Our family of 5 took a chance and booked our permits for the Golden Monkey and Gorilla treks directly through Eco tours Rwanda and Moses was extremely helpful assisting us through regular emails and it was a delight to meet him in person in Kigali when we arrived to collect our permits. Although the taxi drivers and even the security at the God is Able House where the tourist office is located in the city centre were convinced they were open on Sundays, Moses was there to greet us!
We then booked accommodation and transport very easily through Iris Guesthouse in Kigali (airport transfer) and Virunga Hotel in Ruhengeri (4wd vehicle to the trek each day, bus from Kigali and vehicle back to Kigali). Everyone involved was very trustworthy and keen to help us and introduce us to their beautiful clean country.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Golden Monkey Trek but the day we saw the Gorillas was even more breathtaking: the huge silver back came over to us and sat down a meter In front of us where he then passed wind very loudly and fell asleep with 2 mature females and a small infant playing around us. (There is a 7 m distance unless they decide to come to you!) The walking on our trek was only 1-2 hours and dry that day.
I would recommend taking some cheap gardening gloves and long sleeves as we did as other tourists were less comfortable with the nettles- and gathers would be good if muddy and kept our trousers very clean. Others who did longer treks suggested warm tops as you go higher up and lots of water and snacks. We also employed 2 porters (about $10US each) as this helps with local employment and these men are extremely helpful carrying your backpacks and helping you up the steep parts.
Another elderly lady tourist had no difficulty with her porter assisting her the entire way. We also gave small tips to the guides locating the animals up ahead. It is extremely well run- you meet at the park office at 730am where you are allocated to your group and guide and then your guide tells your driver which park entrance to drive to to start the trek.
Quite rough bumpy 4wd “roads” to get to the park entrances. You then walk through farmlands being greeted by young children practicing their English words before entering the park accompanied by the armed army/rangers who keep an eye out for the odd buffalo- we didn’t see any at all. Absolutely amazing scenery and wildlife.
The Gorillas and Golden monkeys were very peaceful and relaxed in our presence – A once in a lifetime experience that we would love to do again!! (PS small tips to drivers and staff were very much appreciated and go directly to the local people. The mark up to pay for a tour for a family is huge compared to booking directly which probably explains why we were the only ones we saw traveling with our kids.
