4 Days Gorillas Rwanda Safari

Day 1:  Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali

Kigali Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.

Day Itinerary

Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport where your Rwanda Adventure Safari starts by our representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities.  You will do a covid test upon arrival at your cost. You will be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day and time allowing you may go for city tour with the help of our driver/guide, visit the shopping Malls around town and craft / coffee shops .

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel 

Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital's natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference centre, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom.

The hotel features 148 rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24 hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.

Basis: Bed and Breakfast

Included: Airport transfer

Day 2:  Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park  

Volcanoes National Park Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park. On the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and you will know why Rwanda is called the 'The land of Thousand Hills'. You will arrive at your lodge in time of lunch.

After lunch, you will relax at your lodge and also as you prepare for the Gorilla Trekking experience tomorrow.

Please note you will have to do a covid test at the park today at a supplement of $65 per person  to enable you trek the gorillas tomorrow.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel  

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze (Ruhengeri) located on the road going to Kinigi is a convenient starting point to go for different activities that the Volcanoes National Park is offering. Each of the rooms features hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and mini-bars. A the hotel guests will find a restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden. 24-hour front desk service is also available as well as massage service

Basis: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included: Transfer

Excluded: covid test before trekking

Day 3:  Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park  

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure, after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these amazing apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with.

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

Expert Tips

Details on what to pack for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
 

When trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.
 

As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).

Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.
 

Khaki / natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking

1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks – that can dry quickly if wearing on treks

1 Pair of shorts

1 – 2 long sleeved shirts – preferably quick drying

2 – 3 short sleeved shirts – preferably moisture wicking

Casual clothes for evenings

1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks

1 – 3 sports / long sleeved shirts and / or blouse

1 dress / skirt for ladies

Exterior clothing

1 Lightweight waterproof / windproof / breathable jacket, e.g. Gortex / Event type fabrics

1 Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt

Sturdy / lightweight waterproof walking boots – trousers / pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well)

1 Pair of shoes for evening wear

1 Pair of sports sandals will be useful, e.g. TEVA

Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)

Bush hat with a brim for sun protection

Underwear

Lightweight wool socks

Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla tracking only)

Basis: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included: 1 Gorilla  Permit per person

Day 4:  End of Itinerary  

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will check out and you will go for the city tour- Visit genocide musuem, coffee/ craft shops, markets and later you will be  transferred to Kigali International Airport to catch your international flight to your next destination.

Activities : Kigali   City Tour

Kigali City Tour

Get to know this beautiful and amazing city. The Go Kigali City Tour is the best way to see and experience Kigali! Stops include: a trip to the top of Mt. Kigali for views of the city and the countryside, a milk bar, a neighborhood market, a mural walk, a great Rwandan lunch, the best coffee around, a ride on a water taxi, a neighborhood walk and ends at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Basis : Bed and Breakfast

Included: City tour, Airport Transfer

Excluded: lunch

Included

• All transfers
• Driver/Guide with all his associated expenses
• Park entrance fees
• Meals as indicated
• Full board accommodation apart from Kigali  where it is bed and breakfast only
• 1 Gorilla permit per person
• All item included in the above itinerary

Excluded 

• International Air tickets
• Visas. The cost of visa is USD 50 per person
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc
• Any other items which are not included in the above itinerary
• For extra activities a supplement will be paid.