Day 1: Volcanoes National Park
Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.
Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history.
For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.
Ranging in altitude from 2,400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour.
Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda mountain gorillas that still roam these areas.
Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries. Take walks, learn more about the gorillas, and absorb the gorgeous surrounding landscape.
Accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park (all on full board basis)
Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvellous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
Accommodation options available
Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Day 3: Second Gorilla Tracking Experience or Optional Activities like golden monkey tracking, hiking to Sabinyo, Cultural village tour
Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at time of booking of USD1500 per person), or visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.
Accommodation options available
Upper Luxury: Virunga Lodge | Silverback Sabinyo Lodge | Bishop's House Rwanda
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Day 4: Kigali City Tour & Departure
Following breakfast, you will leave for Kigali.
Go for a city tour including visits to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial.
Have lunch en-route and then transfer to the airport.
