Budget Gorilla Trekking Rwanda 2023, Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris on a Budget
This is also an effort to provide advice on how to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, especially if you want to do it on the cheap.
Renting a Vehicle in Kigali
Apart from a permit, another key necessity is a four-wheel vehicle and a driver. This automobile is also used to transport you from Kigali to the park’s entrance and from the park’s entrance to the trek’s actual beginning point. If you hire a car via the region where you are staying within the last day, the car and driver will only cost you $150 per day. In Kigali, Rwanda, you may rent a car.
Budget Gorilla Trekking Rwanda 2025, Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris on a Budget
This is also an effort to provide advice on how to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, especially if you want to do it on the cheap. Seeing mountain gorillas is also a once-in-a-lifetime event that you should not pass up, even if backpacking on a budget is your final choice. You may save money, or borrow money, but don’t miss out!
The majority of backpackers prefer to trek these endangered species in Uganda during the low-season permission period. I chose Rwanda because I felt gorilla trekking would be more enjoyable, and the jungle where the gorillas are located is beautiful. There are also other comparisons that may be discovered online and searched for. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also has cheaper gorilla licences.
Many visitors always purchase highly costly tour packages that include the price of the permit, transportation from Kigali city and return, transportation to the national park and gorilla trails, and meals. Some of these package offers cost $1300 or more, depending on the hotel facility selected.
Should You Use A Tour Operator?
Some travellers prefer to book the permit, lodge, and then hop on the bus themselves! The issue is that some places do not have road signs, and you will also need local information about the lodges and motels, as this is Africa! You won’t get all of the information and advice you need on Google or TripAdvisor. You may potentially miss your departing flights owing to difficulties navigating the roads and locations. It is critical to arrange your budget gorilla safari in Rwanda with a reputable travel operator.
Hiking the mountain gorillas needs a gorilla safari permit, which must be purchased in advance. The Rwandan gorilla permit costs $1500 per person and is good for one day. They may be purchased through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
If you are concerned about the permissions expiring, you can submit an email to inquire about their availability. I did this and received an immediate response in excellent English. When I originally inquired in December 2015, I was told that there were over 50 visas available each and every day for the two weeks of February 2016 when I planned to visit Rwanda. This appeared to be a considerable distance from what the operators would have told you, and it is a reserve in advance. I would also add that at the end of February, it would be considered low season, and since I was traveling alone, I would have more freedom.
The Rwanda Development Board is likewise located at one of the city’s key junctions. This is just a short walk from the Explore Rwanda Youth Hostel, where many backpackers stay. This starts at 16 bucks. You will also go through a security check at the Rwanda Development Board offices before asking for gorilla permits. They will also take Visa cards without charging an additional service fee on top of the $750. You should always keep your passport on hand.
The Amahoro Guest House is likewise around $20 per person each night, with a single person paying $30. This may also be arranged through Amahoro Tours, and Google it for the most up-to-date phone and email information. Kinigi Guest House is another low-cost option.
The Gorilla Hike and Park Admission
These directions are always at park entry by 7: 00 am and there you will present your own permit as well as a passport at the reception. The other visitors will arrive between 7 and 8 a.m., and by then, there will be tea and coffee available, as well as a decent opportunity to eat breakfast if you brought your own. You will also be entertained by certain cultural groups. After that, the guide will break you into groups. One group of tourists for every troop of mountain gorillas. Fewer people are preferable since capturing photographs and getting closer to the gorillas will be easier. If you wish to view a certain gorilla troop, you can notify reception or the guide beforehand.
You can hire porters towards the start of the trip if you have big luggage that you don’t want to carry. They also contribute to community support rather than providing a necessary service. These porters are also ex-poachers who will be able to earn some money. I too struggled with the argument since I prefer to have my camera in my bag at all times. It is also widely known that 5% of the permit money is directed directly to the community. Rather than having someone carry my suitcase, I chose to give them a few francs as an added help.
The actual trek was much better than I had anticipated; the scenery here is breathtaking, and the backdrop of volcanoes is breathtaking. You will also get to go through the bamboo forest and see elephants, buffaloes, and birds. There are also stinging nettles that seem to go through the clothes, save for the water-resistant garments. The searing feeling, however, will only last a few minutes. At the start of this trek, the trackers depart 1 hour sooner than those who have not yet located the gorillas, which is very typical.
They noticed and found them so quickly that before we knew it, we were walking through the forest with the gorillas on the sides relaxing and eating. There will also be armed guards accompanying you to defend you from charging elephants, poachers, and buffaloes. Some of these guides will spend the entire day near the mountain gorillas.