Questions & Answers About Rwanda
If this is your first time travelling to Rwanda, Uganda or the DRC, you probably have countless questions. On this page, we compiled some questions and answers which we feel will shed some light on your planned journey.
You can click the question’s title, and the answer will expand below. If we missed anything, please drop us an email, and we will gladly send you detailed information on your questions.
What is the best time to do Gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking tours are conducted throughout the year. Since mountain gorillas live within the tropical rain forests, it can be slippery and muddy. We recommend the dry season that stretches from June to September and December to March. During this time, the gorillas move further afield in search of food so treks during the dry season can last longer.
How much does a Gorilla permit cost?
Gorilla trekking permits are very expensive – US$ 1500 per permit.
Rwanda offers a 30% discount on gorilla permits if your visit includes a minimum visit of three days to the other Rwanda parks, Akagera or Nyungwe. They also offer discounted rates during the low season of November to May.
Conference guests who stay pre and post MICE events qualify for a 15% discount.
In what areas can Gorillas be tracked?
The best places in the world to see Mountain Gorillas are the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas can be tracked in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo and Western Lowland Gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
What is the minimum age to go Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking?
You must be 15 years or older to partake in gorilla trekking and 12 years and older to do chimpanzee trekking.
What is the difference between trekking Gorillas in Rwanda versus doing it in Uganda?
The experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is not so different. The biggest factor is price with a gorilla permit in Rwanda costing $1500 compared to Uganda’s $700. Both countries have the same rules with a maximum of eight persons to trek a single gorilla family and spending one hour with the gorillas. The terrain in Bwindi Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda is quite different. Bwindi has thick vegetation with no clear trails while Volcanoes National Park is less dense and has clearly marked tracking trails.
How fit do you need to be?
Due to the thick vegetation in Bwindi you need to be fairly fit to enjoy the trekking. Rwanda offers easier trekking, but do not underestimate it as you hike in higher altitude and will need to be reasonably fit.
What are the chances of seeing Mountain Gorillas?
The chances of seeing gorillas in the either in Bwindi or Volcanoes are very high. Gorilla trekking teams in Bwindi impenetrable forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda all try to optimise your chance to see the gorillas by using trackers and park rangers to trek them as early as possible. Once they find them, they will communicate the location with the park headquarters and your gorillas guide. The team will keep in touch with your guide to make sure he knows where the gorillas are, enabling you to reach them via the most direct route.
Is Rwanda safe?
Rwanda is considered to be one of the safest destinations in Africa. It is also one of the least corrupt countries in the world. While the genocide rocked the world in 1994, the country has been able to move past prejudice and collapse and has a very promising economic, political and social climate.
Is Rwanda/Uganda and the DRC malaria areas?
Yes, you need to take malaria preventive medication before and during your trip to Rwanda/Uganda and the DRC. The rainy season (between October and November) is a higher risk period.