5-Day Gorilla Tracking Tour- Rwanda

Trip Highlights: 

• Main destination is Volcanoes National Park.
• Golden monkey
• Gorilla tracking
• You will stay in either luxury lodges or mid range lodges with meals included.
• Scheduled flights where necessary
• You will be travelling in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

Day by day tour program:

Day 1-

Upon arrival at Kigali International airport, you will be met by a representative for a Thousand Hills Expeditions, who will assist you with customs and immigration clearance (whilst you enjoy a cup of coffee at the VIP lounge). Thereafter you will be taken to your driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel.

 Kigali is a lovely green, vibrant City that has so much to offer.

 If time permits, there are optional activities you may choose to partake some of which include; 

• Visit the Genocide Museum
• Visit Nyamirambo Women's Center
• Visit the cultural attractions and local markets like Kimironko

Rest of the day spent at leisure with lunch and dinner under own arrangements.

Overnight in Kigali Meal Plan: BB

Day 2 -

After breakfast, checkout and drive to Musanze with the most scenic view (approx. 3 hours).  Check into your lodge.

Volcanoes National Park is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas and it lies in the heart of central Africa whose name is derived after the dormant volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s must-visit destinations. The park protects some of the most unique biological, ecological, and cherished landscapes in Africa. Extending from sea level to 4507m high, the park encompasses the summits of five of East Africa’s dormant volcanoes – Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Bisoke. Tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area.

If time permits, there are available optional activities you may choose to participate in as below;

• Bird watching
• Visit the Twin’s Lake
• Visit to Ellen Degeneres Campus and learn more about gorillas and Dian Fossey;s work.

Dinner and overnight in Kinigi. (FB)

Day 3-

After breakfast, you will head out for Golden monkey tracking in the Virunga national park.  Golden monkey are sub-species of the Sykes monkey also referred to as ‘Blue Monkey’. They are scientifically known as Cercopithecus Mitis kandi and live in large troops of about 60 members mostly on the lower slops of mountains with in the Virunga ranges.

Golden Monkeys stand out from other monkey species because of the gold/orange spots on their fur coats. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful and cute monkey species in Africa.

As your remarkable Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda comes to an end, embark on a scenic drive back to Kigali [Approx. 3 hrs.].Along the way, reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've collected over the past few days.

In the afternoon visit The Iby’iwacu cultural village. The Iby’iwacu cultural village is an alternative tourist activity in Rwanda. Iby’iwacu cultural village is where you can explore the cultural norms of the Banyarwanda. The word ‘Iby’Iwacu’ means ‘treasure of our home’ or ‘our heritage’; therefore, Iby’Iwacu village represents the real treasure behind the existence of Rwanda as a nation.

As you approach the village, you will be welcomed by traditional music performed by some of the ex-poachers of Volcanoes National Park.  Then followed by dances and drama.

Dinner and overnight in Kinigi. (FB)

Day 4-

Wake up and prepare for the unforgettable experience in Parc des Volcans! After an early breakfast, transfer to the park HQs for pre-Gorilla tracking briefing and about the gorilla family you will track then 08:00 AM: set off into the forest in the footsteps of the Mountain Gorillas. Ascending the slopes of the Virungas, you will be immersed in the dense, lush rainforest. The vibrant birdcalls and squabbles of the golden monkeys will eventually bring you to the gorillas in their natural habitat. Starring into the eyes of these gentle giants is a truly once in a lifetime experience.

The trekking can take from 1 to 5 hours but sometimes it might take long hours, depending on the location of the gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest. -  The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film is recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. It is important to take plenty of water.

Later, you will transfer to Kigali approx. 3 hrs. Drive and check into your hotel.

Dinner under your own cost.

Overnight in Kigali Meal Plan: BB

Day 5-

Depending on your flight, you will be transferred to Kigali Airport to check in for your international flight.

END OF OUR SERVICES

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Airport transfers
• Exclusive use of a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Services of an English-speaking driver guide
• Fuel for the whole trip
• Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
• Drinking water while in the vehicle
• Emergency evacuation cover

WHAT IS EXCLUDED:

• International airfares
• All nationalities can obtain their visas at the airport which is $50
• All tracking permits
• Optional activities
• Personal items for example drinks and laundry
• Tips and Gratuity