Is It Possible to Book All Karisimbi Gorilla Permits for Exclusive Trekking?

Is It Possible to Book All Karisimbi Gorilla Permits for Exclusive Trekking?

Is It Possible to Book All Karisimbi Gorilla Permits for Exclusive Trekking? — If you’re looking to trek the Karisimbi gorilla family exclusively, it is indeed possible to arrange this unique experience. Known as the Karisimbi group or Susa-B, this family split from the original Susa-A group and now inhabits the slopes of the Karisimbi volcano in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Trekking to see this group is more challenging than others, given its remote location on the volcano’s slopes, but the scenic views make the journey highly rewarding.

To have the Karisimbi gorilla family all to yourself, you can arrange an exclusive trek by booking all eight permits available each day. This ensures that you or your group will have a private experience with the gorillas, accompanied only by your guide and ranger. To secure these permits, a partial payment (30%, 70%, or 100%) is required in advance.

Each permit costs:

• $1,500 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 foreign non-residents, the cost for all eight permits for a private trek is $12,000.

Important Tips for Booking Exclusive Karisimbi Gorilla Permits

1. Book in Advance: Since high seasons fill up quickly, booking 3-4 months in advance is recommended to secure all permits for a private trek. You can contact us at Trek Africa Expeditions to verify availability and guide you through the booking process.
2. Travel Comfortably: For a comfortable journey, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser or opting for a helicopter transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.
3. Booking Process: After selecting your travel dates, we’ll confirm permit availability with the Rwanda Development Board. Once confirmed, we’ll send an invoice for payment. Upon receipt, we’ll purchase and reserve your permits, ensuring a private, exclusive trek experience. A scanned copy of your permits will be sent to you for your records.

What to Wear for Your Exclusive Trek with the Karisimbi Gorilla Family

Preparing for an exclusive trek to see the Karisimbi gorilla family involves dressing for both comfort and practicality. Here’s what to pack for an optimal experience:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The mountain air can get chilly, so a warm sweater will keep you comfortable.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: These provide protection from vegetation and insects.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Essential for navigating slippery trails and ensuring a steady footing.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Optional but useful in sunny weather for additional sun protection.
• Camera and Extra Batteries: Capture memorable moments with fully charged batteries, but be sure to turn off the flash to avoid startling the gorillas.
• Binoculars: Perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife in the lush forest surroundings.
• Gardening Gloves: These will protect your hands if you need to grip trees or branches along the trek.
• Rain Jacket: Volcanoes National Park’s weather can be unpredictable, so a rain jacket is essential.
• Mosquito Repellent: The forest hosts various insects, so repellents can help keep bites at bay.
• Sunscreen: Optional, but helpful during hotter months to protect from sunburn.
• Earth Tones: Neutral colors like green or brown are ideal, as bright colors may disturb the gorillas, while black and blue can attract tsetse flies.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park for Your Exclusive Karisimbi Gorilla Trek

Volcanoes National Park is conveniently located about a two-hour drive from Kigali city or an hour from the Cyanika border between Uganda and Rwanda. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we use comfortable 4×4 vehicles with air conditioning, drinking water, and experienced driver guides to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Remember, a gorilla permit or park entrance fee is required to enter the park.

Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

There are numerous accommodation options near Volcanoes National Park, ranging from luxury to budget:

• Luxury Lodges: Bisate Lodge, Gorilla Nest, and Virunga Lodge.
• Mid-Range Lodges: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Budget Hotels: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura, and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge.

Accommodation can fill up quickly, especially in high season, so it’s best to book early. Many lodges offer discounts for extended stays, so you can enjoy exceptional service and added value.

Best Time to Trek the Karisimbi Gorilla Family Exclusively

For the most comfortable trekking conditions, the dry months from January to February and June to early September are ideal. During these months, vegetation is lower, making it easier to spot gorillas. The wet months of April, May, and November offer different benefits—shorter treks, as gorillas tend to stay closer to food sources, though visibility may be reduced by taller vegetation. Volcanoes National Park operates year-round, and with a 99% chance of sightings, any time is great for an unforgettable encounter.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Exclusive Karisimbi Gorilla Trekking Experience

Trek Africa Expeditions is renowned for creating unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda. With stellar reviews on TripAdvisor, we prioritize eco-friendly, high-quality adventures that support biodiversity, conservation, and local communities. Beyond gorilla trekking, we offer diverse experiences like Big Five safaris, mountain hikes, chimpanzee trekking, and cultural encounters across Africa’s top destinations, including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

For more information on securing exclusive access to the Karisimbi gorilla family or customizing your African safari, feel free to reach out to Trek Africa Expeditions.