3 Day Mountain Gorilla Safari & Lake Kivu

A wonderful 3 day (2 night) tour of Rwanda’s highlights first seeing the beautiful Parc National des Volcans and its Virunga Volcanoes and continuing to the sandy shores of Lake Kivu. One Gorilla Permit per person is included.

Itinerary

3 Day Mountain Gorilla Safari

Day 1 Morning pick up from Kigali Airport. Visit the Genocide Memorial Center (optional). Lunch in town. Follow the road as it climbs to the base of the majestic volcanoes, with spectacular views across the five peaks. Dinner and overnight at your choice of lodge (LD).

Day 2 - Mountain Gorillas - As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans in search of Mountain Gorillas. After lunch at the lodge continue toward Gisenyi, a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (BLD).

Day 3 Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa's highest lake. The terrace of the hotel has fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shore. Optional excursions / activities are available (payable locally). Drive back to Kigali. Time permitting, lunch at Hotel des 1000 Collines otherwise picnic lunch en route. Transfer to Kigali Airport (BL).

Includes

• 1 Gorilla Permit at $750 per person ($500 if purchased before 31 May 2012)
• All transfers and airport assistance
• All accommodation and meals as stated
• Mineral Water
• All transportation in 4x4 vehicles
• English speaking park guide
• English speaking driver/guide

Excludes

• Optional excursions / activities from lodge or hotel
• Gratuities
• Items of a personal nature
• Drinks
• Travel Insurance

Please check here for further Travel Information

Gorilla Permits
In order to protect the gorillas the Rwandan government issues Gorilla Permits – ensuring that a limited number of tourists can track them each day. These permits are in high demand, so do book early to secure your chosen date/s.

Please note:
Tracking gorillas in Rwanda can be testing and requires a moderate to good level of fitness (though it is deemed easier than from Uganda where the trails are steeper and less accessible).
Treks are often 2 to 3 hours each way (but can be more) and involve hiking through dense forest and traversing steep ravines and mountainsides, often in damp conditions.
However, all this adventure is worthwhile for a glimpse of one of nature’s finest spectacles.
There is a minimum age of 15 years on gorilla treks.

What to wear and take on your gorilla trek:
With changeable weather conditions and dense forest vegetation it is advisable to take layers of protective clothing. We recommend wearing the following:

• t-shirt
• long-sleeved top
• warm fleece / jumper
• thick trousers
• thick wool socks (and gaiters preferably)
• strong lightweight, water-proof walking boots
• hat with brim
• garden gloves to aid scrambling up banks

And carry a small rucksack with:

• water
• pack lunch and snacks
• binoculars
• camera / video camera with spare battery, memory cards or film
• light-weight rain mac / poncho

Walking sticks are available at the Park headquarters and porters can be hired for approx US$10.

A sealed plastic bag around camera / lenses will help keep them dry on the trek.

Pockets are useful for valuables and spare camera batteries / lenses etc as all other equipment must be left with porters approx 200 metres away from the gorilla groups.