Safari overview.
Rwanda Gorilla Safari: The shortest trip to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the amazing Gorillas.
Every tour to Rwanda begins with the Kigali city’s living history at the genocide museum, the local markets, galleries and walking tours with rich African art, culture and storytelling opportunities.
A place famous for being home to Dian Fossey and movie Gorillas in the mist is Volcanoes National Park, where the endangered Gorillas and golden monkeys are easily accessed on foot. You also have an opportunity to climb a volcano, meet the Gorilla doctors, visit the local communities for cultural experiences or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
Safari highlights.
Day 1: Arrive via Kigali international airport – Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Site – Drive to Volcanoes National Park – community walk.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking – Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey.
Day 4: Options; Golden Monkeys/Volcano hike/hike to Dian Fossey tomb – Kigali.
Day 5: Return flight.
Detailed Safari Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Transfer to the hotel.
On arrival at Kigali international airport, Adventure Consults Airport representatives will meet you and assist through customs. Collect the luggage, then after meet your personal/private guide for a transfer to the hotel.
Depending on arrival time and preference, you may have a detailed briefing on your safari today or can have it the following day before heading out for your awaited safari.
Overnight accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Exclusions: All meals and drinks.
Day 2: Kigali City tour – Drive to Volcanoes National Park. Approx. 4 hours’ drive.
Meet your driver at the lobby for a briefing on your safari.
Available option for Kigali city tour before heading out to Volcanoes National Park.
A trip to Rwanda would be incomplete without a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial! Here is a center of education, and peacebuilding which honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans that were killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provide a powerful educational tool for all.
The exhibition is shocking, provoking and attempts to piece together the causes and events of the three-month genocide which destroyed Rwanda in 1994. Thousands of first-hand accounts are documented, and personal film footage and photography are showcased, illustrating the collection of events in a simple and striking way. No doubt, 99.9% of the Rwandan population were affected by the horrific violence of the genocide, a dark past that makes the present friendliness and goodwill of the country’s locals more inspiring.
A coffee break at the memorial restaurant then start your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. With relevant stops for snacking, photography and stretching, proceed to the Northern province with the amazing views of the Virunga Volcanoes towering up to almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest.
Volcanoes National Park is a 160-square-kilometer Park in Northwestern Rwanda bordering Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 115 mammal species that include mountain gorillas (35% of the World’s only surviving mountain gorillas), Over 200 bird species, 27 reptile and Amphibian species and 245 plant species call this Park home. The journey to Volcanoes National Park lasts about 4 hours, filled with breathtaking views of the countryside and when you get there, check-in and have lunch.
After lunch, you may simply relax at the lodge or go for a visit of the Gorilla Guardian’s Village that borders Volcanoes National Park. This site was set up as “Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to offer a new lease on life for ex-poachers. Your visit, not only offers an insight into the culture of the people but also provides an opportunity of giving back to the community. At Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, you will get the chance to become a King for a day, watch and participate in the preparation of herbal medicine, learn how to use a bow and arrow, take part in the preparation of local dishes, banana brewing, making of handcrafts, and so much more.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 4: Gorilla trekking adventure – option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
After breakfast, head out to Kinigi Park headquarters in time for briefing which starts at 0730 hours. The Gorilla trekking experience takes 3-6 hours or more.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the 4 National parks in the world that offers the unique adventure of getting up-close and personal with the mountain gorillas.
You will visit one of the 12 habituated Gorilla families.
Gorilla tracking is a forest walking adventure while searching for the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. When you find the Gorillas, you are allowed to spend 60 minutes/one hour with them. We highly recommend that you spare the last 20 minutes for observation and connection for everlasting memories. Follow this link for more useful information about Gorillas.
A box lunch is available with an option for a warm lunch at the lodge (depending on the day’s tracking duration).
You may have a relaxed afternoon or visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey.
Ellen DeGeneres Center visit costs vary depending on choice of activity. All activities require reservations, so let the sales team know in advance for proper arrangements and related costs. Some activities may require an extra pay.
Self-guided tours: You take a walk through the Conservation Gallery which has interactive games, fun quizzes and a 360-degree theatre. You are free to take a walk through the Ellen DeGeneres Campus grounds and explore the gorilla, biodiversity, and wetlands trails.
Behind the scenes tour: In addition to activities listed in self-guided tours, this option offers an opportunity to interact with a senior staff member, if labs are open, you will have access as well and get more knowledge on the work that is done at this resourceful place.
Silverback Sundowner: Enjoy the serenity of Ellen DeGeneres Campus after official working hours. This exclusive experience is offered from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. You will enjoy drinks and canapés at the Virunga Lounge with a backdrop of all the 5 volcanoes. You also get to interact with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund senior staff members, ask any questions about conservation work, Gorillas and people souring the Gorilla parks.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 4: Golden Monkeys/ Volcano climb/Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave – Drive to Kigali.
Today, you have many options to choose from. All activities listed begin early morning and are conducted once a day. Reservations highly recommended for well-arranged preparations.
You may either to go for a second Gorilla trek or track the rare chattering Golden Monkeys or climb one of the famous Volcanoes (Visoke or Muhabura) or trek to Dian Fossey’s grave. See detailed activity description
After lunch, drive to Kigali arriving late afternoon/evening. Last minute craft shopping and drop off at your hotel. Today’s lunch is included in the package price.
Overnight accommodation is included in Kigali on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Inclusions: Breakfast & Lunch.
Exclusions: Dinner and drinks.
Day 5: Departure flight.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a short tour of Kigali (if not done on day 2) before being transferred to the airport in time for your return flight. Check-in time is 3 hours in advance.
Accommodation
Rwanda has got a variety of accommodation options catering for every traveler category. Where to stay while on a safari Rwanda, depends on personal tastes, preference and budget. Adventure Consults never dictates where to stay but we will ask questions, guide and recommend the best suitable properties.
Accommodation in Kigali City; Kigali has got a variety of hotels that cater for both large groups, families and individuals. The small boutique hotels have limited rooms, but there are also big brand large hotels ranging from high end to midrange. While in Kigali, our packages are on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Hemingways Retreat Kigali.
- The Governor’s Residence Kigali.
- Kigali Serena Hotel.
- Hotel des Mille Collines.
- Kigali Marriott Hotel.
- Four Points by Sheraton.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center.
- Villa Kigali.
- The Pinnacle Kigali.
- Heaven Boutique Hotel.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park:
This being the heart of Rwanda’s tourism, it offers a big collection of lodging/accommodation facilities. The choice entirely depends on budget and personal tastes. We can’t list them all here, but below are some of the highly recommended options. Talk to the team – sales@adventureconsults.com
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Virunga Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Wilderness Bisate Reserve.
- Amakoro Songa Lodge
- Bishop’s House
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge.
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
- Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
- Karisimbi Cave Resort.
- Amarembo Gorilla by Touch Down.