OnlyMeOirish

Well, we were hiring a car plus driver from Kigali to our Gorilla Treck and back in Rwanda from Amahoro Tours. The cost was going to be $220. We originally were going to be collected in Kigali at 4.30am July 22nd, brought to Gorilla Treck, collected after treck and brought back to Kigali. This was costing $220.
Now we decided that instead of being collected on July 22nd we aill travel up there July 21st and stay overnight. Then we will be brought to the Gorilla treck and back to Kigali. Amahoho have quoted $440! (Bearing in mind that this is esentially the same trip and travel time). Now I am not normally one to quibble but originally when I e-mailed Amahoro about the change he e-mailed back saying $220 + $40. I queried the $40 as I had originally requested a quote for airport transfer on our way out of Rwanda and then had decided we didn't need this. When he replied he sent a very ambiguous e-mail and if you didn't read it closely, would have thought the cost was still $220. I asked him to clarify and he came back with $440. While I realise that now we will be getting transport on two days instead of one and I have no objection to being charged for this (ie additional to the $220), the trip is EXACTLY the same and the time with the car is almost the same (except for the additional journey time from Kigali airport to Kigali and from Ruengeiri to Gorillas Nest Hotel which would be no more than 2 hours more).
Anyways, I was more annoyed about his ambiguous e-mail as he was definately trying to 'gloss over' the extra $220.
To cut what has turned out to be a very long story short!! I got the Bradt Guide Rwanda page and e-mailed practically all of the TA's listed to get a quote for the 2 days transport (plus I asked them to include for some time around Kigali - Genocide Museums etc.)
Here is what I got back:

Albertine Safaris $414 4x4
ITT Rwanda $360 4WD
Kiboko $320 Toyota Landcruiser, 4x4.
AFRICAN JACANA TOURS AND TRAVEL No price yet, just acknowledged my e-mail as yet.
Magic Safari (Gilbert) $400

Has anyone any experience with any of these esp. Kiboko?

Thanks,
Imelda

thit_cho

I had a hired car for my entire trip to Uganda and Rwanda, so I don't know the breakdown, but those prices seem high and hint of collusion, but if that's the market price, you'll likely not find lower. You also have to factor in a hotel stay and meals for the driver for one night, but I doubt he will stay at Gorillas Nest (unless they have separate guide quarters).

If you're staying at a top hotel in Kigali, you an email the concierge -- maybe they can book a traditional taxi for less, or make some other suggestions.

OnlyMeOirish

thit_cho, With Amahoro there would actually NOT be an overnight stay for the driver as they are based in Ruengeiri so he would drive down from Ruengeiri on July 21st, collect us and drive back. Then the next morning he would collect us in Ruengeiri drive us to the treck, wait for us and drive us back to Kigali - no overnight for him involved as he would be 'home' the night of July 21st! I can't believe for what is esentially 1.5 hours each way plus to & from trecking point and airport on one day (absolutely no more than 1/2 hour driving) they want $440! In Kenya, we have a driver plus car for a day and a half on a private safari for $260 - just over half the price! One word...rip-off and I don't like to be ripped-off!
I'm very tempted to go with Kiboko as they are only (!) $320 but I don't know anything about them. Also, Amahoro have arranged our treck permits and accomodation at Gorillas Nest so I'm in a bit of a fix really.
I think I might e-mail Amahoro and see if they will drop the price any - I'm not holding out too much hope though.
Imelda

thit_cho

Wouldn't it be half the price to use a Kigali-based transport service?

A Ruhengeri-based driver would drive double the distance (with gas, wear-and-tear, time, etc.) that a Kigali-based driver would. I don't see why someone needs to come from Ruhengeri to pick you up. I have been to Kigali, and believe me, there is no shortage of taxis in Kigali. Again, I would recommend checking with your hotel.

Unless I'm missing something, I don't see why you need someone to drive an empty car from Ruhengeri to pick you up in Kigali.

Lucia78

Where are you staying in Kigali?

OnlyMeOirish

thit-cho, I hadn't thought of it like that. The only reason I chose Amahoro is because sunny_days (on this board) did so and he was recommended. I hadn't specifically chosen a Ruengeiri based firm.

thit_cho & Lucia - I actually haven't booked a hotel in Kigali yet. I e-mailed Hotel Des Milles Collines a while back and although I did receive one reply, when I asked about transport to & from the airport they never replied and I never really followed it up because we hadn't fully sorted our Kigali itinerary. I suppose I'm still thinking of booking that hotel. What do you both think?

Imelda

Lucia78

I booked my gorilla permits with ITT based out of Kigali. Joyce has been very nice and patient, as our wire transfer turned into a massive disaster. However, when do you arrive in Kigali? If you have at least a day or so, I'd just arrange your transport when you get there. Sometimes ORPTN will provide transport, there's always the minibus, or you can get a taxi driver in Kigali. In terms of the Milles Collines. From what I hear it's overpriced. If you're looking for higher class hotels than I'd look at the Intercontinental or the Novetel. But personally I plan to stay at one of the cheaper hotels/guesthouses that are around $25 (you can find many in the Bradt guide and I definitely trust Janice's advice after meeting her). If it makes you feel better, my boyfriend heads to Rwanda on July 14th and plans to find a hotel when he gets there! No bookings for the first night...glad I'm meeting him there. Good luck!

