Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

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Tour Overview

Volcanoes National Park with its 160 sq km of protected rain forest is the Rwanda section of the more extended Virunga Conservation Area shared between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo DRC. It is named after the chain of nine volcanoes which make its territory, including Karisimbi (4.507 m), Visoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhavura.

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Safari Highlights

The altitude ranges from 2400 m to the 4.000 m and above at the peaks. Since 2003 the park offers the possibility of eco-tourism to see the families of the endangered golden monkeys. Mount Visoke hosts the tombs of the American primatologist Dian Fossey and the gorilla cemetery. The most well known activity is the mountain gorilla tracking to one of the six habituated families.

DURATION : 4 DAYS

Safari Destination : Uganda

Safari Destination : ALL YEAR ROUND

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Itinerary Details

Experiences off the beaten track.

Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Safari Day by Day details planned and crafted for you to help create ideas of what you want your adventure to be.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Kigali

Bed and Breakfast

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by the representative and transferred to the hotel for the overnight in BB, The Heaven Boutique Hotel / Flame Tree Village Hotel.
Supplement for Hotel Des Milles Collines / Kigali Serena Hotel.

Day 2 – Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Full Board

After breakfast, we arrange a city tour of Kigali.
Lunch.
In the afternoon leave in the direction of Volcanoes National Park. It takes about 3 hours’ drive.
Dinner and overnight at Five Volcanoes Lodge (deluxe) / Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge / Villa Gorilla Lodge (C) oppure Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Ndaza Escape Hotel (E).
Upgrade Supplement for Sambora Lodge / Amarembo Lodge by Touchdown.

Day 3 - Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Full Board

Early in the morning after breakfast there will be a briefing by the RDB rangers to start the gorilla trekking in the Park of the Volcanoes.
Packed lunch or lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon we recommend (included) visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen Campus, with the Conservation Gallery where the story of mountain gorilla conservation is explained from Dian Fossey to date. Not to miss also the Azizi Life Gorillas Gift Shop. In Kinigi town there are also some eco-tourism programs where you can attend the Intore dances.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, Five Volcanoes Lodge (deluxe) / Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge / Villa Gorilla Lodge (C) oppure Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Ndaza Escape Hotel (E).
Upgrade Supplement for Sambora Lodge / Amarembo Lodge by Touchdown.

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Day 4 – Other activity in the Volcanoes National Park (optional)

Half Board

After breakfast optional trekking activity (see the options and prices).
Packed lunch.
In the afternoon drive back to Kigali. Possible transfer to Kigali International Airport.

Possible Extensions

Extension 1: Day 4 – 1 Day 1 Night Volcanoes National Park

Full Board. After breakfast, OPTIONAL we will organize another activity in Volcanoes National Park at your choice:

Upgrade Supplement for Sambora Lodge / Amarembo Lodge by Touchdown.

The golden monkeys trekking, a species of monkeys endemic to the Virunga habitat. This activity is only done in the morning and last about 3 to 4 hours.

Trekking to the Dian Fossey’s Tomb. This activity is only done in the morning and last until 3 to 4 pm acclording to the speed, as the walk goes through lower forest vegetation between Karisimbi and Visoke mountains where also there are muddy areas. It is advised to do the trekking with gumboots and it is required a minimum of fitness.

Hike in Buhanga ecological park. The activity can be done at any time of the day, even in the afternoon. This is a really hidden gem of Rwanda, a 31 hectares sacred forest which was the location of the first king of Rwanda, Gihanga.

Hike and boat tour on Lake Burera and Twin lakes. The activity can be done at any time of the day, also afternoon and it may take approximately 3 hours as it includes a short boat trip on the lake for birding and a walk along the lake and through local villages with a site guide.

Dinner and overnight at the Five Volcanoes Lodge (deluxe) / Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge / Villa Gorilla Lodge (C) oppure Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Ndaza Escape Hotel (E).

Sustainability Policies

We have a “water policy”: we don’t use plastic bottles, but cans of water to be refilled in the vehicles; please bring with you your bottle water.
Our tours are “carbon neutral”, whereby our carbon emissions are computed and compensated through the reforestation project Every 5 Acres.
Travelers can “plant a tree” in the reforestation project “One traveler, one tree, one forest” with KAFRED.
We support Association for Conservation of Bugoma Forest (ACBF – bugomaconservation.org) for developing eco-tourism and income generating activities in remote communities in Uganda and for the conservation efforts to protect Bugoma Forest Reserve.
We promote local typical products of Uganda and avail them under the brand “Jungle Taste”.
We use and avail cotton bags during the tour to reduce and avoid use of plastic bags while shopping.
We select the best eco-lodges with whom we partner for a more sustainable approach.

Safari/Trip Inclusions

- Full board accommodation - Transfers with 4x4 land cruiser vehicle - English speaking guide driver - Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP USD 1500 per person - Eco-tourism activities in Volcanoes NP

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