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Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holidays from Dubai and United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Embarking on a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Africa. This comprehensive guide aims to assist travelers in planning a memorable Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai or the UAE. With its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and diverse wildlife, Rwanda, known as the “land of a thousand hills,” offers a remarkable destination for gorilla trekking and safari adventures.
Things to Know Before Planning a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holiday from the UAE:
Before embarking on a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai or the UAE, it is essential to gather relevant information. This includes understanding whether to use a tour operator, exploring different Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday options, determining the best time to book a Rwanda gorilla safari, and selecting the ideal destinations within Rwanda for a memorable gorilla encounter.
About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking:
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, situated in the far northwest of the country. Home to endangered mountain gorillas and rich montane vegetation, the park offers an immersive experience in the natural habitat of these majestic creatures. Each day, a limited number of individuals are allowed to visit a specific gorilla group. After a briefing at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) offices, visitors embark on a trek led by armed ranger guides, tracking the gorillas through the park’s bamboo forests and open grasslands. The trek duration can range from a few minutes to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are granted one precious hour in their presence, following guidelines for both their safety and the well-being of the gorillas.
About Rwanda Safari Holidays:
For those seeking a broader wildlife experience, Akagera National Park is the only game park in Rwanda offering diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Located in the eastern region, the park allows visitors to spot the Big Five animals, including buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and black rhinos. Other wildlife species present in Akagera National Park include giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hippos, baboons, monkeys, impalas, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species. Boat excursions on Lake Kivu, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and mountain hiking in the Virunga Mountains are additional activities that can enhance a Rwanda safari holiday experience.
Booking a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holiday from Dubai:
To secure a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai, it is crucial to obtain a gorilla permit in advance from the Rwanda Development Board. Trek Africa Expeditions facilitates this process by checking permit availability for specific travel dates and providing an invoice for permit payment. Once the payment is received, permits are immediately purchased and scanned copies are shared with travelers for confirmation. Additionally, Trek Africa Expeditions assists in booking all other necessary services for a seamless safari experience.
Permit Costs and Safari Holiday Prices:
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 per person for foreign residents, and $200 for East African citizens. These permits allow visitors to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The overall cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai includes permit fees as well as transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. Trek Africa Expeditions offers a range of safari packages, with the 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Express Tour starting from $23750 per person (based on a group of 2).
Best Time to Book a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holiday:
The best time to embark on a safari in Rwanda and gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is during the months of June to October and December to February. These periods correspond to the dry seasons, characterized by mild rainfall and easier trekking conditions. Vegetation is less dense during this time, offering better visibility and photographic opportunities. Although gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the wet seasons of April, May, and November result in lush vegetation, shorter treks, and abundant food sources for the gorillas.
Accommodation Options in Rwanda:
Volcanoes National Park offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges such as Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Hotels, and Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge. Mid-range lodges include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge, while budget options encompass Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, and La Palme Hotel. In Akagera National Park, accommodations like Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Camp provide excellent options for wildlife enthusiasts.
Accessing Volcanoes National Park:
Volcanoes National Park is conveniently accessed by road, with a journey time of approximately 2-3 hours from Kigali town. Travelers receive a short briefing at their designated hotel before embarking on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, offering opportunities for sightseeing and capturing memorable photographs.
Other Top Activities to Include in a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safari Holiday:
In addition to gorilla trekking, there are several other activities to enhance a Rwanda safari experience. These include golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb and Hike to learn about the renowned primatologist’s work, exploring the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse oneself in local traditions, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and game viewing in Akagera National Park, which offers a chance to see the Big Five animals.
Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions:
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted tour operator specializing in tailor-made primate safaris in Rwanda. Their professional team of tour consultants provides prompt responses to inquiries, ensures advance bookings for a hassle-free experience, and assigns knowledgeable safari guides to cater to individual language preferences. By choosing Trek Africa Expeditions, travelers can rest assured that their Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday will be meticulously planned and catered to their specific needs.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates presents an opportunity to explore the remarkable beauty and wildlife diversity of this African gem. With Trek Africa Expeditions as your trusted partner, you can expect a well-organized and unforgettable experience. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions for further details and to begin planning your dream Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari holiday from Dubai and the UAE.
