Rwanda

The long answer:  The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics.  Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country. 

 

Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.

 

Rwanda Gorilla Safari*     Standard from:  US$ 6,585   Luxury from:  US$ 8,985     Extensions   Lake Kivu:  US$    650   Tanzania Safari: US$ 6,289   Kenya Safari: US$ 6,595

Seasonal Pricing     Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec       Seasons    Low    High    Peak         Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing, which is based on holiday seasons.  For wildlife seasons & the best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab or contact us and tell us what you really want to see & do on safari.

 

Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.
*Rwanda Gorilla Safari price includes 1x gorilla trek permit (currently US$ 1500pp).

 

Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!

 

No hidden costs - Guaranteed!  
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.

Accommodation & responsible travel

We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests!  Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible.  They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.

 

Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?

	Standard		More Luxury & Exclusivity
	Good quality lodges &/or tented camps, which tend to be on the simple side. Food is of a good standard, often presented  as a self-serve buffet.		Small & intimate lodges or camps, often on a house drinks & extra activity inclusive basis. Usually in the best locations for wildlife viewing. High standards of Guiding, food & service.
	Accommodation featured:		Accommodation featured:
	Gorilla Mountain View Lodge  Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge  Gorilla's Nest Lodge (Ranch Rooms)  Kivu Safari Lodge Nyungwe Forest Camp		Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Jack Hannah's Cottage  Volcanoes Virunga Lodge Lake Kivu Serena Hotel  Nyungwe Forest Lodge

We clearly explain what's included & what's not:

 

Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, 1 Gorilla viewing permit, quality vehicle with qualified Driver/Guide, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.

 

All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.

 

Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Extra Gorilla, Golden Monkey, or other permits. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.

 

Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.  These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!

 

Your chances of seeing gorillas are pretty much the same throughout the year - we're not allowed to say 'guaranteed', but we can say 'very high'! What changes is the chance of rain, how green the vegetation is, and how far you may need to hike to find your gorilla family!

 

So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time. 

 

If you have any other specific interests - such as the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Uganda, seeing The Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania or Okavango Delta in Botswana in flood - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.

 

Guide to the safari seasons & the best time to go to Rwanda for Gorilla Safaris

	December - February Short dry season following the short rains. Gorilla families will move up & down the slopes in search of good foraging.
	March - mid May Classified as the long rains. Chances of rain are high, although this usually won't last all day.  Lush, green vegetation & beautiful wildflowers.  Gorillas will often be lower down on the slopes, resulting in shorter hikes.
	mid May - September Dry season, decreasing chance of rain, although it's still possible!  Gorillas may sometimes climb higher whilst foraging.
	October - November Short rains, bringing relief after the dry season. Delicious bamboo shoots on lower slopes, which Gorillas & Golden Monkeys love!

 

Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.