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

You are at the right place if you like to spend your winter break safari with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda since we will go over the several stages and how to arrange a gorilla trip safari in Rwanda during the winter break.

With about 400 Mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Parc National des Volcans, also Volcanoes National Park. Additionally included in the 1998 film Gorillas in the Mist is the park. Volcanoes National Park, which lies in the northwest of the nation, is the sole site in Rwanda where Dian Fossey spent almost twenty years researching the gorillas and advocating their protection when she was gorilla trekking safari.

Local poaching of the gorillas was the reason behind this. At the moment, 15 habituated households that tourists walk across the year are found at volcanoes. The Mountain gorillas’ natural environment is preserved using the money gathered from the licenses.

Before arranging a gorilla safari for your winter vacation in Rwanda, what should you know?
Research your location and learn about Rwanda, including the languages spoken, the money used, what you can and cannot bring to the nation, and other broad guidelines you must follow.

The currency used in Rwanda is the franc ( RWF), hence, from the moment they arrive, all visitors are encouraged to change their money for simple transactions. Some places also accept credit and Visa cards; but, you will need local money to do transactions with the locals.

With the current, modern road system in place, getting about Rwanda is simple. If you are employing a tour operator, transportation is simple since 4×4 safari cars are set to pick you up from the airport and take you across Rwanda till the safari ends. Some taxis and buses follow the path to get visitors using public transportation to Volcanoes National Park.

Kinyarwanda, French, English, and other languages adopted to facilitate communication are the ones spoken in Rwanda. Among the residents, Swahili is also employed as the means of communication. Note that plastic bags are forbidden and you should not pack any into Rwanda while you are packing for the gorilla safari.

Price of a gorilla safari during a winter vacation in Rwanda

Mostly renowned as a luxury safari location, Rwanda is With the right knowledge on how to accomplish it, gorilla trekking safaris remain affordable for those on a limited budget. First, you will have to get a gorilla permit covering the most major safari cost. The journey time, the group of people visiting, and the kind of lodging selected all influence the cost of the gorilla safari.

Comparatively to other national parks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the gorilla permit in Rwanda is the most costly. East African citizens and Rwandan nationals pay $300 each person for their permit; foreign non-residents pay $1500; citizens and residents of other African nations pay $500.

Selling them at a discounted price of 10%, Rwanda provides discounts on permits during the lean months and to visitors attending conferences within the nation. This also holds true for those scheduled to visit other national parks around the nation, including Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park.

One can get the gorilla permit either straight from the Rwanda Development Board or via a reputable travel operator. To help obtain the permit and arrange the winter break safari, we strongly advise you to book via a travel operator, though. When you contact the tour operator with your preferred travel dates, you will be requested to furnish personal information based on what shows on your current passport.

You will be supplied company bank details to transfer payment once you have verified that the dates you desire are accessible (be sure the bank details you are sent are not for an individual). Purchases will not be made until the whole amount is paid; once we verify the payment has been done, the tour operator will buy the permit and a copy will be forwarded to you.

Only valid on the days they were made for, gorilla permits are not refundable. They expire after your one hour with the gorillas and cannot be used any other day.

Winter in other nations corresponds with the dry season in Rwanda, which is regarded as one of the finest times to visit Rwanda for a gorilla safari. Since many visitors may be observed in the nation for gorilla trekking and other safari activities, it is also a high season; hence, visitors are urged to reserve the permits early enough for appropriate preparation. High hotel prices during the busy season raise the expense of a gorilla safari. Sometimes the low/rainy season—October to November and March to May—helps to lower the expenses.

Large group travel lowers the cost of the gorilla trek safari since many expenses, including transportation and lodging, are shared, unlike when one is going alone.

When gorilla trekking is divided into three groups and you are free to select the kind of lodging that fits your budget, Basic, mid-range, and luxury lodging options abound; whichever one you select will affect the price of your gorilla trek safari during the winter break in Rwanda.

Rwandan gorilla trekking policies and guidelines

The Rwanda Development Board established guidelines for gorilla trekking for every visitor to Rwanda, and they must be strictly observed since failing to follow them could result in one not seeing the Mountain gorillas. The trekking guidelines below will be reiterated throughout the briefing to help to prevent errors.

