Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Yes absolutely! Our trips are designed so you can attend both, one after another, so that you can make the most of your time in Africa!

Our Rwanda Gorilla Trek is an active adventure and requires a moderate level of mobility. We will offer easy, medium and difficult hiking options.

Guests should be able to:

• Climb in and out of vehicles independently
  

• Walk unassisted on uneven ground
  

• Manage stairs at lodges and camps
  

• Tolerate long drives on bumpy terrain
  

Some tour days involve several hours in the vehicle with limited bathroom breaks. 

Accessibility note: Accommodations in Rwanda may not have the same accessibility standards as North America. Grab bars and non-slip flooring are not always available.

If you have mobility limitations or balance concerns, please contact us at info@goldstarcanadiantours.com prior to booking to discuss suitability.

Accommodations vary throughout the safari and range from lodge-style hotels to tented camps.

Important considerations:

• Some camps have limited or no Wi-Fi, and some rooms will not come equipped with a television.

• If you’re hoping to watch shows or movies, we recommend downloading them before the safari.

• Electricity may be generator-based and available only at certain hours.

• Hot water and power can occasionally be inconsistent.

• Laundry service is available at select accommodations throughout the safari.

We will send a full packing list with your Expedition Package 30 days prior to departure.

The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). However, U.S. Dollars are widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and many tourism-related businesses. We recommend bringing newer U.S. bills (issued after 2009 and in good condition), as older or damaged notes may not be accepted.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger establishments, though smaller vendors and local markets may prefer cash. ATMs are available in major towns and cities for withdrawing local currency if needed.

You can obtain a Rwanda tourist visa either online before departure or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. The standard single entry tourist visa is typically $50 USD and is valid for 30 days.

We recommend applying online in advance through the official Rwanda immigration portal to help streamline your arrival process. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

The visa can also be obtained ahead of time on https://www.migration.gov.rw/visa/visitors-visa

Consult your travel clinic or family doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure to obtain the recommended vaccines for you.

Guests should fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali, Rwanda. This is Rwanda’s main international airport and the starting point for our tour.

We recommend arriving at least one day before the tour begins if possible, especially for international flights, to allow time for rest and to avoid any delays affecting your connection. Airport transfers and additional arrival details will be provided prior to departure.

The most popular route is with KLM via Amsterdam.

You are welcome to book yourself or with your own travel agent or if you’d like assistance with booking flights, please contact our travel agent (who is also familiar with our itinerary):

Joelle Kolb

Corporate and Leisure Travel Manager

TierOne Travel
403.968.5652
joelle.kolb@tieronetravel.com

A driver will be waiting to pick you up at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Transfers are arranged for every guest.

Yes, all the lodges have private bathrooms inside the rooms.

The trip can accommodate up to 30 people, and tours typically sell-out every year.

Tipping isn’t expected in Rwanda, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead.

You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation: ‍ ‍Driver: USD $5 per person, per day Gorilla trekking guides: USD $3-5 per person, per trek Local guides: USD $1 per person, per couple of hours

In Rwanda, most places use Type G plugs (like the UK), and some may also have Type D sockets.

Yes. You will have opportunities to purchase:

• Local crafts and artwork

• Souvenirs at lodges and cultural visits

Shopping opportunities are spread throughout the itinerary.

Gold Star Canadian Tours does not provide travel insurance with the purchase of your Expedition. Before purchasing trip cancellation, interruption insurance or additional medical insurance, we suggest you check your current insurance providers, as many include coverage as part of current policy, or for a small additional fee.

Kinyarwanda is the official language of Rwanda, and pretty much all of the population speaks it. French is also widely spoken here, as is English, and Swahili is also spoken by pockets of the population too.

No, the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country, which is cheap and readily available for purchase. Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your guide for further info.

Please go to our contact page, or email us at info@goldstarcanada.com and we will respond as quickly as possible. Feel free to call us toll free 7 days a week 1-855-665-4924.