Many visitors are lured to Rwanda by the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, who make their home in the staggeringly beautiful Virunga volcanic chain, an area made famous by the American gorilla researcher Dian Fossey.
Forest birding, crystal clear lakes, savannah safaris and authentic traditional culture encourage visitors to Rwanda to stay longer. Rwanda’s incredible natural wealth and biodiversity make the country a prime destination for nature lovers and people who wish to gain an authentic African experience.
DAY 1: Arrive Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Overnight: Lemigo Hotel (B&B)
DAY 2: Depart for Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, your driver guide will collect you for the 6 ½ hour drive for Nyungwe National Park. En route you will visit the famous National Museum at Butare and the ancient King’s Palace at Nyanza.
After lunch in Butare, your journey will continue to Nyungwe National Park, arriving for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 6 ½ hours Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel (FB)
DAY 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, you will collect your packed lunch (provided by the hotel) and drive to the park for the starting point of your chimpanzee trek.
Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East and Central Africa and has an incredibly rich biodiversity. Two species of chimpanzee occur in Africa. There is the Bonobo and the Common Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes (often shortened to Chimpanzee or Chimp, and sometimes referred to as the Robust Chimpanzee). The largest remaining populations occur in central Africa (Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon). Approximately 400 individuals remain in Rwanda’s endangered population of chimpanzees. However, it should be mentioned that seeing the chimps is not guaranteed, as their movements are unpredictable and they can move long distances in one day. However, the rangers will do their utmost to locate them for you and are in constant radio contact monitoring their whereabouts
Return to the lodge for lunch. Later depart for your nature walk through the forest, visiting the Kamiranzovu Waterfall.
The forest comprises amongst many things at least 200 tree species and over 280 bird species and more than 100 different types of colorful butterfly which make it a true feast of the senses for the nature lover.
Later return for dinner and overnight at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Driving distance: Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel (FB)
DAY 4: Colobus Monkey Tracking + Canopy Walk
After breakfast, and equipped with your packed lunch, we will head again to the National Park where you will have the opportunity to do the Colobus Monkey trekking. The most famous of Nyungwe’s primates is the Ruwenzori Colobus a race of the more wide spread Angola Colobus which is confined to the Albertine Rift. The Ruwenzori Colobus is extremely arboreal as well as an acrobatic leaf-eater. It is simply differentiated from any different primate discovered in Nyungwe by its black general colour and snow-white whiskers, shoulders and tail tip.
After lunch, it is time for your canopy walk. Set 50 meters above the ground, the canopy walk has a 150-meter walkway and is the first of its kind in East Africa and only the third on the continent (after South Africa and Ghana). It allows visitors to see the forest from above the trees and be at eye level with birds and monkeys that inhabit the upper storeys of the forest.
Return to your hotel/lodge for dinner and overnight.
Activity: Colobus Monkey Trekking + Canopy Walk Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel (FB)
DAY 5: Depart for Kibuye
After breakfast you will depart for Kibuye which lies at the eastern tip of Lake Kivu. Kibuye is often hailed as the most impressive scenic spot of the lake. The unpaved road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills and mountains beside the lake from Gisenyi to Cyangugu. Eucalyptus trees line the road, while every corner of the hills is terraced with bananas. Villagers smile and wave. In fact, you may end up with hands tired from waving, and feel like royalty at the end of the trip!
Arrive for lunch at Moriah Hills Resort. Afterwards, take a boat trip to the island of Amahoro – Napoleon’s island – with its colony of fruit bats (aptly known as One Bar Island, for the reason you may guess!) Deeply incised creeks, towering mountain ranges and islands offer a magnificent panorama.
Dinner and overnight at Moriah Hills Resort.
Driving distance: 3 hours Activity: 1 Hour boat ride Overnight: Moriah Hills Resort (FB)
DAY 6: Depart for Gisenyi
After breakfast continue on to Gisenyi, Rwanda, the largest port on Lake Kivu. You will arrive in time to check in and have lunch at the hotel.
You are welcome to swim at Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The afternoon is spent in this largest port on the Rwandan shore of Lake Kivu, which our guides will have pleasure in describing to you as he guides you. Enjoy a boat ride to one of the islands in Lake Kivu or simply explore the town, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the local market or wander through the leafy streets admiring the old colonial buildings.
