GORILLAS OF THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES - 4 Days & Lake Kivu A
ITINERARY
| Starting point: |
Kigali |
| End point: |
Kigali |
| Duration: |
4 Days |
Tour Description
Track the mountain gorilla in the unique vegetation of the Virunga volcanoes.
In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat," wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, "are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas". Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.
The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze - a solidified lava flow - is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago. Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel Gorilla's Nest. Visitors could also base themselves in Gisenyi or Kigali and - with an early start - head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip.
HIGHLIGHTS
- the last mountain gorillas
- the spectacular primates
- Visit to Lake Kivu
- The unique landscapes of the Land of a 1000 Hills
This is designed as an adventure trip, and the unexpected can be expected. Be prepared.
PRATICAL ASPECTS
About 650 km of tracks and roads on board of comfortable vehicles. 2 nights spent in good hotels / nicely located guesthouses. Cold lunches, warm and varied diners. Equatorial type of climate (25 – 30°C). Nights can be fresh, mostly at high altitudes. Risks of rains in the Virunga region. Experienced, English and French speaking guide during the whole safari.
Tour summery
Note that although we endeavour to abide by the primary itinerary indicated below, unexpected situations and circumstances beyond our control can result in small (or, occasionally, substantial) changes. This should then be taken as a general guideline.
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Mountain Gorillas
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
Day 4: Departure
Tour costing
Kindly refer to the section of this proposal after the detailed tour itinerary for some comments and explanations, as well as details about what is included and excluded.
A deposit of 50% would be required in advance to secure the various bookings en route. We would suggest this be done on confirmation of your booking.
Payments made in foreign currency will be subject to the effective rate of exchange prevailing at the time of transfer.
We supply a copy of our detailed “Terms and Condition” should you indicate your interest in this proposal.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – ARRIVAL
Meet in the morning on arrival at the Kigali airport. Visit the genocide memorial museum.
Follow the road as it climbs to the base of the majestic volcanoes, with spectacular views across the five peaks. Lunch at Muhabura hotel in Ruhengeri. Continue toward Volcanoes NP.
Quote A - Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge
Quote B - Dinner and overnight at Hotel Gorillas Volcano
Quote C - Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Palme
Day 2 – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship.
Quote A - Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge
Quote B - Dinner and overnight at Hotel Gorillas Volcano
Quote C - Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Palme
Day 3 - 2nd TREKKING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
Trek a second time the mountain gorilla. After lunch at your hotel, continue toward Gisenyi, a nice small town located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu.
Quote A - Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena
Quote B - Dinner and overnight at Stipp Hotel
Quote C - Dinner and overnight at Malahide Paradise
Day 4 – DEPARTURE
Enjoy during the early morning hours the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa’s highest lake.
Drive back to Kigali. Time remaining, have lunch transfer to the airport.
Quote A - _______ per person sharing
Quote B - _______ per person sharing
Quote C - _______ per person sharing
Please note all quotes are subject to availability, if park fees or gorilla permit fee change will the total amount be subject to change, nobody can 100% guarantee a gorilla encounter.
Including:
- Return Airport transfers
- Transfer to / from Volcano’s NP
- Guide
- All meals as specified
- 2 Gorilla permits per person
- All accommodation as per option chosen
Excluding:
- Entry visa & any departure taxes / vaccinations
- Airfares and airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Any items of a personal nature
- Tips for your guide / driver
- Personal hiking gear
GENERAL INFORMATION
GORILLA TICKETS
they are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance. Buy your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid any disappointment. In order to secure a permit a down payment of a deposit has to be made at the time of reservation.
GORILLA RULES
Eco-tourism is nature-based tourism that meets conservation objectives. Gorilla tourism depends largely on the conservation of these magnificent animals. Some rules have
been developed to protect the gorillas and the park rangers will brief you before the trekking. Please respect them.
GORILLA GROUPS
- Group 13 with 7 individuals located at Sabinyio volcano
- Amohoro A group with 11 gorillas located at the Bisoke volcano
- Amohoro B group with 9 individuals located between Sabinyio and Bisoke volcanoes
- Sabinyio group with 13 individuals located between Sabinyio and Bisoke volcanoes
- Susa group, 35 gorillas located on the Karisimbi volcano. Longer trekking distance
- Hirwa group, a group of 9 gorillas on the northern slope of Sabinyio volcano. Only the park authorities will assign your gorilla group.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
- Money for your personal expenses: usd or euro
- Good walking shoes, rain gear, gloves (nettle stings), some long-sleeve shirts, sweaters for the cool evenings
- Sun protection gear and cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Video and photo cameras. 200/300 mm telephoto lenses are very useful. Reserve batteries or battery charger (mains and/or 12 V car adaptors)
- Binoculars
- A torch
- Small rucksack
- International vaccination card
SECURITY
After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilized. Democratic elections have been hold, and Rwanda is one of the most stable and safe African countries.
INOCULATIONS
Valid yellow fever inoculation is required. Ask your physician for malaria protection.
VISA
A valid passport is mandatory. Visa rules have to be checked with the foreign ministry.
If visas are required, you will need a single entry visa.
SAFARI GUIDE
Your guide is an experienced person speaking English and several local languages. He will be with you from the beginning to the end.
If you have any more questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
