Friday, 24 January 2020

Gorillas Jan 2020: 10 tips for a great Gorilla Trip

Here are 10 tips for a great Gorilla Safari.
1.Sam, the best guide.
Going to see the gorillas in the wild has been something we've wanted to do for many years. Thomas and Monica recommended Sam, a private guide based in Rwanda. Sam will arrange the tour for you including lodges, tracking permits and transport. 
2. Uganda is better value.
We opted for trekking in Uganda because a single permit for a day of gorilla tracking costs USD600 in Uganda and USD1500 in Rwanda.

3. Rwandair ex Jhb.
We flew into Rwanda though because Kigali is closer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest than Entebbe. 

4. Visa on arrival.
The East African Visa covers both countries, costs USD100 and is available on arrival. 

5. Sam, the driver.
You can self drive in both countries preferably with a 4x4 vehicle, especially in the rainy seasons. Neil did enjoy being driven though and Sam's local knowledge made our trip just that much more amazing.
6. Go in the dry season.
January and June are the driest months but you can still expect rain in any season. 

7.Don't skip the chimpanzees. 
Many organised trips just focus on the gorillas but we had an awesome chimpanzee trek as well. Chimpanzee tracking permits are USD150 per person. 
8. Take malaria prophylaxis and get vaccinated, especially for rabies and yellow fever.

9. USD in cash.
Bring enough hard currency. Hotels may take credit card but out in the bush the card machines didn't always work.

10. Bring a couple of bottles.
Wine is expensive and choice limited.

We were only away 6 days but there is a lot more to do in Rwanda and Uganda if you want a longer trip.

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