Patty

I think sunny_days chose a Ruhengeri based operator because they only needed local transportation between their hotel and trekking location (they took a bus from Kigali). In your case, since you need transfers between Kigali/PNV, I agree that it makes more sense to work with a Kigali based operator.

OnlyMeOirish

Lucia, Actually I contacted ITT and it was Joyce who replied . I did like the tone of her e-mail.
We arrive in Kigali July 21st and our treck is July 22nd so we really don't have very much time to sort ourselves out. Hubby isn't too keen on buses so that's why we were thinking car hire BUT not at $440!! Also, if we had a car we could do a little sightseeing in Kigali before heading to Ruengeiri (Genocide museum etc.).
With regard to accomodation, we have already spent so much on this trip already we said 'what the hell, lets book a fairly nice hotel in Kigali'. The Milles Collines is $93 / night but the Intercontinental is a whopping $186 and the Novotel is $125. We were thinking the Collines because aparently it is very central and it also has a pool. I was sort of tempted by the Intercontinental but am not sure it would be worth the extra. I definately wouldn't like to just be turning up and looking for a hotel then - I can't cope with the 'stress' of that - need to know where I'm going. I'm glad Hubby doesn't think like your boyfriend, although a few years ago he would have suggested the same thing (as your boyfriend) but I've brought him 'round to my way of thinking!

thit_cho

I stayed at the Milles Collines, partly for its historic role and also for its price and central location. If I was going to Kigali on business, I would stay at the Intercontental, but for one night the MC is fine (and nice view from the top floor restaurant).

Michael

Lucia78

Joyce is great. Her English is a little rusty, but she tries very hard and is incredibly patient. I have put all my trust in her so hopefully we'll get our permits ok.

Is Rwanda your first stop from the States or Europe?

OnlyMeOirish

Thanks Michael,
I think I will try phoning them to make the booking AND try to get them to arrange a car.

One more thing - did you use the taxis in Kigali? Were they fairly reliable cars (ie not beat up etc.) and do you have any idea of cost?
Thanks again,
Imelda

OnlyMeOirish

Lucia our posts crossed!
I have e-mailed Joyce to see if she can do a little better on her price. I was edging towards Kiboko because of their price but when I look at their website it doesn't really entice me to book with them (they have 'specials' for Christmas of 2004!!). We'll see what she comes back with.

Rwanda is actually our first stop (but we fly via Nairobi), then it's on to Lake Nakuru, then the Masai Mara( and then Nairobi - all in 10 days!!! What about you?

We're from Ireland, are you from the States? When are you off?

Imelda

Lucia78

I'm from the US but my boyfriend is British. He leaves for Rwanda July 14th and I meet him there July 28th. We are there until August 8th and then we head to Nairobi for our safari (Nakuru and the Mara). Sounds like we have a similar trip! Michael is meeting with the Ambassador of Rwanda tomorrow, so I will let you know if he has any suggestions re: transport, accommodation.

What is your email address and I will email you some more info.

Since you are arriving in Kigali on your first day, I'd probably hire the car/driver from someone (forgo the bus, you'll be exhausted from your flight and won't want to deal with any hassles at all regardless of the cheap price). Ask them to just show you around Kigali a little bit and take you on a scenic drive to your hotel (Gorilla's Nest?). I'd also see if you can check in early at the Gorillas Nest since I expect you will be tired and want a shower.

You are heading back to Kigali on July 22nd I'm guessing and your flight to NBO is July 23rd? If you have time after your gorilla trek, I'd ask Joyce if the driver can take you to Kigali via Lake Kivu (so you can at least see it and maybe have a drink at the Kibuye Guest House). Once in Kigali you won't need a car/driver to see the sights and your hotel should be able to arrange transport back to the airport for your flight to NBO.

Also, when you get to ORPTN on the morning of your gorilla trek you may want to request if you can visit the gorilla group that is closest since you won't have acclimitized that well by that point and the hike will be harder.

OnlyMeOirish

Patty - Where did your post come from??? It wasn't there a few minutes ago .... at least not that I saw!.

Yes, you are correct about sunny_days - I suppose I was taking the easy option and booking with someone who was recommended. I have actually just e-mailed Amahoro to tell them that I won't be needing their car plus driver. I don't know how that will go down especially due to the fact that they organised our permits (which I am paying $50 for them to do so) but I just hope there will be no 'hassle'.
Imelda

OnlyMeOirish

Lucia, just wanted to let you know that Joyce came back with a better price after I asked if she could do any better..... $150/ day making it $300 total - that's a LOT less that $440 Amahoro wanted!
Imelda