Gorillas

Hey,

I've just written the previous post about recommendations in Tanzania and wondered if people had any advise on the gorilla safari's in Rwanda and Uganda? Is it possibly to do them in around a week if I'll be starting from Arusha?

Thanks!

Flying yes most definitely. Note that flying into Uganda end of November is not advised because of CHOGM.

Make sure you book in advance though, it takes ages to book them up! There is an organisation that does gorilla safaris in Uganda/Rwanda who are great. real-africa.co.uk and have a look at their gorilla safari trips, they organise one for 5 days.

About "ages in advance": yes for Uganda and especially Bwindi
No for Rwanda.

I took a flight (RwandAir) from Kili Airport to Rwanda to see the gorillas. I booked my flight about a week beforehand while I was already in Tanzania -- no problems albeit a but pricey. I was a budget traveller, so took a cheap bus (again, no problems) from Kigali to Ruhungeri. Although I had pre-paid for my gorilla permit, I did not go with an organized tour so had to arrange my own transport to the park entrance at 6am. I stayed at a budget hotel in Ruhungeri and arranged for my driver the night before through the hotel. Unless you want to feel extra secure by paying more $$$ to ensure everything is taken care of, I would recommend organizing it yourself. You'll save at least $1,000. As a single female traveller, I felt totally secure in Rwanda (even more so than in Tanzania) and loved every second. The gorillas were totally worth the expense also. Have fun!!!

My husband and I just saw the gorillas in October. We booked our trip with Travel Hemispheres (info@travelhemispheres.com) before we left Canada in July. We chose to do the tour from Rwanda because the drive to the park is only 3 to 4 hours from Kigali vs. 7 to 8 hours when going in Uganda. We also flew to Kigali, Rwanda from Nairobi, which I would suggest doing because the buses take FOREVER in Africa.

We paid approx $1500 USD and it was worth EVERY penny being able to spend time with the gorillas. My husband even had the silverback himself brush up against him while we were in the bush!