Luxury 4 Nights Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda

►Introducing Rwanda 

Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is located in East Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for its stunning landscapes of lush green hills, serene lakes, and breathtaking wildlife. It is home to some of Africa's most remarkable wildlife, including the famous mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, as well as lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, and diverse ecosystems.

Beyond its incredible landscapes, Rwanda has a deeply moving history. The country has risen from the tragedies of the 1994 genocide and is now a symbol of hope, peace, and reconciliation. Rwanda was the ninth safest country in the world in 2017, as voted by the World Economic Forum, and is consistently ranked as one of Africa’s safest countries to visit. 

Whether you're tracking gorillas, enjoying a peaceful lake retreat, or exploring its rich history and vibrant culture, Rwanda offers unforgettable adventure and reflection. With its commitment to conservation, Rwanda is also a leader in sustainable tourism, ensuring that its natural beauty and wildlife are preserved for generations to come.

►When is the best time to visit Rwanda? 

• Dry Seasons: June to September and December to February
  • Ideal for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and hiking in national parks
  • Pleasant weather with minimal rainfall
• Wet Seasons: March to May and October to November
  • Lush landscapes and fewer tourists
  • Can be challenging for outdoor activities due to occasional rain
• Overall, the dry season is preferred for most activities, but Rwanda is beautiful year-round.

►What I need to know about travelling to Rwanda: 

• Visa Requirements

  • You can apply for a tourist visa online at https://irembo.gov.rw

  • If you are visiting Uganda and/or Kenya as well, apply for the East African Visa which will allow you to enter Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya multiple times. 

• Currency:

  • The official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). While major credit cards are accepted in urban areas, it's a good idea to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas.

• Language:

  • Rwanda's official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. English is widely spoken in urban areas, particularly in Kigali and tourist locations.

• Health and Safety:

  • Vaccinations: Your doctor may recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and malaria before traveling.
  • Malaria prevention: Malaria is a risk in certain areas, so carrying anti-malarial medication may be necessary depending on your travel destination within the country.

• Time Zone:

  • Rwanda is in the Central Africa Time (CAT) zone, which is UTC +2. Rwanda does not observe daylight saving time.

• Electricity:

  • Rwanda uses 230V, with a Type C and Type J plug system. It’s a good idea to bring an adapter for your electronics

►What are the best things to do in Rwanda?

• Chimp trekking
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Rwandan Genocide Memorial
• Relax on Lake Kivu (third deepest lake in Africa)
• Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park 

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our blog: 'Ultimate guide to trekking with mountain gorillas and chimp'.

Mountain gorillas live in forests at elevations of 2,000 - 4,000m. They have thicker fur than other great apes which helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. There are approximately 1,000 of these fascinating creatures left in the world and Volcanos National Park in Rwanda is home to about 340 of them. This adventure is your chance to trek with one of the most unique animals on the planet.

Notes

• Gorilla permits often sell-out up to 1 year in advance so please book extra permits in advance. 

Between 7 April and 15 July 1994, one million Tutsi’s lost their lives in one of the worst genocides in history. Visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial is your chance to learn from this tragedy and to pay your respects to those who lost their lives. The visit is an extremely confronting experience and as such it is a free optional activity.

This is a very educational experience that tells the story of an international disaster that could, and should, have been prevented. Rwanda is also an incredible story of survival and hope. The country has come a long way since 1994. It is now a thriving economic hub with a stable government. According to the Australian Government, Rwanda is a safe country to visit and in 2017, The World Economic Forum ranked Rwanda as the 9th safest country in the world.  

►Tracking primates in the wild 

• Is it safe to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • Yes, it is safe. You’ll be accompanied by trained guides and armed rangers, and the animals are habituated to human presence. Safety protocols are strictly followed.

• Where does gorilla & golden monkey trekking take place in Rwanda?
  • Gorilla are only found in Volcanos National Park.
• How do I get to Volcanoes National Park?
  • Volcanos National Park is approximately 3 hours drive outside of Kigali. 
  • The only flight options are charter helicopter flights that start at approx. US$10,000. 
• What is the best time of year to trek with gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • The best times are during the dry seasons:
    • June to September
    • December to February
• How difficult is the trek?
  • The trek can range from moderate to strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family and trail conditions.
  • You may hike anywhere from 1 to 6 hours (or more), often over steep and uneven terrain.
  • Rwanda is generally regarded as easier than Uganda. 
• How close can I get to the gorillas and golden monkeys?
  • You will be allowed to observe them from a safe distance of about 7 meters (21 feet). This helps protect both you and the animals from potential illness or stress.
• Is there an age restriction?
  • Yes. The minimum age for:
    • Gorilla trekking is 15 years
    • Golden monkey trekking is 12 years
• What should I wear and bring for the trek?
  • Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (neutral colours)
  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Gardening gloves (for rough vegetation)
  • Reusable water bottle & snacks
  • Daypack and walking stick (provided or available for hire)
  • Camera (no flash photography)
• Are porters available?
  • Yes, local porters are available and highly recommended. They can carry your bag, help you navigate difficult terrain, and support the local economy. 

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

Here are a few notes about tipping:

• Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
• The best way to tip is to roll the money in your hand and shake each persons hand, or present them with an envelope. 
• The best time to tip is at the end of each activity, or at the end of your time with the guide (i.e. tip a safari guide when you say goodbye after X days). 
• Tips recommended below should be split between the group.
• Tips should ideally be handed to each ranger/tracker/guide or deposited into the tip boxes at the headquarters/lodge. 
  • Where practical, we do not recommend giving all of the tips to the head guide, as this usually leads to them keeping most of the tip and the rest of the staff missing out. 

Here is an approximate calculation of tips you might be expected to pay on this tour: 

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
     • Maria (Logistics Manager | Tanzania): +255 789 314 483
   • Email: [email protected]
3. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
     • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
     • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• First lodge 
  • Heaven Boutique Hotel 
    • +250 787 785 595
• Ronald
  • Our trusted driver in Rwanda & Uganda 
    • +256 772 510 285 (best on WhatsApp)

Talk to one of our African experts about adding one or more of the following to your adventure:

SAFARI
ZANZIBAR	CHIMPS
VICTORIA FALLS	CAPE TOWN

We have been exploring Africa since 2008, and can help you with all of Africa's big attractions. Simply call us on +61 432 822 652 or email [email protected]