Rwanda small group trips

June to September and December to February, the drier months, when trails are firmer. Gorillas can be seen all year, and Bwindi is rainforest, so rain is possible any day. March to May and October to November are wetter and muddier; we run those months as private trips only.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

Fit enough to walk uphill on steep, muddy ground at about 2,500 to 3,000 m, for anything from under an hour to more than four each way. A porter carries your pack and helps on slopes, and rangers try to give slower walkers a nearer family. If you can walk 3 to 4 hours on hilly trails, you will manage.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

Only if you want a room of your own, from CAD 1,460 more, shown before you book. Otherwise you pay the same per-person price as everyone else and we pair you with a guest of the same gender where we can. Solo travellers join every part of the trip, including the trek.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

The small-group trip runs with 7 to 12 guests. Each gorilla family takes at most eight visitors a day, so on the trek the group splits across two families, each with park rangers and trackers. Everyone treks on the same morning, and your guide briefs both parties.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

Pick your start date and request to book. We confirm your trip within 24 hours, and no payment is taken until then. Once confirmed we buy your gorilla permit straight away, because permits for popular months sell out. The small group starts from CAD 8,595 per person sharing, about CAD 10,665 with the Rwanda permit.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

Uganda needs a visa for US and Canadian passports: a Uganda e-visa, or the East Africa Tourist Visa, about USD 100 online, which covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. Rwanda's rules for your passport are confirmed when you book. Uganda also asks for a yellow fever certificate. We check your documents before you fly.

Answer for Rwanda and Uganda: Gorillas, Bwindi and the Kazinga Channel

June to September and December to February, the drier months, when trails are firmer and the volcanoes are clearer. Gorillas and chimpanzees are seen all year, so private trips run in the wetter months too, but Nyungwe can rain any day and boots get muddy.

Answer for Rwanda: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Nyungwe Chimpanzees and Akagera

US and Canadian passport holders can usually get a visa on arrival at Kigali or apply online before you fly. Rules change, so we send the current ones with your booking. See a travel clinic early about malaria tablets and whether you need a yellow fever certificate.

Answer for Rwanda: Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Nyungwe Chimpanzees and Akagera