Thereafter drive to Nyungwe Forest Reserve via Gikongoro with optional visit to a genocide memorial site. Transfer to Gisakura Guest House(basic accommodation, the only lodge available in the forest)
Dinner & Overnight at GISAKURA GUEST HOUSE
DAY 2: NYUNGWE
After an early breakfast enter the Nyungwe Forest Reserve for primates tracking. Nyungwe Forest Reserve, extends for almost 1000 Km across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda. This forest reserve is the largest montane forest remaining in East Africa. It is rightly celebrated for the rich variety of its flora and fauna. At least 200 different types of trees are found here, along with hundreds of different flowering plants, including begonia, more than 100 species of orchid, and sensational giant lobelias. Of the larger mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13 recorded species representing 25% of the African primate checklist (this includes about 500 chimpanzees, colobus monkeys which move in troops of several hundreds, grey-checked mangabey and red-tailed monkey). Home to more than 275 bird species, Nyungwe is themost birding site in Rwanda.
The trekking will take you until around 14h00. After lunch visit the nearby lovely tea plantation and its factory (Gisakura Tea Plantation)
Dinner & Overnight at GISAKURA GUEST HOUSE
DAY 3: NYUNGWE - second primate tracking
This morning, we re-enter the forest for a second search of chimps (As the chimps are never guaranteed, we strongly recommend two tracking attempts). Lunch will be served at the Gisakura Guest House before driving west Cyangungu on the shores of lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is a beautiful vast inland sea enclosed by the steep, green terraced hills that are so characteristic of rural Rwanda. From here we proceed by speed-boat to the lake resort town of Kibuye. The Guest house is a chalet style hotel on the edge of Lake Kivu with a small beach front perfect for swimming into the clear waters of the lake
Dinner & Overnight at KIBUYE GUEST HOUSE
DAY 4: KIBUYE - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
This day after a leisurely lakeside breakfast drive to Gisenyi at the northern end of Lake Kivu. Stops and picnic lunch en route. From Gisenyi, you will have a 1.5hour drive to your lodge in Kinigi, at the base of the Volcanoes. Afternoon at leisure
Dinner & Overnight at GORILLA NEST LODGE
Day 5: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
As the famous Dian Fossey put it, "In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas" (or Volcanoes). After breakfast at the lodge, report the the Volcano Park office for gorilla formalities. Then drive to the edge of the Parc National des Volcans, briefing by the park's guides on how to behave in the forest and in the presence of gorillas. Thereafter, enter the park for today’s highlight: MOUNTAIN GORILLAS TRACKING which will take you to midday depending on where you find them. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, if time permits visit the little known but compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera & Ruhondo before proceeding back to Kigali.
Overnight at NOVOTEL UMUBANO
Day 6: 2nd Gorilla Tracking
Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, if time permits visit the little known but compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera & Ruhondo before proceeding back to Kigali.
Overnight at NOVOTEL UMUBANO
(second Gorilla tracking added as extra just in case first day sighting was not the best)
Day 7: DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to Kigali airport for your flight to Nairobi.
Package Includes:
- Accommodation as indicated in detailed itinerary
- Arrival and departure assistance in Nairobi and Kigali
- Return Nairobi/Rwanda flight by Air Rwanda including airport departure taxes
- Transportation 4 x4 jeeps or similar
- Driver-guide
- Visit to twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo/villages and local communities
- Chimpanzee tracking
- 2 Gorilla permits
- Mineral Water while trekking
- All entrance fee inc. at Museum & Nyungwe
- Porterage
Package excludes:
- All international flights and airport taxes, Visas (USD 40.00)
- Travel & personal accident insurance
- Tips porterage and items of personal nature such as extra meals, laundry, and telephone calls etc.
- Other services not mentioned in the program
Children under 15 years or visitors with colds or flu are not permitted on the Gorilla trek. The park warden has the final authority on who can trek. Reasonable fitness levels essential for the trek.
The Rwandese Government may require entry visas for nationals of some European countries, please confirm at the time of booking (Visas can be obtained in Nairobi at least a day before date of travel to Rwanda, $40 per person-subject to change as applicable)
Nairobi/Kigali -Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun (10h00/10h20) Tue, Thu & Sat (17h00/17h20)
Kigali/Nairobi--Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun (07h00/09h20) Tue, Thu & Sat (14h00/16h20)
* Times for arrival/departure in KIGALI based on Central African time. Actual flight time is 1 hour 20 minutes
Estimated Cost—Priced from US$3500 per person (cost based on 2 people travelling)
