RWANDA TOUR RW5: GORILLAS, CHIMPS AND BIRDS IN RWANDA (7 Days)

The safari starts and finishes in Kigali.

The tour takes visits Nyungwe, in South West of Rwanda, a huge afro-montane forest. With over 10000sq.km in size, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa. The natural forest is renowned for its large troops of colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, butterflies and a rich variety of orchids. Over 300 bird species have been recorded. Visit some cultural sites en route - the Museum in Butare and the palace at Nyanza. 

Visit Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in the north of Rwanda where about 300 mountain gorillas live. There are five habituated gorilla families – Amahoro A, Amahoro B, “Group 13”, Sabinyo, Umubano and Susa - each of the groups allows up to 8 participants per day. You can track gorillas, climb the Visoke volcano, track the golden monkeys or visit the Karisoke Research Centre, which Dian Fossey the famous primatologist set up, or visit local villages.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kanombe (Kigali) airport. Meet and greet before transferring to Kigali City.
O/N: Hotel Chez Lando or similar on Bed & Breakfast basis.

DAY 2: To Nyungwe Forest Start for Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. In Butare, visit the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum. Lunch. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding Nyungwe Forest. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]
O/N: ORTPN Gisakura Guest House (FB)

DAY 3: Nyungwe Forest 

Guided nature walk in the forest to see a variety of animals and some of the three hundred bird species found here, which include the Rwenzori turaco and black and white casqued hornbill.  Go on an escorted walk in search of large groups of colobus monkeys - sometimes as many as 400 in a group.  OR go chimp tracking.  Lunch. Return late afternoon. O/N: ORTPN Gisakura Guest House (FB) 

DAY 4: Nyungwe Forest to Parc National des Volcans
Return to Kigali or pass via Gisenyi to Ruhengeri. Drive north to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. Enjoy the rolling hills for which Rwanda is well known. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]
O/N: Hotel La Palme/Virunga Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)

DAY 5: Parc National des Volcans
Transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters to track gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Gorilla tracking through the forest, hills and swamps can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort.
O/N: Hotel La Palme/Virunga Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)

DAY 6: Parc National des Volcans
In Parc National des Volcans: Either go gorilla tracking (on payment of US$500 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) Track the golden monkeys or climb the awesome Visoke volcano, or trek to Karisoke Research Centre which was set up by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, or visit local communities. Alternatively for those who are not up to it, simply relax at Camp.  Return to Kigali.
O/N: Hotel Chez Lando or similar (FB)

DAY 7: Return and departure Time permitting, go for a tour of the city (optional).
This includes a visit to a genocide memorial. Traditional crafts can be bought. Transfer to airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 3omins]

Tour Ends.