Destination: Rwanda
Overnight at: Flame Tree Village Hotel for the overnight in BB
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Full Board
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Full Board
After breakfast, depart to Volcanoes National Park. The journey goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes Virunga, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. The gorillas’ habitat, in the mountainous north, is the string of magnificent Virunga peaks that range from 2500 to 4500 meters: Karismbi, Bisoke Mikeno, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhubura volcanoes.
This stunning backdrop is host to over half the world’s wild mountain gorillas. The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions and explores the rich ecosystems of blending evergreen and bamboo forests, open grass lands, swamps and health. Late lunch on arrival at Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel (C) or Muhavura Hotel / Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (E). Full Board
In the morning we suggest the activity of the mountain gorilla tracking (optional). It is a privilege to spend an hour watching the gorillas as they go about their daily routine, feeding, playing and resting- as you question your primeval existence and relieve the wonder that kept Dian Fossey living in the forest for almost 18 years. Later return back at the base in time for a late lunch.
Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. In alternative (optional), you can take another trekking in Volcanoes National Park like the golden monkeys trekking or Old Karisoke.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel (C) or Muhavura Hotel / Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge (E). Full Board
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel (C) or Malahide Hotel (E). Full Board
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel (supplement for One and only Nyungwe Forest Lodge) (C) or Emeraude Guest House (E). Full Board
Go on an escorted walk in search of the large groups of colobus monkeys and birding where you will be able to see the bird species in this forest. Another activity is the canopy bridge for observation and birding.
The bird list in Nyungwe includes: Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Rosss Turaco, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Handsome Francolin, Olive Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater, White-headed Wood Hoopoes, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Stuhlmanns Sunbird,Black-Beaded Waxbill, Olive Thrush, Slender-billed Chestnut Wing Starling, White-necked Raven, African Saw-wing, Mountain Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Red-throated Alethe, White-starred Robin, Equatorial Akalata Or go chimp tracking. Lunch at the hotel. Evening birding along the lodge.
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel (supplement for One and only Nyungwe Forest Lodge) (C) or Emeraude Guest House (E). Full Board
Overnight at: Dinner and overnight at Ibis Hotel. Full Board
Flame Tree Village
Ibis Hotel
Volcanoes Hotel