Frequently Asked Questions.

At One More Adventure Safaris, we are open to share with you some of the few frequently asked questions by our clients, such that you may have some ideas, and knowledge on your upcoming safari, on your next trip with us!

Is it possible to trek the gorilla twice?

Yes, very possible, you can trek as many times as you wish, depending on your budget but once in a day.

How can one obtain a gorilla permit?

You can obtain a gorilla permit through booking with a local tour operator who will purchase the permits for you and reserve them for you as part of your package. The arrangement has to be in advance with your local tour operator.

Can a gorilla permit be transferred to another person?

Gorilla permits are transferable to another person. In Uganda, it’s free transfer while in Rwanda, at a cost of 300 dollars, per permit. The arrangement has to be in advance with your local tour operator.

How can one dress for a gorilla trekking?

You need good hiking boots, shoe getters, a rain coat/jacket, sun glasses, gloves, long sleeved shirt and trousers, a hut. Please check with our African packing list guideline.

How far is Volcanoes NP from Kigali?

Kigali is roughly two hours and a half drive from Musanze.

How far is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali and Kampala?

Bwindi is roughly 5 hours away from Kigali and 8 hours away from Kampala respectively. It may take shorter or longer depending on your drive.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?

The age limit of gorilla trekking is 15 years. Below 15 years you’re not allowed to trek, and above 15 years you’re allowed to trek the gorillas.

How many gorilla groups are available in Rwanda?

There are 10 gorilla groups available at Volcanoes National Park, with some being easy to access in case you have difficulty in mobility ask for the easy group, some are at medium hike and some far away for those intending to love hiking as part of the experience.

How many gorilla groups are available in Uganda?

Uganda has more than 20 gorilla families, distributed within the four sector, thus Rushaga, Ruhijja, Buhoma and Nkuringo at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and for Mgahinga National Park, it has only one gorilla family.

Are gorillas not dangerous?

You need not to worry; you will have a ranger guide who will help you through the entire trekking. For the last few years, there has not been any case of gorilla attacks, you will be as close to them as you may not imagine. Do not be surprised when they give you a touch.

What should I carry for a gorilla trekking experience?

Just pack what you feel is enough for you, some clothes, long sleeved shirts, and trousers, sun glasses, garden gloves, good hiking boots, packed lunch, a hut and a rain jacket. The getters to protect your shoes are also very important.

Where can I exchange currency?

There are numerous FOREX facilities in towns. You will receive a much better rate than compared to a bank. Kigali Airport also has a FOREX on the premises. U.S. currency is the easiest to exchange and you will receive the best rates on $100 & $50 bills compared to smaller notes. US bills should not be older than 2009. Traveler’s check-ques or another type of check not accepted at all. US notes should not be older than 2009)

What is the best time to trek the gorillas?

Throughout the year the activity is ongoing, and every day there is someone trekking. Just plan according to yourself, when you wish to travel. However from June to September the demand for the permits is too high, being a holiday/ peak season.

Where can we stay overnight to go gorilla trekking?

Numbers of lodges do exist around the park, ranging from luxury lodges to mid ranges lodges that can suit you. You need not to worry about where to sleep, there is something for your budget.

What currency can we use to pay for gorilla permits?

The currency used to pay the gorilla permits is US dollars; however you can make an exchange and convert to dollars in case you’re having a foreign currency.

Where can I get the gorilla permits?

Our reservation team can aid you to see you have your permits with you at the time of the trekking.  Whether you need to trek at Volcanoes NP or Bwindi NP. We can as well arrange for your gorilla trekking in DR Congo.

Which means can I use to get to the park for gorilla trekking?

The best means to access the parks is through a tour operator, who will arrange everything for you at your left with no stress to hustle looking for means; they will take you and bring you back safely. The good thing with tour operators, after dropping you at the start up point for the trekking, they wait for you until the end of the trek and drop you back to your hotel, they make all arrangements at the park to see that you have a wonderful trek. There are also scheduled or chartered flights from Kigali to Volcanoes for those intending to fly over.

