5 Days Rwanda Gorilla and People
Safari Highlights
Outstanding scenery
Interesting rural countryside
Cultural interaction
Plenty of wild-life viewing
Routing: Kigali-Nyungwe-Lake Kivu - Ruhengeri - Kigali.
Day 1: Arrival Kigali Rwanda – Drive Nyungwe National Park
On arrival at Kigali Airport preferably on a morning flight, you are met by Hallmark Travel Planners representative. Thereafter depart to Butare, which is about 2 hours of driving from Kigali. Butare is considered the intellectual and cultural heart of Rwanda. You will visit the King's Palace at Nyanza. This is an enormous and traditionally constructed dome, no longer in active use, but painstakingly maintained as a museum. After lunch drive to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve via Gikongoro (with optional visit to a genocide memorial site). Dinner and Overnight at Gisakura Guest House or similar.
Day 2: Nyungwe National Park – Lake Kivu
After an early breakfast, enter the Nyungwe Forest Reserve in search of primates. Nyungwe Forest Reserve extends across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda. This Forest reserve is the largest mountain forest remaining in East Africa. Of the larger mammals, primates are the most visible with 13 recorded species, representing 25% of the African primate checklist, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, grey-checked mangabey and redtailed monkey. Nyungwe is also home to more than 275 bird species. The trekking until around 13.00hrs. Return to the guest house for lunch.
In the afternoon, from Nyungwe Forest, drive to Kibuye, on the shores of Lake Kivu This a 3-hour drive on a very good road. Overnight at Centre Bethanie - a simple guesthouse right at the waterfront with spectacular lovely views of the lake. There is no luxurious accommodation in Kibuye.
Day 3: Lake Kivu – Ruhengeri (Volcanoes National park)
Today after a leisurely lakeside breakfast, drive to Gisenyi at the northern end of Lake Kivu, with lunch en route. From Gisenyi, you will have a 90-minute drive to your lodge in Kinigi, at the base of the Volcanoes. Dinner and overnight at Gorillas Nest Lodge.
Day 4: Volcanoes National park (Mountain Gorillas) - Kigali
After breakfast at the lodge, report to the Volcano Park office for gorilla trekking formalities. Drive to the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, briefing by the park's guides before a morning in the forest tracking the gorillas. Lunch at the lodge.
The trekking can take upto 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film is recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. In the the afternoon, drive back to Kigali. Overnight at Novotel Umubano or similar.
Day 5: Departure
Breakfast at the Hotel. Use of room until 10.00hrs only. Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services
| Tour Rates | |||
Season | Period | Adult Rate (per person sharing) | Single Room Supplement |
Remarks
Above prices are based on a 2 adults traveling exclusively. For more than 2 persons, let us know.
Children Rates
Children under 16 years of age, are not allowed on Gorilla tracking tours.
The prices given above include:
- Arrival & departure transfers to and from international Airport at the destination.
- Bed & breakfast accommodation on the first day where applicable.
- Use of 4x4 safari vehicle for game viewing & photography
- Guaranteed window seats for every participants.
- All Park Entry fees and Gorilla Tracking fees
- Full board meal plan while on Safari – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Qualified local English - Speaking driver guide (French, Spanish & German on request)
- Game drives as per the program
- All government taxes applicable
