Overview:
Parc National de Volcans (PNV) is Rwanda’s premier destination known for the ultimate Gorilla Tracking experience. It is located in the Northwestern part of the country along the border with Virunga and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Congo Democratic Republic and Uganda respectively. The park is part of the iconic Virunga Massif, a chain of 8 volcanos which dot the borders of the 3countries, hosting the endangered Mountain Gorillas. PNV is home to 10habituated Gorilla families available to visitors and one group only for scientific research purposes. On this epic tour, you will track one of the groups, track the endangered Golden monkeys and hiking.
Details
Day 01: Transfer to Parc National de Volcans [Approximately 2hours drive]
On arrival at the airport, you will be warmly received by the guide; meet and greet, receive briefing and then transfer northwest wards to Ruhengeri taking-in the beautiful view of the countryside characterized by rolling hills, not missing out on the en-route stops for Kodak experiences and lunch. Continue to the park and check-in at the lodge where dinner and overnight will be.
Accommodation: Sabinyo Silverback lodge (luxury)/ Mountain Gorilla View lodge (midrange)/ Kinigi Guesthouse (basic). Meal Arrangement: Half Board [HB].
Day 02: Gorilla Tracking and Musaze caves experience
Have an early breakfast and proceed with your ID/Passport to the park headquarters at Kinigi for trekking the Mountain Gorillas. This is Rwanda’s signature tour, lasting about 1-4hours or even through the entire day depending on the Gorilla group to track and its movements. The activity is quite challenging but interesting and worth the effort as you track past the steep and slippery terrain; once you find these majestic creatures, an hour is allowed in the presence of the Gorillas as you watch them feed and display and later retreat. After lunch, head for a 2-3hours walk in and around Musaze cave having brilliant views of cascading lights from the surface, rock formations, and colony of bats. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Arrangement: Full Board [FB]
Day 03: Hiking the Volcanos
After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed for a hiking expedition in the park. Five different trails exist catering for different physical abilities and interests; you either choose to hike Mount Bisoke taking 6hours and it’s the most frequented summit, Dian Fossey memorial hike or Twin Lakes hike and is the simplest. For hiking enthusiasts, Mount Karisimbi is also available and takes 2days to the summit.
Accommodation: Sabinyo Silverback lodge (luxury)/ Mountain Gorilla View lodge (midrange)/ Kinigi Guesthouse (basic). Meal Arrangement: Full Board [FB].
Day 04: Golden Monkey tracking and travel back to Kigali.
Have an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed to the park headquarters for a rewarding Golden Monkey tracking experience commencing at 0700hours. Search deep in the heart of the Bamboo forest for about 4hours looking out for these endangered primates, once you find them an hour will be availed to you to observe them. Return to the lodge for lunch, and later checkout and embark on the journey back to Kigali; be dropped off at the hotel or at the airport for a flight back home.
Meal Arrangement: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Safari
Inclusions
Gorilla and Golden Monkey tracking Permit, Park entrance fees, Activity fees as detailed in the itinerary, Round trip airport or hotel transfers, Professional English speaking Guide/driver Ground transport at an all-inclusive fee, Drinking water in the car, Meals as detailed in the itinerary, Pre Tour Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis, Personal Hand Sanitizer while on safari
Exclusions
Tips, Gratuities and laundry services, Foods and Beverages outside the menu such as wines, Any other activities outside the itinerary or if labeled as optional, Post tour accommodation [arranged on request], International Airline tickets [can be arranged on request], Visas [can be arranged on request], Travel insurance and any personal expenses/items