Rwanda Travel Forum

Hi,
I will travel to Rwanda in early September, and I am planning to visit the mountain gorillas near Ruhengeri. I have already read something about the trek itself, but I still have some questions about the organization. I have already contacted the Rwanda Office of Tourism and they made a trek reservation for me at the 4th of September. Now they wrote my that I would have to pay the fee (375 US$) ASAP. Is it common to pay this amount in advance? The problem is that my bank charges about 17€ for a money transfer to Rwanda, which is a lot, and I don't know how long it takes. The other problem is how to get to the start point of the trek, as I only can start from Kigali at 6 p.m. the day before. Is there a bus?
Thanks for your answers, Michael, Germany

Gorilla permits are sold on first come first serve basis, to fully book the permits you must have fully paid the Money.
the Rwandan permits was increased to $500 USD from June 2007 instead of 375, unless you contacted a wrog source in the names of tourism offices

Now the last time i was in Rwanda we got a car through Travel hemispheres. What you have to note is that Parc De Nationale is a protected area and therefore no public vans or buses travel there anyhow unless taking students on tour so getting such means is very difficulty. may be i would advice to consult that company will help you better just log in their web site www.travelhemispheres.com and you will be helped

Another thing is that Rwanda safaris is very expensive in terms of accommodation, Visa insurance, taxes and many more
hope this help you good luck
liz

Are you sure the permits are $375, Rwanda permits increased from that price to $500 from June like wise Uganda from July. so unless you contacted a wrong source. Meanwhile to fully book the permits, you must pay the ful amount or else you miss out. getting to the starpoint may cost you like $40 for a saloon car, buses are rear at the park unless tourists van however no public means enters the park
Liz South Africa

I just booked a trip to see the gorillas during September and we had to pay $500US each up front. We have friends that live in Rwanda and they booked it for us so we have an experienced and reliable source. So to answer your question...yet it is normal and required to pay up front. I am not sure of the arrangements to get from Kigali to the park yet...we are still working that out. Enjoy your trip!