Can You Trek the Umubano Gorilla Group Exclusively?

Can You Trek the Umubano Gorilla Group Exclusively?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to trek the Umubano Gorilla Group exclusively. Located in Volcanoes National Park, this group is named “Umubano,” which means “living together.” It was once part of the Amahoro Gorilla Group before splitting. The group is led by Charles, a dominant silverback who branched off from Amahoro and it is one of the easiest-to-reach groups from the trekking starting point, making it a popular choice among tourists.

If you are interested in trekking the Umubano Gorilla Group exclusively, you’ll be glad to know that with Trek Africa Gorillas, this can be easily arranged. This private trek allows you to see the mountain gorillas up close without the presence of other tourists, either as an individual or within your own travel group.

To secure an exclusive trekking experience, you can block all the permits for your selected date by paying a deposit (100%, 70% or 30%) in advance.

How Much Does It Cost to Trek the Umubano Gorilla Group Privately?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is as follows:

• Foreign non-residents: $1500 per person per trek
• Foreign residents: $500 per person
• East African citizens: $200 per person (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan)

Each permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, offering an unforgettable experience in Volcanoes National Park.

For an exclusive trek, you’ll need to block all 8 permits available for the Umubano group on that specific day. For foreign non-residents, this means a total of $12,000 to secure the entire group of permits. Once you block these permits, your trek will be private, with no other tourists joining you—just you, the gorillas and the ranger guides.

How to Book an Exclusive Umubano Gorilla Trek

Once you’ve confirmed your preferred dates of travel, simply reach out to us via email. We’ll check the availability of permits for your chosen dates with the Rwanda Development Board. Once we confirm that the permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of your payment, we’ll immediately proceed to purchase the permits on your behalf and send you scanned copies for your records. This will confirm that you are fully booked for your exclusive trek with the Umubano Gorilla Group in Volcanoes National Park.

Important Tips for Planning an Exclusive Umubano Gorilla Trek

Booking and Securing All Permits in Advance

The Umubano Gorilla Group has only 8 permits available each day, so it’s crucial to secure all of them in advance to guarantee an exclusive experience. You can pay for these permits in full (100%) or opt to pay 70% or 30% in advance to reserve your spots.

It’s highly recommended that you book your permits 3–4 months before your planned trekking date, especially during the high season when permits tend to sell out quickly.

Comfortable Travel to Volcanoes National Park

For a smooth journey to Volcanoes National Park, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. These vehicles are designed for comfort and are perfect for navigating Rwanda’s scenic roads. Alternatively, if you prefer a quicker and more luxurious option, you can opt to fly by helicopter from Kigali to the park.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park for Your Exclusive Trek

Getting to Volcanoes National Park is easy, with a convenient road connection. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital or about 1 hour from the Cyanika border between Uganda and Rwanda. For your comfort, we provide 4×4 vehicles for all our all-inclusive packages, ensuring a smooth and relaxing journey. These vehicles come equipped with AC, drinking water and are driven by professional guides. To enter the park, you’ll need to have secured a gorilla trekking permit or paid the park entrance fees.

Top Accommodation Options for Your Umubano Gorilla Trek

Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Here are some of the choices:

• Luxury Options: Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest and Virunga Lodge offer top-tier comfort and stunning views.
• Mid-Range Options: Consider staying at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge or Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Budget Options: For a more affordable stay, Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge are great options.

Due to high demand, especially during peak season, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance. Plus, staying multiple nights may offer you discounts and the chance to experience excellent service.

Best Time to Trek the Umubano Gorilla Group

The best time to trek the Umubano Gorilla Group is during the drier months, from January to February and June to early September. These months offer clearer views of the gorillas and more accessible trekking conditions, as the vegetation is less dense.

During the wet season (April, May and November), the trails can be muddier and the dense vegetation can make gorilla sightings more challenging. However, treks during these months tend to be shorter, as gorillas do not travel as far in search of food, which is abundant in the forest at this time. Trekking Umubano gorillas is possible year-round, with a 99% chance of spotting them due to the park’s well-organized trekking activities.

Why Book Your Exclusive Umubano Trek with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize customized gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Our team is dedicated, trustworthy and incredibly responsive—we’ll answer your questions within 20 minutes! From crafting your travel itinerary to booking all the necessary services in advance, we ensure your trip is seamless and hassle-free.

Additionally, our expert safari guides are available in various languages, ensuring that your experience is both informative and comfortable.

Ready for a private trek with the Umubano Gorilla Group? Contact us today and we’ll help you plan your exclusive adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.