4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Express

Volcanoes National park or Parc National de Volcans was first gazetted in 1925. Some years later, this park was internationally recognized when, in 1967, Diana Fossey an American naturalist arrive and set-up the Karisoke Research Centre. Diana’s research and exposure of the plight of the endangered gorillas decorates her legacy over three decades since her demise. “Gorillas in the Mist” is the movie that explains Diana’s life.

The presence of 8 ancient volcanoes shared by Uganda, DR Congo and Rwanda, the park is endowed with a vast altitudinal range thus vegetation varies reasonably! There is lower montane forest and between 2500 to 3200m, bamboo forest occupies the section of the park. Lobelia, meadows, marshes, swamps and small lakes cover the land at height of between 3600 – 4500m.

The fauna is rich and most famous with the Great Gentle Apes; the Mountain Gorillas. Additionally, golden monkeys, black fronted duikers, buffaloes, spotted hyena and bushbuck are residents in the park. Bird watchers have a total of 178 recorded bird species to look out for; 13 bird-species and 16 subspecies are endemic to the great Albertine Rift Biodiversity area that also covers the Virunga Conservation area.

The capital of Rwanda’s Conservation, Parc National des Volcans is situated about 2hrs from Kigali (the Capital of Rwanda). Gorilla tracking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Volcano Hikes and the Hike to Diana Fossey’ Grave (the Iconic scientist buried in the park) are the major tourist activities.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kinigi

Our driver/guide will be ready to pick you upon arrival at Kanombe – Kayibanda International airport in Kigali and transfer to Kinigi – Ruhengeri near Parc National de Volcans. The transfer takes about 3hrs. And you will have ample time to spend the rest of the evening relaxing at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking & Cultural Performance

This is the long awaited day!! Early morning preparations for the activity, pack lunch, attend briefing by the Ranger-guide, get hold of a walking stick and follow the Ranger to the Sanctuary. It is imperative to respect and abide by the conservation rules therefore leave nothing but a footprint and take nothing but memories and photographs. Maximum time allowed with the fascination Gorillas is 1 hour. After gorilla tracking, return to Kinigi and attend a cultural dance performance. You may participate in the famous “Intore Dance”. Return to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for the rest of the evening.

Day 3: Kigali – City Tour.

After an early breakfast, exit Kinigi or Parc National des Volcans area and transfer back to Kigali. Lunch break and embark on a Kigali City Tour, You will be privileged to witness the apex of human misery at the Gisozi Genocide Museum where the earth speaks of hatred and horrible brutality! The museum also serves a platform to learn more about other Genocides in the history of mankind. Proceed and visit local markets as well as places of worship and then overnight at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

Day 4: Airport Transfer

Dawn breaks in Kigali city; enjoy your final moments in the Land of 1000 hills, check-out and transfer to the airport to arrival on time for your onward flight to Kilimanjaro.

What to carry for this tour

• Insect repellent
• Some cash to cover personal expenses like soft and alcoholic drinks
• Walking/hiking shoes
• You may carry cameras and binoculars if you possess them.
• Enough dose for those who may be on medication.
• An extra pair of glasses for those with eye defects.
• Sun glasses and hat/cap.
• Basic personal items in general.
• Warm and light clothes

Tour Includes

• English-speaking driver/guide.
• A litter of bottled water per day.
• Accommodation in upscale accommodation as indicated above.
• Kigali City Tour
• Cultural Performance after gorilla trekking.
• Ground Transport throughout the trip.
• A gorilla tracking permit.
• Meals and per choice of lodging category.

Tour Excludes

• Personal Insurance Covers.
• Tips, Beverages and Souvenirs
• All items of personal nature
• Visas/Entry Permit for Rwanda if required.
• Pre Tour Accommodation in Kigali

Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish.

For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after you have arrived for the safari.