Rwanda tour rw6 - Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda or Congo (8 days)
This safari starts and finishes in Kigali. [One PNV gorilla permit is included in the cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.]Visit the three operational gorilla countries of the world – Rwanda for Parc National des Volcans (PNV), Uganda for Bwindi and Mgahinga; and Congo for Virunga National Park. PNV, Virunga inCongo and Mgahinga are on either side of the misty Virungas.
The tour starts with Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, continuing to Mgahinga and then to Bwindi in Uganda. Clients have an opportunity to track gorillas for a total of FOUR times in the three countries. Tracking and seeing these great primates in their different, natural surroundings is a memorable experience, with each park presenting its unique attractions. Other activities possible include; tracking the golden monkeys, climbing a volcano, nature walks in the forests for birds, or visiting local villages.
Itinarary
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kanombe (Kigali) airport. Meet and greet before transferring to Kigali City. Drive the three hours North of Kigali to Kinigi through Ruhengeri. Enjoy the rolling hills for which Rwanda is well known. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours]O/N: Hotel La Palme/Virunga Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
DAY 2: 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 3: 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.O/N: Hotel La Palme/Virunga Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
DAY 4: To Uganda
Transfer to Kisoro and on to Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda. [Approximate driving time: 2 hours] Either guided nature walk in Gahinga or climb a volcano, visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores. Lunch in Kisoro.O/N: Travellers Rest Hotel (FB).
DAY 5: Gorilla tracking or drive to Bwindi
EITHER: Gorilla tracking in Nkuringo, Ishongi or Congo (on payment of US$500 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking, and visa fees) O/N: Travellers Rest Hotel (FB)OR: A gentle drive to Bwindi for gorilla tracking or a nature walk in Bwindi, the largest gorilla park in the world and a heritage site. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours]
O/N: Buhoma Lodge (FB)
DAY 6: In Bwindi; gorilla tracking or guided walks
Either track gorillas again (on payment of US$500 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the forest for butterflies, plant and bird species. Alternatively visit local villages or take the Buhoma Village Tourist Walk organised by the local community. O/N: Buhoma Lodge (FB)DAY 7: Back to Rwanda
Leave for Kigali in Rwanda. Continue to Rwanda passing the Katuna border. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including shopping. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]O/N: Hotel Chez Lando or Mille Collines Hotel (B-L-D).
DAY 8: City tour and out
The half day Kigali City trip (optional) includes a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, which takes a few hours. Transfer to the airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 30mins]Tour Ends.
