Singita’s Australian sales representative, Lea Seguier, recently trekked in Rwanda on an unforgetable experience to encounter gorillas. She shares with Karryon Luxury what travellers need to know about this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It’s an event that not many will experience in their lifetime – but those who do are likely to always remember and be profoundly moved, as Lea Seguier can attest to.
“The experience is incredible,” says Lea.
“After almost two hours of trekking uphill, we finally found our gorilla family, with 20 members!”
“It was a fascinating hour where you enter their world. It definitely touches the soul. The opportunity to see these gentle giants, up close and on foot, is truly a privilege,” said Lea.
If you have clients who would love to tick this off their bucket list, here’s Lea’s insider information on how to prepare.
How much does a trekking permit cost?
Gorilla-trekking permits in Rwanda costs USD$1,500 per person, per day and only 96 permits are issued daily. For this reason, it’s a good idea to acquire yours ahead of time.
What gear does a guest need to take?
Our Gear Room at Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge is well stocked with everything you’ll need on the day of the trek – walking sticks, hiking boots, water-resistant pants (gators) and jackets, gloves and backpacks.
While we do have hiking boots available, sizes are limited – so we recommend that guests bring their own. Be sure to pack boots with a good grip – you’ll need ones that can withstand the terrain, which is often quite slippery and muddy.
How should someone prepare just ahead of the trek?
The Singita Conservationist at Singita Volcanoes Park will take you through everything you need to know the day before your trek.
It’s an informal talk, covering everything from the day’s agenda to important safety protocol. They will also tell you a little about the various gorilla families who call these rainforests home.
Finally, they’ll take you through to the Gear Room, and assist you with selecting and fitting equipment, all of which is available for your use. While you enjoy your dinner in the lodge, your gear will be delivered to your suite.
What will the day itself hold?
On the morning of your trek you will be woken at 5:30am ahead of gathering at the main lodge at 6am for a light continental breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Rwandan coffee.
By 6:45am you will depart for the trekking headquarters at Volcanoes National Park (a 10-minute drive from the lodge).
How long does the trek take?
The time that it takes to reach the gorilla family varies and can take anything from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours, and treks reach an altitude from 2,500-4,000m.
Once you’ve located the gorilla family you’re seeking, you will have one hour to sit and observe these magnificent animals. Trackers will be on hand to assist and guide your interactions.
Getting there
Kwitonda Lodge, which was named after a legendary silverback gorilla, is located on 72 hectares and shares a 1.2-kilometre border with Volcanoes National Park. It is the only lodge within such close proximity of the park.
International flights arrive at Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge can either be accessed by a 30-minute helicopter flight or a 3-hour road transfer from Kigali. Direct flights from Singita Grumeti in Tanzania to Kigali are available.
There are multiple flight connections between Kigali and Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa, making it suitable to combine a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge with other wilderness destinations in Africa.
For more information contact Lea Seguier, Sales, Australia, New Zealand and Europe for Singita at lea.S@singita.com.