Later enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 3 hours Activity: 1 Hour boat ride Overnight: Paradise Malahide hotel (FB)
DAY 7: Depart for Ruhengeri
After breakfast you will depart for Ruhengeri with a stop at the Imbabazi Orphanage, which was founded by Rosamond Halsey Carr (1912-2006) in 1994. Since that time Roz and her staff have cared for more than 400 children although the children’s home has since been closed. Roz wrote the book “Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda,” with her niece, Ann Howard Halsey, chronicling her love affair with one of the world’s most beautiful and tormented regions. She is also the 2004 recipient of the Volvo for Life Award and a movie chronicling her life is currently in production. Take a walk around the homestead and see the flowers that were planted by her. Have a cup of tea/coffee as you watch the local dancers and enjoy the traditional local entertainment.
Continue to Ruhengeri area, the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of the five volcanic mountains – the Virungas – arriving for check-in and lunch.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the twin lakes of Bulera & Ruhondo, beautiful lakes located at the base of the Muhabura volcano, close to the border with Uganda. They are surrounded by steep hills with a backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains. These twin lakes are great spots to experience and not worth missing. Their deep blue waters, ringed by steep hills and tall waterfalls, with the outlines of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes, provide a spectacular backdrop. There are great photo opportunities at the view point.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Activities: Imbabazi orphanage visit + Twin Lakes visit Overnight: La Palme Hotel (FB)
DAY 8: Gorilla Tracking
You will be up early on the morning of your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You will report for registration at the ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek will start. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes.
The rangers will guide you through the fields, up the gentle slopes of the volcanoes and into the bamboo forest. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact. In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you will also be advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas.
Once you have located the gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides will interpret the animals’ behaviour for you. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You will never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They will be quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.
Tracking the mountain gorillas is a physically demanding experience. In the afternoon, you may want to rest, or you may wish to go on a village walk, visit the local market or visit the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame who studied the gorillas of this area.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Activities: 1 Gorilla Trek Overnight: La Palme Hotel (FB)
Golden Monkey Tracking + Intercultural Exchange
Entering dense bamboo interspersed with open glades, you will make your way deep into the golden monkey territory of Volcanoes National Park. Ranger guides will lead you to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Although viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from branch to branch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.
Return to your hotel to freshen up and have lunch. In the afternoon, optional activities may be a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village to watch a cultural dance, meet a local medicine man, or even discover the house of a local king. These cultural activities are popular with visitors and offer alternative incomes to reformed poachers. Another option is to take a trip to the local brewers to understand the chemical process behind brewing local beer from bananas. Just for fun, you can even join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice. Other activities you may learn about are basket weaving, an important cultural activity in Rwanda. Through your visits, the activities support the local community financially.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Activities: 1 Golden Monkey Trek Overnight: La Palme Hotel (FB)
DAY 10: City Tour and Shopping + Depart
After breakfast, your driver will collect you for the two-hour drive to Kigali. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have a chance for a complementary city tour of one of Africa’s most well-run and friendly capital cities. Interesting optional spots to visit may include the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site and Kigali museum. You will have a chance to do some last-minute souvenir shopping here or at the airport before your flight back home.
Driving distance: 2 Hours Activities: City Tour Overnight: 0 Meal Plan: 0
Prices, including Jeep
| 2 people sharing | 3 people sharing | 4 people sharing | 5 people sharing | Single person supplement | |
| Price per client from | $4841.00 | $4326.00 | $4084.00 | $3934.00 | $458.00 |
For Rwanda itineraries and costs – customised to your specification and price range – please get in touch with Around Africa Safaris!
Please note:
- 1. Prices are valid for 2019 and can change in 2020.
- 2. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
- 3. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this program. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
- 4. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
- 5. By booking this safari, the client accepts Around Africa Safaris’ terms and conditions of business, available to read on our web site.
