We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Local conditions in this part of Africa are often unpredictable, with roads sometimes being blocked when vehicles become bogged down, or trails becoming washed out by excessive rains. That being the case, it is advisable to come prepared with a degree of patience and an unruffled sense of adventure. Take these potential pitfalls in your stride and travel in Africa becomes one of the most memorable and rewarding of life’s experiences.
On this trip, the gorilla search is rated moderate, but its difficulty very much depends on the whereabouts of the gorillas, the thickness of the jungle, amount of rain that has fallen, steepness of the slopes and the time taken to trek to the gorillas. Some clients may thus find that the day spent gorilla tracking is very strenuous.
Accordingly you should allow approx. US$20 for gratuities for local staff.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Rwanda |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£5.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£4.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
UK, USA and CAN nationals do not require visas to visit Rwanda. Other nationalities should check with your consular office or your booking agent.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A and yellow fever. You may be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival at Kigali International Airport, especially if you are entering Rwanda from a country where yellow fever is present. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Despite its location close to the Equator, Rwanda enjoys the benefits afforded by the cooling properties of the high altitude, with the mountains presenting decidedly cooler conditions than the rest of the country. The main wet seasons run from Mid-January to April and from mid-October to the middle of December, although rainwear is advisable at any time of the year. Year round average daytime temperatures are generally around 24C, with highs reaching the mid 30s Celcius and the average temperature in Kigali hovering around 19-20.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘All Tours’ plus ‘Hot Conditions’. Temperatures are warm and humidity is high all year round. But as much of our route in Rwanda is driving across high country or at a reasonable altitude, warm clothing is needed particularly at night and in the early morning. Do not bring green fatigues or camouflage jackets/trousers that might be considered of military origin. Lightweight, hardwearing gloves are useful for protecting hands during the gorilla search and you should also bring raingear. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are recommended for protecting arms and legs as well.
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Footwear
Sturdy walking boots for the tracking and sandals or trainers/light shoes for travelling/camp use.
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Equipment
Take a torch (ideally a head torch), water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream and good quality sunglasses with a high UV protection. Binoculars are useful for bird watching and game viewing, as is a telephoto lens for close-up wildlife shots. Accommodation has mosquito screening where necessary so nets are not required. Walking poles are strongly recommended and are provided by the office of Parc National des Volcans at the start of the trek.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Across the misty mountain landscapes of northern Rwanda the magnificent and rare mountain gorillas reign supreme. This superb adventure takes us deep into the heart of their domain, trekking across the verdant slopes of the ‘Virungas’ in search of the powerful Silverbacks that hold court amongst the rainforests of Parc National des Volcans. With a chance to follow in the famous footsteps of Dian Fossey, we have an opportunity to experience one of the most unforgettable wilderness encounters on earth, as well as to learn something of how gorillas and man have learnt to live and thrive together amongst these fertile ranges.
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Please note:
Please note that in accordance with Parc Nationals des Volcans rules, if you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, you should not visit the gorillas.
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Country info
Area: 26,338 sq km.
Population: 10 million.
Language: Kinyarwanda (official), vernacular Bantu, French, English, Kiswahili.
Religion: Catholic 56%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11%, Muslim 5%, none 2%.
Local Time: GMT +2.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide: Rwanda, Dian Fossey: Gorillas in the Mist, Farley Mowat: Woman in the Mists: The Story of Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas of Africa, in the Kingdom of the Gorillas: Fragile Species in a Dangerous Land: Bill Weber & Amy Vedder.
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