruhengeri town. It is important to book for a bus ticket at least 30 minutes in advance so as to travel on time. Different bus companies charge different prices, but the most popular one-the Virunga Express Bus charges around 2000 francs per person and the journey lasts only 2 hours.
Book for Transport to Kinigi Park Headquarters
Most buses only stop at Ruhengeri, hence you need another means to take you up to Kinigi Park Headquarters or to the accommodation facility. This journey always takes between 20 and 25 minutes and taxis charge about 300 francs and motor cycles charge about 500 francs depending on your bargaining power.
In conclusion, instead of booking for gorilla safaris through tour operators, most tourists are shifting to booking for the safaris themselves because it is cheaper but also involves a lot of legwork because you need to get information on the gorilla permit, accommodation facilities and transportation to and from the National Park.