Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari


Searching for the gorillas is an unforgettable experience, and this is one tour that will provide you lasting memories of these indomitable creatures.

This is a six-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) or Rwanda. On this itinerary, time permits for either one or two treks will be issued. If trekking only once, the other day will be used for a forest walk or cultural/village visit. Searching for the gorillas is an unforgettable experience, and the beauty of the jungle and mountain scenery are amazing. Included is an excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated. Viewing of these chimpanzees is excellent, offering good photographic opportunities. By visiting Ngamba Island, you are directly assisting the funding of this worthy project.
 

Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris Itineraries

Rwanda - Short Gorilla Safaris with set departures.
A cheaper option!



Join one of the short gorilla safaris with set departures and get a better tour price! These small group safaris will allow you to trek the gorillas a second time or alternatively to have an activity of your choice: a visit of the golden monkeys, hiking the Bisoke or hiking to the former Karisoke centre and visit the Dian Fossey grave. Departures twice a month in connection with the flights to and from Kilimanjaro!


Departures are guaranteed with min. 2 participants. For Gorillas the min. age is 15 years.

Participants will make sure to arrive in Kigali in the morning on day 1.

You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the proposed hotels in the day by day program, itinerary)

Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will try some arrangements for you! The Sussa group lives at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!

Flash photograpy is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.

What is included?

Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: a visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, 1 gorilla trek or a second gorilla trek, a visit of the golden monkeys, hiking the Bisoke or Dian Fossey memorial (options). Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

What to bring with you?

Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 50 p.p.), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, a pair of slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer telepholens is very usefull, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

WARNING: Gorilla permits are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance! Book your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid disappointment!


Duration : 4 Days
Travelstyles : Road Safaris, Private Safaris, Lodge Safaris
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others, Volcanoes National Park



Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Kinigi (Volcanoes NP)


Meet and greet at the Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide. After your arrival with the morning flight, your driver-guide will propose you a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi.

Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Diner (D) is included in the package. Hotel accommodation at your choice: Kinigi Guest House or Mountain Gorilla Nest.

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express. Participants will arrive in the morning with the first flight to Kigali.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***)
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others



Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking


After breakfast, you will depart for the Headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever!



We will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. After the trekking, if time allows lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next day. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 3 : Gorilla Tracking or another activity - transfert to Kigali


After breakfast, you will report to the headquarters for your second trek to a different gorilla group. Alternatively you can have different activity: Visit of the golden monkeys, Hiking to the top of the Bisoke (3.711m) where a crater lake can be seen or a visit to the former Karisoke Research Centre on the slopes of the Bisoke Volcano where Dian Fossey is buried near Digit, her favourite gorilla. After the trekking, lunch and departure to Kigali. On your way to Kigali several stops will be made to admire the scenery. Rwanda is the country of the thousand hills! Overnight in Kigali at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando (**), Milles Collines (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 4 : Kigali Visit and Departure

Pick up at your hotel, depending on you departure time and if you missed the opportunity the first day, you will have Kigali city trip including the visit of the Genocide Memorial centre at Gizozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B)

Genocide Memorials: In Rwanda you will find all over the country Memorials to remember the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) and Murambi (Gikongoro) where the history of the genocide is explained. A visit to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.

Flights to Arusha: This scheduled safari will allow you to take the flight to Kilimanjaro with Rwandaisexpress at 11h00.

Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others


Gorillas twice and Golden Monkeys

Trek twice the gorillas and visit the golden monkeys! The little-known golden monkey (cercopithecus mitis kandt) is listed as "endangered". The newly habituated troops of more than 40 individuals are found in the Virunga Conservation Area and they are the only ones in Africa!
Min. 2 participants. For gorillas the min. age is 15 years.
You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the hotels proposed in the day by day program, itinerary)
Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will make some arrangements for you! The Sussa group leaves at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!
Flash photography is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.
What is included?
Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, 1 gorilla trekking and the visit of the golden monkeys. Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

What to bring with you?
Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 50), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer lens is very useful, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

WARNING: Gorilla permits are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance! Book your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid disappointment!

Duration : 4 Days
Travelstyles : Road Safaris, Private Safaris, Lodge Safaris
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others, Volcanoes National Park



Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Kinigi (Volcanoes NP)


Meet and greet at the Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide. After your arrival with the morning flight, your driver-guide will propose you a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi.

Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Diner (D) is included in the package. Hotel accommodation at your choice: Kinigi Guest House or Mountain Gorilla Nest.

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express. Participants will arrive in the morning with the first flight to Kigali.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***)
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others


Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking


After breakfast, you will depart for the Headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever!


We will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. After the trekking, if time allows lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next day. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park


Day 3 : Gorilla Tracking or another activity - transfert to Kigali


After breakfast, you will report to the headquarters for your second trek to a different gorilla group. Alternatively you can have different activity: Visit of the golden monkeys, Hiking to the top of the Bisoke (3.711m) where a crater lake can be seen or a visit to the former Karisoke Research Centre on the slopes of the Bisoke Volcano where Dian Fossey is buried near Digit, her favourite gorilla. After the trekking, lunch and departure to Kigali. On your way to Kigali several stops will be made to admire the scenery. Rwanda is the country of the thousand hills! Overnight in Kigali at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando (**), Milles Collines (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park


Day 4 : Kigali Visit and Departure

Pick up at your hotel, depending on you departure time and if you missed the opportunity the first day, you will have Kigali city trip including the visit of the Genocide Memorial centre at Gizozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B)

Genocide Memorials: In Rwanda you will find all over the country Memorials to remember the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) and Murambi (Gikongoro) where the history of the genocide is explained. A visit to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.

Flights to Arusha: This scheduled safari will allow you to take the flight to Kilimanjaro with Rwandaisexpress at 11h00.

Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others

Duration : 5 Days
Travelstyles : Road Safaris, Private Safaris, Lodge Safaris
Activities : Gorilla Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others, Volcanoes National Park



Itinerary



Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Kinigi (Volcanoes NP)

Meet and greet at the Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, your driver-guide may propose you a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi.

Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Diner (D) is included in the package. Hotel accommodation at your choice.

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express. This makes it easy to combine your short gorilla safari with another East-African safari.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***), Virunga Lodge (****)
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking


After breakfast, you will depart for the Headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever!



We will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. After the trekking, if time allows lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next day. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***), Virunga Lodge (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 3 : Second Gorilla trekking

After breakfast, you will report to the headquarters for your second trek to a different gorilla group. If you love to hike and enjoy a great sense of achievement, we advise you to take one of the groups with a longer hiking distance. (B-L-D)



The Susa group with more than 30 members is the most challenging gorilla group to be visited in Rwanda. The gorilla group is located at the Karisimbi volcano about one hour drive from the park headquarters. The trekking usually last for the whole day. Good physical condition is recommended!

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***), Virunga Lodge (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 4 : Visit of the Golden Monkeys - transfer to Kigali


After breakfast, a 3rd report to the headquarters for a visit to the golden monkeys. A visit to the golden monkeys (cercopithecus mitis kandti) is very different experience from gorilla-viewing, the monkeys react and interact differntly; they will keep on playing hide-and-seek much to the delight of the visitors. On your way to Kigali several stops will be made to admire the scenery. Rwanda is the country of the thousand hills! Overnight in Kigali at your hotel. (B-L-D)


The golden monkeys live only in the Virunga Conseravtion Area. They have been well habituated and there are 2 troups.The Kabatwa troop is located not so far from the Park headquarters and the Musanga troop lives near the Karisimbi and has a much longer walking distance.Another experience with excellent photo opportunities!

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando (**), Intercontinental (*****), Milles Collines (****)
Activities : Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park



Day 5 : Kigali Visit and Departure

Pick up at your hotel, depending on your departure time and if you missed the opportunity on the first day, you will have Kigali city trip including the visit of the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B)



Genocide Memorials: In Rwanda you will find all over the country Memorials to remember the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) and Murambi (Gikongoro) where the history of the genocide is explained. A visit to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.




9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari


Classic Rwanda
Discover the land of thousand hills!


The trip will not only bring you to the two most important National Parks of Rwanda but will also explore the unique sceneries of Lake Kivu and highlight some unique cultural aspects of Rwanda life. As an option we propose you a visit to the recent devastated city of Goma (RDC) to show you another side of the Virunga volcanoes. This safari can be extended to Akagera NP.

