Simple! There is no wildlife experience quite like this one. No jeeps, no large distances and no fences - you will be face to face with a Silverback Gorilla and its entire family.
Silverback Gorilla Trek
Coming face to face with a silverback Gorilla is truly one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth! No jeeps and far distances - spend a magical hour with the gorillas as they play, feed and raise their young.
You will watch them feed, eat and raise their kids in a manner like no other. You will never be as up close and personal with a wild animal in this manner, never mind one that was over 350 pounds.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative, outside the airport arrivals section and after briefing, Enjoy a City Tour of Kigali. (Time allowing)
Lunch in Kigali. Later, depart Kigali and drive to Ruhengeri. 2.5 hrs arriving in the early evening at the Volcanoes National Park. Evening enjoy cultural visit to the Ibyiwacu village. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
After an early breakfast. Start at 0620 hrs with a transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs for your first day of trekking. At 0700 hrs you will attend a briefing lead by your trackers followed by a drive to the trailhead for the start of your amazing Gorilla Trekking adventure.
Your trek again starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virunga’s offering stirring views in all directions. When it enters the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colorful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the Gorilla Families.
After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your lodge for lunch. Afternoon depart to Lake Kivu arriving in time for dinner. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena
After breakfast, proceed to Kibuye arriving in time for lunch. Early lunch at Moriah Hill Resort. After lunch, stop at the Home St. Jean, a Genocide Memorial Church, and followed by a drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Dinner and Overnight at the Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Start early for early morning forest nature walk in the park tracking Chimpanzees in the Cyamudongo forest. Early lunch and then depart to Kigali arriving in early evening. Overnight at Kigali Serena.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kigali international airport for your scheduled departure flight.
Weather
In the heart of Africa, Rwanda's relatively high altitude means it has a pleasant tropical highland climate but with plenty of rain. Temperatures vary considerably between locations depending on their altitude, but very little from month to month in the same place. In the capital, Kigali, the average daily temperature is about 21°C. Rwanda's long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. June to mid-September is the long dry season; this is generally the best time to visit if you have the choice. Alternatively, December to February as well after a shorter rainy season between October and November.
Accommodation
All the lodges and hotels that provided in the above itinerary are of the highest calibre. Beautiful properties overlooking picturesque greenery that is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife experiences. Both for the Gorilla and Chimpanzee trek you will be treated to unbelievable accommodation that will rival any other lodge in the world. Unbelievable wildlife experiences and views all wrapped up in beautiful property lodges.
Food
Food is a treat in Rwanda. All the lodges offer amazing food quality and in many locations gourmet international food by exemplary chefs. We will have beautiful meals overlooking some of the best scenery that Rwanda has to offer. During our stay in the lodge our bellies are always taken good care of!
People
After the disaster of ethnic conflict, Rwanda has worked extremely hard on national reconciliation that has had very strong impact on the country’s development. People in Rwanda are extremely hospitable and friendly, while the guides on your Gorilla trek are experts of the highest quality who have a deep passion for the Gorilla families and their well-being.
Animals
Silverback Gorillas are the main highlight of this unforgettable 5 days. They are the world’s most endangered ape but thanks to massive conservation efforts their numbers are on the rise again. They are an impressive sight weighing over 350 pounds and with no jeeps or fences it is really up close and personal. Watching the gorilla family of all ages and sizes for an hour is an experience truly like no other. If that isn’t enough there is another trek to observe Chimpanzees, where you can pretend to be Jane Goodall for day.
PRICE
$2,700
best time to travel:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PRICE INCLUDES
- This price is based on a minimum of 4 participants.
- Arrival, departure, and all transport in a private car. Transfers and assistance at Airport as well
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Accommodation at Lodge on Full-board basis
- Accommodation in Kigali at B&B basis
- Activities as mentioned above.
- City Tour of Kigali
- Private transport in a 4x4 Land cruiser
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide
- 1 Chimpanzee trek permit per person
- Complimentary flying doctors cover
- Extra lunch at Moriah and Ibis hotel
- Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle
- All taxes on the services quoted above
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Gorilla permit is not included in the safari cost. The permit is US$ 1500 per permit.
- International, regional and local Airfares.
- Meals and beverages, other than specified.
- Airport taxes
- Laundry and other items of a personal nature such drinks, telephone calls ETC
- Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
- Insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption at special low cost group rates.
- Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
- Excess baggage charges levied by airlines
- Single supplement fee for those staying in a single room
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, drinks during meals, etc.
- Discretionary tip to safari driver (general guideline: if you’re satisfied with the service, 50 USD per person)
- Tips & gratuity