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Which airport should I fly into and out of (include airport code)?
Fly into and out of Kigali International Airport (KGL).
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What time should I arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please try to arrive before 3 pm on Day 1, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you at whichever time you arrive. The welcome meeting is at 5 pm, starting at the hotel in Kigali.
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What time should I leave on the final day?
There are no planned activities on Day 9, so you are free to depart at your own leisure.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are all activities included in the trip cost?
All activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, except for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus on Day 8, where there is a 20 USD donation. Your money will go towards supporting this world-class research and education centre which continues Dian Fossey’s legacy and work of saving gorillas from extinction.
In Nyanza, on Day 2, there is the option to visit the King’s Palace and Royal Cows. The long-horned Inyambo cattle are descended from the king’s herd, while the reconstructed palace is beautifully crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. The entrance fee for this is 12 USD.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Drivers: 5 USD per day
- National park guide: 5 USD per day
- Ranger: 2-3 USD per day
- Hotel/lodge staff: 5 USD per day
Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips. However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
3. Government travel advice
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
Most meals are included in this trip. However, we recommend budgeting around 50 USD per day for extra drinks or souvenir shopping.
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Will we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial?
We don’t include the Genocide Memorial as part of this itinerary, but we highly recommend arriving a day or two early so you can visit this intensely powerful and moving exhibit before your Flash Pack trip begins.
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What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
A moderate fitness level is required for this trip to take part in activities, such as hiking and kayaking.
- The most challenging hike is the gorilla tracking on Day 8, however this can be adapted according to the fitness level of the group.
- On Day 4, the kayak excursion is 8 kilometres. If you don’t wish to take part in the kayaking, your Pack Leader will arrange for you to do a guided walk along the lakeshore, re-joining your group for the picnic lunch.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Why is this trip so expensive?
Permits to track mountain gorillas cost up to 1500 USD in Rwanda. The number of permits is limited to reduce their interaction with big crowds. The high cost of the permit fees goes directly into conservation initiatives to protect this endangered species.
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Can I still go gorilla trekking if I'm sick?
If you are feeling sick – especially with flu, cold, pneumonia, diarrhoea or fever – you should not take part in the gorilla trekking or go into the national park.
There are only about 1060 mountain gorillas surviving in the wild and they are prone to many human contagious diseases. It’s vital that we help protect this endangered species by taking every possible precaution.
More information is available on the national park website: www.volcanoesnationalpark.org/advice/do-not-visit-gorillas-while-sick.
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Is Rwanda safe to visit?
Despite its turbulent past, Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa with very low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, we recommend taking the usual sensible precautions, such as not leaving valuables lying around and taking care when walking at night in Kigali.
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I have a food allergy. Can my dietary requirements be met?
If you have a severe food allergy, please get in touch to discuss your dietary requirements, as it may not be possible to meet your needs in Rwanda.
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What standard of hotel should I expect?
The hotels we use on this adventure have been carefully selected for their character and offer a high standard of comfort. However, one of the hotels is a more functional stopover, with fairly basic facilities but a wonderful level of service.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try to communicate to you.