Question 1

Is the gorilla permit included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every gorilla tour price includes the permit. In Rwanda the permit for foreign visitors is US$1,500 per person, set by the Rwanda Development Board. For the Uganda tour, the permit is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and is also included.

Question 2

Is there a minimum age for gorilla trekking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old in both Rwanda and Uganda. Younger travellers can join other tours such as the Kigali City Tour, Lake Kivu or Akagera.

Question 3

What are the rules during the gorilla visit?

Accepted Answer

Each gorilla family receives at most eight visitors a day, and you stay one hour once you reach them. Keep about 7 metres away in Rwanda (10 metres in Uganda), use no flash, do not eat near the gorillas and follow your ranger. If you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness, the park can refuse entry to protect the gorillas.

Question 4

How far ahead should I book?

Accepted Answer

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited each day, so book as early as you can, especially for June to September and December. We confirm permit availability for your date before you pay anything.

Question 5

Do I need a visa for Rwanda?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online through Rwanda's official portal, irembo.gov.rw. Check the requirements for your nationality before you travel. Visa fees are not included in our prices.

Question 6

What do I need for the Uganda gorilla tour?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid passport, a Uganda visa (from Uganda's official e-visa portal) or an East Africa Tourist Visa that covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is checked at the border. Visa and immigration fees are not included. Tell us your nationality when you book and we will check the details with you.

Question 7

What should I pack for gorilla trekking or Mount Bisoke?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers and long sleeves, gardening gloves for nettles, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a small daypack. We provide drinking water and snacks. Porters can be hired at the park to carry your bag.

Question 8

And for Nyungwe and Lake Kivu?

Accepted Answer

Hiking shoes for the forest trails, a rain jacket, sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring swimwear if you want to swim in Lake Kivu.

Question 9

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Gorilla treks last from about one to several hours depending on where the family is that day. Mount Bisoke is the most demanding: about 3 hours up and 2.5 to 3 hours down at altitude. City, lake and safari tours need no special fitness.

Question 10

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Open a tour, choose your group size and guide language, then tap Book via WhatsApp. Your tour, group size and price are filled in for you. We reply in the same chat to confirm availability, permits and your pickup details.

Question 11

How are prices calculated?

Accepted Answer

Each price is the total in US dollars for your whole private group, with the per-person amount shown underneath. Larger groups pay less per person. If no set price is shown for your group size, we prepare a custom quote.

Question 12

Where do tours start?

Accepted Answer

All tours start with a pickup from your accommodation in Kigali and end with a drop-off there. Guides speak English or French.

Question 13

Can times change on the day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Activity and arrival times can vary with weather, road conditions and park schedules. Your guide keeps you informed throughout the day.

Question 14

What about payment and cancellations?

Accepted Answer

Payment, deposit and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing when we confirm your booking. Park permits follow the park authority's own refund and rescheduling rules.

Question 15

Are nights before or after the tour included?

Accepted Answer

No. Only the nights listed in the itinerary are included. Accommodation before pickup and after drop-off is your own, and Turaco Safaris can help you find a place to stay in Kigali.

Before you travel

Gorilla permits

Visas & borders

Packing & fitness

Booking

Terms