Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
 

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 Rwanda is the most convenient country for those who wish to add a gorilla trek to a safari in Kenya or Tanzania Trekking is in the in the Parc National des Volcans home to the world’s largest number of endangered mountain gorillas numbering over 300, with 4 families habituated to human visitors. The park also supports a number of other localised mammal,   bird and plant species.

This 13.000 hectare national  park protects the Rwanda sector of the Virunga  Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active  volcanoes which straddle the border with Uganda and the DRC,

Between 2,500 and 3,500m, where an average  annual rainfall of 2,000m is typical, bamboo forest is   interspersed with alpine moorland, grassland and   marsh, a landscape dominated by otherworldly giant  Lobelia and senecio plants. Wear long trousers,  long-sleeved top against nettles. Pack warm clothes, raincoat and hiking boots. Approximately 300  mountain gorillas live the Volcanoes Park. Tourists are permitted to spend no longer than one hour with  the gorillas, and it is forbidden to eat or smoke in their presence. 

Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in central Africa. Also known as ‘the land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda has five volcanoes, twenty-three lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the river Nile.  The green and hill landscape is dominated to the north by volcanoes and bordered by Lake Kivu to the west. In order to avoid disappointment it is absolutely essential to use reliable operators who will secure permits well in advance.  There is no guarantee of seeing gorillas during a one-day trek, and if you wish to increase the chances you should request two days of trekking.

   

RWANDA TOURS

All tours include:

  • Professionally guided tours and accommodations per the itinerary
  • Comfortable, modern, 4X4 vehicles, customized for maximum viewing with open roof hatches, Toyota Land Cruisers, or comparable vehicles.
  • Emergency International communications available

We use experienced professional drivers, and guides who are knowledgeable in all aspects of  Rwanda Safaris
 
 
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
(2013 prices)

4-day itinerary

Day 1. Arrive at Kigali airport, meet and greet, we have a half day city tour, including a visit to the genocide memorial centre and other cultural sights. In the afternoon we drive to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri is sealed offering stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country, taking a little more than 2 hours. From Ruhengeri we have a 20 minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabyinyo Mountain, with excellent views of all of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (LD)
 

Day 2. Gorilla tracking day.

After breakfast we take a short drive to the Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest to where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes not in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain in a few minutes notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including waterproof bags for cameras and film. Please note: plastic (e.g. carrier / shopping) bags are illegal in Rwanda.

Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (BLD)
 

Day 3. Second gorilla tracking day. After gorilla trekking we drive back to Kigali.

Overnight at Mille Colline Hotel (West wing) (BLD)


Day 4. We are transferred to the airport to check in for our international flight (B)

$1460 per person based two travelers (double occupancy) + $1500 permit fees for two treks

 Package price includes : 
 - airport transfers and assistance 
 - transportation in 4x4 jeeps 
 - bilingual driver-guide 
 - all accommodation as per itinerary, full-board on safari but BB in Kigali 
 - mineral water while tracking 

 Not included : 
 Drinks, tips and any personal expenses 

With Upgraded Lodging:

Same itinerary as above, but using

  • Jack Hanna's House
  • Kigali Serena

$1,850 per person based two travelers (double occupancy) + $1500 permit fees for two treks

Same itinerary as above, but using

  • Governor's Sabinyo Silverback Lodge at Kinigi
  • Kigali Serena

(high season) $2,940 per person based two travelers (double occupancy) + $1500 permit fees for two treks
 (low season) $2,280 per person based two travelers (double occupancy) + $1500 permit fees for two treks

5-day itinerary

Day 01. Arrive at Kigali airport, meet and greet, then transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel (no other services included). If any additional services are required on this day, please ask for a separate quote.

 Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (D)

Day 02. Half day city tour, including the genocide museum/memorial, then we drive to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri is sealed offering stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country, taking a little more than 2 hours. From Ruhengeri we have a 20 minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabyinyo Mountain, with excellent views of the rest of all of the Virunga Volcanoes.

 Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (BLD)

Day 03. Gorilla tracking day. After breakfast we take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest to where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point.  The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes not in excess of 7,500 feet.  The terrain is rough and at times muddy.  Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including waterproof bags for cameras and film. Please note: plastic (e.g. carrier / shopping) bags are illegal in Rwanda.

 Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (BLD)

 

Day 04. Second gorilla tracking day. After gorilla trekking we drive back to Kigali.

 Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (BLD)

 Day 05.  We are transferred to the airport to check in for our international flight (B)'

Contact us for prices

 
Governor's Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

With the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge the well-known Governors Camp Group brings their reputation for top quality wildlife camps to Rwanda. Guest cottages and the main lodge are beautifully constructed and finished to a very high standard. The lodge  is  situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans in North Western Rwanda, in an undulating area of 11 hectares with fabulous views towards the Parc National des Volcans.

Guest cottages are discretely and privately situated in the folds of the hills, and each has its own unique view. The altitude of the lodge is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level so the climate is generally cool.

The lodge is owned by a community trust called SACOLA.  and  income will finance its socio-economic development and conservation objectives in the area.  The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) played a vital role in the development of Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

The lodge comprises of a central building, with reception, bar, dining room, library / games room, community awareness centre, client washrooms and shop. Both the bar and dining room have extensive outdoor decks from which our clients can enjoy the spectacular views. Client accommodation comprises 5 cottages, 2 suites and one family suite. All client accommodation rooms have at least one private veranda, a sitting room with fireplace, bedroom, dressing room and a large modern bathroom. The family suite has an extra bedroom and bathroom incorporated.

The lodge is constructed of local stone, finished with an ochre coloured plaster. Terracotta tiled roofs give a stylish contemporary Rwandese flavour. All guest rooms have large windows to make best use of the wonderful views. Double thickness walls maintain the warmth from the fireplaces when it is cold outside, and keep the rooms cool in the warmer weather during the day. The lush gardens have been extensively landscaped.
 
 
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Located 15km from Musanze (Ruhengeri) and 100km from Kigali with spectacular views of the volcanoes that make up the Virungas Range is Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Experience the quiet and tranquility of nature where you are only 2-3km from the world famous and endangered Mountain Gorillas. MGVL has thirty-two chalets furnished with your comfort in mind. After a day visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park, the warmth of your personal fireplace awaits you.
 
 
Jack Hanna's House

Jack Hanna’s house is managed by Gorilla Nest Lodge and is located in close proximity to the gorilla trekking head quarters in Volcanoes National Park. Set in private gardens, Jack Hanna’s house is an ideal retreat after trekking the rare mountain gorillas. The house has two bedrooms sleeping 2 people in each room. There is a separate living room and also dining room where your personal butler will serve you delicious and hearty meals. The living room has a large fireplace which is the perfect place to gather with the drink of your choice when the sun goes down. The house is surrounded by a wrap-around porch with views out over the Virunga Mountains. The house is booked on an exclusive basis.
 
 
 
Kigali Serena Hotel is ideally located on one of Kigaliʹs most charming boulevards, the five star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centers on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating.

FACILITIES:

Wide selection of rooms and suites: all with AC, satellite TV, WiFi and voice mail
The Executive Lounge and Bar
Swimming pool, pool deck and gardens  Health Club
 

 

Cape To Cairo:  African Business and Adventure Travel
2761 Unicorn Ln NW, Washington DC 20015
Tel (202) 244 5954 Fax (202) 244 5993
 (800) 356-4433
home: www.capetocairo.travel / safari@capetocairo.travel