Fulfilling day on the mountain with the gorillas
Very fulfilling experience which allows you to hike up to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The hike is not easy (though you can request a group that does an easy one) -- it was 90 minutes each way through very thick mud and bushes, but the experience of seeing the mountain gorillas up close is unbeatable.
What you are buying in this tour is essentially transport and coordination to ensure that you get matched with a small group led by official gorilla trackers and guides. Your driver won't actually go with you on the hike, but will leave you in the hands of those experienced in the mountain. You have to buy your mountain gorilla permit separately from the official website.
Excellent guide to the mountain gorilla trekking experience.
I had a great experience with Wildwise which took me to the Volcanoes national park and ensured that i joined a good trekking group to see the mountain gorillas.
Some things to note:
Wildwise provides transport to and from the park , including any rides to the start of the trek. Their driver will explain what will happen, and coordinate you to join an appropriate small hiking group, but will not accompany you on the trek. You are accompanied by specialist guides, gorilla trackers, etc. Wildwise picks you up from the hotel, and delivers you back there. They also kindly provided bananas and extra drinks. Lunch after the trek is included but i skipped it becuase i wanted to return to Kigali sooner. Also, you have to buy the mountain gorilla permit yourself on line at the government site. Wildwise will print it out for you to bring to the meeting point.
I found Wildwise to be dependable, responsive and very well priced. The driver is polite and knows his way around. As good an experience as i could have wanted (not to mention the coolness of seeing the mountain gorillas up close and in their natural habitat).
