Luxury Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda
In early 2017 the Rwandan government doubled the cost of gorilla trekking permits from $750 to $1,500 in a move which initially proved to be controversial and was met with dismay within the tourism sector. However, the move was part of an attempt to provide greater benefit to the local economy, while limiting the amount of tourism into the region. Parc National De Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) – part home to Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains and possibly the best place in the world for mountain gorilla trekking – is Africa’s oldest park and as such makes for an extraordinary experience.
Adult male gorillas weigh up to 440 pounds and can reach a height of six feet when standing on two legs. Given the fact the VIP travelers are of a high class and some are multi millionaires, these will need to be highly Rwanda Gorilla Trekking protected by the Rwanda government security to ensure they are safe throughout their travel. Pinnacle Africa Safaris and Logistics will help organize this through the Ministry of Security and Internal affairs of Rwanda.
There are 5 regions to begin Luxury Gorilla Trekking adventure in Uganda; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ntebeko. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), one of Africa’s splendid Tropical Rain-forest parks lies in Southwestern Uganda, founded in 1991 and later, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This compact rain-forest conservation areas lies on an area measuring 331sq.kms and adjacent to it is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park a home to not only Mountain Gorillas but also the Golden monkeys. The two important parks are 8-9 hours’ drive starting from Entebbe/Kampala in Central Uganda and only 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Kigali. Congo gorilla permits apparently cost the lowest – just $450 all year round.
In DR Congo, Virunga national park is the only place where one can see mountain gorillas. To take part in gorilla trekking activities, one is required to have purchased a valid gorilla trekking permit. Gorilla permits cost $1500 in Rwanda, $700 in Uganda and $450 in Congo.
The Virunga Inn is a 4-star modern full-service hotel and resort for wildlife, business, and leisure guests, with rooms facing the tranquility and greenery of the Virunga mountains (Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi). The lodge is more developed with a western concept and is highly built to help passengers feel at home while being thousands of kilometers away from home. The rooms are quite comfortable and stylish, with wonderful furnishings and a comprehensive variety of services and facilities targeted to modern leisure, business, and wildlife guests. The Virunga Inn has been meticulously built to give a comfortable hotel experience at the cheapest rates. This midrange facility, located in the Northwestern region of Rwanda, offers excellent value for money.
While Bisate’s elevation means that it is not located in a malaria-risk area, other regions in Rwanda that you may pass through do carry a risk, including Magashi in Akagera National Park. We advise our guests to check with their medical practitioner/travel clinic regarding malaria prevention. Please be sure to do this several weeks prior to departure, as some courses of medication need to be started in advance of your arrival in Rwanda. Thirty-day tourist visas are free and available on arrival for citizens of member states of the Commonwealth, as well as for those of the African Union and the Francophone countries. The forests tend to be rainy and wet so we suggest you pack warm, protective clothing and comfortable walking/hiking boots.
Pinnacle Africa Safaris core value is to provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and luxury safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints“. Contact us here for Luxury and VIP Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and our dedicated safari consultants will help you plan your safari smoothly. After the trek, have lunch at the lodge and then proceed for a visit to the Ibycwa people and get to learn about their way of living as well as enjoying cultural performances like the local dances and songs.
Gorilla permits must be obtained in advance, especially during peak season, because they are in high demand. While lodging rates may be slightly higher during the dry season, the unforgettable experience of getting face to face with these majestic creatures rewards the expenditure. Spend some time in the Dian Fossey Map Room studying gorilla conservation milestones. Every client also receives a free massage, which they will find quite pleasant after their gorilla trekking adventure. Virunga Lodge is one of the best gorilla trekking lodges in Rwanda, thanks to its fantastic meals and great customized service.
You sleep in mid-range accommodation nicely located close to the national parks. You can visit the genocide memorials to get insight in the history of the genocide in Rwanda, and it will probably make you appreciate how far this country has come. Permits cost a standard fee of $600 all year round for foreign nationals. The parks have so many accommodation facilities too that can accommodate all classes. You can also choose to use flights for your transportation to and from. Journey through the Volcanoes, with mountain gorilla trek, ex-gorilla poachers, feel the remote life plus a visit to Dian Fossey fund.
With a tumultuous past that’s kept tourists at bay, Rwanda is now emerging as a go-to destination. Not only does it boast a captivating capital, Kigali, and friendly people but also offer best Rwanda Gorilla Trekking encounters in Volcanoes National Park. Coming face-to-face with these majestic creatures is what lures most visitors here, although the country’s many charms will linger long in your memory. Easily traversed, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling destinations – promising unique wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and warm, proud people.
Visit the vibrant Kimironko Market where everything local is on offer from artisan textiles to live chickens. My recent highlight was immersing myself with local designers now showing on the runways of Milan, and having some bespoke pieces made to order. Our safari consultants will at least with two ours of when you make an inquiry this can be on a short email as time difference is different and our working hours are usually from 8 am Rwandan time to 5 pm. We have made it priority to ensure clients of their money they pay to us this includes providing service as agreed between Great adventure safaris and the client and ensuring constant update on your services booked and paid. The luxury exclusive lodges are the top high end and luxury facilities with high standard of services meeting the high end demand and of international brand and standard. Some of the lodges include, Singita Kwitonda Safari Lodge, One & Only Gorilla Nest, Bisate Lodge, Bishop House, Governor Camp, Amahoro lodge, Volcano lodge, Volcano Manor, Five Volcanoes Lodge, to mention but a few.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry seasons of June to mid-September or December to February. The dry season has light cloud coverage, which helps to regulate the temperatures, although you may experience some rain. March to May is Rwanda’s long rainy season which can make for a wet gorilla trek, however, rain is always a possibility, regardless of season, while trekking in Volcanoes or Nyungwe. Go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey trekking through the forested slopes of Rwanda’s Virungas Volcanoes in search of the world’s largest population of wild mountain gorillas. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to around 350 mountain gorillas as well as many other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and baboons. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not for the faint of heart, making it ideal for adventurous travellers.