Can You Trek the Kwitonda Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone?

Can You Trek the Kwitonda Gorilla Family Exclusively Alone?

The Kwitonda Gorilla Family is located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and is one of the most sought-after groups to trek. With over 17 gorillas, it is also one of the most challenging families to track, due to its location on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. The group is led by a silverback named Kwitonda, which means “humble one” in Kinyarwanda.

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to trek the Kwitonda family exclusively alone, the answer is yes! With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can reserve all the necessary permits and enjoy a private, intimate gorilla trekking experience with this majestic family. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a private group, this exclusive trek offers a unique opportunity to observe the gorillas in peace, without other tourists.

How to Book a Private Trek with the Kwitonda Gorilla Family

To guarantee an exclusive trek with the Kwitonda Gorilla Family, you will need to block all the permits for the specific date of your trek. The group has 8 permits available each day and these permits can be secured with a 100%, 70% or 30% payment in advance.

Here are the costs for the permits:

• Foreign non-residents: USD $1,500 per person
• Foreign residents: USD $500 per person
• East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): USD $200 per person

If you plan to trek alone, you will need to book and pay for all 8 permits, which totals USD $12,000 for foreign non-residents. Once you’ve secured the permits, you’ll be able to trek the Kwitonda family exclusively, without any other tourists present—only you, the ranger guides and the gorillas.

Key Things to Know Before Booking an Exclusive Gorilla Trek

1. Book Your Permits in Advance

To ensure you get exclusive access to the Kwitonda gorillas, it’s crucial to book all 8 permits well in advance. We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months before your trip, especially during peak seasons when permits tend to sell out quickly. If you wish to secure the permits with a deposit, you can pay 30%, 70% or 100% in advance.

2. Availability

Kwitonda gorilla family permits are limited to just 8 per day and they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to act fast to avoid missing out on your desired dates.

Steps to Reserve Your Exclusive Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, we’ll assist you with securing the necessary permits to trek the Kwitonda Gorilla Family. To begin, simply contact us and we will check the availability of permits for your chosen dates with the Rwanda Development Board. Once availability is confirmed, we will send you an invoice for the total cost of the permits. After payment is processed, we will immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This will officially confirm that you’ve secured your exclusive gorilla trekking experience with the Kwitonda family.

Best Time of Year for a Private Kwitonda Gorilla Trek

The best time to trek the Kwitonda Gorilla Family is during the drier months:

• January, February, June to early September: These months offer easier access to the park and clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

During the wet season (April, May and November), the vegetation can be thick, making gorilla sightings more challenging. However, trekking during this time offers the advantage of shorter treks, as the gorillas tend to stay closer to their food sources.

No matter when you visit, the chances of seeing the Kwitonda family are high, as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is well-organized and reliable year-round.

How to Travel to Volcanoes National Park for Your Private Trek

By Road

• From Kigali: A 2-hour drive.
• From the Cyanika Border (between Rwanda and Uganda): A 1-hour drive.

We provide comfortable 4×4 vehicles for all our all-inclusive packages. These vehicles are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride, complete with air conditioning and water on board. Professional driver-guides will accompany you to ensure you reach the park safely and on time.

By Helicopter

Alternatively, you can choose a more scenic route and fly to the park via helicopter from Kigali, offering a quicker and more exhilarating way to reach your destination.

Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

There are a variety of accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget to luxury:

• 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 Options: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

Accommodation tends to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s essential to book your stay in advance to secure the best rates and availability. Staying for multiple nights at select lodges can also earn you a discount and you can expect exceptional service throughout your stay.

Why Book Your Exclusive Kwitonda Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Our professional team is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring your journey is seamless and enjoyable. We respond to inquiries promptly—usually within 20 minutes—and we handle all aspects of your trip, from booking permits to arranging accommodations and transport.

We also have knowledgeable safari guides who can accommodate your language preferences. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your exclusive trek with the Kwitonda Gorilla Family will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Contact us today to plan your private gorilla trekking adventure and enjoy a memorable encounter with the Kwitonda gorillas.