Included
- All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
- Safari vehicle and fuel
- English speaking tourist guide
- One gorilla permit per person
- One Golden Monkey tracking permit per person
- One Canopy walk permit per person
- One Chimpanzee tracking permit per person
- One nature walk permit per person
- One Colobus Monkey tracking permit per person
- Entrance fees to the national parks
- All boat tours
- Taxes
- Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Drinks / alcoholic drinks
- Additional meals
- Tips
- Activities not part of the described program
- International travel insurance
- Items of personal nature / souvenirs
Optional
- German or another language speaking Safari-Guide
- Other activities highlighted as optional in the itinerary
Rwanda – the “Land of a Thousand Hills” – is a country of verdant beauty and abundant fauna and flora. The country is flourishing, and tourists love to visit this safe and popular little country that has invested heavily in tourism and infrastructure over the last two decades.
Many visitors are lured to Rwanda by the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, who make their home in the staggeringly beautiful Virunga volcanic chain, an area made famous by the American gorilla researcher Dian Fossey.
Forest birding, crystal clear lakes, Savannah safaris and authentic traditional culture encourage visitors to Rwanda to stay longer. Rwanda’s incredible natural wealth and biodiversity make the country a prime destination for nature lovers and people who wish to gain an authentic African experience.
DAY 1: Arrive Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Overnight at Lemigo Hotel (B&B)
Day 2: Visit Ntarama & Nyamata Memorial Visit + Depart For Ruhengeri
After breakfast, depart for the Ntarama Genocide Memorial and Church, located in the Bugasera region about 30 km south of the capital city of Kigali. Ntarama Church is where the mass killings of more than 5000 people took place during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. This church and its contents are a reminder of the horrifying violence that took place here and an opportunity to learn more about the unity and reconciliation commission. Visit the Nyamata memorial site – a church where around 2,500 people were killed – emblematic of the barbaric treatment of women during the genocide. In the church at Nyamata, are graphic and audio-visual displays that focus particularly on the mass rape, brutalization of women and the use of HIV as a deliberate weapon of genocide.
Return to the city for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Ruhengeri, the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – the Virungas – arriving for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Ruhengeri is best known as being the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Driving distance: 2 hours Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
DAY 3: Gorilla Tracking
You will be up early on the morning of your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You will report for registration at the ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek will start. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes.
The rangers will guide you through the fields, up the gentle slopes of the volcanoes and into the bamboo forest. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact.
In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you will also be advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas.
Once you have located the gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides will interpret the animals’ behaviour for you. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You will never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They will be quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.
Tracking the mountain gorillas is a physically demanding experience. In the afternoon, you may want to rest, or you may wish to go on a village walk, visit the local market or visit the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame who studied the gorillas of this area.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and intercultural exchange
Entering dense bamboo interspersed with open glades, you will make your way deep into the golden monkey territory of Volcanoes National Park. Ranger guides will lead you to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Although viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from branch to branch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.
In the afternoon, optional activities may be a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village to watch a cultural dance, meet a local medicine man, or even discover the house of a local king. These cultural activities are popular with visitors and offer alternative incomes to reformed poachers. Another option is to take a trip to the local brewers to understand the chemical process behind brewing local beer from bananas. Just for fun, you can even join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice. Other activities you may learn about are basket weaving, an important cultural activity in Rwanda.
Through your visits, the activities support the local community financially.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 15 minutes to the park Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
Day 5: Visit Gisenyi and hear the story of Imbabazi Orphanage
After breakfast you depart for Gisenyi with a stop at the Imbabazi Orphanage, founded by Rosamond Halsey Carr (1912-2006) in 1994. Since that time Roz and her staff cared for more than 400 children. Roz wrote the book “Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda,” with her niece, Ann Howard Halsey, chronicling her love affair with one of the world’s most beautiful and tormented regions. She is also the 2004 recipient of the Volvo for Life Award and a movie chronicling her life is currently in production. Take a walk around the homestead and admire the flowers she planted. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as you watch the local traditional Rwandese dancing, which you are very welcome to join in!
Continue to Gisenyi, arriving for lunch and check in at your hotel. The afternoon is spent in Gisenyi, the largest port on the Rwandan shore of Lake Kivu, in the company of your guide who will show you the town. Enjoy a short boat ride to one of the islands in Lake Kivu or simply explore the town, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the local market or wander through the leafy streets admiring the old colonial buildings.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 1 hour
Overnight: Paradis Malahide Hotel (FB)
Day 6: Depart
After breakfast – and depending on your flight departure timings – the early part of the day is spent in Gisenyi. Take a swim in Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, that lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
Drive to Kigali International airport for your flight home.
