4 Day Mountain Gorilla Safari & Kigali

A fabulous 4 day (3 night) tour through Rwanda’s most scenic region with gorilla treks within the Parc National des Volcans and time to see the vibrant Capital of Kigali. Two Gorilla Permits per person are included.

Itinerary

4 Day Mountain Gorilla Safari & Kigali

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. Afternoon at leisure - optional excursions available from lodge (payable locally). Dinner and overnight at lodge (BLD).

Day 3 - Mountain Gorillas & Kigali – Another opportunity to venture deep into the volcanic landscape to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. After lunch at the lodge take a scenic transfer back to Kigali. Dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (BLD).

Day 4 Breakfast at hotel. Optional excursions are available (payable locally). Transfer from Serena hotel to Kigali Airport (B).

Includes

• 2 Gorilla Permits 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 from lodge / 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.