For gorillas the min. age is 15 years .
You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the hotels proposed in the day by day program, itinerary.
Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will make some arrangements for you! The Sussa group leaves at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!
Flash photograpy is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.
What is included?
Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, visit of the national Museum at Butare, performance of the Intore dancers, all guided primates walks in Nyungwe, speed-boat trip to Gisenyi, 1 gorilla trekking Options: second gorilla trekking, climbing the Bisoke (3.711 m), visit of the Dian Fossey grave and former Karisoke centre, visit of the golden monkeys. It excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

What to bring with you?
Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 100 p.p.), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer lens is very useful, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

Duration : 9 Days
Travel styles : Small Group Safaris, Lodge Safaris, Road Safaris
Activities : Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Cultural Activities, Gorilla Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Butare and the National Museum, Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest NP., Volcanoes National Park

Schedule


Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kigali

Meet and greet at the Airport by your guide. Diner (D) is included in the package. Overnight at your Hotel.
Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express.

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando (**), Milles Collines (****)


Day 2 : Kigali - Butare - Nyungwe Forest NP.

After breakfast you will depart for Butare the second largest city of Rwanda and is regarded as the intellectual city of Rwanda. It hosts the National Museum, several academic (University) and research institutions.

On your way to Butare you will visit Nyanza (currently Nyabisindu) the former Mwami's palace (King's palace) and the seat of the feudal monarchy. The palace has been reconstructed to its 19th century state and shows a traditional dome that can be compared with the Kabaka's palace of Buganda.


You will visit the National Museum which is one the well set-up if not the finest ethnographic museum of East Africa. It's a good source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda and the region.

After the visit of the museum you will have a spectacular performance of the national ballet with the Intore-dancers. The performance is regarded by many as one of the highlights of your safari. Lunch is foreseen in Butare and in the afternoon we will drive to Nyungwe Forest NP. Your driver-guide will stop at the Uwinka offices to have the last update on the presence of the semi-habituated groups of chimps and colobus monkeys. This will help you to prepare your activities of the next day. Overnight is foreseen at the Guest House of Gisakura. (B-L-D)

Rwanda has one of the finest traditional handicrafts of Africa. The ceramics, woodcarvings and basketry are found in the streets of Kigali and Butare.

The "Intore", once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for there remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore.

The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fibre, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at "the end" comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship, mutual aid and protection.

The National Museum in Butare was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government and gave back a part of the ethnographic collection acquired during the colonial period. The design and concept of the museum was realized in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. The modern building has different sections and displays a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artefacts and objects, tools and different craft products. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to theme giving excellent information on the daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994.


Accommodation : Guest House of Gisakura (*)
Activities : Cultural Activities
Parks & places : Butare and the National Museum


Day 3 : Nyungwe Forest NP

Nyungwe Forest NP is a paradise for hikers. The terrain is rugged and steep, and you will be at relatively high elevation. Wear good hiking shoes and bring warm clothing!

Your day will start with an early breakfast and a briefing at Uwinka tourist information centre. Depending on your personal interests you will have a choice of different opportunities to explore the largest high altitude rainforest of East Africa! Of a particular interest are the large social groups of Angolan Colobus (Colobus angolensis), which may be over 300 individuals. These are the largest troops of this species known in the world! Nyungwe forest counts 25% of the African Primates!

One of these groups is semi-habituated and we recommend to start your exploration with a guided primate walk in search of the Angolan Colobus monkeys (black and white Colobus)! Rangers will tell you approximately where the group is located and the hiking times may vary as the group is travelling continuously looking for food. Be prepared to have a more strenuous hiking!

In the afternoon you can continue your exploration. There are different beautiful trails available and the superb waterfall trail of Gisakura is probably the most rewarding. The hiking time is 2 up to 3 hours and is a very enjoyable hike accessible to everybody! If you missed the Angolan Colobus you can have another try near to the tea factory where another troop is hosted. Overnight at the Guest house of Gisakura. (B-L-D)

Nyungwe Forest is the only place in Africa where troops of 300 black-and-white colobus monkeys (Angolan Colobus) can be seen jumping in the trees! A spectacular sight!

Accommodation : Guest House of Gisakura (*)
Activities : Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Nyungwe Forest NP.


Day 4 : Nyungwe Forest NP

If the chimps are nearby we recommend to have a chimp tracking experience in Nyungwe! Otherwise you may choose to have another guided primate walk or have one of the hikes in the well-maintained trails.

