Rwanda - Gorilla Tracking

Rwanda - A 4 day Gorilla Safari in Parc National des Volcans

This gorilla observation safari takes you to Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in the Virunga volcanoes. It offers an opportunity to go gorilla tracking on two days. Seeing the mountain gorillas up close is a fantastic experience, one of the best possible. PNV has four habituated gorilla families living in the forests on the southern slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.

In addition to gorilla tracking, PNV offers a number of other activities. These activities include: climbing the Visoke volcano; visiting the remains of the Dian Fossey Karisoke Centre, her grave, and the graves of the gorillas which she studied. The more leisurely activities include: taking a short walk to the edge of the forest and watching the playful families of endangered golden monkeys, or going for walks around the picturesque villages near the lodge.

Please see the important notes about Permits

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday
Met on arrival at airport and transfer to Kigali. Briefing on your safari After lunch, depart for PNV at 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. O/N: Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 2
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking ). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be 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. O/N: Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 3
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of an additional permit at time of booking ), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 4 Tuesday
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport (HB).


Important Note: The cost of a gorilla tracking permit is about USD375 and just one permit is included in the price but if you want an additional permit for the other gorilla tracking hike we require a supplement to be paid at the time of booking. The price of a permit can change with little or no notice. More Detail

                                                                                                       Other Options


Ref: RWS4              Please see the important notes about Permits

Departs 2008: 5/26 Jan, 2/23 Feb, 1/22 Mar, 5/26 Apr, 3/24 May, 7/28 Jun, 5/26 Jul, 9/23 Aug, 6/27 Sep, 4/25 Oct, 1/22 Nov, 6/27 Dec

Departs 2009: 10/24 Jan, 21/28 Feb, 21/28 Mar, 11/25 Apr, 9/23 May, 20/27 Jun, 11/25 Jul, 22/29 Aug, 12/26 Sep, 10/24 Oct, 21/28 Nov, 12/26 Dec

Price Indication Per Person : GBP1404 / USD2751

Basis: The price is based on two people sharing.  The US Dollar is the base currency and payment in other currencies is acceptable, but the cost will vary inline with exchange rates.  Customised trips to your design are available, subject to resources / permits.

Single Supplement: GBP147 / USD290                   

                                        Please see the important notes about Permits

What is Included
Accommodations, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on final day (see the code B,L,D), land transportation, 1 gorilla permit ,( services of local guides and English speaking leader. 

What is Not Included
All travel costs to the start and from the finish of the tour, as detailed in the itinerary. Optional services of porters while gorilla tracking (approximately USD5 per trek), alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and required comprehensive travel insurance. Airfares and airport departure taxes. Extra tracking permit(s).


Physical Requirements
The strenuous (sometimes very strenuous) trek to the gorillas usually takes between two and three hours (but could be as little as fifteen minutes or as long as four to eight hours), it is impossible to predict. We travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers. Travellers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the program. Travellers should be aware that if they turn around due to fatigue, illness or any other reason the remainder of the group will in most situations continue on. The returning traveller will be escorted by a local guide or porter.

Getting There & Getting Home
 You are free to depart Kigali after 5pm on the final day.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.