Day 1: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative, outside the airport arrivals section and after a briefing Depart on scenic drive North West wards through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda’s landscape. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself is located only 25km from Uganda boarder, is relatively a small city of about 70,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English here.
Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trek Day 1
Early breakfast.
0620 hrs: Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for your first day of trekking.
0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of your amazing Gorilla Tracking adventure. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear.
The cost is ten USD per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.
Your trek starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virunga’s offering stirring views in all directions. When it enters the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colorful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the Gorilla Families.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your lodge for lunch. Afternoon visit the twin lakes Ruhondo and Bulera.
Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View lodge
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trek Day 2
Breakfast at the lodge
Depart for the second gorilla trek where you will be allocated a different group.
Depart from foothills of the volcanoes and drive south past coffee, tea and banana plantations on a scenic drive to Kigali. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly – land of a thousand fertile green hills.
Overnight at mountain Gorilla view Lodge
Day 4: Kigali -Depart
Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali. (Cost of city tour included)
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Visit the Kandt museum, see old Kigali and the craft centres then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.
Lunch in Kigali’s Heaven Restaurant and Boutique or similar at own cost
Transfer to Kigali International airport for your scheduled departure flight. (Cost of flight not included).
Price per Pax sharing
Prices in US Dollar (USD)
Adult: 2 Child: 0 Infant: 0
Validity
All year round US$ 3,669
Costs Includes:
Airport transfers and assistance
Accommodations on Full Board basis
Kigali City Tour
Private transport in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle
Services of an English speaking driver-guide
Two gorilla permits per person
Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle
All applicable government taxes
Costs Excludes:
Meals and beverages, other than specified.
International, regional and local Airfares.
Airport taxes.
Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
Laundry and other items of a personal nature such drinks, telephone calls ETC
Personal and baggage insurance.
Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption at special low cost group rates.
Ruhengeri area is located at 2400 meters above sea level and is chilly early morning and evening. While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. You will also need boots that can cope with some mud Gorilla permits are only confirmed upon payment of a deposit. The balance payable 60 days before trekking dates. (Non-refundable).