4 Day Gorilla Trekking - Rwanda

Detailed Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive at Kigali airport, meet and greet, we have a half day city tour, including the genocide memorial and other cultural sights. In the afternoon we drive to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri is sealed offering stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country, taking a little more than 2 hours. From Ruhengeri we have a 20 minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabyinyo Mountain, with excellent views of all of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (LD)

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was opened on the 10th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, in April 2004. The Centre is built on a site where 250,000 people are buried. The Centre is a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide and serves as a place where people can grieve those that they have lost. One of the principle reasons for the Centres existence is to provide an educational facility. Rwandans believe that it is extremely important for the younger generations of Rwandans who will not have lived through the genocide but whose lives will still be affected by it, to be able to have access to a place where they can learn about the reasons and affects of the genocide. The Centre includes three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide in 1994. There is also a children’s memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre of the Genocide all contribute to a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and form a powerful educational tool for the next generation.

Day 2

Gorilla tracking day.
After breakfast we take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest to where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes not 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. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain in a few minutes notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including waterproof bags for cameras and film. Please note: plastic (e.g. carrier / shopping) bags are illegal in Rwanda.
N.B. We cannot guarantee seeing Gorillas.
Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (BLD)
Located 15km from Musanze (Ruhengeri) and 100km from Kigali with spectacular views of the volcanoes that make up the Virungas Range is Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Experience the quiet and tranquility of nature where you are only 2-3km from the world famous and endangered Mountain Gorillas. MGVL has thirty-two chalets furnished with your comfort in mind. After a day visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park, the warmth of your personal fireplace awaits you.

Day 3

Second gorilla tracking day.
After gorilla trekking we drive back to Kigali.
Overnight at Umubano Hotel (BLD)

Day 4

We are transferred to the airport to check in for our international flight (B)

NOTE

Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has made some changes to their announcement made last week regarding the permit price increase.

Please find below the new permit purchase protocols:

1) All permits purchased between now and 31st May for any trekking dates in 2012 will be at $500 – permits need to be purchased in full. In order to purchase the permits in full we will require the client’s full names and passport information.

(2) All permits purchased for trekking dates in 2013 will be at the new price of $750.

(3) Any permits purchased after 1st June 2012 will be at the new price of $750. For 2012 and 2013.

(4) Deposits will remain at 40% – $300.

(5) Top up date will remain at 1 month prior to trekking date.

(6) For any permits already secured with deposits for trekking dates in 2012, if we top them up by 31st May then the price will remain at $500. If we do not top them up by 31st May then they will increase to the new price at $750. Hence at top up date (1 month prior) amount to be paid will be $550 per permit.

(7) Any permits already secured with deposits for trekking dates in 2013 are automatically increased to the new permit price of $750. This means at top up time, amount to be paid will be $550 per permit.