Package Detail

Day 1

Pick-up from Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

“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 almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.” Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.

The driver-guide will pick you up from your designated address or the airport in Kigali and proceed to Volcanoes National Park, located in the north of Ruhengeri. Travel via undulating and beautiful terraced hills, showing a clear picture of the general landscape and altitude of Rwanda. You will have a relaxed evening at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day-2

Do golden monkey tracking and transfer to Bwindi

After a briefing, you will embark on the golden monkey tracking. The encounter starts at 7 am at the Kinigi Park headquarters where you head to the forest in search of these endangered species. The tracking experience takes about 4 hours, including a 1-hour encounter with them. You will see them roll themselves on the bamboo stems and present themselves (their shyness has been reduced through habituation). Enjoy the sights of their silver patch.

You will then transfer to the gorilla land of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive takes you through different features to include tropical rainforests and the undulating terraced hills of Kigezi, famously known as the “Switzerland of East Africa”. Drive to the lodge for relaxation as you wait for the next day’s adventure with dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation: Trekker’s Tavern Cottages

Mid-range lodge located just outside Bwindi NP

Day 3

Gorilla tracking and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Enjoy an early breakfast, then proceed to the briefing point for the highlight of your trip – gorilla trekking. It can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the group you are visiting. We trek through the rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes, accompanied by a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide and other trackers in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. Due to the nature of the activity, you will have a packed lunch. Afterward, you will drive through the terraced hills to Lake Bunyonyi.

Besides canoeing, there is a short list of optional activities like swimming (safe in this lake) and hiking on some of the island trails along the lakeshores. You can also go on community walks and meet the local people while listening to the small resident and exotic bird species singing. You will head for dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda)

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Mid-range resort located in or near Lake Bunyonyi

Day 4

Optional canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi and transfer back to Kigali

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for a guided canoe ride. You will later cross the border to Rwanda. You will transfer to Kigali city with the memory of the great, rare mountain apes. Enjoy an enroute lunch, and arrive late in the evening to be dropped off at your hotel or the airport as you say farewell to the “Pearl of Africa”.

Main Destination: Kigali

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)