Plan your trip to the gorillas? Here are some practical Tips and Advice to Guide You in Planning a Gorilla Tour in Africa.
- When is the Best Time to See Gorillas
- How Many Days You Need to Go on a Gorilla Trek
- How to Plan and Book a Gorilla Trek
- Planning Your Trip
- Weather
- What to Pack
- What to Wear
- How to Budget for a Gorilla Safari
- Gorilla Safari Cost Calculator
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. citizens do not need Visas for entry into Rwanda. However please be sure your passport if valid for 6 months after your intended departure and that you have plenty of blank visa pages. You will need a yellow fever vaccine. See Health Information.
HEALTH INFORMATION:
The only inoculation that is 100% required is yellow fever. You must provide your yellow vaccination certificate when you enter the country. Strongly recommended are: anti-malarial medication and Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Your vaccinations such as tetanus should be current. Please check www.cdc.gov, your doctor or a travel clinic. Your county health department may have a travel clinic or may be able to provide you inoculations at a cost significantly lower than private travel clinic.
MONEY:
After clearing customs and before departing the terminal, you will have the opportunity to change money. Please do so since it may be difficult to at a later time. Bring bills in good condition and dated 2003 or newer. You will need approximately $50.00 per day for your incidentals.
This depends on the amount of beverages you purchase and how much shopping you like to do. Ask for small bills because it is often difficult for the merchants to make change. There are approximately 550 Rwandan Francs to $1.00USD.
Traveler’s checks are almost useless in the bush however it is not a bad idea to tuck a couple away for an emergency. Surcharges may be added to your bill at lodges and hotels that accept credit card.
TIPPING:
This is completely up to the discretion of travelers. Below are guidelines.The porter for your bags = $1.00 per person.
- Driver/Guides = $10.00 per person/day – (Minimum of $20.00 to $30.00)
- Restaurants =3 to 5% of bill. – Even when restaurant meals are included it is a kind gesture to leave a little something.
- Gorilla Guide = $10.00 to $20.00
- Gorilla Tracker = $5.00 to $10.00
- Gorilla Porter = $ 5.00 to $10.00 depending on how much help is provided.
- Camp Staff = $5.00 to $10.00 per day depending on service and size of staff.
- Bellhop = $1.00 per bag.
As always, if anyone does a special service for you, a little tip is always appreciated. You can tip your drivers in USD, as well as the ORTPN trackers and guides but small tips and tips to locals should be handled in the local currency since it is often difficult to change money for small quantities and especially in the rural areas. The large tip for the lodge staff can also be in USD.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Flash photography is not allowed during your time with the gorillas. You will need fast film – 400 ASA or faster. If you use a digital camera, please familiarize yourself on how to set the ISO setting. In most cases a 135mm lens will be adequate. Video cameras are allowed. You will be able to re-charge batteries at your hotel. Please bring the appropriate converters. Bring extra batteries for digital and SLR cameras.
DRINKING WATER:
Bottled water is readily available in the vehicles and at the hotels and camps at nominal or no cost. Don’t drink the tap water even for brushing your teeth. At one time it was suggested that you give your empty water to the children but now it is thought that it encourages begging. If you want to, you can accumulate them and give them to your driver or the lodge staff. They will see to it that the children get them.
GIFTS TO TAKE:
Following are some suggestions: T-shirts (especially ones for small children), baseball caps, writing paper, batteries – all sizes, flip-flops, clothing items for warmth, blankets, first aid items, and used children clothes in good condition.
ITEMS NEEDED IN SCHOOLS:
Following are some suggestions: T-shirts (especially ones for small children), baseball caps, writing paper, batteries – all sizes, flip-flops, clothing items for warmth, blankets, first aid items, and used children clothes in good condition.
MISCELLANEOUS HINTS
I find neck pillows an absolute necessity when traveling on long flights. They make it possible for you to sleep on the plane and during any long drives you may have during your tour.
Be careful of what you eat. “You should avoid possibly contaminated food, particularly seafood, unwashed vegetables, and fruits that are already peeled when they are served. In warm, tropical settings, also exercise caution in eating foods that can spoil from lack or proper refrigeration (such as salads containing mayonnaise, cream-filled pastries, heavy cream, and dairy products)”. I am particularly wary of dairy products and always verify that they are pasteurized.
In most destinations, there are Crafts Market, which you can visit and where you can purchase items to bring home
Take your own soap.
Books
There are several books with information that you need to know about the places visited. The Best Bird Book for the region – Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe. Available at Amazon.com
Other books:
The Bradt Guides for Rwanda by Janice Booth and Philip Briggs is an excellent reference. It has an excellent chapter on the history of Rwanda.
Also the Lonely Planet Guide to East Africa has good background information. And, if you haven’t seen it, rent the movie Hotel Rwanda.