Car hire and transfer for gorilla trekking adventure.
Are you planning for a gorilla trekking safari to East Africa? Look no further than Self Drive Rwanda for the best hire vehicles. Consider choosing from our 4×4 fleet of cars which include Toyota Rav 4, Toyota Hiace vans, Land cruisers, and Buses, well maintained, and driven by experienced and professional English, French, and Spanish-speaking driver guides. Our guides are well-versed with the most popular travel destinations in East Africa particularly Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With Self Drive Rwanda, you are assured of safety, comfort, and convenience while on the road. Our vehicles are the latest models, use less fuel, and give you comfort even though some roads in Africa are bumpy. All our land cruisers are designed with pop-up roofs which enable you to have the best game views and photography, especially with wild animals in a distance.
For all the days you spend on your safari, expect no breakdowns, we have trained mechanics who ensure all vehicles are in good condition before the start of any trip. In case of any mechanical issues as you travel, we have mechanics in different places who can reach out to you for rescue to either switch you to another vehicle or sort out the mechanical problem within the shortest time possible. Mechanical support is provided 24/7, so in case of an emergency don’t hesitate to inform us in time.
Our safari Land cruisers are strong enough, they accommodate 5-7 people depending on the type. We have Landcruiser LX, and TX, Landcruiser Prado, Landcruiser V8, and Landcruiser extended. They have enough space for everyone to sit comfortably at a window and space for the luggage. They are so fit and safe for wild journeys and gorilla trekking expeditions to any African country.
Vehicles from Self-drive Rwanda can be hired for self-drive or with a driver. We also provide enhancing items like rooftop tents and underground tents, camping gear that contains all kitchen utensils and cutlery, extra baby seats, GPS, fridge or cooler box for storing drinks and fruits, and other services as per your request.
Things to consider before renting a vehicle for your gorilla safari
Know the number of people to join you on the safari and the size of their luggage. Each traveler should at least have two soft bags. this will help you to avoid unnecessary stopovers by the traffic officers.
Confirm your flight schedule that is arrival and departure. This will help you to organize a proper itinerary for your trip. You will know the number of days to stay with the rented vehicle and the price to pay. This will help you to regulate your budget.
Always keep in touch with your travel Agent (Self Drive Rwanda) to know when to pick you up from the airport or Hotel and remember to share any changes in your travel plans before the arrival date.
If you consider hiring a driver guide, make sure he avails a written proof of status as being part of your rental company, should be knowledgeable of all the places you wish to travel, fluent with a language that you can also use, organised, punctual and have a valid driver’s license. More information about the driver can be obtained from the company’s TripAdvisor page to see how past clients commented about him.
The safari vehicle you choose for your trip should have the necessary features and equipment, be in good mechanical condition, be well-fitted, has a pop-up roof, a toolbox, and a four-wheel drive to help you traverse varying terrain.
If you are to cross to different countries in East Africa, the vehicle documentation should include a COMESA certificate to avoid any inconveniences at the cross-border posts.
Before acquiring full responsibility for the vehicle for that specified period of your trip, read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract /rental agreement. It must state the rental company, type of vehicle, the purpose of service, insurance cover, rental period, penalties, and other related fines in case of violation of any clause. You can request for a detailed explanation about any clause that is not clear.
Ensure that you find the vehicle that suits your budget and once every thing is settled, set off for your gorilla adventure and other wildlife destinations.
Gorilla tracking in East Africa is mainly carried out in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda, and the democratic republic of Congo. In Uganda visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga National Park, In Rwanda, gorillas reside in the Volcanoes National Park, and in DRC Congo, Visit Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. To every gorilla trekking destination, only 8 people are allowed to visit a particular gorilla family. For one to go gorilla trekking, he/she should be 15 years and above and must first acquire a gorilla trekking permit from the responsible body in that country. In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in Rwanda the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and in DRC the park authorities are responsible for issuing gorilla permits.
The gorilla tracking experience
Get up so early on the morning of the trekking day and drive to the park headquarters for an early morning briefing about the gorilla trekking excursion which starts at 7 am. After the briefing, you will join others in groups of 8 people, with the leadership of game rangers and guides, you will trek into the misty jungles and homes of the gentle giant apes. The trek will last from 30 minutes to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. once you find them, you will be allowed to stay in their presence for one hour as you enjoy their behavior towards each other, how they groom and the silverback guarding the family. you will take flashless photos as a memory for your expedition. Remember to follow the guidelines from the rangers for your safety and the animals. After that one-hour return to the park headquarters for trekking certificates to prove that you are among the few who managed to visit the gentle giant apes in their habitat once in a lifetime. Later, travel back to your accommodation or proceed to your next destination for another adventure.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda
Independent travelers who want to book a gorilla permit directly can do so online through the Rwanda Development Board website. If you’re traveling with a tour operator, it is best to allow them to make the booking on your behalf. Permits for any given day are often booked in advance at least 3 months before the travel date, this helps to avoid last-minute disappointments as there’s always stiff competition for permits especially in the high season.
The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents, and $200 for Rwandans and East African citizens.
Whether you track in Rwanda or elsewhere in the region, the gorilla permit only covers the park entrance, the guided trek, and the one hour you spend with the gorillas. It does not include porter fees, tips to trackers and guides, or any costs related to accommodations, transport, meals, or other activities outside gorilla trekking.
Rwanda offers 96 gorilla permits for daily tracking because Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla families that are visited by 8 people per family. in the case the group allocated to visitors is noticed to have crossed to Uganda or DRC, then visitors are allocated to groups that are set aside for researchers.
How to access Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is just a 2–3-hour drive from Kigali city depending on the stopovers and traffic. If you are not traveling with a tour operator, use public transportation from Nyabugogo bus park to Musanze. There are no public means of transport from Musanze to the park headquarters, you can hire a cheaper cab from Kigali to Musanze, and crosscheck with colleagues at the accommodation if they are heading for the same activity so that you join them.
Alternatively, ask at the reception of your hotel to find out if they can recommend you a cab that can help to transport you to the park headquarters at a lesser cost.
