Overview
Venture into a thrilling adventure with a Gorilla Trek – Volcanoes Kigali through Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, offering an unparalleled opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Begin your journey in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, where you’ll be whisked away on a scenic drive to the majestic Virunga Mountains. As you traverse the lush landscapes en route to Volcanoes National Park, anticipation builds for the unforgettable wildlife experience awaiting you.
Arriving at Volcanoes National Park, you’ll immerse yourself in the misty forests and verdant slopes that are home to these remarkable primates. Led by expert guides, embark on a Gorilla Trek, venturing deep into the heart of the park in search of habituated gorilla families. As you trek through the dense foliage, each step brings you closer to an extraordinary encounter with these gentle giants, observing their behaviors and interactions in their natural environment.
Concluding your adventure, return to Kigali with memories of a lifetime, enriched by the profound connection forged with Rwanda’s incredible wildlife. From the awe-inspiring Gorilla Trek to the breathtaking landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, this 3-day expedition promises an immersive and unforgettable journey into the heart of Rwanda’s natural wonders.
Validity
High Season-
16th June – 30th June
01 July – 31st October
22nd Dec – 2nd Jan
Mid-Season –
2nd Jan – 31st March
01st Nov- 21st Dec
Low Season:
01st April – 15th June
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)
Day 1:
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali, 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 Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 2:
Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trek
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!
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 Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 3:
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 centers 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 at Kigali’s Heaven Restaurant and Boutique or Similar at own cost
After lunch Transfer to Kigali for your scheduled departure flight
Included
• Airport transfers and assistance at Customs
• Accommodation on Full Board basis
• Kigali City tour
• Private transport in a 4×4 Land cruiser
• Services of an English speaking driver-guide
• One gorilla permit per person
• Unlimited Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle
• All applicable government taxes
Excluded
• 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.
