FAQs

Gorilla trekking is a bucket-list adventure and a good reason why most tourists flock into Rwanda –the Land of 1000 Hills. More than 30% of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas survive within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). The park boasts of 12 habituated families of mountain gorillas and these range in varying elevations including Titus, Karisimbi, Umubano, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Pablo, Susa A, Kwitonda group, Sabyinyo, Agashya and others.

While it is possible to visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda at any time of the year to see mountain gorillas, the best time to get there and have excellent trek with these apes is during the dry season. That is from June to September and December to February –a period when the park’s terrain remains relatively drier and is easier to navigate through the lush bamboo forest in search of these great apes.

Heavy rains in the park are recorded around October to November and March to May –but these are also favorite months when visitors have higher chance to find gorillas as they do not move to further distances in search for what feed on. On the other hand, they are preferred months for budget or backpacker tourists because some accommodation facilities may cut down on their rates to pull more visitors.  

Visiting Rwanda from December to February

December, January and February are short months of the year and they come with cool evenings and favorable conditions for gorilla trekking. The forest terrain in Volcanoes NP remains relatively drier and less slippery thus providing friendly conditions for you to enjoy your gorilla trekking adventure.

For case of Nyungwe, Kigali and Lake Kivu, December, January and February are months characterized by warm weather and climatic conditions. In case you are interested in the big five game encounters in Akagera National Park, they are a few months of the year to mark on the travel calendar.

June to September for Rwanda safaris

June, July, August and September mark the longest dry season and ideal for primate adventures including golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. It is around September when the country’s remarkable Kwita Izina ceremony also takes place. The young/newly born gorillas are given names and the event attracts several people worldwide including celebrities.

Visiting Rwanda for a holiday from October to November

The short rainy or wet season is marked by the months of October and November. It is around these months, especially in November when most migratory birds flock into the country making it ideal for birders to embark on birding excursion. Besides, you can also be part of beneficiaries of the lower rates from most accommodation properties in Rwanda.

Longest rainy months –March to May

March, April and May are the longest months of the year and these are characterized by heavy rains. The terrains in the rainforest protected areas like Volcanoes NP and Nyungwe become slippery and challenging conquering on a search for your primate species. But May is the breeding month for most birds making it the favorite for birders to consider for bird watching tours.

The best months for hiking or trekking adventures are June, July, August to September and December, January to February. Places to consider for hiking in Rwanda include Bisoke Volcano 3711m, Mount Karisimbi 4507m, Mount Kigali, Muhabura Volcano and others. The Virunga Massifs in Rwanda are hiked by climbers on a safari in Volcanoes National Park.

Wildlife/game encounters in the savannas

There is only one savanna park in Rwanda which is Akagera National Park and is best to visit from June to September, December to February. This savanna protected area extends up to 1122sq.km and was established in 1934 inhabiting variety of faunal and avifaunal species. Akagera NP diverse animal species include African elephants, zebras, Maasai giraffes, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, antelopes and more than 525 bird species.

Bird species of Akagera include the papyrus gonoleks, Northern brown throated weaver birds, striped pipit, Souza’s shrikes, double toothed barbet, blue shouldered robin, Amur falcons, Denham’s bustards, shoebill storks, fish eagles, kingfishers, Cabanis’s bunting and others.

We accept a variety of payment methods to ensure convenience for our valued clients. You can make payments through Visa and Mastercard for seamless online transactions. Additionally, we offer the option of bank transfers for those who prefer this method. If you wish to settle payments in person, we also accept cash payments. Rest assured, our aim is to provide you with flexible and secure payment options to facilitate your travel arrangements.

Our warranty provides comprehensive coverage for the specified duration, safeguarding your purchase against defects in materials or workmanship. This includes repairs or replacements of faulty components, ensuring that your product functions as intended. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your warranty agreement for specific details on coverage, limitations, and any exclusions that may apply. Our commitment is to ensure your satisfaction and the reliability of your investment.

We are conveniently situated in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in the downtown area of Nyarugenge. You can find us at KN 84 Street, providing easy access to our location in the vibrant and bustling city center. We look forward to welcoming you to our establishment at this address.

