Can You Trek the Ugenda Gorilla Family Exclusively?

How to Trek the Ugenda Gorilla Family Exclusively in Volcanoes National Park

Can You Trek the Ugenda Gorilla Family Exclusively? — Yes, it is absolutely possible to trek the Ugenda gorilla family exclusively! Located in the Karisimbi area of Volcanoes National Park, the Ugenda family is known for its nomadic nature, frequently moving within the park. The name “Ugenda” translates to “being on the move” in Kinyarwanda and this family of 11 individuals, including 2 silverbacks, is often found in different locations. Because they are constantly on the move, tracking the Ugenda gorillas requires patience and flexibility.

If you’re planning to trek the Ugenda gorilla family alone, Trek Africa Gorillas can make it happen. You can secure all the necessary permits to trek the gorillas exclusively with just your group or individually. This will allow you to experience a private encounter with these magnificent creatures, completely free of other tourists.

How to Book an Exclusive Ugenda Gorilla Trekking Experience

How to Block All Gorilla Permits for the Ugenda Gorilla Family

To trek the Ugenda gorilla family exclusively, you’ll need to block all 8 permits available each day. This means paying for every permit on the specific day you wish to go. Here’s a breakdown of the permit costs:

• $1500 per person for foreign non-residents
• $500 per person for foreign residents
• $200 per person for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan)

For exclusive trekking, you’ll need to pay for all 8 permits (totaling $12,000 for foreign non-residents) to block the entire group’s permits. This ensures you and your travel group can trek with the Ugenda family privately, with no other tourists—just you, your guide and the gorillas.

Step-by-Step: How to Block and Confirm Your Exclusive Trek

Once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, simply send us an email to check the availability of permits for the Ugenda family with the Rwanda Development Board. After confirming availability, we’ll provide you with an invoice for the total amount. Upon receipt of payment, we will immediately purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your exclusive trekking experience with the Ugenda gorilla family.

Important Tips for Planning Your Exclusive Ugenda Gorilla Trek

1. Book All Permits in Advance

The Ugenda gorilla family only has 8 permits available per day. To ensure you can trek them exclusively, you must block all permits in advance. You can secure these permits by paying 30%, 70% or 100% in advance. We recommend booking at least 3-4 months before your travel date, especially during peak seasons when permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact us today to help you book your permits in advance and ensure your exclusive trekking experience with the Ugenda family.

2. Travel Comfortably to Volcanoes National Park

To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we suggest traveling in 4×4 Land Cruisers, which are ideal for the road to Volcanoes National Park. These vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and plenty of room for a smooth ride. Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter transfer from Kigali, offering a faster and more scenic way to reach the park.

Getting There: Directions to Volcanoes National Park

Best Routes to Volcanoes National Park

Getting to Volcanoes National Park is easy and convenient. The park is just a 2-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city or about an hour from the Cyanika border between Rwanda and Uganda. For a comfortable journey, we provide 4×4 vehicles as part of our all-inclusive packages. These vehicles come with air conditioning, onboard drinking water and are driven by professional, experienced guides.

Please note that for entry into the park, you’ll need a valid permit for any activity you choose, such as gorilla trekking or you must have paid the park entrance fees.

Where to Stay for Your Exclusive Gorilla Trek

Top Lodges Near Volcanoes National Park

There are various accommodation options in and around Volcanoes National Park to suit all budgets. For a luxury stay, consider booking at Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest Lodge or Virunga Lodge. If you prefer a mid-range option, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge are great choices. For more budget-friendly accommodations, options like Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge provide good service at a more affordable price.

Since rooms can book up quickly, especially during the high season, it’s important to reserve your accommodation in advance. Additionally, if you stay for more than one night, you may be eligible for discounts, offering great value for your stay.

Best Time of Year to Trek the Ugenda Gorilla Family

Dry Season vs. Wet Season: What to Expect

The best time to trek the Ugenda gorilla family exclusively is during the drier months, which run from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are easier to navigate and the vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer views of the mountain gorillas.

However, it’s important to note that gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is possible year-round. The wet season (April, May and November) results in taller vegetation, which can make sightings a bit trickier. That said, treks tend to be shorter during the wet months because gorillas typically don’t travel as far in search of food, as food is more abundant during this period. Regardless of the season, you have a 99% chance of seeing the gorillas due to the park’s well-organized management and careful attention to the wildlife.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Your Trusted Partner for Exclusive Gorilla Safaris

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we specialize in creating tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris to Volcanoes National Park. Our dedicated and trustworthy team is committed to providing an unforgettable experience. We are known for our quick response time—you can expect a reply to your queries within 20 minutes.

Our professional tour consultants will assist you with everything from planning your travel itinerary to answering all your questions, ensuring that all services are booked well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. We also offer expert safari guides, tailored to your language preference, so you can enjoy a seamless, enriching experience.

Ready to trek the Ugenda gorilla family exclusively? Contact us today and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!