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[amberyan]

We will be in Kenya at the end of February and i thought it would be a great chance to go over to Rwanda or Uganda to see the gorrillas .
ive found a few tours on the net, is it best to plan it before we leave or will there be better deals if we wait until we are in Kenya to organise it locally ? Any suggestions of good tour companies ? thanks

[kevandsian]

Gorillas...the sight of a silverback lumbering towards me and being so close as he stomped past whilst I cowered in the grass will always be one of my most amazing experiences! Its great that you're planning to go. Can you tell me how you're travelling? The reason for asking is that if you're travelling by your own transport you dont need to arrange a tour, you can just get your own permit, book a date/time in advance and then you'll be escorted by the park rangers in a group. If you dont have your own transport then it really depends on how long you'll be in Kenya / Uganda before the trek. If you'll be there for a few weeks then I'd definitely suggest you book a tour locally as then at least you'll be supporting the local economy, there are quite a few companies organising treks and you can book through your hotel or hostel but as permits are limited then it there can be a bit of a waiting list to get on a trek. If you're on a short time frame then you should book in advance to ensure you get the date you need.

I'll look into tour companies and check which ones friends went with.

If you get the chance try and read the book 'The Impenetrable Forest' by Thor Hansen before you go. An amazing read.

Sian

Our Pod

[irax]

I agree, seeing the Gorillas really is something special. That silverback got pretty close!

It's easier to get a permit for Rwanda than Uganda (and easier still in DR Congo!). Rwanda was a great place to see them. It's a really simple process.....

1) Phone up the ORTPN office in Kigali and book a spot
2) Arrive in Kigali a few days beforehand and pay. NOTE: No international ATMs in Rwanda, no-one accepts visa. SO, take Mastercard credit cards and/or cash. You'll be able to exchange traveller's checks, but you'll be ripped off as you can only receive francs at the 'official' rate.
3) Get yourself to Ruhengeri the day before your Gorilla trip (2 hours from Kigali).
4) Find some friends if you already don't have any.
5) Find a driver and car. The Ruhengeri cartel dictates that this will cost 50 US Dollars for the car (hence you need friends), you'll not be able to negotiate. The ORTPN office in Ruhengeri can give you the phone number of a driver.
6) Get picked up at 6am by your driver who'll take you to the head quarters out of town, after some faffing around you're off!

I went to see the SUSA group, which was brilliant, a nice longish walk as well which was just a bonus for me.

If you look at the Rwanda Tourism website then you'll find ORTPN's phone number and address.....

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN)
The Rwanda Tourism Board
Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1
PO Box 905
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel (250) 576514 or 573396
Fax (250) 576515
Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com


Whatever you decide, have a blast!