Can You Trek the Susa A Gorilla Family Exclusively and Alone?

Can You Trek the Susa A Gorilla Family Exclusively and Alone?

The Susa A gorilla group, once the largest in Volcanoes National Park, is a sought-after family for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. Originally studied by the famous Dian Fossey, this group now lives on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi. The group has around 28 members, including three silverbacks, making it a fascinating experience for visitors.

If you’re planning to trek the Susa A gorilla family exclusively, you might be wondering if it’s possible to secure all permits for yourself or your travel group. The answer is yes, it’s definitely possible! With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can block all the permits for the day and enjoy a private and exclusive trek with the Susa gorillas.

How to Book Your Exclusive Susa A Gorilla Trek

To trek the Susa A gorilla family exclusively, you need to secure all eight available permits for that day. This ensures that no other tourists will join your trek, allowing for a private and intimate experience.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are priced as follows:

• 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 and South Sudan)

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas, experiencing their behavior and interacting with them in their natural habitat.

If you choose to travel alone, you will need to pay for all 8 permits for the Susa A group. For example, if you’re a foreign non-resident, the total cost would be USD 12,000 to secure the entire group’s permits for the day. This guarantees you a private, exclusive trek with no other tourists.

Important Considerations for Booking Your Exclusive Trek

1. Securing Permits in Advance

Susa A has 8 permits available for each day. To guarantee an exclusive trek, you must block all of them well in advance, as these permits sell out quickly—especially during peak season. We recommend booking 3 to 4 months before your intended trek to ensure availability. You can secure your permits by paying 100%, 70% or 30% of the total cost in advance.

2. Comfortable Travel to Volcanoes National Park

To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser for comfort on the road to Volcanoes National Park. Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter transfer from Kigali to the park for a quicker and more scenic route.

How to Block Susa A Gorilla Permits

Once you’ve finalized your travel dates, reach out to us via email to check the availability of trekking permits with the Rwanda Development Board. After confirming availability, we’ll send you an invoice for the payment. Once the payment is processed, we’ll immediately secure your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. This ensures that your exclusive trek is confirmed and you’ll have peace of mind knowing everything is arranged.

It’s crucial to book your permits at least 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the busy season, as permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to Wear When Trekking the Susa A Gorilla Family Exclusively

Planning to trek the Susa A gorilla family exclusively and wondering what to wear? To ensure comfort and safety during your trek in Volcanoes National Park, here’s a list of essential clothing and gear:

• Long-sleeved sweater: The park can get cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, so a long-sleeved sweater will keep you warm.
• Two pairs of long trousers: Opt for durable, lightweight and breathable trousers that will protect your legs from vegetation and insects.
• Waterproof hiking boots: The terrain can be muddy and slippery, so sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for a safe trek.
• Hat and sunglasses: Depending on the weather, these will protect you from the sun, though they’re optional.
• Camera and extra batteries: Capture the magic of your gorilla encounter with a camera and make sure to bring extra batteries since they tend to drain quickly. Don’t forget to turn off your flash when photographing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: A pair of binoculars will come in handy for spotting birds and other wildlife in the forest.
• Gardening gloves: These are helpful for holding onto branches and trees during the trek for extra stability.
• Raincoat: The weather in Volcanoes National Park can be unpredictable, so a raincoat is a must-have.
• Mosquito repellent: Since the park is in a forested area, it’s a good idea to carry or wear mosquito repellent to avoid bites from insects.
• Sunscreen: If you’re trekking during the hotter months, sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from sunburns.

What Not to Wear for Your Susa A Gorilla Trek

• Bright colors: Bright clothing can startle or scare the gorillas, so it’s best to stick to neutral tones.
• Black and blue: These colors attract Tsetse flies, so it’s best to avoid them.
• Neutral colors: Opt for colors like khaki, green or brown that blend in with the surroundings and help you avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for Your Exclusive Susa A Trek

Volcanoes National Park is easily accessible by road. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Kigali and about 1 hour from the Cyanika border between Uganda and Rwanda. For your comfort, Trek Africa Gorillas offers 4×4 vehicles for an all-inclusive, comfortable road trip to the park, complete with AC, drinking water and a professional driver-guide. To enter the park, you’ll need to have a gorilla trekking permit or pay park entrance fees.

Best Places to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

There’s a wide range of accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, catering to different budgets:

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

It’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season when rooms can sell out quickly. Many lodges offer discounts for extended stays, so it’s worth considering how many nights you want to spend in the area.

Best Time to Trek the Susa A Gorilla Family Exclusively

The best time to trek the Susa A gorilla family exclusively is during the drier months of January, February and June to early September. During this time, the weather is more predictable and the vegetation is not as thick, making it easier to spot the gorillas.

While trekking is possible year-round, the wet season (April, May and November) can make the trails muddy and visibility more challenging due to high vegetation. However, during the wet season, the treks tend to be shorter since the gorillas don’t travel as far in search of food.

Why Book Your Exclusive Susa A Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas organize tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris to Volcanoes National Park. Our dedicated team of professional tour consultants will assist you with every step of your planning, answering your questions promptly and ensuring all services are booked in advance to avoid any inconveniences.

Our knowledgeable safari guides are available in multiple languages, ensuring that you get the best experience during your trek. Contact us today to book your exclusive Susa A gorilla trek and have an unforgettable adventure in Rwanda!