Rwanda Gorilla Trek

Yes, absolutely! Our itineraries are designed so you can attend both Tanzania and Rwanda, making the most of your time in Africa. If you're interested in attending both tours, we recommend joining the January 12–23, 2027 Tanzania Safari, followed by Rwanda. The second Tanzania Safari begins as the Rwanda tour is ending, so if you're combining both tours, Tanzania → Rwanda is the order we recommend. If you are hoping to do the Rwanda tour first, please reach out to us and we can help you figure out the best way to connect these two tours.

If you’re attending the January 12–23, 2027 Tanzania Safari and transferring to Rwanda, the best flight on January 23, 2027 from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Kigali International Airport (KGL) is with Kenya Airways, with one stop in Nairobi (NBO).

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

Guests should be able to:

• Walk at least 1.5-2 hours at an easy pace

  You can hire a porter to support you during the treks. They will carry your backpack, and give you a hand on uneven or muddy ground.

• Climb in and out of vehicles independently
  

• Walk unassisted on uneven ground
  

• Manage stairs at lodges and camps

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.

Yes. For gorilla trekking, there is a strict minimum age requirement, and participants must be at least 15 years old.

For our Tanzania Safaris, guests aged 12 and older are welcome to participate.

You will stay at a combination of hotels and lodges during the Gorilla Trek, including the peaceful Ingagi Park View Lodge where you’ll stay in villas spread throughout the beautiful gardens.

Important considerations:

• Some accommodations may have limited Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi only available in public areas. 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.

• Hot water and power can occasionally be inconsistent.

• Laundry service is available at select accommodations during the trek.

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

We will also host a webinar before your trek to discuss the itinerary, what you need to pack, and other important details.

The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). However, USD is widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and many tourism-related businesses.

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 will need a visa to visit Rwanda if you have a Canadian passport. 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 $70 CAD/$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 Canadian 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.rwandaincanada.gov.rw/services/service-details/cnd-visa

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

You 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. Your trekking team will meet you at the airport to transfer to your accommodations.

If you are interested in arriving early, let us know and we can help you arrange your accommodations.

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 20 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.

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.

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.

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.

Reserve your safari with a $500 deposit per seat. During the booking process, after you select Single or Double Occupancy, you’ll have the option to either Pay Amount Due or Pay in Full.‍ ‍

If you select to Pay Amount Due, you'll pay the initial $500 deposit to reserve your seat. The due dates and amounts for the remaining two payments will be outlined there, and will also be included in your booking confirmation email after you finish making your reservation.

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