Is It Possible to Trek the Sabinyo Gorilla Group Exclusively?

Exclusive Gorilla Trekking with the Sabinyo Group in Volcanoes National Park

Yes, it is definitely possible to have an exclusive trek with the Sabinyo gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. If you’re looking for a private and intimate encounter with the gorillas, you can block all available permits for the Sabinyo group, ensuring that you and your travel group are the only ones trekking on that day. Here’s everything you need to know about planning this special experience.

Meet the Sabinyo Gorilla Group: History and Trek Overview

The Sabinyo gorilla group is one of the iconic families in Volcanoes National Park. It was originally formed after the passing of the leading silverback of the “Group Thirteen” back in 1992. Initially known as Amavubi (meaning wasps), due to challenges during its habituation period, the group started with three silverbacks: Guhonda, Ryango and Ruhennyi. Following the death of the silverback from Group Thirteen, these males took in females from other groups, including Ijisho, Gukunda and Kampanga, as well as Safari from Group Eleven.

With four females and two silverbacks, a new family was formed and later named Sabinyo, after the nearby mountain where the group was first observed. The trek to meet this group starts from the park entrance and typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours of walking.

How to Trek the Sabinyo Gorilla Group Exclusively Alone

If you’re planning to trek the Sabinyo gorilla group alone and wondering if it’s possible to book a private trek, the answer is yes. With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can secure all the permits for this group, making your experience exclusive. Whether you’re traveling solo or as part of a private group, this option allows you to have a more personal interaction with the gorillas, without the presence of other tourists.

To secure an exclusive trek, you will need to block all the permits for that day. You can make the payment in full (100%) or choose to pay 70% or 30% in advance, depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step: How to Book an Exclusive Trek with the Sabinyo Gorilla Group

Step 1: Confirm Your Travel Dates

Once you have your travel dates set, reach out to us via email. We will immediately check the availability of trekking permits for the Sabinyo group with the Rwanda Development Board.

Step 2: Secure Your Permits

If permits are available on your preferred date, we’ll notify you and send an invoice for the total cost of blocking all 8 permits for the Sabinyo group. You can choose to pay in full (100%) or make a deposit of 70% or 30%, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Confirm Your Booking

Once your payment is received, we will purchase the permits right away. We’ll send you a scanned copy of the permits for your records, confirming your exclusive booking for the Sabinyo gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park. This ensures a private trekking experience, with only your group and the ranger guides.

Gorilla Permit Costs for Sabinyo Group Trekking

The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda varies based on residency:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $500 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: $200 per person per trek (for residents of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan)

To book an exclusive trek with the Sabinyo gorilla group, you will need to purchase all 8 permits available for that day. For foreign non-residents, this totals $12,000 (8 permits at $1,500 each). This guarantees a private experience, where only your group and the ranger guides will accompany you during the trek.

Important Tips for Planning Your Private Gorilla Trek

1. Book Your Permits in Advance

The Sabinyo gorilla family has only 8 permits available each day. To ensure an exclusive trek, you must block all these permits in advance. We recommend booking 3 to 4 months before your desired trekking date, especially during the high season, when permits tend to sell out quickly. Contact us for assistance in securing your permits and planning your exclusive trek.

2. Comfortable Travel to Volcanoes National Park

To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to Volcanoes National Park, we recommend traveling in a 4×4 Land Cruiser. These vehicles offer a comfortable ride over the often rugged terrain. Alternatively, for a quicker and more luxurious experience, you can opt for a helicopter transfer from Kigali directly to the park.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

The journey to Volcanoes National Park is convenient and straightforward:

• By Road: The park is about a 2-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and only 1 hour from the Cyanika border crossing with Uganda. We provide 4×4 vehicles for all-inclusive packages, equipped with air conditioning, drinking water and guided by professional drivers to ensure a comfortable trip.
• By Air: Helicopter transfers are also available from Kigali for a faster, scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park.

Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation options near the park range from luxury to budget, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our recommended choices:

• Luxury Lodges: Bisate Lodge, Gorilla’s Nest and Virunga Lodge offer exceptional comfort and stunning views.
• Midrange Lodges: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge and Le Bamboo Mountain Gorilla Lodge are great options for midrange travelers.
• Budget Hotels: Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhavura and Gorilla Volcanoes Lodge provide more affordable yet comfortable stays.

Tip: During the high season, accommodations tend to sell out quickly. We recommend booking early for the best options. Additionally, staying for multiple nights often comes with discounts and enhanced service.

Best Time to Trek the Sabinyo Gorilla Group

The best time for an exclusive trek with the Sabinyo group is during the dry months of January, February, June, to early September. These months offer better weather, making it easier to hike and providing clearer visibility of the gorillas due to less dense vegetation.

The rainy season (April, May and November) can also be a good time to visit, although it comes with a few challenges like thicker vegetation and muddy trails. However, during the rainy months, the treks are often shorter since gorillas do not travel far to find food, which is plentiful in the forest.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Exclusive Trek?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are experts in organizing tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences. Here’s why you should book with us:

• Quick Response Time: Our professional tour consultants respond to inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring fast and efficient service.
• Personalized Travel Plans: We create custom itineraries based on your preferences, making sure that every detail of your trip is handled smoothly.
• Expert Guides: Our experienced safari guides cater to your language and travel needs, providing you with a knowledgeable and enjoyable experience.
• Reliable Service: We handle all permit bookings, transport arrangements and accommodation, giving you peace of mind and a hassle-free adventure.

Ready to plan your exclusive trek with the Sabinyo gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today and let us create a memorable and private gorilla trekking experience just for you!