Description
DAY 1
Arrival into Kigali Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tours representative, outside the airport arrivals section. After a brief welcome meeting you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali city.
Note: Covid-19 sample collection to be done at the airport on arrival
Meals: Bed &Breakfast
Overnight at a city hotel
DAY 2
City Tour + Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Breakfast at the hotel
Your Driver Guide will pick you up at the hotel and embark on a city tour of Kigali.
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 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.
Later, depart Kigali and drive to Ruhengeri. Approximately 2.5hrs arriving in the early evening at the Volcanoes National park.
Ruhengeri is the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town is located only 25km from Uganda boarder and approximately 2.5 Hours from Kigali City. It is relatively a small town 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 the Lodge
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
Volcanoes National Park – Golden Monkey Trek
Early breakfast at the lodge.
Depart from your lodge with your guide to the National Park headquarters.
Short briefing from your designated “Golden Monkey guide” from the Volcanoes National Park authority.
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.
Embark on another trek in Volcanoes National Park to view a species even more endangered than the “Mountain Gorillas”, the “Golden Monkeys”. It is only in Rwanda where this interesting species has been successfully habituated.
“Golden Monkeys” normally and mainly live in the lower parts of the bamboo forests, they are not as socially “tight” as Gorillas and chimpanzees and the number in the habituated troupe can vary on any given day between 20 and up to 80. The species are lively, curious and “chattery” – and with a bit of luck you may have a close encounter with them – although they are also often only seen high up in the trees.
Return from the trek and drive back to your lodge for lunch.
Overnight at the lodge
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Tracking!
Depart early and transfer to the National Park Head Quarters to meet the Gorilla tracker/guide for orientation. Embark on the trek which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you will visit. Spend one hour observing these beautiful and endangered creatures, a truly privileged experience.
Approximately 800 Mountain Gorillas today exist in the world in the wild. They are found in three different locations in Rwanda, DRC & Uganda. In DRC & Rwanda, Gorillas live in similar eco systems / areas. The Gorilla species found in these 3 areas are called “Highland Gorilla”, the latin name is “Gorilla Berengei” named after the first European person to see and encounter a Mountain Gorilla.
In Rwanda there are twelve habituated Gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a Gorilla family is done ONCE per day and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the Gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the Gorilla family you are visiting.
It is important to be well prepared for the trek – you never know if your total trek will be “short” or “long”. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 3 & 9 hours in length depending on the location of the gorillas, who are constantly moving. Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rainforest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.
Below is an example of how the day may go:
05.45 AM. Breakfast at your lodge.
06.15 AM. You will be picked up from the lodge by your driver – guide & drive to the check in at the registration office.
07.00 AM. Registration & briefing by your designated Gorilla guide.
08.00 AM (Approx). Proceed with your vehicle and guide to the actual starting point. The driving time from the check in point – office and to your starting point can be anything between 30 minutes and 1 & ½ hours depending on which Gorilla family you have been allocated.
09.00 AM (Approx). Start your Gorilla trek. Your driver/guide will wait for you at the road head while you do the Gorilla trek with your designated Gorilla guide from the Rwanda National Parks Authority.
12 NOON – 16.00 PM (Approx). Return from your Gorilla trek and drive back to your chosen lodge for a late lunch & probably a very appreciated shower.
Afternoon, interact with culture and history at Ibyiwacu village, or at leisure
Overnight at the lodge
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch
Note: Covid-19 test sample to be collected for departure purposes
DAY 5
Departure day
Depart from foothills of the volcanoes and drive 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. (2.5hrs).
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Flights after 1300Hrs Recommended (Cost of flight not included).
—- End of Our Services —
Special notes
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 deposit. The total amount is paid 60 days before.
Notes on Gorilla tracking
• Gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity and one should be physically fit to enjoy this tour.
• Minimum gorilla tracking age is 15 years.
• Minimum chimpanzee tracking age is 12 years
• Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will NOT be allowed to track.
• While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking and sighting the gorillas, the quality of
the gorilla trekking cannot be guaranteed.
• Maximum time allowed with the gorillas will NOT exceed ONE hour.We strongly recommend the following:
• Rain poncho (lightweight)
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Waterproof trousers
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Leather gardening -type gloves
• Still Cameras and Camcorders are allowed, but bring batteries and film along
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.