Can You Trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone?

How to Trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone in Volcanoes National Park

Yes, it is absolutely possible to trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family exclusively on your own or with just your travel group in Volcanoes National Park. This special family, featured in the famous film Gorillas in the Mist, consists of 11 members, including the dominant silverback, Bwenge. The trek to find this family is a bit more challenging, with a steep, slippery climb of about 600 meters, making it a rewarding adventure.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we can help you secure an exclusive, private experience with the Bwenge Gorilla Family, ensuring that you and your group are the only visitors during the trek, aside from the ranger guides.

How to Book an Exclusive Trek to See the Bwenge Gorilla Family

If you’re interested in an exclusive trek with the Bwenge Gorilla Family, here’s how you can go about it:

• Book All 8 Permits: The Bwenge family has 8 permits available for trekking each day. To ensure you are the only ones with access, you’ll need to book all 8 permits.
• Costs: The cost per permit is:
  • USD $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
  • USD $500 per person for foreign residents
  • USD $200 per person for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan)

By booking all 8 permits (a total of USD $12,000 for foreign non-residents), you’ll have the unique opportunity to trek the Bwenge family exclusively, with no other tourists—just you and your group, guided by experienced rangers.

Important Things to Know When Booking All Bwenge Gorilla Permits for an Exclusive Trek

1. Book Your Permits in Advance: As there are only 8 permits available each day for Bwenge, you need to secure them early, especially during peak season when they sell out quickly. We recommend booking 3-4 months in advance to ensure availability.
2. Payment Options: You can reserve your permits by paying 100%, 70% or 30% of the total cost upfront. Full payment is required to confirm your booking.
3. Exclusive Trekking: By blocking all 8 permits, you guarantee that no other tourists will be on the trek with you. This means you can enjoy your experience in complete privacy, immersing yourself fully in the beauty of the Bwenge Gorilla Family.

How to Block All Gorilla Permits for an Exclusive Trek to Bwenge

Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, here’s how we can help you secure your exclusive trek:

1. Confirm Your Dates: Let us know the dates you wish to travel.
2. Permit Availability Check: We will check the availability of permits for the Bwenge Gorilla Family with the Rwanda Development Board.
3. Invoice and Payment: Once we confirm the permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for the payment. After payment is received, we will immediately purchase all your permits.
4. Confirmation: We’ll send you a scanned copy of your permits for your records, confirming your exclusive trek to see the Bwenge Gorilla Family.

Best Time to Trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family Exclusively

The best time to trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family exclusively is during the drier months of January, February and June through early September. During these months, travel to the park is easier and the vegetation is less dense, making it ideal for gorilla sightings.

In the wetter months of April, May and November, the forest receives more rainfall and the vegetation becomes denser, which can make spotting gorillas a bit more challenging. However, the treks tend to be shorter, as the primates don’t move as far to find food during this time.

Regardless of when you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to see the Bwenge gorillas, as the activity is well-organized, with a 99% chance of encountering them in their natural habitat.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for an Exclusive Trek with the Bwenge Gorilla Family

Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible from both Rwanda and Uganda. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and about 1 hour from the Cyanika border between Uganda and Rwanda.

For your convenience, we offer all-inclusive packages with comfortable 4×4 vehicles for the journey. Our vehicles are equipped with AC, drinking water and are driven by experienced guides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride to the park.

To enter the park, make sure you have secured your gorilla trekking permit or paid the park entrance fees in advance. We’ll help you with all the necessary arrangements.

Comfortable Travel to Volcanoes National Park

To make your journey to Volcanoes National Park as comfortable as possible, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. This will ensure a smooth ride on the rugged roads leading to the park. For an extra touch of luxury and convenience, you also have the option to fly by helicopter from Kigali directly to the park.

Where to Stay During Your Exclusive Trek with the Bwenge Gorilla Family

Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of lodging options to suit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly accommodations, there’s something for everyone:

• Luxury options: Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge and Virunga Lodge
• Mid-range options: Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Budget-friendly options: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge

Since rooms can fill up quickly, especially during high season, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. Plus, you may be able to get discounts if you book multiple nights. Rest assured, no matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy excellent service and a comfortable experience.

Why Book Your Exclusive Trek with the Bwenge Gorilla Family with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service.

Our team is dedicated, trustworthy and responsive. We’ll answer your queries within 20 minutes and ensure every detail of your trip is carefully planned. From booking permits to arranging transport and accommodation, we handle it all, so you can relax and enjoy your safari without any worries.

Additionally, our knowledgeable safari guides are available to cater to your specific language preferences, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Ready to trek the Bwenge Gorilla Family exclusively? Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable adventure!