When it comes to planning for a gorilla safari, most trekkers usually involve ground tour operators or agencies or companies in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). But did you know that it is possible to arrange your independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda without going through an agent or tour operator? Yes, independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a perfect option to trekkers who enjoy traveling privately and they want to be part of the magical encounter with the rare mountain gorillas in their natural, untapped habitat.
What makes independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda possible is that private/independent travelers have an option of booking for gorilla permits directly with the team from Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This means, you don’t need to go through the tour operator or agent to have your gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda booked. You only need to exchange emails with RDB and the permit can be booked for you after you have made payments.
However, planning for an independent gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda can be stressful and inconveniencing. It comes with lots of challenges given the process you as a private or independent traveler has to go through to have your permit booked, arranging for means of transportation, choosing the best accommodation options for your overnight stay and many other things to be put together to have a complete gorilla safari.
Yes, it is possible to book online but be ready for the strenuous process and that is why most trekkers make it easier for themselves and they book their gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda through a ground tour operator/agent/company. Not to let you go through hardships, book your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda with us and you will get back home when filled with lots of lasting memories.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda.
Rwanda gorilla permits are available for booking by all tourists inclusive of private travelers on independent gorilla trekking safari at US Dollars 1500. Whether you plan to go on independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda or to book your gorilla safari via a ground tour operator, ensure you have your permit booked in advance at least 2-4 months before the actual date of trekking to see mountain gorillas.
Also, Rwanda offers 30% discount (about $1050) for tourists who will visit its other parks. 15% discount offer ($1275) for conference/event visitors who go to trek gorillas before or after the MICE events in Kigali; 15000 US Dollars for exclusive gorilla trekking and tour guiding services.
Note, refund is made by RDB for permit cancellation 50% refund for persons who proves signs of illness. Only persons above 15 years are allowed to purchase Rwanda gorilla permit and strictly, you have 1 hour face-to-face with mountain gorilla family in the wild.
What else to carry?
Other than a Rwanda gorilla permit, you also need to have a camera without flashlight, gardening gloves, long sleeved shirts, sweater, waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, hiking stick, snacks, bottled water, insect repellent, medical kit and others.
Where to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda?
If you are planning to go on independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the only place to visit and meet mountain gorillas face-to-face. It is one of the 4 parks where mountain gorillas live with 2 in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; while Virunga National Park is the only one in Eastern DRC.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the smallest gorilla safari parks, occupying 160sq.kms but also the oldest. It was gazetted in 1925 to protect mountain gorillas and other wildlife. This magical gorilla safari destination lies in Northwestern Rwanda, Ruhengeri region about 2-3 hours if you are driving from Kigali capital city or 3-4 hours’ drive from Kabale/Kisoro, Southwestern Uganda.
While on independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda, there are 10 habituated gorilla families to trek in Volcanoes National Park. They include the Susa A group which derives its name from the Susa River, Karisimbi (Susa B) which split from the Susa A, Agashya/Group 13, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Ugenda, Hirwa, Kwitonda and Bwenge.
Best time to go for independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Enjoyable gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is best realized during the dry season which is recorded starting from June, July, August, September or December, January, February. These months come with their own benefits which trekkers enjoy especially easy treks as the ground remains drier. But, treks to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda are also possible during the wet/rainy season; March-May or October-November. This is also advantageous on its own although it is when the park records heavy rains hence muddy ground and slippery steep slopes.
Where to stay on independent gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
- Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge
- Muhabura Hotel
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- La Palme Hotel
- Le’ Bambou Gorilla lodge
- Kinigi Guesthouse
- Bisate Lodge
Access to Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes National Park can easily be accessed by independent gorilla trekkers starting from Kigali about 2-3 hours’ drive up to Ruhengeri. From Uganda / Entebbe, cross via Katuna/Chanika borders though this is a very lengthy drive taking about 8-9 hours.
