5 Days Gorillas and Lake Kivu
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
On arrival to Kigali, you will meet and greet. Transfer to the hotel and check in overnight.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Kigali Serena Hotel
Moderate: Flame Tree Village Hotel
Low Budget: Step Town Hotel
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park, Home of the Mountain Gorillas
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver. Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali.
The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history. For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.
We then drive to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village for a wonderful and interactive experience, learning all about Rwandan traditions, culture, songs and dance. You may also participate in the local activities and taste local foods and wines. You will spend more time here participating in Gitaramo, a cultural tradition of sharing stories, song and dance.
Ranging in altitude from 2,400m to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey undertook her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour.
Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda mountain gorillas that still roam these areas.
Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel
Low Budget: Kinigi Guest House | Muhabura Hotel
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvellous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent.
Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile on encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek. Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | La Palme Hotel
Low Budget: Muhabura Hotel
Day 4: Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will have a morning boat ride on the lake. You will have a chance to see bird species and different water animals on the lake shore.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Moderate: Paradise Malahide
Low Budget: Kivu Sun Hotel
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight back home