Contacting us is simple and convenient. You can reach out to our team through the following methods:

1. Phone: +250 791 698 188 (Direct Call)
2. WhatsApp: +250 788 300 106
3. Email: info@ibabatravels.com
4. Visit Us: Downtown, Nyarugenge, KN 84 St, Kigali, Rwanda.

To get in touch with us using our contact form, please visit our contact form. Our dedicated team is here to assist you with any inquiries or assistance you may need. Feel free to reach out, and we’ll be happy to help you.

While there are unavoidable circumstances that often render one to cancel their trip, one may expect refund. Considering our experience, we always do our best to avoid any cancellations. Even if it does happen, there is a set refund criterion or policy visitors must follow. Connect with our team via our active contact on website or email.

Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili and English are the official languages spoken across Rwanda. On your road trip, you will be with an experienced English-speaking driver or guide.

The common currency used across most tourism and travel companies/hospitality entities is US Dollars. However, to ease transaction on a road trip in Rwanda, you need cash in local currency that is Rwandan Franc and this is especially where you need to buy small items in the local market or give a tip. Use of Visas/Master Cards is acceptable in Rwanda and this is common in most hotels and restaurants.

Visas are essential to all travelers intending to visit Rwanda for a holiday, and you can obtain one online or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Valid passports are also recommended and ensure that they are 6 months valid beyond the date you intend to stay in Rwanda.

From primates, wildlife to unique cultures, Rwanda is a destination with plenty of experiences. The main destinations to consider on your bucket-list include Akagera National Park for the big 5 game encounter, Volcanoes National Park for you to see mountain gorillas, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Park for up close and personal moment with the endangered chimpanzees.

Go volcano hiking in Rwanda’s Muhabura, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke Volcanoes –this can be after or before the gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri. Lake Kivu, genocide sites like Kigali memorial centre; Kimironko market, Inema Art Centre, Niyo Art gallery and others.

The easiest way to get around Rwanda is by using local means, especially hiring a car through a reliable tour operator, or get there by bus/mini bus. By air, fly in safaris can be arranged by a local tour operator and is Rwanda a family-friendly destination.

Rwanda is undoubtedly one of the most family-friendly destinations in Africa. The country welcomes not only adults but also young children and there are plenty of children-friendly experiences to choose from.

Rwanda is open to all guests however, homosexuality is not illegal. Do not expose the practice as it is against the Rwandan cultures.

If you are visiting Rwanda for the first time, take note that there are no compulsory vaccinations but you are advised to take some for safety purposes. Among the vaccinations you should take include yellow fever, typhoid, diphtheria, meningitis, hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, cholera, and more.

If you are visiting Rwanda for the first time, take note that there are no compulsory vaccinations but you are advised to take some for safety purposes. Among the vaccinations you should take include yellow fever, typhoid, diphtheria, meningitis, hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, cholera, and more.

Ibaba Travels is your trusted tour operator in Rwanda and we are located in the heart of Kigali city. For all Rwanda safari bookings, reach out to us via +250 791 698 188 (for direct calls), WhatsApp: +250 788 300 106; Email Us: info@ibabatravels.com. Alternatively, walk into our offices at Nyarugenge, KN 84 St, Kigali Rwanda.

Rwanda has been named as the sixth safest country in the world and safest country in Africa for solo travelers. Rwanda is a safe and secure country and a preferred destination, thanks to its decades of prevailing peace and stability. Away from the dark history, Rwanda has 100% transformed and today, it is one of Africa’s favorite destinations attracting not only safari goers but also business travelers.

Rwanda is a high-end gorilla destination and each gorilla permit is issued at USD 1500 – USD 2000 per person. Visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking means a great opportunity to explore in depth about the rare mountain gorillas in the wild and you can plan or book the entire gorilla trip through the local tour operator on ground.

There are lots of items to have on a Rwanda tour but consider only essentials on your packing list. These include first-aid kit, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirt, trousers, rain jacket, daypack, sun hat, gorilla permit, visas, a sweater, snacks, good walking shoes/boots, a pair of socks, a good camera, and more.