Journeys: Wild Encounters in Rwanda - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the minimum and maximum age to join this tour?

  All passengers must be aged 15 years or older to participate in this tour. The maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the physical rating for this trip?

  This trip has a physical rating of level 4. Travellers should be in excellent physical condition, without any heart problems, and prepared for strenuous days in humid rainforests, steep terrain, and high-altitude trekking for gorillas and other primates.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. It also covers arrival and departure transfers, all national park entrance fees, Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance, mountain gorilla trek with permits, golden monkey trek with permits, a local village walk, safari drives in Akagera National Park, a wildlife boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What kind of wildlife encounters can I expect?

  You will have unforgettable expeditions to track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in the rainforest of Volcanoes National Park. In Akagera National Park, you'll go on safari in search of the 'big five' (lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo), zebras, giraffes, hyenas, antelopes, baboons, and hundreds of bird species, as well as hippos and crocodiles on Lake Ihema.

• What are the accommodations like?

  You will stay in comfortable hotels/lodges for 7 nights. Standards may differ from what you are used to in your home country. Most lodges and camps do not have 24-hour electricity (generators usually shut off overnight), and are not equipped with fans or air conditioning. Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and additional blankets or hot water bottles can be requested.

• What should I know about mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking?

  Trekking can vary in length and difficulty (4-9 hours for gorillas) and involves navigating lush, muddy rainforests with dense vegetation. Proper hiking attire in neutral colors (no bright colors or army camouflage) is essential. Walking sticks are provided, and gaiters can be rented. Porters are available for approximately $10 USD to assist and support the local community. It is a national park regulation that if you are unwell with anything contagious (even a common cold), you may be denied entry to protect the primates, and permits will not be refunded. You will spend one hour with the golden monkeys, and a maximum of one hour with a gorilla family (maximum 8 trekkers per group), maintaining a 7m distance. Touching the gorillas, making loud noises, or sudden movements are not allowed.

• What currency should I bring and how do I handle money?

  The local currency is the Rwanda Franc. US Dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency, but notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Larger USD notes ($50, $100) may be harder to change but offer better rates. Bring USD cash for visas at borders. Traveller’s cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus debit cards are most widely accepted, while Mastercard/Cirrus cards are harder to use. ATMs can run out of cash, and power outages may affect access. Credit cards are only accepted in major cities and may incur a 5-10% fee. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 as an emergency fund.

• Is tipping expected on this tour?

  Yes, tipping is an expected component of your tour, serving as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service and contributing to local income. Guidelines for per person tipping are: Driver/Guide: $5-10 USD (per day), Gorilla Trekking Guides: $10-15 USD (per day), Gorilla Trekking Porters: $20 USD (per day), and Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the bill. It's recommended for group members to contribute anonymously into an envelope and present it together.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader (Chief Experience Officer or CEO) will be with you throughout the tour, organizing the trip and assisting you. Our CEOs in East Africa are experienced, with broad knowledge of the region. They will also drive the 4x4 safari vehicle. Experienced and certified tracking guides, along with armed guards, will accompany you during treks in Volcanoes National Park. Local guides are also used for some included activities.

• Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

  Yes, single travellers are welcome. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation (paired with someone of the same sex), and there is no single supplement if you choose this option. If you prefer your own single accommodation, a 'My Own Room' option is available for an additional cost.

• What are the health requirements or recommendations for this trip?

  You should contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for entry into Rwanda if you are travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so speak to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and use insect repellent. Carry a basic first-aid kit and advise your tour leader of any medical conditions. Airport and border health screenings may be in place due to regional health advisories.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour primarily uses 4x4 safari vehicles (Land Cruisers) driven by your CEO. Please note these vehicles do not have A/C but have large windows for viewing. Road travel can involve long drives on poor conditions. Additionally, you will be walking, hiking, and taking boat trips (e.g., on Lake Ihema).

• Are there any optional activities available?

  There are no optional activities specified for this tour; all listed activities are included in the itinerary.

• What are the group sizes like on this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 6 travellers, with an average group size of 5.

• What are some of the main highlights of this trip?

  Main highlights include observing endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, discussing gorilla conservation efforts with a researcher at the Karisoke Research Centre, spending time in Kigali’s bustling Nyamirambo neighbourhood, and tracking the 'big five' on safari in Akagera National Park.