- SAFARI DESTINATIONS
- TANZANIA SAFARIS
- DAY TRIPS
- BEACH HOLIDAYS
- CLIMBING & HIKING
- SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
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
DAY 2: Kigali City Tour and travel to Ruhengeri
DAY 3: Gorilla Tracking
DAY 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and intercultural exchange
Day 5: Depart
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
Included
Excluded
Optional
