Africa
Gorilla Safari Trek in Rwanda, 4 Days - From: $2,980
Trip Summary
Trek to see magnificent mountain gorillas from your comfortable lodge situated in the foothills of the mighty Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, along the northern border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The mountain range, including eight major volcanoes, is a branch of the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. They are located between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu.
The Virunga Mountains are home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. With approximately 720 mountain gorillas remaining worldwide, these creatures are listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and war. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke and is among the optional destinations of interest your African gorilla safari may include.
Enjoy your magical one hour encounters with the magnificent mountain gorillas, and afterwards, take in the wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside from your comfortable safari lodge.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking on foot with experienced safari guides
- Bird-watching and golden monkey tracking in bamboo forests
- Kigali city tour and village visits in Rwanda
Trip Details
Price:
| Per Person, double occupancy | From: $2,980 |
Based on low season rates with two guests traveling.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda
Arrive in to Kigali, Rwanda in the morning. On arrival, you will be met and transferred by road to the Virunga Volcanoes and your safari lodge.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprises five double cottages, two suites and one family suite. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms finished with Venetian plaster a dressing room and a sheltered veranda. Heat exchangers in the fireplaces provide a plentiful supply of hot water.
The main lodge building has been beautifully constructed and appointed. The lodge is the perfect base from which to begin your gorilla safari.
Lodging: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 2
Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda
Today you will be met and transferred to the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park from where you will meet your guide and begin trekking on foot to see the magnificent Mountain Gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.
After 1 hour of observing the gorillas, your guide will return you to your safari lodge for an afternoon of leisure.
Lodging: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 3
Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda
Either use the day to gorilla trek again, or to enjoy one of the other numerous activities in the Volcanoes National Park area. Such alternative activities include visits to:
- Community projects, basketwork and pottery
- The conservation and socio-economic work of SACOLA and the Rwandese authorities
- The genocide memorials
- The lava flows outside Ruhengeri town
- Lakes Kivu, Burera, Ruhondo and Karago
- Vibrant and colourful local markets and villages
- Areas of interest to ornithologists – Rwanda boasts 670 bird species
- Dian Fossey memorial and research center
This evening you will return to your safari lodge.
Lodging: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 4
Kigali, Rwanda
Today, you will be met for a drive transfer to Kigali, Rwanda where you will connect with your departing international flights. If time permits, there may be time for a tour of Kigali, Rwanda's political and commercial capital city. Several opportunities to see Rwanda culture include:
- Kigali Memorial Center contains a permanent exhibition of the Rwandan genocide. The center is built on a site where over 250,000 people are buried.
- Caplaki Market provides an opportunity to shop for Rwandan woodcarvings, drums, baskets and ceramics.
- The Dancing Pots where guests learn about the Batwa people and participate in a traditional pottery workshop and dancing.
Destinations
The Details
