Rwanda: Gorilla trek advice requested

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doihavetoleave
doihavetoleave

Hello,

I have searched through a variety of past messages and emailed a number of tour operators, as well as the government agency that is the permit-issuing entity. My girlfriend and I are going to be in East Africa roughly from June 7 - July 22. We are considering flying into Nairobi and out of Dar or the reverse. In either case, it appears that Rwanda will be approximately a halfway point and so we'd like to go on a gorilla-viewing trek around July 1.

Do I need to book this in advance? Is it reasonable to be able to show up and book a trip the day of or the day before? I generally prefer not to book things in advance (especially expensive things), particularly when I'm required to wire money to a stranger. I don't want to jeopardize our gorilla-viewing experience, however.

Provided that I do need to book in advance, does anyone have any tour companies that they particularly recommend? Any thoughts on using a tour operator rather than going directly through the agency itself? It seems that it is roughly USD$90/person more expensive to use an agency and i don't see what, if any, benefit they provide. Happy to pay for services received/provided.

thank you!

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chillinscottie
chillinscottie

BOOK IN ADVANCE IS A MUST! The permits sell out sometimes months in advance and like you have said its risky! We met a couple who had been waiting in Rwanda for two weeks trying to get their hands on a permit, they had purchased permits three times before and sadly all three were fake.

I travelled with Africa Travel Co back in 2007 , they're budget but good company with a great deal of trips and many options. They have a mixture of Local tour guides and westerners (mostly aussies i think cos theyre an aussie company) and dispite some negative reviews I have read on here I have travelled with them many time since and had no problem.

They have a great varitey of trips so hopefully this helps and you can sort it all out, let me know if you have an more questions or concerns about this or any other stuff as I have visited eastern/southern africa a few times.

Peace

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chriskean1
chriskean1

I would try to book ahead, directly with the ORTPN if possible to avoid the added costs. Assuming this is going to be a highlight and a significant expense of your trip, it's worth sacrificing a little flexibility in order to plan other things around it.

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bigbri
bigbri

ATC is a fine overland company, but no need to book a tour for this. I agree with CK1. Get your permits in advance from the ORTPN. If they are not responding by email, then you may need to call them. I would not worry about wiring them the money.

Peace,

BB

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bigbri
bigbri

Oh, and depending upon permit availability, you might also consider trekking in Uganda. Again, you should get your permit in advance directly from the UWA.

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lidbit
lidbit

Definitely contact ORTPN directly first - they can tell you about availability during the time period you're looking at. You don't need to go through a tour operator. it's easy to get around the country by yourself and even to get to the Park office, however, you'll need another $70 for a driver and 4WD you to the trailhead (from Musanze), or $80 if you arrange it at the park office.

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doihavetoleave
doihavetoleave

Thanks all. Neither the Rwandan agency (ORTPN) or the Uganda agency (UWA) has responded to my emails. I will try to call them.

-OP

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doihavetoleave
doihavetoleave

ORTPN was very responsive via the telephone. I'd definiately recommend that in the future. They've promised to email me the wire instructions. Hopefully that happens quickly enough.

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franzen
franzen

i rocked up and got a permit the next day, so def not always essential to prebook. i went in december last year, so not sure how different the seasons are in popularity.

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