To be able to hike the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you have to be at least fifteen years of age. Age verification will be done with reference to a copy of your passport received during bookings. Still, the maximum age for as long as you are physically fit is not set.

Once you find them, you will keep seven meters separating yourself from the gorillas. This is meant to stop diseases and infections from visitors to the gorillas from readily spreading.
During the briefing, visitors are to be divided into groups of eight; this is the highest daily capacity allowed for gorilla family treking.

After finding the primates, every group has to spend an hour with them. The one-hour limit safeguards the gorillas; but, you will be asked to leave early should the gorillas start acting out before the hour ends.
Volcanoes National Park is expected to be maintained clean at all times; so, all the trash and anything you bring to the national park has to be disposed of properly in the bins.

Ask for a machete, relieve yourself—especially number two—during the trip, dig a hole away from the crowd, and then appropriately cover up the hole once you are finished with your business.
When around the gorillas, make sure you either make very little or no noise.
If you feel poorly on the trek day, volunteer to skip gorilla trekking. Gorillas get sick fast, hence unwell trekkers are not permitted to continue their journey in order to avoid death.

You will not be permitted to eat, drink, or smoke under no circumstances while among the gorillas.
Steer clear of employing flash photography for pictures since it is illegal.
Never touch the gorillas; also avoid direct eye contact with them.

What should you pack for your gorilla trip safari in Rwanda during winter?

Fashion: Clothing Rwanda values decency; so, you have to pack appropriately to blend in with the people. One does gorilla safaris in the jungle. Long-sleeved shirts for added 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 mix in with the jungle, undershirts, long socks for warmth and tucking in of pants. Furthermore essential are garden gloves, which shield the hands from blisters and other injuries throughout the walk.

You should definitely include strong hiking boots since they are essential. They should be waterproof, ankle-length, and comfortable to prevent blisters on the feet; they are not new. Try walking or trekking in them before you leave so that you become acclimated to their weight and make sure they are not heavy.

A cozy sweater and waterproof raincoat.

Refillable water bottle; sunscreen; a sunhat; first aid kit; waterproof day backpack; toiletries; changeable gaiters.

Without a camera, safaris are incomplete; thus, one should be on your list of things to pack. The best and simplest camera available is a point-of- view one. Remember also other camera gear: batteries, lenses, extra storage, a tripod, and a waterproof camera bag.

For example, golden monkeys and various bird species, both international and endemic, binoculars enable one to detect the gorillas lurking in the trees and other animals present in the national park.

Accommodation for gorilla treking in Rwanda

Basic, mid-range, and luxury lodging choices abound in and around Volcanoes National Park. Among these are 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.

When should I arrange my Winter break gorilla safari in Rwanda?
Travelers visiting Rwanda engage in highly popular gorilla trekking, hence if you wish to take part during your winter vacation, you must book as early as June or earlier to acquire the desired dates. Given the great demand for permits, it is suggested to secure one early enough and enjoy your break free from any obstacles.

Other Rwanda safari locations and activities
After gorilla trekking during your winter vacation, Rwanda presents several safari sites and activities you could enjoy. These include chimpanzee trekking and habituation; cycling and a walk on the Nyungwe Forest National Park canopy walk; Golden monkey trekking; enjoying the Kwita Izina ceremony and cultural excursions in Volcanoes National Park; game drives and bird viewing in Akagera National Park; visiting the genocide memorial sites dispersed around the nation; cycling safaris; enjoying a walk through Kigali City and a boat ride along Lake Kivu.

Making it to Volcanoes National Park
From Kigali International Airport, Volcanoes National Park is two to three hours’ drive away; you will be picked up in a cosy 4×4 safari vehicle. Arriving early allows you to tour Kigali prior to the drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Why ought you to reserve your winter break gorilla safari with us?

For many years, we have been planning gorilla safaris for Rwanda and Uganda. Helping you schedule your winter break trip to see the mountain gorillas will help us to negotiate them effortlessly. Rwanda just removed visas for African nationals, hence during your winter break you can experience gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. We will plan your safari keeping your budget in mind and provide guidance on what would be ideal.

And if you have any more questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda, feel free to get in touch with us as we have people ready to respond to queries and more you might have to ensure your holiday is fun and great.