Join us on an
enriching 4-day expedition across Rwanda, where you'll delve into the heart of
nature and culture. This journey combines the thrill of gorilla and golden
monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park with moments of reflection at Lake
Kivu and poignant visits to genocide memorial sites. Prepare to be immersed in
Rwanda's stunning landscapes and profound history.
Key Highlights:
- Trek
through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park to encounter Mountain
Gorillas up close, witnessing their fascinating behaviors and familial
bonds.
- Marvel
at the breathtaking volcanic landscapes that define Rwanda's terrain,
offering glimpses of nature's raw beauty.
- Gain
insights into the pioneering conservation efforts of primatologists in
safeguarding Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Witness
the agility and playfulness of Chimpanzees as they swing through the
trees, showcasing their remarkable acrobatic skills.
- Experience
the vibrant culture of the Rwandese people at the Iby’iwachu cultural
village, where traditions come to life through dance, music, and
storytelling.
- Indulge
in moments of tranquility on a leisurely boat launch on the serene waters
of Lake Kivu, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
- Reflect
on Rwanda's tumultuous past and pay tribute to the lives lost during the
tragic genocide through visits to memorial sites, honoring their memory
with reverence.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore the
vibrant city of Kigali on a guided tour, discovering its rich history and
cultural landmarks.
Day 2: Embark on an
unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park, followed
by a visit to the Iby’iwachu cultural center to immerse yourself in Rwandese
traditions.
Day 3: Delve into the
forest once again for a thrilling golden monkey trekking experience before
journeying to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.
Day 4: Enjoy a
leisurely exploration of Lake Kivu's scenic surroundings before returning to
Kigali, concluding our memorable expedition.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour of
Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Embark on the Rwanda
Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition with a hearty breakfast, followed by a
journey through the heart of Kigali. Begin by paying homage to the poignant
memorial sites scattered throughout the city, each a solemn reminder of Rwanda's
turbulent past. Explore the Genocide memorial sites, where thousands of
innocent lives were tragically lost during the genocide of the mid-1990s. Then,
delve into the rich history of Rwanda with a visit to the Presidential Palace
Museum, offering insights into the country's political evolution. Conclude this
somber yet enlightening experience with a visit to the Nyamata church, a site
of historical significance. Afterward, we'll make our way to Volcanoes National
Park, where the adventure truly begins.
You will have lunch
and transfer to Ruhengeri town just outside the Volcanoes National Park.
Dinner and overnight
will be at the lodge booked.
Day 2: Gorilla
Trekking in Volcanoes and Visit to Iby’iwachu Cultural Centre
Today's adventure
begins with an exhilarating Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National
Park. After a thorough briefing on the rules and guidelines, you'll set out
with experienced guides to track one of the habituated Gorilla groups. The trek
through the forest may vary in duration, ranging from half an hour to five
hours, leading you along forested slopes, tangled vines, and bamboo thickets.
Along the way, your guide will point out signs of Gorilla activity, such as
dung, nests, and chewed bamboo shoots.
Upon locating the
Gorillas, you'll have the privilege of spending a maximum of one hour observing
these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, return to the
hotel for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant
Kinyarwanda culture at the Iby’wachu cultural village, where traditional folk
songs, dances, storytelling, and drama await. Retire to the lodge booked for
your Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Golden Monkey
Trekking, Hike to Karisoke Research Centre, and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast,
gather at the Park headquarters for a briefing on the rules of Golden monkey
tracking. Then, embark on a thrilling trek through the forest to track these
playful primates. The trek typically lasts 1-2 hours before returning to the
lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon,
you'll embark on a hike to the Karisoke Research Centre, renowned for its
exhibition on Mountain Gorillas and the groundbreaking conservation efforts
spearheaded by Dian Fossey. Here, you'll encounter a wealth of information,
including Dian Fossey artifacts, a 3D interactive model of the Virunga
Mountains, and casts of real gorilla nose prints.
The centre offers a
unique opportunity for learning about Mountain Gorillas, shedding light on
facts that are often overlooked. Following the insightful tour of this
remarkable facility, you'll be transferred to Kibuye town near Lake Kivu.
Enjoy dinner and
spend the night at the hotel booked for
your Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition.
Day 4: Optional
Activities on and Around Lake Kivu and Transfer to Kigali
On the final day of
your adventure, you have the option to partake in various activities in and
around Lake Kivu, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences.
Whether it's exploring the tranquil waters of the lake, embarking on a boat
excursion, or simply relaxing on the lakeshore, there's something for everyone
to enjoy.
Afterward, you'll
depart for Kigali, concluding your unforgettable journey through Rwanda.
Requirements for this
Safari
- A
Visa for Rwanda which you can get at the airport
- Gorilla
trekking permit paid for in advance
- Travel
& Health insurance arranged by you in your home country before you
travel.
- Yellow
fever vaccination (certificate for proof)
- Physical
fitness
The Safari package
includes:
- Accommodation
as per the itinerary
- 4WD
safari vehicle
- Bottled
drinking water
- Gorilla
trekking permit
- Services
of an English-speaking driver/guide.
- Return
airport transfers.
The Safari package
excludes expenses of a personal nature such as:
- Other
drinks apart from bottled water
- Laundry
- Tips
to local guides
- Telephone
expenses
- Porter
fees while trekking Gorillas
- Personal
insurance
- Cigarettes
Best Time to Visit: Optimal times to
visit Rwanda are during the dry(ish) seasons, which typically occur from
December to February and June to September. However, it's important to note
that rainfall can occur at any time throughout the year.
Rwanda Gorilla
Permits:
To witness the
majestic Rwanda Gorillas, permits are required and can be obtained through the
Tourism and Conservation Reservation Office of the Rwanda Development Board.
These permits are included in the safari package price, and we handle the
booking process for you. Due to limited availability, it's advisable to secure
permits well in advance, as they tend to be in high demand.
What to Bring:
When preparing for
the trek, it's essential to dress appropriately. Be sure to wear trekking
trousers (and carry waterproof trousers), layered shirts with long sleeves, a
waterproof top, sturdy walking boots, gloves (preferably gardening gloves to
protect against stinging nettles), plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen,
sunglasses, insect repellent, and a camera. Porters are available for hire to
carry your backpack and provide assistance on steep terrain. Even if you don't
anticipate needing one, it's worth considering hiring a porter for £6.50.
Additionally, walking sticks are provided by porters, or you may choose to
bring your own.
