2008
Rwandan Wildlife
Off the beaten track, amongst the high and highly vegetated misty volcano peaks, the last groups of gorillas exist. Tracking the magnificent mountain gorilla through the lush slopes of the Virungas remains the most thrilling and moving wildlife experience in Africa.
Our opinion
To witness the camaraderie between each distinguishable gorilla as they chew their leafy delights as a family, is simply breathtaking.
Escorted
Full assistance will be given by our local representatives.
Itinerary
- Kigali: 2 nights
- Nyungwe: 2 nights
- Lake Kivu: 2 nights
- Volcano National Park: 1 night
Day 1 to Day 2 London/Nairobi/Kigali
Kenya Airways overnight to Kigali via Nairobi.
Day 2 to Day 3 Kigali
On arrival you will be met and escorted to the Kigali Serena Hotel. This afternoon a briefing and introduction to your safari and time permitting a short tour of Kigali including a visit to the genocide memorial site.
Day 3 to Day 4 Nigali/Nyungwe Reserve
After breakfast drive to Butare in the cultural heart of Rwanda. Visit the King’s Palace, no longer in use but painstakingly maintained as a museum and after lunch continue to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve. Overnight in a simple but comfortable guesthouse.
Day 4 to Day 5 Nyungwe Reserve
After breakfast, enter the Nyungwe Forest trekking in search of the resident primates. Overnight at a comfortable guesthouse.
Dat 5 to Day 6 Nyungwe Reserve/Lake Kivu
After an early breakfast enjoy another day trekking in the Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe Forest Reserve extends across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda. This is the largest mountain forest remaining in East Africa. Of the larger mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13 recorded species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, grey-checked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. The trekking will take you until around 1pm. Enjoy lunch at the guesthouse before driving to Kibuye, a beautiful lake resort on Lake Kivu. Overnight at Centre Bethanie guesthouse or similar, on the edge of the lake.
Day 6 to Day 7 Lake Kivu
After a leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse, drive along the lake to Gisenyi. With time at leisure you may arrange a boat trip on the lake or visit some of the local communities. Overnight at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 7 to Day 8 Lake Kivu/Volcano National Park
Today drive to Ruhengeri/Kinigi, the main base town for Gorilla trekking. Registration and formalities will be completed before driving to the Volcano National Park. Prior to your trek you will be briefed by the park guide then after a morning trek descend to the Gorilla Nest Lodge for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge (Standard option), or the new Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Deluxe option).
Day 8 to Day 9 Volcano National Park/Kigali
Enjoy a second trek into the national park visiting a different gorilla family. After lunch return to Kigali and overnight at the Serena Hotel.
Day 9 to Day 10 Kigali/Nairobi/London
Kenya Airways overnight flight to Heathrow via Nairobi, or overnight in Nairobi then fly to Mauritius for four nights at the One&Only St Géran.