Driving distance: 3 hours
Luxury
| 2 people sharing | 4 people sharing | 6 people sharing | One person | |
| Price per client from | $3,430.00 | $2,940.00 | $2,790.00 | $4,820.00 |
For Rwanda and East Africa itineraries and costs – customised to your specification and price range – please get in touch with Around Africa Safaris!
Please note:
- 1. Prices are valid for 2019 and can change in 2020.
- 2. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
- 3. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, midrange or budget versions of this safari upon request.
- 4. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
- 5. By booking this safari, the client accepts Around Africa Safaris’ terms and conditions of business, available to read on our web site.
- 6. For FAQs, including what equipment to bring for your Gorilla tracking, please visit our website.
Included
- All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
- Safari vehicle and fuel – English speaking tourist guide
- One gorilla permit per person
- One Golden Monkey tracking permit per person
- Game drives and walks
- Entrance fees to the national parks
- All boat tours
- Taxes
- Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
Excluded
- Visa fees
- Drinks / alcoholic drinks
- Additional meals
- Tips
- Activities not part of the described programme
- International travel insurance
Optional
- German or another language speaking Safari-Guide
- Other activities highlighted as optional in the itinerary
Rwanda – the “Land of a Thousand Hills ” – is a country of verdant beauty and abundant fauna and flora. The country is flourishing, and tourists love to visit this safe and popular little country that has invested heavily in tourism and infrastructure over the last two decades.
Many visitors are lured to Rwanda by the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, who make their home in the staggeringly beautiful Virunga volcanic chain, an area made famous by the American gorilla researcher Dian Fossey.
Forest birding, crystal clear lakes, savannah safaris and authentic traditional culture encourage visitors to Rwanda to stay longer. Rwanda’s incredible natural wealth and biodiversity make the country a prime destination for nature lovers and people who wish to gain an authentic African experience.
DAY 1: Arrive Kigali International Airport
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel in Kigali.
Overnight at Lemigo Hotel (B&B)
DAY 2: Kigali City Tour and travel to Ruhengeri
After breakfast go for a morning city tour visiting interesting spots which may include: the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site, Kigali museum. Stop for lunch in the city before being transferred to the twin lakes of Bulera & Ruhondo. These beautiful lakes are located at the base of the volcano of Muhabura and close to the border with Uganda. They are surrounded by steep hills and large waterfalls with a backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains. They are spectacular and not to be missed.
From the viewpoint, you will drive to Ruhengeri, the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – the Virungas – arriving for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Ruhengeri is best known as being the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Driving distance: 2 hours Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
DAY 3: Gorilla Tracking
You will be up early on the morning of your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You will report for registration at the ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek will start. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes.
The rangers will guide you through the fields, up the gentle slopes of the volcanoes and into the bamboo forest. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact.
In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you will also be advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas.
Once you have located the gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides will interpret the animals’ behaviour for you. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You will never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They will be quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.
Tracking the mountain gorillas is a physically demanding experience. In the afternoon, you may want to rest, or you may wish to go on a village walk, visit the local market or visit the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame who studied the gorillas of this area.
Driving distance: 15 minutes Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
DAY 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and intercultural exchange
Entering dense bamboo interspersed with open glades, you will make your way deep into the golden monkey territory of Volcanoes National Park. Ranger guides will lead you to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Although viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from branch to branch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.
In the afternoon, optional activities may be a visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural village to watch a cultural dance, meet a local medicine man, or even discover the house of a local king. These cultural activities are popular with visitors and offer alternative incomes to reformed poachers. Another option is to take a trip to the local brewers to understand the chemical process behind brewing local beer from bananas. Just for fun, you can even join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice. Other activities you may learn about are basket weaving, an important cultural activity in Rwanda.
Through your visits, the activities support the local community financially.
Later return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance: 15 Minutes to the park Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
Day 5: DEPART
After breakfast your guide will be waiting to pick you up for the two hour transfer drive to Kigali International airport for your flight home.
