Gorilla Trek Independent Adventure - 3 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main highlight of this adventure?

  The main highlight is the guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The tour also includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes the guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, all national park fees and trekking permits, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay in hotels for two nights, such as Gorilla Valley Lodge. Due to unpredictable gorilla movements, accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may be in either Kisoro, Buhoma, or Ruhija. If you are a single traveler, you will have your own room, while two or more travelers will share twin rooms.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  Only two breakfasts are included in this trip. You will have flexibility to choose restaurants at your hotels or local establishments for other meals. Your guide can advise on pre-ordering a packed lunch for your day excursions.

• What is the physical activity level required for this tour, especially for the gorilla trek?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4, requiring at least an average level of fitness and mobility. Travelers must be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, and carry their own luggage. The gorilla trek itself involves strenuous days in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high altitudes.

• What is the minimum age for participating in the gorilla trekking?

  The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old.

• What happens if I am unwell on the day of the gorilla trek?

  If you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied participation in the trek to ensure the safety of the gorillas. This is a national park regulation, and trekking permits will not be refunded if entrance is denied due to illness.

• Is it guaranteed that I will see gorillas during the trek?

  While no wildlife sighting can be 100% guaranteed, the mountain gorilla trek is organized for high success. Local guides receive coordinates from trackers who stay with the gorillas, ensuring the group tracks from their last known location.

• What currency should I bring and how should I manage money during the trip?

  The local currencies are Rwanda Franc in Rwanda and Ugandan Shilling in Uganda. USD is the most widely accepted currency for exchange. It is recommended to bring enough USD cash for additional drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, noting that USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Travellers' cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system debit cards are widely accepted, while Mastercard/Cirrus cards are less common. Credit cards can be used in major cities with a 5-10% fee. It's advisable to have a combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards, and an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• Are porters available for hire during the gorilla trek?

  Yes, porters can be hired for an additional cost of 20 USD per person. They can carry your personal items and assist you during the trek.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. It is also strongly recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What is the tipping etiquette on this tour?

  Tipping is optional but expected as a sign of satisfaction and is an important source of income for local tourism workers. Suggested guidelines (per client): CEOs and drivers: $5 USD per day worked; Gorilla Trekking Guides: $3-5 USD per day for the trek; Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of the bill; Local guides: $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• What about visas and entry requirements for Uganda and Rwanda?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visas for Uganda for most nationalities must be obtained through an online Electronic Visa application in advance, with a $50 USD cash payment upon arrival at the border. Most nationalities will require a visa to visit Rwanda. An East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) allows free movement between Rwanda and Uganda for 90 days and costs US$100. It must be applied for in advance, and your first entry point must be the country through which you applied.

• What is the typical group size and tour style for this adventure?

  This is an Independent style tour, meaning there are no dedicated group departures, but you may be pooled with other passengers. The gorilla trek itself permits a maximum of 8 passengers per day.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

  You will be staying in hotels for 2 nights. Due to the unpredictable movement of gorillas, your accommodation may be in either Kisoro, Buhoma or Ruhija, with Gorilla Valley Lodge being one example. If you book as a single traveler, you will have your own room throughout; for 2+ travelers, you will be sharing a twin room.

• Are meals included in the tour?

  Only 2 breakfasts are included in this trip. This provides flexibility for you to choose dining options. Your guide will also advise you about pre-ordering a packed lunch for your day excursion.

• What is the physical rating for this trip, and what fitness level is required?

  This trip has a physical rating of 4. Visitors should be in excellent physical condition, without heart problems, and prepared for strenuous days in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high altitude when trekking for gorillas. Travelers must be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• Is it guaranteed that I will see gorillas during the trek, and are there any specific rules to be aware of?

  While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the mountain gorilla trek is organized for success with local guides receiving real-time coordinates from trackers. A crucial rule is that if you are unwell with anything contagious (even a common cold), you may be denied entry to the treks to ensure gorilla safety, and permits will not be refunded. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old.

• Can I hire a porter for the gorilla trek?

  Yes, porters can be hired for an additional cost of USD 20 per person. They will carry your personal items and assist you during the trek.

• Who will be leading the tour and the gorilla trek?

  For this tour, you will be led by a local Driver CEO who will be your main group manager and contact. During the gorilla trek, you will be accompanied by an experienced and certified tracking guide and armed guards for your safety. Local guides may also be used for some included activities where specific knowledge is beneficial.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for this trip to Uganda and Rwanda?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum 6 months validity. For Uganda, visas for most nationalities must be obtained through an Electronic Visa application online in advance, with a $50 USD cash payment upon arrival at the border. For Rwanda, most nationalities will require a visa. An East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) allows free movement between Rwanda and Uganda for 90 days and acts as a multiple-entry visa. It must be applied for in advance, and your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa. It is vital to check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

• What currency should I bring, and what should I know about using credit/debit cards?

  The local currency is the Rwanda Franc in Rwanda and the Ugandan Shilling in Uganda. USD is the most widely accepted currency. It's recommended to bring enough USD cash for additional drinks, snacks, and souvenir shopping. Please note that USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards, though Mastercard/Cirrus cards are harder to use. Credit cards are accepted in major cities only, usually with a 5-10% fee. Be aware of potential power outages and ATMs running out of cash, so a combination of foreign currency and cards is best.

• What are the guidelines for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping is optional but expected as a way to show satisfaction. It is a significant source of income for those in the tourism industry. Recommended guidelines (per client): CEOs and drivers $5 USD per day worked, Gorilla Trekking Guides $3-5 USD per day for the trek, Restaurant/Café servers 10% of the bill, and local guides $1 USD for every couple of hours.

• How much emergency money should I carry?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What health information should I be aware of before traveling?

  We recommend you contact your family physician or local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travelers should carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes. Medical facilities are basic in these countries. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor. A yellow fever certificate will be required upon entering Uganda.

• How does the tour operator contribute to local communities?

  The tour operator supports the Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. Planeterra develops and supports community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

• What should I know about safety and security during the trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice for the latest safety information before departure. It is strongly advised to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and to leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When you have free time, use good judgment when choosing activities. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis for night-time excursions. Avoid protests or demonstrations, as they can turn violent without warning.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour price includes the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guided mountain gorilla trek, all national park fees and trekking permits, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.