Can You Trek the Hirwa Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone?

Can You Trek the Hirwa Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone?

Yes, you absolutely can! At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer you the chance to experience the Hirwa Gorilla Family in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park privately, without sharing the trek with other tourists. This exclusive opportunity provides a unique, intimate encounter with the gorillas — a special experience that you’ll remember forever.

About the Hirwa Gorilla Family

The Hirwa Gorilla Family is one of the popular groups in Volcanoes National Park, known for its peaceful nature. This group has 12 members, including one silverback, six females, and juveniles. It was formed by a lone silverback, who gathered members from other established families. The name “Hirwa,” which means “lucky,” reflects the group’s calm and unique personality.

How to Trek the Hirwa Gorilla Family Exclusively

If you’re interested in trekking the Hirwa Gorilla Family alone (either as an individual or as part of a private group), you can book all the available permits for this group on your chosen day. By securing all the permits, you ensure that no other tourists join your trek, making it a completely private experience. To do this, you can opt to pay 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total permit cost in advance.

Gorilla Permit Costs for Trekking Hirwa

Here’s a breakdown of the gorilla permit prices in Rwanda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: $200 per person per trek (for Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan citizens)

The Hirwa Gorilla Family has 8 permits available daily. If you want to trek exclusively, you need to book and pay for all 8 permits, which would cost $12,000 for foreign non-residents. By blocking all permits, you get the unique privilege of trekking this family alone, accompanied only by ranger guides — no other tourists.

Key Tips for Planning an Exclusive Trek with Hirwa Gorilla Family

1. Book Your Permits in Advance

To ensure you secure all permits for the Hirwa group, it’s crucial to book well in advance — ideally 3 to 4 months before your trek date, especially during the high season. The permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and they tend to sell out quickly. We handle the entire process for you, checking availability and making bookings with the Rwanda Development Board.

2. Comfortable Travel to Volcanoes National Park

For a comfortable journey, we recommend traveling in 4×4 Land Cruisers, which provide a smooth ride on the sometimes rugged roads leading to Volcanoes National Park. Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter transfer from Kigali, offering a scenic and quick trip directly to the park.

How to Block All Permits for Hirwa and Trek Exclusively

Here’s the process to book an exclusive trek with the Hirwa Gorilla Family:

1. Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, get in touch with us to check the availability of permits.
2. Permit Availability Check: We will verify the availability of the Hirwa group permits through the Rwanda Development Board.
3. Payment Process: After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice. You can secure the booking by paying 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total permit cost upfront.
4. Permit Purchase: Once your payment is received, we’ll immediately proceed to purchase the permits. We will then send you a scanned copy of the permits for your records.
5. Exclusive Trek Confirmation: With your permits in hand, your exclusive gorilla trek is confirmed. You’ll have the unforgettable experience of trekking the Hirwa Gorilla Family without any other tourists.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for an Exclusive Hirwa Gorilla Family Trek

Getting to Volcanoes National Park is straightforward and convenient. The park is accessible by road and is only a 2-hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. If you’re traveling from Uganda, it’s about an hour’s drive from the Cyanika border, making it easily reachable from either country.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we use comfortable 4×4 vehicles for our all-inclusive packages. Our vehicles come equipped with air conditioning and bottled drinking water onboard, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey. All our drivers are professional guides who are knowledgeable about the area, making your road trip both safe and informative.

Remember, you’ll need to have your gorilla trekking permit or paid park entrance fees ready for entry into the park. We handle all the necessary bookings and permit arrangements, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.

Where to Stay During Your Exclusive Trek of the Hirwa Gorilla Family

Choosing the right accommodation is key to a great experience, and Volcanoes National Park offers a range of options, from budget to luxury lodges:

• Luxury Lodges: Consider staying at Bisate Lodge, Gorilla’s Nest, or Virunga Lodge for a premium experience. These lodges provide top-notch services and amenities, with stunning views of the park.
• Mid-Range Options: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge offer excellent comfort without the high-end price tag.
• Budget Choices: For more budget-friendly accommodations, try Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, or Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

Keep in mind that rooms can sell out quickly, especially during the high season. We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. If you plan to stay for multiple nights, you might also be eligible for discounts, making your trip more affordable.

Best Time to Trek the Hirwa Gorilla Family Exclusively

The best time to book an exclusive trek with the Hirwa Gorilla Family is during the dry seasons, which run from:

• January to February
• June to early September

During these months, the weather is more favorable, making travel easier and offering better visibility for gorilla sightings, as the vegetation is less dense.

However, you can still enjoy a successful trek during the wet seasons of April, May, and November. Although it might be rainier and the forest vegetation thicker, the treks tend to be shorter. This is because the gorillas do not move far in search of food — it’s readily available within the forest during these months. Plus, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is well-organized year-round, with a 99% chance of spotting the Hirwa family in their natural habitat.

Why Book Your Exclusive Hirwa Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions?

When you choose Trek Africa Expeditions, you are partnering with a team dedicated to crafting personalized and unforgettable safari experiences. Here’s why you should book your exclusive trek with us:

• Customized Itineraries: We tailor each safari to match your preferences, making sure you get the exact experience you’re looking for.
• Quick Response Times: Our professional tour consultants respond to all inquiries within 20 minutes, providing you with timely and helpful information.
• Advanced Bookings: We take care of all your bookings well ahead of time, securing your permits, accommodation, and transportation to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Expert Guides: Our safari guides are highly knowledgeable and experienced. Depending on your language preference, we have guides who can cater to your needs, ensuring you have a seamless experience.

Ready to book your exclusive trek of the Hirwa Gorilla Family in Volcanoes National Park? Contact us today, and let us make your dream of a private gorilla trekking adventure a reality!