Rwanda safari Asked questions tab/frequently asked safari questions

Qn. When’s the best time of the year to visit Rwanda for gorilla & Chimpanzee tracking?

Answer: Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking is a year round activity but although the best time to visit Rwanda for a gorilla tracking is from mid-December to early February or during the dry season months of June to September. These periods offer by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk. And the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest is during the rainy seasons – mid-February to early June and mid-September to mid-December – as the apes are easier to locate.

Qn: Which international airlines can I use to fly to Rwanda?

Answer: From Europe, major carriers with in Rwanda are: Turkish Air, Brussels Airlines & KLM, which fly to and from Kanombe international airport. The major African Airlines with in Rwanda include: Air Rwanda – the country’s national carrier, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and South African Airways. From the Middle East and South East Asia is Emirates or Qatar Air.  We can book your air tickets for you upon request or you can book the air ticket for yourself.

Qn: Can I get a Rwanda Gorilla permit upon arrival?

Answer: Yes, its very possible to get a Gorilla permit upon arrival though its risky since Most Gorilla permits are booked early 3months before but latest should be a week to your safari. You can buy through the Rwanda Tourism Board, or can book your tour with any travel agency or with us at Walmark safaris Rwanda. Always make sure you receive a scan copy of your gorilla Permits.

Qn: What should I wear for gorilla tracking?

Answer: Gorilla trekking as an activity makes one sweat or wet during the forest hike so you need to carry both a waterproof jackets and a backpack to hold essentials like binoculars and cameras. Trekking can sometimes be through thick vegetation with thorns and climbing steep terrain. It’s advised to have good hiking shoes, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, sun cream, sun glasses, gloves, walking stick, and a hat.

Qn: Is tipping compulsory while on safari?

Answer: While on your Rwanda safari, expect to meet different people along the way who may be helpful or not. They include: tour guide, porters at the forest, security guards, park rangers, waiters and waitresses among others. Porters are optional to have for your trek but if you take one, tipping depends on the level of appreciation though some visitors tip between 10-15 usd dollars.

Qn: What kind of vehicle will I use?

Answer: All our visitors use 4WD land cruisers extended, 4WD tour vans fro group tours, 4WD land cruiser with pop –up for photography and game viewing. Large groups of 12-20 people and above, we use coaster buses and overland trucks, minibus and all depend on client’s choice and availability in the time of safari.

Qn: Can I use my credit card to book or pay for my trip?

Answer: We accept visa credit card, wire transfer and cash upon your arrival date so you free to use any of the mentioned methods of payment while making any payment or booking with us.

Qn: What’s the weather in Rwanda?

Answer: Rwanda’s climate is temperate & sunny with two rainy seasons from mid February to beginning of June and from mid September to mid December. The dry season is from June to September and it’s the best season for Gorilla tracking in Parc Nationale Des Volcanoes.

Qn: Is it possible to order for special diets at my hotels throughout my holiday?

Answer: With early notice, vegetarian, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly meals can easily be arranged. And if interested you can come with your own food but please, Make sure you inform us when booking your trip so that we can notify the hotels in advance.

Qn: Will I get English speaking drivers/tour guides?

Answer: Yes, all our drivers and tour guide speak English. If the travellers don’t speak English, then we can always get them a guide speaking your language as requested in the time of booking. Feel free to always inform us about the best language you would like to talk during your safari holiday.

Qn: Is it difficult to trek? How fit should you be?

Answer: All treks are difficult but Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you are given a chance to chose a easier gorilla family to track and that may not require a lot of fitness but if you fit enough either way you will be given a tough Gorilla family to trek. You can hire a porter to carry for you your backpack and any other luggage you may have carried along during the search for the rare primates. Even when you over 60’s its very okay to track the mountain gorillas in Rwanda since we have had several clients do it and successfully.

Visitors are recommended to move with light rain gear, sturdy boots, sweater for cool evening, sunglasses, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer lens is very useful, reserve batteries, films and a torch, long sleeved shirts if you’re going to track mountain gorillas or other primates like the chimps . After you’ve booked your safari, we’ll mail a detailed packing list to help you prepare.

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