This safari takes you to two gorilla parks; Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Each park is set on different sides of the misty Virunga volcanoes, where about 350 mountain gorillas make their home.
In Parc National des Volcans on the Rwandan side, where Dian Fossey worked, there are four habituated gorilla families. You can track gorillas, climb a volcano, visit the Karisoke Research Centre, take in the breathtaking landscape, or go for walks around the picturesque villages near the Parc National des Volcans Camp. On the Ugandan side there is one habituated gorilla family. Here you can also climb a volcano or go for a nature walk, visit the endangered golden monkey or go birding.
- Day 1: Parc National des Volcans
- Itinerary
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to Kigali. After lunch you depart for Parc National des Volcans. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda's landscape and gradually climbs to the base of the Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.
- Accommodation
Volcanoes Virungas Lodge Virungas Volcanoes Lodge is just outside the town of Ruhengeri and about 45 minutes' drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Rwanda.
- Day 2: Parc National des Volcans
- Itinerary
The second day of your safari offers the rare opportunity to go gorilla tracking (subject to gorilla permits being available). Tracking the gorillas through the forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience.
If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families, however, are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy.
- Accommodation
Volcanoes Virungas Lodge Virungas Volcanoes Lodge is just outside the town of Ruhengeri and about 45 minutes' drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Rwanda.
Gorilla Nest Hotel Gorilla Nest hotel is located close to the Parc National des Volcans, in northern Rwanda.
- Day 3: Parc National des Volcans
- Itinerary
There is a wide variety of activities for you to choose from today. You can go gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), visit the endangered golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave.
Other options include driving to Gisenyi, visiting Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu, climbing the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, visiting the local school and community projects, or walking to Lake Bulera.
- Accommodation
Volcanoes Virungas Lodge Virungas Volcanoes Lodge is just outside the town of Ruhengeri and about 45 minutes' drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Rwanda.
- Day 4: Lake Mutanda
- Itinerary
Relax or walk near the lodge in the morning, Mgahinga is a great place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes. If you're feeling more energetic you can visit the endangered golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave. Transfer to Uganda after lunch - clocks go forward one hour - before continuing to Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.
- Accommodation
Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge is situated at the foot of Mount Mgahinga, on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Day 5: Mgahinga National Park
- Itinerary
Today you have the opportunity to go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga National Park (on payment of supplement at time of booking) which has one habituated mountain gorilla family. Alternatively you can climb a volcano, go for a nature or shamba walk, or take in the breathtaking landscapes.
- Accommodation
Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge is situated at the foot of Mount Mgahinga, on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Day 6: Kigali
- Itinerary
On this, you final day of the tour, you travel back to Kigali in Rwanda. Time permitting, you can go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Included in tour:
Transport
Driver/guide
Accommodation on a shared basis
Meals as stated
Park fees
1 Gorilla permit
Unlimited consumption of all alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
Laundry services
Any activities around the lodges
A complimentary massage
Excluded:
Airfares to Rwanda / Uganda
Entry visas
Airport taxes
All personal expenditure such as tips & telephone calls
Additional Gorilla permits:
Parc des Volcans in Rwanda USD 500.00 per permit
Mgahinga USD 500.00 per permit
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Kigali |
end in |
Kigali |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 12 Jan 2008 |
20 Dec 2008 |
|
|
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
Extra tour notes.
Scheduled departures on certain Saturdays only
Departure Dates - 2007:
6 Jan, 10 Feb, 10 Mar, 07 Apr, 05 May, 02 Jun, 07 Jul, 04 Aug, 01 Sep, 06 Oct, 03 Nov, 01 Dec
One PNV gorilla permit is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.
Children under 15 are not permitted to go gorilla tracking.
