Is It Possible to Block All Gorilla Permits in Volcanoes National Park for a Whole Day?

Is It Possible to Block All Gorilla Permits in Volcanoes National Park for a Whole Day?

Yes, it is possible to block all gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park for a full day, allowing you to enjoy a completely private gorilla trekking experience. Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda, is one of the most popular destinations for mountain gorilla trekking. The park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families, and each day, 96 permits are available for visitors wishing to trek and encounter these magnificent creatures.

If you’re considering securing all the gorilla permits for a specific day to ensure an exclusive experience, it’s absolutely possible. You can work with a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions to arrange this. By paying for all 96 permits, you can have the park’s gorilla trekking experience entirely to yourself, with only the company of ranger guides.

How to Block All Gorilla Permits in Volcanoes National Park

If you’re planning to block all gorilla permits for a day, here’s how it works:

• Gorilla Permit Costs: For foreign non-residents, each gorilla permit costs $1,500 per person per trek. If you’re planning to secure all 96 permits, the total cost would be $144,000.
• Advance Payment Options: To block all the permits, you can either pay 100%, 70%, or 30% of the total cost upfront. This ensures no other tourists will be able to book gorilla trekking permits for that day.
• Recommended Booking Time: We recommend booking 3 to 4 months in advance, especially during peak seasons, as permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why Choose to Block All Gorilla Permits?

Blocking all gorilla permits provides you with a completely private and exclusive experience, allowing you to trek and encounter the gorillas without any other tourists. This is a unique and unforgettable way to engage with one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the world. You’ll also have the flexibility to enjoy the trek at your own pace, guided only by the park’s expert ranger guides.

Important Considerations for Blocking All Gorilla Permits

1. Booking in Advance: Gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park are highly sought after. To block all 96 permits, advance planning is essential. High season months, from June to September and December to February, often see permits selling out quickly.
2. Comfortable Travel: For the best experience, travel to Volcanoes National Park in a 4×4 Land Cruiser to ensure comfort on the road. Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter transfer from Kigali, offering a quicker and more scenic route.
3. Contact and Coordination: Once your travel dates are confirmed, simply reach out to us, and we’ll check the availability of permits with the Rwanda Development Board. After confirmation, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of the funds, we’ll immediately secure your permits and send you a scanned copy as proof of your exclusive booking.

What to Wear for a Full-Day Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Preparing for a full-day gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park is essential, especially if you’re trekking privately. Knowing what to wear and bring can make your experience comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s a helpful guide on what to pack for your adventure:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater or Jacket: The park can get chilly, especially in the early morning, so wearing a long-sleeved sweater or jacket will help you stay warm.
2. Long Trousers: It’s recommended to wear two pairs of long trousers to protect your legs from the dense vegetation and insects.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential as you’ll be navigating uneven and sometimes muddy terrain.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: While optional, these can provide extra protection from the sun on bright days.
5. Cameras and Spare Batteries: Photography is a fantastic way to capture your memories. Bring a camera with long-lasting batteries, and always keep the flash off to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
6. Binoculars: Although you’re there for the gorillas, binoculars are great for spotting birds and other wildlife in the park.
7. Gardening Gloves: These will protect your hands when you’re gripping tree branches or walking through dense bush.
8. Raincoat: The weather in Volcanoes National Park is unpredictable, so it’s wise to carry a lightweight raincoat.
9. Mosquito Repellent: Since you’re in a forested area, there are plenty of insects. Mosquito repellent will help protect you from bites.
10. Sunscreen: Depending on the season, you may face intense sun, so having sunscreen on hand can prevent sunburn.
11. Avoid Bright Colors: Wearing neutral colors is best for gorilla trekking as bright colors can scare or attract gorillas. Avoid wearing black or blue, as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

Getting to Volcanoes National Park is quite convenient. The park is a short 2-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and just an hour from the Cyanika border crossing from Uganda. For comfort, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 vehicle, which we provide as part of our all-inclusive packages. These vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, drinking water, and are driven by professional guides. Upon arrival at the park, you’ll need a valid permit for the activity of your choice or paid park entry fees.

Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury lodges.

• Luxury options include Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest, and Virunga Lodge.
• Midrange choices are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, and Le Bambou Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Budget options include Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

It’s important to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the high season, as rooms can sell out quickly. Many lodges also offer discounts for extended stays, making it worthwhile to spend a few extra nights enjoying the area.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

The best time to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is during the drier months: January, February, and June to early September. During these months, the trails are easier to navigate, and the gorillas are easier to spot as the vegetation is less dense.

While trekking is possible throughout the year, the rainy months of April, May, and November make the vegetation thicker, which can limit visibility. However, the advantage during these wet months is that gorillas tend to stay closer to the park’s center, making treks shorter. No matter when you visit, you’ll have a 99% chance of encountering the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Why Block All Gorilla Permits in Volcanoes National Park for a Whole Day with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating customized gorilla trekking experiences tailored to your needs. Whether you want to secure all gorilla permits for a full day or design a unique travel plan, our team is here to assist. Our professional tour consultants respond to all inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring fast and efficient service.

From answering your questions to making sure all permits and accommodations are booked in advance, we handle every detail, so you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free gorilla trekking experience. Our experienced safari guides will enhance your journey with their knowledge and language preferences, ensuring you have a memorable adventure.

If you’re ready to block all permits and experience a private day of gorilla trekking, contact us today for more information!