Gorilla Trekking
Enjoy one of the world's most rewarding wildlife experiences
Travel Style: Overland Expeditions
Gorilla Permit Price - £360 | €430 | CHF650 | US$570 | C$650 | A$770 | NZ$950
Prices last updated: November 2009
High on the flanks of the Virunga Mountains in the Parc des Volcans of Rwanda, mountain gorillas roam freely through the misty rainforest in small family groups. Trekking to meet these amazing creatures face-to-face represents the ultimate wildlife encounter and if you're intending to visit East Africa then this is an experience not to be missed.
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered with only about 700 left in the world, about half living in the mountains of Rwanda, so visiting them in their own habitat is something only a few people will ever be able to enjoy. Don't miss out on your chance to make eye contact with one of these gentle giants in the wild!
Booking and Payment
If you want the chance to trek to see the rare mountain gorillas, you will need to buy a special permit. Due to the strict controls imposed by the ORTPN (Office Rwandais du Tourism et des Parcs Nationaux) to protect the gorillas, only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit each habituated group per day. This means that permits are at a premium, particularly in the high season months of July and August.
You need to make your booking as far in advance as possible and will need to provide Tucan Travel or your travel agent with your passport details in writing at the time of booking, along with a deposit (see our booking conditions) or the full amount if booking within 60 days of departure. If you want to visit the gorillas during the high season we strongly recommend that you book your permit at least 3 to 4 months in advance. If you choose to book your permit less than 60 days before departure, we will still attempt to secure you a permit but limited availability is likely to greatly reduce your chances of success.
Please note: There is also a transport fee of US$10 to be paid locally to get you from Musanze (formerly known as Rhuengeri), where we camp with the expedition vehicle, to the starting point of the trek. This fee is not set by Tucan Travel and may be subject to change without notice. If couples wish to trek together to the same gorilla family on the same day they must request this at the time of booking. Please bear in mind that mountain gorillas are wild animals and there is no guarantee that you will actually see them - however we have not missed out on previous tours.
Cancellation
Once your permit has been confirmed we cannot make any changes to the trek date as the permit is non-changeable and non-refundable. If other changes need to be made to the permit (excluding date changes), an administration charge will apply, so it is important that you give us all the correct details at booking. Cancellation by you is subject to our standard booking conditions (see clause 4a on page 226 of the 2009-10 brochure). Please see the ‘Gorilla Information Sheet’ on our website for full details of the trek.
Your Passport - Important Information
You MUST apply for your permit with the same passport as you will use to travel to Rwanda. It is extremely important to check that it has a minimum of 6 months validity after the end of your tour before you apply. Your permit is linked to your name and passport number and if you amend or renew your passport after we have confirmed your permit it will no longer be valid.
Price Changes
Please note that the prices quoted are subject to local regulation and may change without notice. Although we will endeavour to keep to the fees listed, it may become necessary to increase our prices accordingly. Therefore the cost of the trek is based on the trek date and not the booking date. Any changes in these permit prices will be posted on our website and also advised at the time of booking if known. You will be advised whether the price increase will be paid at the time of booking, or locally in US$ cash.
Trekking to the Mountain Gorillas
There is no doubt that this is one of the most amazing wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Sadly, if gorilla numbers continue to decline, this trek will be less and less possible as time goes on - so for most travellers, this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In order to make the most of your visit, it is important that you are well prepared. The actual trek can vary from being a relatively easy 1 hour walk to an arduous and tiring 8 hour climb through dense, rough jungle; it will all depend on where the gorillas are when you visit. The gorillas are tracked by the rangers on a daily basis and you will start your trek from the area where they were seen the previous day. Here are a few useful tips to bear in mind for your trek:
1. The weather is extremely changeable. It often rains in the mountains and the temperature can vary quickly from extreme heat to extreme cold, so you will need to wear layers and have a good waterproof outer layer.
2. As the vegetation can be thick and sharp, you will need protective clothing (so no shorts) and we suggest that you also take a pair of gardening gloves so that you can pull yourself up on vines etc.
3. A comfortable, worn-in pair of walking boots or shoes with good ankle support is essential as you may be walking for a long time.
4. You will require a day pack to carry water, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, toilet roll and lunch etc.
5. Before you depart for your trek you will be given a brief talk by the park rangers to explain the rules of being with the gorillas and how to behave.
6. The rangers not only have your safety in mind, but also that of the gorillas, so therefore no contact is permitted and you are expected to keep 10 metres distance between you and the gorillas at all times.
7. You will be accompanied at all times by a tracker/guide and an armed park ranger and once you reach the gorillas, you will have no longer than one hour to watch them. This time passes incredibly quickly so we recommend that as well as taking photos, you do take some time away from the camera to just watch them and enjoy being a part of their habitat for a short while.
8. Please note if you are sick on the day of trekking, it is advisable not to trek as your illness could be contagious to the gorillas and could threaten the health of the mountain gorilla population.
Last updated: November 2009
