4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition

Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition – 4 Days

Overview | Highlights | Detailed Itinerary | Includes | Request Quote

Overview

On this4 day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition will enable you to trek Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in their haven in the Volcanoes National Park and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the volcanic landscapes characteristic of this part of the country; providing an opportunity to learn about the culture of the Rwandese people from the Iby’iwachu cultural village; to relax, chill and unwind at Lake Kivu; and to visit the prominent memorial sites of the tragic genocide that occurred in Rwanda.

Safari Highlights

• The thrill of trekking Mountain Gorillas in the challenging forest terrain and the humbling experience of coming face to face with them as they feed, play, rest, and bond with their young
• Viewing the mesmerizing and awesome features of the volcanic landscapes
• Learning about the great work of the American primatologist who pioneered the initiatives to protect and conserve Mountain Gorillas in the volcanic mountains.
• A thrilling encounter with the delightful Chimpanzees and watching them as they make awesome acrobatic maneuvers in the tree branches
• Being treated to the colourful cultural gala of the Rwandese people at Iby’iwachu cultural village
• Relaxing in the serenity of Lake Kivu on a Boat launch
• Listening to the horrific tales of the genocide that claimed more than 1,000,000 lives in Rwanda in the 1990s

Activity Schedule

Day 1: City tour of Kigali
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes & visit to Iby’iwachu cultural centre
Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking and transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 4: Lake Kivu excursion & transfer to Kigali

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: City tour of Kigali & transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start the Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition with breakfast and move out to visit the memorial sites scattered in various parts of the city. These will include the Genocide memorial sites where thousands of innocent people lost their lives during the genocide of the mid 1990s, visit the Presidential Palace Museum, and the Nyamata church.

In these places you will listen to the horrendous narratives of how people were cruelly put to death and learn about the history of the country from the colonial periods through to the present time.

You will have lunch and transfer to Ruhengeri town just outside the Volcanoes National Park.

Dinner and overnight will be at the lodge of your booking.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and visit to Iby’iwachu cultural centre

Today you will track one of the habituated Gorilla groups. You will begin with a briefing on the rules of Gorilla trekking before setting out with the guides to search for the Mountain Gorillas in the forest.

The time taken to track the Gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 5 hours! Your track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the Gorillas. As you trek your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots.

Once the Gorillas have been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. You will return to the hotel for lunch and in afternoon be taken to the Iby’wachu cultural village to learn about the Kinyarwanda culture displayed through folk songs, dances, storytelling and drama.

You will retire to the lodge of your Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Lake Kivu expedition booking for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Golden Monkey trekking, hike to Karisoke Reaserch Centre and transfer to Lake Kivu

You will have breakfast and then assemble at the Park headquarters for a briefing on the Golden monkey tracking rules before going out to track them in the forest. The trekking will take 1-2 hours after which you will return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.

In the afternoon you will hike to Karisoke Research Centre that features an exhibit on Mountain Gorillas and the conservation efforts pioneered by Dian Fossey. It also shelters the Dian Fossey artefacts, a 3D interactive model of the Virunga Mountains and casts of real gorilla nose prints.

Overall, the centre adds a perfect learning opportunity to the facts that people barely know about Mountain Gorillas. You will after being taken around this remarkable centre transfer to Kibuye town near Lake Kivu.

Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel of your booking.

Day 4: Optional activities on and around Lake Kivu and transfer to Kigali

You will have your breakfast and head for Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is the perfect place to chill out after the tiring Gorilla and Golden monkey trekking and hiking of the volcanoes. For most people, it is simply a place to relax and rebuild energy.

You can take a nature walk, go birding on a boat ride, explore some islands, visit the nearby hot springs, go fishing, or visit the Congo boarder. You can also visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town to acquaint yourself with the lifestyles of the inhabitants.

You will later drive back to Kigali.

Requirements for this Safari

• A Visa for Rwanda which you can get at the airport
• Gorilla trekking permit paid for in advance
• Travel & Health insurance arranged by you in your home country before you travel.
• Yellow fever vaccination (certificate for proof)
• Physical fitness

The Safari package includes:

• Accommodation as per the itinerary
• 4WD safari vehicle
• Bottled drinking water
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Services of an English speaking driver/guide.
• Return airport transfers.

The Safari package excludes expenses of a personal nature such as:

• Other drinks apart from bottled water
• Laundry
• Tips to local guides
• Telephone expenses
• Porter fees while trekking Gorillas
• Personal insurance
• Cigarettes