Rwanda

5 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Explore the last remaining portions of the Guineo-Congolian rain forest as we look for the Mountain Gorillas in their last remaining habitat. You will arrive and spend an overnight in the city of a thousand hills Kigali, before heading to the Volcanoes National Park, renowned for having the most accessible and easiest treks to go and see the Mountain Gorillas.

The Volcanoes National Park is the actual location where Dian Fossey spent 20 years studying the endangered mountain gorillas. Her work inspired the famous movies Gorillas in the Mist. This is short itinerary is ideal for adventures and as an extension to an east African safari for those who want to top their stay with a bucket list experience in less than a week.

All-inclusive packages available upon request.

PACKAGE INFORMATION

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Itinerary

Day 1: Touch down in Kigali | 1 Night

Welcome to Kigali, the city of a thousand hills on arrival at the Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transfer to the prize-winning Kigali Serena Hotel. The hotel boasts the best location and some of the city finest restaurants as well as a spa – after a long flight spend the evening relaxing, dining or take a walk in the hotels green manicured gardens. Overnight at the Camp.

Day 2: From Kigali to the Virunga Volcanoes | 3 Nights

Breakfast and join your guide and depart for the three-hour drive on good roads, through the hilly and scenic Rwanda country side, dotted with small farming villages and terraced hills as you break through the mist to the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, located on the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. Arrive in time for lunch, later in the afternoon relax in the hotels taking in the views of the volcanoes, lakes and forest from the extensive gardens of the hotel or you can decide to visit the grave of the famous gorilla conservationist Dian Fossey.

Day 3: Searching for “Gorillas in the Mist”

Take a breakfast and join your guide for the short transfer to the Kinigi district, where you will begin your full day trek in search of the mountain gorillas. The park is home to more than 300 families of mountain gorillas, after a short briefing you will be allocated your guide and get a short history of the gorilla’s family that you will be visiting. The gorillas you will be visiting are habituated, that is they are accustomed to human presence.

The trek begins crossing small farm holdings as you reach the wet, muddy and dense edge of the Virunga Volcanoes, your guides using machetes will cut a way through the vegetation as you make your way toward the gorilla families, the trek can be from as little as 1 hour or more, but on seeing the gorillas you will be rewarded with a lifetime experience as you meet and interact with these gentle creatures, watch them as they play, eat and groom each other going about their daily routine in their natural habitat.

Day 4: Soak Up the Scenery

After a day of trekking spend the day relaxing as you recuperate and reminisce from the wonderful experience of yesterday, the climate is cool, the air filled with the aroma of local trees and flowers, the setting is quite with only the crackling of trees as the birds or randy primates play in the tall forest trees, the scenery impressive, or you can take a guided walk in search of the golden monkeys, or join a hike to the top of the volcano. Cultural visit to the local villages and specialized birding safaris can also be organized on this day.

Day 5: Farewell to the Virungas

Breakfast and depart the Virunga volcanoes for Kigali via road, on arrival in Kigali you can enjoy a short city tour just before your departure flight. On this last day one can also decide to return to Kigali with an optional private scenic helicopter flight.

Activities as per the itinerary.
Expert driver / guide and vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
One chimpanzee and one gorilla permit.
One complimentary massage.
Park fees, nature and community walk fees.

International flights
Airport taxes
All meals and drinks not specified
Tips and gratuities
Items of a personal nature

Highlights

View the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Incredible scenery and wide variety of game activities including game drives & bush meals
Nature walk guided safaris with professional guide
Optional helicopter flip
Tick off a bucket-list adventure!