Flights & Transfers 

  • Flights between Kigali and Northern Tanzania’s parks are about 3 hours.
  • The 33-lb baggage limit, including both your soft sided duffel and small carry-on bag, is STRICTLY enforced.
  • Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met and transferred via 4×4 safari vehicle to your lodge.

Entry Requirements

  • A $50 Visa is required to enter Rwanda. US citizens can apply for their visas upon arrival or in advance online at https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/web/rol/single-entry-visa 30 days prior to their trip. Receipt must be shown at first entry point to obtain the official visa.
  • For US citizens who apply on arrival, a printed copy of your Thomson Safaris itinerary and flight itinerary are required.
  • Travelers who will be visiting other East African countries within a 3-month period can also consider a $100 USD East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV). Please note, Tanzania is not part of the EATV program and requires its own visa. Please check https://www.migration.gov.rw for latest visa requirements.
  • Please visit https://rw.usembassy.gov/health-alert-covid-19-information for the latest COVID-19 related requirements for travel to Rwanda.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

  • Please speak to your travel doctor for the most up-to-date yellow fever policies for Rwanda.
  • Please note that policies fluctuate often.
  • Those who are unable to get the vaccination due to medical reasons must show a doctor’s letter.

Accommodations & Meals

  • Comfortable rooms have en suite bathrooms and pleasant décor.
  • During the trek you will have picnic lunches from the lodge.
  • Breakfast and dinner service is provided at the lodge.
  • Most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, preferably at least 60 days before travel.

Electrical Power

  • Batteries can be charged at your lodge.
  • Current is between 220-240 volts, and plugs are round, with two prongs, Types C, E and F. A multi-plug adapter set, available in most electronics stores (and larger airports), will include a current converter and any plug type you’ll need.

Weather Conditions

  • Weather conditions vary seasonally but generally do not affect the possibility of viewing gorillas.
  • Sporadic rain may occur any time of year, so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho.
  • It tends to be predictably rainier in April, May and November.
  • Year-round, temperatures do not vary much; highs are in the low 70s, and in the mid 50s at night.

Essential Physical Considerations

  • The Virunga volcanoes reach elevations of over 14,000 feet, but gorillas are generally found at around 7,500 feet; your lodge is at about 6,400 feet.
  • Gorilla trekkers will be taken through a trek briefing at park headquarters, where you will be able to choose between short, medium and long trek options. Allocation is done at the discretion of the park authorities.
  • Gorilla viewing can never be guaranteed and may require anywhere from one to six hours of hiking.
  • Hiking can be strenuous, covering steep forest paths and relatively ungroomed trails.
  • General physical fitness is required, and every effort will be made to accommodate a reasonable pace for the group; however, it is not likely that individuals in a group will be able to turn back separately from the group.

Money & Valuables

  • Do not bring non-essential valuables, due to the remote location and baggage allowance on your flights.
  • US Dollars are accepted in Rwanda. Bills must be clean, un-torn and no older than 5 years. There are few ATMs; credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at major lodges but not small gift shops.
  • Plastic bags are not permitted in Rwanda; waterproof stuff sacks (nylon or vinyl) are recommended for cameras and other items that cannot get wet (single use Ziplocs, grocery bags, garbage bags are not allowed).

Personal Porter

  • At your trek briefing, you will have the opportunity to hire a personal porter for your gorilla trek.
  • You will not be allowed to wear a backpack in the presence of gorillas; we strongly recommend a personal porter to carry personal items such as camera, water bottle, backpack, etc. ($15-20 per person, per trek, plus an additional $10 tip per trek.)

Gorilla Viewing Rules

These essential rules are in place to protect both you and the rare gorillas you have traveled so far to see.

  • A maximum of eight tourists are allowed to view the gorillas at any one time, minimum age 15.
  • Plan to wear a mask; bring your own supply, enough to switch masks several times during the trek.
  • If you have an infectious illness, such as a cold, cough, etc., you will not be permitted to view the gorillas.
  • While it is likely that you will see gorillas, it cannot be guaranteed.
  • Each trekking group will be visiting a separate group of gorillas.
  • All trekking groups are allowed one hour maximum with the gorillas. Gorilla viewing permits are not refundable or transferrable for any reason.
  • Viewers should maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from gorillas. No touching is allowed. If a gorilla comes close, do not make any sudden movements, but move back calmly without disturbing them.
  • Do not do anything that may cause stress to the gorillas. Respect their space, speak quietly and avoid quick movements.
  • If a gorilla should vocalize or charge at you, do not be alarmed. Stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
  • Do not eat or smoke on the trail or in the presence of the gorillas, and do not spit anywhere in the park.
  • Do not defecate in the forest. If it is unavoidable, a hole of at least eight inches must be dug and covered.
  • Do not use flash cameras.
  • Do not wear bright colors that may disturb gorillas; do not wear camouflage as it is associated with the military.

Packing Considerations for Gorilla Trekking 

  • Due to fluctuating temperatures on any given day, layering clothing is recommended.
  • Cotton is not appropriate for hiking; it absorbs water quickly and dries very slowly, which can lead to hypothermia.
  • Long sleeves, long pants, gaiters and gloves can help protect from thorns and nettles.


ESSENTIALS

    • Hiking boots; waterproof with ankle support (sneakers are not sufficient)
    • Gaiters (please bring your own pair per traveler. Available for an additional cost at the lodge gift shops)
    • Shell jacket; waterproof, windproof (Gore-Tex or similar technology)
    • Fleece Jacket

RECOMMENDATIONS

    • Convertible hiking pants (not cotton) (2)
    • Long-sleeved shirts (not cotton) (2)
    • Short-sleeved t-shirts (not cotton) (2)
    • Lightweight hiking socks (wool) 1/day
    • Gloves (gardening gloves work well)
    • Trekking pole (provided at trail head)
    • Hat (wide-brimmed or with visor for sun protection)