KayeN

Hi everyone
Wanting to go and see the gorillas in October 2012. Is Rwanda the best choice? Is it too late? Who do I go through?

Will be trying to do another 3 week stint in an animal rehab, hope I have one lined up and need to get those dates first, then will follow up with the gorillas before heading home. Would definitely want to do it twice and I do think I know that it will be $750US per permit, expensive for sure, but from what I have read, well worth it and it may be the only time I get to do it!

Any info will be helpful.

Kind regards

Kaye

atravelynn

Kaye is going to the gorillas? Mala Mala Kaye visiting the hairy beasts? Did I read that correctly?

If gorillas only, I think Rwanda for ease of getting there and back, a slight edge for quality of the viewing, and the possibility of choosing the difficulty of the hike by choosing the group on the day of your trek. That last point is not a certainty, though, as gorilla groups move around.

Oct should not be too late if you work on it now.

Who to go through? If you search for "gorilla permits" you'll get lots of possibilities.

I've used Primates in Kigali and Volcanoes in Uganda & Rwanda.
Guide recommendations: Kirenga K and Theogene R.

KayeN

Hi Lynn

Yes I know, what is the world coming to!

I shall have a look at Primates and Volcanoes and do that search. Have looked up quite a few companies with many option but getting confusing as never heard of any of these companies.

Many thanks,

Kind regards

Kaye

pollydill

Hi Kaye,

You can contact Rwanda tourism with your questions. They are very prompt in responding with availability of permits. If you buy your permit before May 31st, they are still $500. (expensive enough)

RWANDA TOURISM OFFICE <[email protected]>

Good luck!

what kind of animal rehab do you do?

atravelynn

"what kind of animal rehab do you do?"

Yes, please elaborate on that part of your trip.

Leely2

I have only visited the gorillas in Rwanda, but my understanding based on the research I did when planning is that is is easier (including the likelihood of "easier" treks, if that's a concern) in Rwanda.

Whether in Rwanda or Uganda, do the treks! You will love it. A glorious experience. And Rwanda, should you choose to visit, is a beautiful, beautiful country with a sad history and, I hope, a happy future.

KayeN

Thanks Pollydill and Leely, I am shocked that the trip is going to be so expensive including 2 permits at $750US I understand as still not exactly sure when I will be going but must do 2 visits if possible because it is so expensive to get there to begin with.
Lynn, looked at Volcano tours I think it was and liked one of their tours, just need to check with my sister to see if it is agreeable with her.
I have been asked to do a brief trip report of my animal rehab so will do that this weekend and shall comment on the one I am hoping to do next, have been accepted I think, once again just need to choose my timing, but hoping the end of Sept into October.
And yes Leely, I have no doubt I will love it, just hope my knee is up to it as I know it can be extremely difficult but will be well worth the effort.

Kind regards

Kaye

Eland

The Gorilla Permits in Rwanda for October if you do not pay your permit before 31st May will be costing USD 750 instead of the original $500. its best to track in Uganda to save money since all the Gorillas are the same.

Can email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected] for Gorilla permits purchase and also can help you organize your whole tour

ipaul24

Either way you can make a deal saving. I have read one blog with a good comparison in costs and prices for the tour on http://safariadviceuganda.blogspot.c...king-tour.html. Somehow it depends on the time you have and the general experience.

LeePr

I agree with Eland. When I was on safari with Instinct Safaris, they told me that trekking in Uganda would save me US $250. So that is what I did. I think for this saved money we added a day to the entire safari going white water rafting on the white nile in Jinja.