Tracking rare mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, rich montane ecosystems, Lake Mutanda, Steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, Canoe rides to Toyo Island, Virunga Volcano Mountains, Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial
Itinerary:
Day 1: You will be met on arrival at Kigali airport and transfer to Kigali city for accommodation at Hotel des Mille Collines/Hotel Umubano
Day 2: Have an early start for Kinigi to track Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Tracking the gorillas through the forest requires patience and stamina, sometimes walking for a few hours in the mud and wet and finally coming across them in the under-growth is an inspiring moment. Accommodation will be at Gorilla Nest Hotel a newly opened quality lodge located close to the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. It is nestled under a grove of trees, with all the rooms surrounding a large courtyard. On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding hills are spectacular. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Hotel
Day 3: Go for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement) or climb the Visoke volcano, or trek to Karisoke Research Centre which Dian Fossey set up, or visit local communities or simply relax at Camp. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Hotel.
Day 4: Relax or walk near the Camp during the morning and later transfer to Uganda after lunch. Visit either the emerald-green Lake Mutanda ringed by the volcanoes and take a walk on the shores and weather permitting take a canoe to Toyo Island Volcanoes’ private island before continuing to Mount Gahinga or, go directly to Mgahinga and do a shamba walk nearby. Later return to Mount Mgahinga Rest Camp that nestles in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes, on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Accommodation is in five thatched bandas with private facilities. Dinner and overnight at Mount Gahinga Rest Camp.
Day 5:Either go for gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at time of booking) in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or engage in activities shown in Day 4. Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 33.7 sq km and covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The Park is about 10 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Republic of Rwanda and to the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each of these countries protects its own portion of the Virungas home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the worlds critically endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi through the Switzerland of Africa, with the road winding through many hills and valleys. Have a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and primates. Check in at Volcanoes Bwindi Camp overlooking the primeval Bwindi Forest with monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees and birds screeching near the stream below. The camp is the perfect place to experience the magic of this impenetrable forest. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Camp.
Day 7: Either go for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have a walk in this stunning forest. Bwindi Forest is a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient rainforest - one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age – and is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas or. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes Bwindi Camp
Day 8: Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna, time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight
The package includes:
Bed & breakfast accommodation in Kigali, fullboard accommodation while on safari, boat trips and Park Entrance Fees
US$ 500 gorilla tracking permit supplement
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The prices are for per person per day and will vary with the number of travelers per safari vehicle the fewer the travelers the higher the price.
Package Includes:
- All game parks or national parks entrance fees
- All game drives in the various parks accompanied by our professional English-speaking driver cum guide
- Transport by comfortable safari vehicles with hatch-roofs
- All campsite fees
- All camping equipment (except sleeping bags)
- Use of our two person mosquito-netted tents
- Jungle-stools
- Foam mattresses
- Three sumptuous meals per day whilst on safari, prepared and served by our cook.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Ecotourism
Wildlife Viewing
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