How Do I Book Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings travelers face-to-face with one of the world’s most endangered and fascinating creatures: the mountain gorilla. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s premier gorilla trekking destination, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. However, booking a gorilla trekking adventure requires careful planning and understanding of the process. As a trusted safari operator, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. is here to guide you through every step of booking your gorilla trek in Rwanda, from acquiring permits to preparing for the adventure. Here’s a detailed guide on how to book your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

Understand the Gorilla Trekking Permit System

The first and most crucial step when booking a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is understanding the permit system. The government of Rwanda regulates the number of visitors who can trek to see the mountain gorillas each day in Volcanoes National Park, issuing a limited number of permits to protect the animals and their environment. As a result, booking your gorilla trekking permit is essential, and it must be secured in advance.

Rwanda issues only 96 gorilla permits per day, which are distributed across the 12 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by tourists. These permits are in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons (from June to September and December to February). Therefore, booking your permit well in advance is crucial to ensure availability and to avoid disappointment.

Choose the Right Trekking Dates

When planning your gorilla trekking adventure, you should consider the timing of your trip. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. These months offer better trekking conditions as the trails are less muddy, and the weather is more predictable.

However, even in the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November), trekking is still possible, and the park is less crowded. The price for gorilla permits remains the same throughout the year, regardless of the season, but availability can be limited during peak times.

It is advisable to check the availability of trekking permits for your desired dates early and plan accordingly. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. can assist you in selecting the best dates for your trek based on your preferences and availability.

Select Your Preferred Trekking Experience

There are several ways to experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and selecting the right experience will help ensure that your adventure meets your expectations.

• Standard Gorilla Trekking: This is the most common trekking experience, where you are part of a group (typically 8 people) trekking to one of the habituated gorilla families. It can take between 1 and 6 hours to find the gorillas, depending on their location. Once you reach them, you can spend up to one hour observing and photographing the gorillas.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: This is a more exclusive and immersive experience, allowing trekkers to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas. This trek offers a deeper connection, as visitors can observe the gorillas’ natural behavior and interact with researchers who are involved in the habituation process. This experience is perfect for those looking for a more in-depth and unique adventure.

Both options are fantastic, but the Gorilla Habituation Experience is limited to only a few permits per day, making it essential to book well in advance if you are interested.

Book Your Gorilla Permit Through a Tour Operator or Directly

You can book your gorilla trekking permit either directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through a reputable tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. While booking directly with RDB is possible, it can be time-consuming and may require you to navigate the permit system on your own, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process.

At Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd., we streamline the process by handling the booking of your permits, ensuring that everything is taken care of for you. As an experienced and certified safari operator, we work closely with RDB to secure permits for our clients, saving you time and effort. This also allows us to curate a complete safari itinerary that includes accommodation, transportation, and other activities, providing a seamless and stress-free experience.

Choose Your Accommodation

Rwanda offers a wide range of accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious resorts. Your choice of accommodation will depend on your budget, preferences, and the level of comfort you seek. Some of the most popular lodges near the park include:

• Luxury Lodges: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offer top-notch services and stunning views of the Volcanoes National Park. These lodges provide an exclusive and luxurious experience for trekkers.
• Mid-Range Lodges: For those seeking a comfortable stay without breaking the bank, lodges like Kinigi Guesthouse and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offer great options with excellent services and proximity to the park.
• Budget Lodges: Budget options are available, including community-based guesthouses and campsites, for those looking for an affordable and authentic experience.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. can assist you in choosing the best accommodation based on your preferences and budget, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient.

Plan Your Transport and Logistics

Getting to Volcanoes National Park requires careful planning, especially if you’re arriving in Rwanda for the first time. The park is located about 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, which has the nearest international airport.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. offers private transport options from Kigali to the park, ensuring that your journey is safe, comfortable, and seamless. We can also help arrange flights from other destinations if necessary. Whether you need airport transfers, safari vehicles, or transport to nearby attractions, we have you covered.

Prepare for the Trekking Experience

Once your gorilla trekking permit, accommodation, and transport are booked, it’s time to prepare for the trek itself. You’ll need to pack appropriately for the trek, which can involve rugged terrain and changing weather conditions. Recommended items include:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and poncho
• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (to protect against the forest underbrush)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle and snacks
• Insect repellent
• Camera (with extra batteries and memory cards)

Your guide will provide safety instructions on the day of the trek, and it’s important to follow these guidelines for your own safety and the protection of the gorillas.

Finalizing Your Booking

Once you’ve selected your preferred trek dates, accommodations, and transportation, and your permits are secured, the final step is to make the payment. For your convenience, Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. offers multiple payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money services. We’ll ensure that all aspects of your trip are confirmed, and you’ll receive your official gorilla trekking permits, itinerary, and travel details.

Conclusion

Booking a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda involves a series of steps, from securing your permits to planning your accommodations and transport. With careful planning and the assistance of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd., your dream adventure is just a few steps away. As your trusted tour operator, we ensure that every aspect of your journey is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the excitement of trekking through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to meet the majestic mountain gorillas. Let us help you create a memorable and seamless gorilla trekking experience that will stay with you forever.