Summary
This is a safari exploration of the great parks of Rwanda. An exploration that takes in a wide variety of East African ecosystems. We trek with the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda in the Parc National de Volcans.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Kigali
On arrival at Kigali Airport, meet our experienced guide. As you are transferred to your designated accommodation, our guide will give you an insight into the wonderful adventures that lie ahead.
Day 2: Cultural Tour – Nyungwe Forest National Park
In the morning you will be driven from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 6 hours). En route, visit Nyanza Royal Palace, once the former home of the King of Rwanda, and the adjacent reconstructed traditional palace made of reeds. Butare, Rwanda’s university town, is home to the national museum, which showcases Rwandan life throughout the centuries. Collections contain items inherited from the ancient museum of Rwanda and other artefacts collected since 1990.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today you will set off after breakfast for the park headquarters, where you will register for your chimpanzee trek. After you have met your guide, you will start your walk through the Nyungwe Forest in search of the chimps – but don’t forget all of the other primates, birds and animals you can see in the forest, which you can enjoy on your way. Your guide will teach you about tracking the chimpanzees, pointing out signs they have left where they have beaten the buttress roots of fig trees for example, as you head towards them. Seeing the chimpanzees playing and interacting in their natural habitat is an incredible sight, and many find it as exciting as seeing the gorillas.
Day 4: Lake Kivu
Continue on to Gisenyi (approximately 7 hours), where you will stay near the lake at your designated accommodation. A myriad of activities are available on the waters of the lake. This is a great place to stay after the drive from Nyungwe!
Day 5: Lake Kivu
Today is free for relaxing or exploring Lake Kivu – you can go swimming in the lake itself, have a tour of Gisenyi town, or hire a boat to visit some of the nearby islands on the lake. You can decide what you`d like to do – your driver will help you with all of your arrangements.
Day 6: Gorilla Tracking – Volcanoes National Park
A drive of around one hour will take you to Kinigi. In the foothills of the mighty Virungas Volcanoes, the lodge has fantastic views and is only minutes away from the Volcanoes National Park, where you can take thrilling treks on foot to see mountain gorillas. You can get settled at your designated accommodation and spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room, preparing yourself for tomorrow’s trek, or if you prefer, take a stroll through the small village of Kinigi buying last minute snacks and drinks you might need.
Day 7: Gorilla Tracking – Volcanoes National Park
Today you will set off early after breakfast for the park headquarters where you will register for the gorilla trekking. Once you have been assigned a group and have had a briefing from your guide you will be driven to the trailhead where you will start the walk. Your trek will take anywhere from an hour to five hours to reach the gorillas – depending on which group you have been assigned. The terrain changes from farmland to bamboo forests, into stinging nettles and rainforest before you will find the gorillas. Trackers leave before the tourist groups to locate the gorilla groups so your guide should know where to take you, and once you have found the group you will have one hour with them.
Day 8: Departure – Kigali
In the morning your driver-guide will help load all your luggage back into the car and you’ll set off to Kigali. Make the most of this last drive (which should take around one and a half hours) taking in the colourful villages and banana plantations on the way. Your driver-guide will drop you at Kigali Airport.
Price Include
Accommodation
3 meal per day
Gorilla permits per person {750us dollar}
Transport in private 4×4 vehecle
Mineral water
Experience English speaking guide/driver
Price Exclude
International flight
Rwanda entry visa
All expenses of personal nature.
Personal {medical/travel} insurance
TIPS
1 person = $3,680
2 people = $2,850 per person sharing
single supplement $250