Those trekking in Uganda, we can use road transport, or flight from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip in Kisoro.

Are there ATM’s available?

Yes, in large towns and popular tourist areas such as Kigali, Arusha, Nairobi, Stone Town, Kampala etc. There are sufficient ATMs. Before travel you need to contact your bank to authorize your credit card to work in East Africa. Most banks put fraud warnings for transactions especially in East African. Also, be cautious when using ATMs and not exceed withdrawal limits per day, it will be difficult for you need cash next time.

How many people are allowed per group for a gorilla trekking?

Only 8 people are allowed per the gorilla group per day. You cannot go beyond the maximum group limit, but you can be less than the number.

What time does the gorilla trekking start?

The gorilla trekking starts at 0730 hours with a briefing, before heading for the real trek. The guide will start by welcoming you and later brief you about all the relevant rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking.

How long does gorilla trekking take?

Gorilla trekking depends on the movement of the gorilla on that day, however the trekking ranges from 2 – 6 hours depending on how close the gorillas are. The trekking can however also depend on the mobility of the group you’re attached to, if you’re all good at working, it means you will allocate the gorillas, and return early.

Are the gorilla permits refundable?

Gorilla permits are nonrefundable, due to the facts that they are on high demand worldwide. However for Ugandan Permits, your agent can help to try to resale them at a lower price.

What can I do besides gorilla trekking?

Besides gorilla trekking, you can decide to visit the Akagera National Park for big game safari or visit Nyungwe National Park for hiking safaris, chimpanzee trekking, nature walk, canopy walk, bird watching, cultural tour, hiking the volcanoes, visit lake Kivu for boat trip, go fishing or go for golden monkey trekking, you can as well do numerous hikes around Volcanoes National Park or take Kigali city tour.

For those trekking in Uganda, numbers of parks do exist to visit like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, White water rafting at the Nile to mention but a few. There are a number of activities one can do during your gorilla safari visit. Get in touch with our travel experts, they will advise you accordingly.

What activities can I do after gorilla trekking?

Lots of activity can be done after the gorilla trekking, you can go for a boat ride or canoe ride at Lake Kivu, go for village tour to explore the local culture, take a bicycle safari, head for a bird watching activity, or go for various hike a round to explore the area. In Ugandan side, you can go for a Batwa cultural visit, or a boat ride in Lake Bunyonyi is rewarding, bird watching around is as well thrilling. You can as well decide to go for boat ride on Lake Kivu on the Rwanda side or Lake Bunyonyi on the Ugandan side.

What is gorilla trekking?

It is an adventurous activity that involves hiking and walking to the jungle forest in search of the gorillas so as to be able to see them. It’s a close encounter with the gorillas in their natural habitat, which involves a trek to their presence.

What is the cost for a gorilla trekking safari?

The gorilla permits cost $800 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda per person per day.

How early can I book a gorilla permit?

It is always advisable to book at least 3 month early to avoid your travel plan from being disrupted due to no availability or your trip postponed to another date. The earlier the better, as some dates are even booked so early especially during high season.

What about internet access?

The Internet is available at most lodges; however you can connect to the internet cable, or buy a local sim card that will help you to connect. Internet is available everywhere in the café.

Is food safe?

The food that is served in lodges, restaurants, hotels and camps is usually well prepared and safe to eat. The luxury properties serve superb cuisine that is of a very high standard. We would, however, recommend that you drink bottled water only, peel your fruit and avoid street food.

How many days do I need for a gorilla safari?

Number of days depends on the length of your stay, or the trip you’re taking, it can stretch from 2 days upwards, a day trip for those trekking at Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is possible for those that have no time. You can combine your gorilla safari with other wildlife safari or East African countries. In case you’re doing a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, you can combine it with a 3 – 5 days Rwanda or Uganda gorilla trekking tour, for a multi destination safari. See sample of this.