AVAILABILITY: Yearround

ACCOMMODATIONS: Lodge or camp

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This “Land of a Thousand Hills” is a region of volcanoes, rain forests, lakes, tea plantations, and one-third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.

 

Trekking up the volcanic slopes may be demanding, especially after rainfall, when the vegetation is thick and wet, and the ground is muddy. The Virunga mountains are steep and some of the groups of gorillas are hard to reach, which is why prior acclimatization is important. The trek will take place at an altitude of 1.5 to 1.9 miles, as to avoid altitude sickness.

 

ITINERARY

• DAY 1: You’ll be met at the Kigali Airport upon your arrival by your private driver and guide. We’ll proceed to the Ruhengeri area and the fourth largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of three volcanic mountains, the Virungas. Take a boat ride to Ruhondo beach for lunch, then later to your hotel.

• DAY 2: You’ll wake early for your drive to Kinigi, the home to volcanoes. Once you’ve met your guides and completed park formalities, you’ll be off for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them, spend an hour watching these creatures, with fewer than 700 living today, in their daily activities. Hiking this day will be somewhat strenuous, up to six hours or more at a relatively high altitude, so bring good hiking boots, long trousers, gloves, snacks and water. You'll take your late dinner and overnight at your hotel.

• DAY 3: After breakfast you’ll be transferred back to Kigali for a city tour of one of the friendliest African capitals. Visit the Kigali museum, and on a more somber note, the Gisozi genocide memorial site. Finally you’ll be transported back to the airport.

 

Program includes: Transport in a 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle, English-speaking driver and guide, all park fees, one gorilla tracking permit per person, Lodging and meals

 

Program excludes: International flights, airport taxes, entry visas, travel insurance, tips and gratuities, personal items, sightseeing and excursions and optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.