Four movements of one composition.
The Composition
Following your inquiry, Gerry reviews your dossier personally. Within one working day a draft is composed — a private letter, never a brochure.
Arrival in Kigali
Greeted on the tarmac. A discreet transfer to The Retreat or your private residence above the city. Evening welcome with our atelier.
The Ascent
Pre-dawn departure. Briefing at the park. Your scout — known to us for fifteen years — leads you through bamboo, hagenia, and finally, into stillness.
The Encounter
One hour with the family. No more, no less. We do not photograph for you; we hold your gaze, your breath, and the silver back of an old king.
Beyond the visible.
Every Gerry journey includes the things one rarely thinks to ask for — and never has to.
Rwanda gorilla trekking, answered.
The practical questions guests most often raise about permits, lodging, fitness and the rhythm of a Gerry bespoke Rwanda safari.
What does a private gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park include?
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Each Rwanda Development Board (RDB) gorilla permit (currently US$1,500) entitles one guest to a single, one-hour visit with one habituated mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, accompanied by RDB rangers, trackers and an armed park escort. On a Gerry bespoke Rwanda safari, every permit is secured personally up to 12 months in advance.
Where do guests stay during a luxury Rwanda gorilla safari?
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Suite-category lodging at Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest or equivalent — including private villas with personal butler, fireplace, and direct sightlines to the Virunga volcanoes. Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Akagera nights use the corresponding flagship lodges in each park.
How are gorilla families assigned on a trek day?
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Each morning Gerry's head guide briefs the RDB allocation team and matches every guest with a habituated gorilla family suited to their preferred trek length and fitness. Guests requesting easier walks are assigned lower-altitude families; experienced trekkers can request the more remote groups.
Are golden monkey treks, Dian Fossey hikes and chimpanzee tracking included?
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Yes — the Silverback Sanctum and Three Forests journeys include the golden monkey trek at Sabyinyo, the Dian Fossey tomb pilgrimage on Karisoke, and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe or Gishwati, each with private permits and a dedicated naturalist.
What ground transport, security and medical cover does Gerry provide?
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All transfers are in private 4×4 vehicles with experienced Rwandan drivers; helicopter transfers between Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Akagera are arranged on request. Every journey includes a private clinic on call and full medical evacuation cover for the duration.
Tailor your journey.
Tell us a little about how you travel. Gerry will personally reply within 24 hours with a draft itinerary composed for you alone.