There are l’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys present and often observed around Uwinka, requiring less strenuous hiking. There is also an orchid garden at Uwinka and for those who would like a challenging hike we recommend the trail "the Bigugu Mountain", the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest at nearly 3000m.

Bird watchers will certainly be interested to know that Nyungwe has also some Albertine rift endemic species that can only be seen here! Birding is very rewarding on one of the special designed trails! Don’t forget to bring your binoculars with you! (B-L-D)

Nyungwe Forest has more than 100 species of orchids!

Accommodation : Guest House of Gisakura (*)
Activities : Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Nyungwe Forest NP.


Day 5 : Nyungwe Forest NP - Kibuye

After breakfast you will leave for Kibuye, passing through the green fields of tea plantations before explorating the shores of Lake Kivu. Kibuye which is one of the three resort town on Lake Kivu is the most beautiul. Arrival at Kibuye is foreseen at lunch time. After Nyungwe, most participants will welcome that relaxing moments on the shores of Lake Kivu! Lake Kivu is Bilharzia free! Rest of the day at leisure (B-L-D)

Lake Kivu is unique: Its deep waters contain an enormous quantity of dissolved gas. There are, in fact, 65 billion cubic metres of methane, in other words the equivalent of 50 million tonnes of petrol lying at the bottom of the lake under 250 m of water. If it were exploited, this energy, veritable manna from heaven, would provide Rwanda with an almost inexhaustible source of energy, freeing it from worry about energy needs linked to its development projects. There is a pilot station for the extraction of methane for energy.

Accommodation : Guest House of Bethany (*)


Day 6 : Kibuye - Gisenyi by speed boat (Goma) - Kinigi


After breakfast, you will have an enjoyable speed-boat trip to Gisenyi. The trip is not only an encounter with local people; fishermen, fishing villages but also with the residents of Idjwi Island (Congo) who are rowing long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the Rwanda markets.

You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch and if time allows we make arrangements to cross the border to Goma (Optional). Goma was devastated by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. The visit shows the fantastic capabilities of the local population to overcome this natural catastrophe! We drive to Ruhengeri and Kinigi for an overnight at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Idjwi is an island in Lake Kivu, belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At 40 km in length and with an area of 285 km˛, it is believed to be the largest inland island in Africa, and the eighth largest in the world. Idjwi is roughly equidistant between the DRC and Rwanda, with 10 to 15 kilometres separating its western shore from the DRC mainland and a similar distance between its eastern shore and the coastline of Rwanda. The island's southern tip, however, lies only 1 kilometre from a promontory of the Rwandan coast.


The Nyiragongo volcano (3470 m) erupted on the 17th of January 2002 and destroyed part of Goma town. Most of Goma's 400 000 inhabitants escaped the advancing lava flows crossing the border into neighbouring Rwanda. The eruption destroyed the homes of 120 000 people and caused between 70 and 100 victims.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***), Virunga Lodge (****)
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park


Day 7 : Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast you will report at the ORTPN headquarters where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever. We will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking.

After the trekking, lunch at your hotel or at Ruhengeri and in the afternoon, if time allows, an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region: Lake Bulera & Ruhondo. An excellent view of the Virunga chain of Volcanoes can be seen while there depending on weather conditions. Overnight at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House (*), Mountain Gorilla Nest (***), Virunga Lodge (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park


Day 8 : Second gorilla trekking or another activity - Transfer to Kigali

For a second gorilla trek we propose that you visit one of the groups with a longer hiking time; the Susa group which is located on the slopes of the Karisimbi volcano and has more than 35 members and will give you a great sense of achievement!

Other activities/options:

- An excursion to the top of the Bisoke volcano (3.711 m) of which the distinctive feature is a beautiful crater lake! Fantastic views in all directions, lushly forested slopes, shady bamboo forest and an exhilarating climb!

- An excursion to the grave of Dian Fossey and the former Karisoke Research Centre. The excursion will provide excellent background information and this is a wonderful site to see!

- A visit to the Golden Monkeys: the little-known Golden Monkey (cercopithecus mitis kandti) is listed as “endangered”, the newly habituated groups of about 40 individuals are the only ones in Africa. The Kabatwa troop is located not so far from the Park Headquarters and the Musanga troop lives near the Karisimbi volcano and has a much longer walking distance.

