Gorillas & Kigali: 3 nights
Rwanda is a sultry land of inland lakes, rain forests and rolling hills.It is well-knownfor its opportunities to trek Mountain Gorillas, which are found in the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). This park lies on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mountain Gorillas of which there are estimated to be 650 extant individuals of which about 350 are in Rwanda – making the Ginsenyi area home to the highest concentration of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Itinerary: 3 nights
Day 1: Fly to Kigali, the lively Rwanda capital. At the airport our English-speaking agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel (B&B).
Day 2: Early transfer by private car to the Volcanoes National Park (about 90 minutes drive from Kigali). The Volcanoes Park is currently the best place anywhere in Africa to go gorilla tracking, while also supporting a number of other localised mammal, bird and plant species. This 13 000 hectare national park protects the Rwanda sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes which straddle the border with Uganda and the DRC. Between 2,500 and 3,500m, where an average annual rainfall of 2,000mm is typical, the bamboo forest is interspersed with alpine grassland and marsh; a landscape dominated by other worldly giant lobelia and senecio plants. Wear thick trousers, long-sleeved shirts to protect one from vicious nettles. Pack warm clothes, raincoat and hiking boots. Approximately 300 mountain gorillas exist in the Volcanoes Park. Tourists are permitted to spend no longer than one hour with the gorillas, and it is forbidden to eat or smoke in their presence. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.
Day 3: Another opportunity, perhaps, for a second visit to the Gorillas (optional, so not included in the tour price). In Rwanda there areseven habituated gorilla groups that can be viewed by tourists. Each group can be visited by a maximum of 8 people per day. Alternatively visit the famous Dian Fossey’s tomb and the Karisoke Gorillas research centre (extra payment of USD 50) or just visit the village, markets and local communities. Lunch is served at the lodge before your return drive to Kigali. Overnight stay at the Kigali Serena Hotel (B&B and lunch).
Day 4: If time allows, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Transfer to the airport and flight out.
Prices include
International flight (departure from Johannesburg with Rwandair Express), all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and English speaking driver/guide, guides in the reserves, one gorilla permit and entrance fees to the Museum and Nyungwe Forest (Chimpanzee permit), mineral water while trekking in the forest, porterage and airport-hotel return transfers.
Prices exclude
Extra permits, meals not indicated drinks, tips and personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes and visa fees.
Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)
±Euro2350 Johannesburg ±Euro1800 from Kigali
Tags: Ginsenyi, Kigali Serena Hotel, Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park