Day 1 - Fly to Kigali - Volcanoes National Park

Today you will fly into Kigali from any East African Country and drive up to Volcanoes National Park.

Hidden amongst the thick rainforest of Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda, lives one of the planet’s most endangered species: the gorilla. The park, which contains five out of the eight Virunga Mountain volcanos, is the most accessible gorilla national park in the world and is home to 10 habituated groups of these rare animals.

Aside from seeing gorillas, you can track the rare golden monkey, trek to the top of Mount Bisoke and see its enormous crater lake or take a guided walk through local communities gaining insight into Rwandan culture. Another popular activity is hiking to the tomb of American primatologist Dian Fossey who spent nearly two decades studying gorillas in the park - her story has since been told in the film adaptation of her novel Gorillas in the Mist. The oldest national park in Africa, Volcanoes National Park should not to be missed.

Overnight: Bronze: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Silver: Bishops House | Gold: Sabyinyo Lodge

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Gorilla Tracking

06:30: After an early breakfast your driver guide will transfer you to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters to be allocated a gorilla tracking group.

07:00: you will be given a full briefing by your trackers – you will be told about the gorilla family that you are tracking, what to expect during the track, how to behave when with the family, how long you will be with them as well as meeting the other travelers who are tracking with you. There will be a total of eight guests per gorilla family. Once your briefing is completed you will meet your porter who will help you carry your backpack and help you with your footing during the hike. Then your driver guide will drive you to the start of the trail head to begin your amazing adventure.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1000 Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment.

Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.

Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!

You will arrive back at the lodge in time for lunch and the team will whisk away your dirty shoes and clothes which will be returned that evening ready for your hike the next day.

In the afternoon there are a variety of activities offered by the lodge that you can choose to do or you can relax and enjoy the facilities at the property.

Overnight: Bronze: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Silver: Bishops House | Gold: Sabyinyo Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Depart

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali where a day room is reserved for you. Enjoy a little time for shopping, before your international flight home in the evening.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B