Important Information

This tour is subject to special payment terms and cancellation penalties, see below for more details:

• a 40% deposit is required to secure your space, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure.
• after the 40% deposit has been received, the Gorilla trek permit ($1,500 USD) and Golden Monkeys trek permit ($100 USD) are 100% non-refundable and non-transferable. Passport details are required in order to secure the permits.
• up to 90 days before departure, we will hold 100% of your payment as a credit for future travel, less the permit fees and other unrecoverable costs. If you have paid more than our minimum deposit and require a refund, we will retain the minimum deposit and refund the balance.
• between 45 and 89 days before departure, we will hold 100% of your payment as a credit for future travel, less the permit fees and other unrecoverable costs.
• under 45 days, we will retain the full amount of your booking as a cancellation fee.

If full payment is not received 90 days prior to departure, Out Adventures reserves the right to cancel your booking based on the above cancellation terms. PLEASE NOTE: a $150 USD processing fee per person is applicable for any cancellations that result in a credit, with any processing fees being deducted from credits that are held on file or transferred to future departures.

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling in high altitudes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy, and a reduced appetite. It’s important that you drink plenty of water, and not overexert yourself. A comprehensive first-aid kit is carried by our support crew during treks, and senior staff are trained to prevent, detect and – if necessary – deal with altitude sickness. You should consult your primary physician prior to embarking on this trip to ensure you are prepared with any recommended supplements or medications. If you have recovered from Covid-19, you should discuss this trip with your physician prior to booking, and you should ensure that you are capable of hiking and sleeping at high altitude well in advance of beginning the tour.

VISAS: Citizens of Canada, the USA, and Europe need a visa to enter Rwanda, but can obtain one upon arrival. You may also obtain a visa online (eVisa) – it will be processed within three working days and valid for a single entry for the next thirty days. Your passport must be valid for six months after entry, and have at least one empty page. Click here for more info.

CULTURE SHOCK: Tourism in Rwanda is developing, but you can expect to see extreme poverty, and service levels may not be what you’re used to.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Rwanda is the only country in east Africa where same sex relations are legal and there’s an equal age of consent. Still, homosexuality remains a taboo subject for many. You’ll feel safe and can travel freely, but we discourage public displays of affection (gay or straight).

WEATHER: Unlike many African countries, Rwanda’s weather is ‘just right’ throughout the year. It may get as warm as 82°F/28°C in Kigali, and cool as 57°F/14°C in the park highlands. We’ll be visiting during their short dry season so don’t anticipate much rain.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type C and J sockets. Visit the Rwanda page on Power Plugs and Sockets of the World for more info.

CONNECTIVITY: You’ll have high speed Wi-fi and Cell service Kigali and at our lodge, but connectivity may be limited while on our trek.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

This tour is rated 3.5/5. All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

PHYSICAL RATINGS:

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

 2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking or hiking is a major component of the tour and ranges from 2-6 hours per day at various altitudes
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be included
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking define the trip and can range from 2-8 hours per day, usually at high altitude)
• There will be limited “rest” days
• Suitable for above average fitness level

Kigali Marriott
KN 3 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
+250 222 111 111

A complimentary arrival transfer will be included to our starting point hotel. Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check-ins, however you may store your luggage if you want to get out and explore the area while you wait. If you want to guarantee an early check-in, you’ll need to reserve an extra night of accommodation.

Kigali International Airport
A complimentary group departure transfer to the airport or our finishing point hotel will be provided.

Please do not book your departing flight any earlier than 7PM.

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $100 USD.

Local currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). We recommend carrying some cash for small purchases, although credit cards are accepted at hotels and most restaurants. We also recommend bringing about $200 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get heavier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.

Please note: There is limited vehicle luggage space on safari so we ask that you bring a soft sided duffel bag with no more than 60 litres capacity. DO NOT bring a large hard-shell suitcase – oversized luggage will be left in the starting point hotel.

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Out Adventures specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring. 

Travel Documents

• Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance 
• Pre-trip packet
• Credit/ATM card 

General Personal Items

• Eye mask, ear plugs
• Smartphone, camera, charging cables and travel adapters
• Waterproof bags for electronics and valuables
• Daypack
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook, phrase book, reading material
• Sunglasses
• Cap or wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun

Shoes

• Socks (Preferably both hiking and quick-dry socks)
• Hiking boots (Worn-in)
• Sneakers or comfortable shoes for dinners
• Sandals (for hotel pools)

Bottoms

• Underwear (Preferably sweat-wicking briefs)
• Pants (Preferably lightweight hiking pants with zip-off legs)
• Shorts
• Swimwear (for hotel pools)

Tops

• Short-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
• Long-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
• Sweaters (Lightweight)
• Light raincoat
• Leather gloves (for stinging nettles in the park)

Health-related Items

• Personal medication, insect repellent, bite cream, antihistamines
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Antibacterial gel or wipes
• Toiletries
• Travel First Aid kit
• Rapid COVID-19 tests (for use during the trip, if needed). 
• Face mask, required by authorities while visiting the gorillas and golden monkeys

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation coverage of US$200,000, and minimum medical coverage of US$50,000.

All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. 

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.