Transfer to Kigali for overnight at your hotel (or departure). (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando (**), Intercontinental (*****), Milles Collines (****)
Activities : Gorilla Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes.
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park


Day 9 : Kigali visit and departure

The half day Kigali City trip (option) includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, which takes a few hours. It’s a touching visit! Transfer to Airport for departure. (B-L)

Genocide Memorials: In Rwanda you will find all over the country Memorials to remember the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) and Murambi (Gikongoro) where the history of the genocide is explained. A visit to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.




Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.



All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.



GORILLA RULES

Eco-tourism is nature-based tourism that meets conservation objectives and favours sustainable development. Gorilla tourism depends largely on the conservation of this magnificent animals. Some rules have been developed to protect the gorillas and the park rangers will brief you before the trekking. Please respect them.



GORILLA GROUPS

• Amahoro group, 11 gorillas located at the Bisoke volcano.

• Sabyinyo group, 13 gorillas located at the Sabinyo and Bisoke volcanoes

• Susa group, 35 individuals located at the Karisimbi volcano (longer hiking distance)

• Group 13, 7 individuals located at Sabyinyo volcano.

Only the Park Authorities will assign your gorilla groups.



PHOTOGRAPHY

• You will have excellent photo opportunities in Rwanda.

• When photographing people we advise you to respect their privacy. Be discreet when taking pictures or ask first. Some will refuse, some will accept and some will ask you for money.

• Special photographic film conditions are applicable to professionals, a non-professional video camera will be allowed during the visit, without additional charge.

• Flash photograph is not permitted when tracking the gorillas!



WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?

• Money for your personal expenses: Us Dollars or Euro!

• Outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, rain gear, gloves (nettle stings), a few thick long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for the cool evenings!

• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream.

• Mosquito repellent

• Video camera/ photo camera, a 200 mm or longer telephoto lens will be very useful, reserve battery, films (with a few high speed films – 800/1600 ASA).

• Binoculars, if you can. Highly recommended!

•A torch

Note that due to the altitude the mornings, evenings and nights are quite cold. During the trekking you can expect both sun and rainfall (raining season) and we recommend long trousers and long sleeve shirts to avoid nettle stings. Waterproof raingear is essential for your trekking!



VISA AND INOCULATIONS

Visa: A valid passport is mandatory. Visas are required by all visitors except nationals of the USA, UK, Germany and Canada. Nationals of countries without an embassy can obtain a visa on arrival by prior arrangement with their hosts, who can arrange an entry facility. We will make the necessary arrangements for you.

Inoculations: Yellow fever is required! Ask your physician for malaria protection.

Security: There are no security problems in Rwanda. After the tragedy of the genocide in 1994, Rwanda has now stabilised and welcomes visitors.

Safari guide: Your guide is an experienced person speaking english, french and the local language. He will be your guide from your arrival till your departure.

Locations: Ruhengeri: A small town, 150 km from Kigali is giving access to the Parc National des Volcans (Kinigi).

Kinigi: The park headquarters are located at Kinigi, 14 km from Ruhengeri.

Butare: Rwanda’s second city, situated at 135km south of the capital, is the intellectual and cultural heart of the nation Cyangungu, Kibuye and Goma are resort towns located on Lake Kivu.

Prices for- Rwanda Gorilla Adventures



Rwanda - Short Gorilla Safaris with set departures.
A cheaper option!



Join one of the short gorilla safaris with set departures and get a better tour price! These small group safaris will allow you to trek the gorillas a second time or alternatively to have an activity of your choice: a visit of the golden monkeys, hiking the Bisoke or hiking to the former Karisoke centre and visit the Dian Fossey grave. Departures twice a month in connection with the flights to and from Kilimanjaro!


Departures are guaranteed with min. 2 participants. For Gorillas the min. age is 15 years.

Participants will make sure to arrive in Kigali in the morning on day 1.

You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the proposed hotels in the day by day program, itinerary)

Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will try some arrangements for you! The Sussa group lives at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!

Flash photograpy is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.

What is included?

Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: a visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, 1 gorilla trek or a second gorilla trek, a visit of the golden monkeys, hiking the Bisoke or Dian Fossey memorial (options). Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

What to bring with you?

Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 50 p.p.), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, a pair of slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer telepholens is very usefull, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

WARNING: Gorilla permits are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance! Book your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid disappointment!