Driving distance: 2 Hours
| 2 people sharing | 4 people sharing | 6 people sharing | One person | |
| Price per client from | $2,860.00 | $2,520.00 | $2,400.00 | $3,950.00 |
For Rwanda and East Africa itineraries and costs – customised to your specification and price range – please get in touch with Around Africa Safaris!
Please note:
- 1. Prices are valid for 2019 and can change in 2020.
- 2. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
- 3. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, midrange or budget versions of this safari upon request.
- 4. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
- By booking this safari, the client accepts Around Africa Safaris’ terms and conditions of business, available to read on our web site.
- 6. For FAQs, including what equipment to bring for your Gorilla tracking, please visit our website..
Included
- All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
- Safari vehicle and fuel – English speaking tourist guide
- 1 gorilla permit per person
- 1 Golden Monkey tracking permit per person
- Game drives and walks
- Entrance fees to the national parks
- All boat tours
- Taxes
- Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
Excluded
- Visa fees
- Drinks / alcoholic drinks
- Additional meals
- Tips
- Activities not part of the described programme
- International travel insurance
Optional
- German or another language speaking Safari-Guide
- Other activities highlighted as optional in the itinerary
Rwanda – the “Land of a Thousand Hills” – is a country of verdant beauty and abundant fauna and flora. The country is flourishing, and tourists love to visit this safe and popular little country that has invested heavily in tourism and infrastructure over the last two decades.
Many visitors are lured to Rwanda by the Silverback Mountain Gorillas, who make their home in the staggeringly beautiful Virunga volcanic chain, an area made famous by the American gorilla researcher Dian Fossey.
Forest birding, crystal clear lakes, savannah safaris and authentic traditional culture encourage visitors to Rwanda to stay longer. Rwanda’s incredible natural wealth and biodiversity make the country a prime destination for nature lovers and people who wish to gain an authentic African experience.
Day 1: Welcome of the Land of 1000 Hills
On your arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be met by your Around Africa Safaris guide who will greet you and transfer you to your hotel, approximately two hours’ drive from the capital of Kigali. The journey is on good roads and you will quickly see why Rwanda is known as the Land of 1000 Hills. Winding roads leave up steep hills through Kigali. Look down below you and you will see agricultural Rwanda, a land of densely cultivated paddy fields and animals grazing.
You will drive through Ruhengeri, the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – the Virungas – arriving for dinner and overnight at your lodge. Ruhengeri is best known as being the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
If you arrive early, additional options include a visit to Musanze Caves, a village walk or even a visit to the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey of “Gorillas in the Mist” fame who studied the gorillas of this area.
Overnight at La Palme (FB)
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
You will be up early on the morning of your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You will report for registration at the ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek will start. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the fields, up the gentle slopes of the volcanoes and into the bamboo forest. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact.
In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you will also be advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas.
Once you have located your gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides will interpret the animals’ behaviour for you. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You will never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They will be quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.
Tracking the mountain gorillas is a physically demanding experience. The rangers will allocate your gorilla family according to your level of fitness. They will also bear in mind the time of your return flight home, to make sure that you can track the gorillas and get back to base in good time for your drive back to Kigali International airport.
Midrange
| 2 people sharing | |
| Price per client from | $1,230.00 |
For Rwanda and East Africa itineraries and costs – customised to your specification and price range – please get in touch with Around Africa Safaris!
Please note:
- 1. Prices are valid for 2019 and can change in 2020.
- 2. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
- 3. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, midrange or budget versions of this safari upon request.
- 4. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
- 5. By booking this safari, the client accepts Around Africa Safaris’ terms and conditions of business, available to read on our web site.
- 6. For FAQs, including what equipment to bring for your Gorilla tracking, please visit our website.
Included
- All accommodation on Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) or Bed and Breakfast (B&B) basis as quoted in the text
- Safari vehicle and fuel – English speaking tourist guide
- 1 gorilla permit per person
- Entrance fees to the national parks
- Taxes
- Free mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- AMREF emergency evacuation insurance
Excluded
- Visa fees
- Drinks / alcoholic drinks
- Additional meals
- Tips
- Activities not part of the described programme
- International travel insurance
Optional
- German or another language speaking Safari-Guide
- Other activities highlighted as optional in the itinerary, such as:
- Musanze Caves, village walk, visit to Dian Fossey’s grave