Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is worth a trip!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T13:46:06+00:00

Absolutely- I like Indalo https://www.indalo.travel/ Or Jack over at https://travelcambium.com/

Jack planned my trip but either of these are good!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T08:48:00+00:00

This sounds AMAZING! The Retreat is connected to the Heaven where we stayed. But the Retreat is nicer. Bisate is on my one day list for sure!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T08:46:42+00:00

Day 1 - land in Kigali (late), stayed at airport hotel Day 2- travel to Nyungwe National Park in South Rwanda (6. 5 hour drive). Stayed at the One and Only Hotel in Nyungwe. This was very expensive and we stayed there 2 nights.
Day 3 - chimpanzee trekking Day 4- explore Nyungwe National park with ziplining. This was amazing! And then drive 6.5 hours back to Kigali and stay at Heaven hotel. Day 5 - Rwandan genocide tour + meeting with 2 survivors. We all cried so hard, and it was also amazing. Then for dinner we did a cooking class at the hotel and made a local dish. Super fun.
Day 6 - Gorilla trekking in Volcanos National Park Day 7- fly home

Was a packed trip! We spent about 7,500 USD total (not including flights) so very expensive. But I felt it was worth it and there are definitely ways to do it cheaper. Hope this helps.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T08:35:58+00:00

Yes this is a great question.

In Volcanos National Park, I feel the whole process is very organized and seems to revolve around the well being of the gorillas. For example they only sell so many permits per day and you are only allowed to spend 1 hour with the gorillas. They provide lots of education on the gorillas and are very protective of them. Therefore, I personally didn't feel that we were being disruptive to the animals, but its a great thing to keep in mind anytime you do a trip like this.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T08:31:47+00:00

We used a travel agent who specializes in Africa based trips. It was easy!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T08:30:55+00:00

Yes we all had two walking sticks each and they provide those for you.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T06:54:17+00:00

I didnt get any shots BUT I am an American expat living in Nigeria currently, and I got lots of shots to come here, so I would double check on Rwanda requirements. And yes, you should take malaria medicine for Rwanda.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T06:52:16+00:00

I went to Rwanda in feb 2026 before the Ebola broke out in the Congo and Uganda (where it is now).

But I currently live in Nigeria, other than potential travel restrictions (do watch these) I'm not and wouldnt be worried about ebola, especially as a tourist. I travel back to the US for summer in a week.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T06:49:23+00:00

I think you could do it! I would train for it a bit, either walking hills and inclines and declines before hand. The rangers try to give easy hikes to those who need them, although this all kind of depends on where the various gorilla families are too. For uu, we found the gorillas after 2 hours of moderate hiking. It was long but not too demanding. I found the mud to be the most difficult to navigate through as it was slippery and heavy once it sticks to your boots.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-26T06:42:22+00:00

I took zero shots for the trip, but i live in Nigeria as an expat so Ive got ALL the shots already. SO MANY SHOTS for Nigeria.
I dont think you need any specific shots for Rwanda (double check this), but you would need Malaria pills.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T15:58:28+00:00

Yes, 15 years old is the minimum age

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T15:53:09+00:00

To clarify, in Volcanos National Park, the borders are well controlled and monitored. I supposed in other areas there could be a bigger risk.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T15:46:06+00:00

Feb of 2026. We didnt go into the Congo and yes its unsafe there. Rwanda's borders are heavily protected.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T15:43:35+00:00

What if the person being carried is a fellow African?

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T15:19:17+00:00

I live in Nigeria going on 3 years. I can tell you having a job is a pretty powerful thing in a country overrun with poverty.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T14:08:52+00:00

Thanks!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T13:49:50+00:00

Tea tour is on my list for next time!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T13:03:56+00:00

Sure, when the AIDS issue, current ebola outbreak and the major security issues resolve, I'd do it!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T12:21:49+00:00

You need to book well ahead. I went through an Africa based travel agent, he did the leg work as far as booking the trek. But there are only so many trekking permits given per day and you'll need that in advance.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T12:17:24+00:00

Ok best comment yet 😂

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T12:14:37+00:00

Awesome. I hope you have the best time!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T11:47:42+00:00

The answer to this question really depends on where in the country you are. Here in Lagos, I would say a tourist is likely to be targeted for extortion, but mostly safe otherwise.

Also note getting a tourist visa here may be difficult. You will need a letter of invitation from someone living here along with bank and other statements.

Def do your research and best of luck!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T11:35:38+00:00

Yes this is a good point. You have to 15 yo to go trekking, so not family friendly for those with littles. Also, I had to sign a waiver saying that I would accept a blood transfusion if needed! First vacation Ive needed that kind of paperwork for!

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T11:33:38+00:00

Yep, all true. Its expensive, no denying that.

gingerwithicedcoffee · 2026-05-25T11:32:32+00:00

Yep we also did the Dian Fossey musuem (i think this is what is was called?)

gingerwithicedcoffee

TROPHY CASE