Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Transfer to Musanze/Volcanoes National Park
On this day, you will be collected from Kigali at 8 AM and begin your journey to Musanze in northern Rwanda. The drive to Musanze/Volcanoes National Park takes approximately two hours, showcasing the picturesque scenery of Rwanda’s lush, rolling hills, which is why it’s often referred to as the land of a thousand hills. After checking into your accommodation, you will have the remainder of the day free to relax.
Optional Tour Activities:
You may choose from one or more of the following exciting activities today:
- Canoe Trip on River Mukungwa (with Kingfisher Journeys): This half-day (3-4 hours) canoeing experience on River Mukungwa, which meanders through the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, offers an excellent opportunity to explore the verdant countryside and take in breathtaking views of the rolling terrain, while also observing the daily lives of the local communities. Birdwatchers will enjoy the diverse bird species visible along the river.
- Visit the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo): These two stunning lakes, located near each other at the base of the Virunga Mountains, are perfect for a one-hour boat or canoe ride on Lake Burera, where you can revel in the exceptional scenery of gently undulating hills against the mountain backdrop.
- Cultural Experience at the Gorilla Guardians Village: Managed primarily by former poachers, this village provides insight into various Rwandan cultures and traditions. Visitors can enjoy presentations that include traditional dance performances, royal marriage ceremonies, and ancient hunting techniques. This tour is brief, allowing you to participate in another of the aforementioned activities.
- Kigali City Tour: Alternatively, before heading north to see the gorillas, you may embark on a half-day tour of Kigali City from 9 AM to 12 PM, visiting notable landmarks, museums, local markets, and art galleries, depending on your interests. After lunch in Kigali, you will then continue to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation Choices:
Budget: Isange Paradise Resort
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Upper-midrange: Amakoro Songa Lodge
Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Return to Kigali
Following an early breakfast, you will head to the park office in Kinigi by 7am. There, you will meet the park guides who will assign you to one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups available for trekking. Each group accommodates no more than 8 people.
The guides will provide a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette before you travel to the park boundary to begin your trek into the jungle. The time needed to locate the gorillas ranges from 2 to 3 hours, but may vary based on the gorillas’ movements as they feed. The hike involves navigating a relatively steep forested mountain and can be physically demanding. Porters, available for hire at $10 each, can assist by carrying your backpack and offering support during difficult sections. For older individuals or those with mobility challenges, a “royal stretcher” is available for $300, enabling easy transport to and from the gorillas.
Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have a limited viewing time of 1 hour. Afterward, you will return to meet your driver for the transfer back to the lodge to freshen up, check out, and travel back to Kigali.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- Tour vehicle and driver/guide
- All meals
- Lodging
- Gorilla tracking permit ($1500)
- Drinking water
Exclusions of the Trip
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Airfare
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, and souvenir purchases.
