Description
Highlights of this safari:
- Learn about Rwanda’s colonial history.
- Pass along its active volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park.
- Track through Rwanda’s dense rainforests in search of gorillas.
Short overview:
- Day 1: Kigali
- Day 2 & 3: Virunga Mountains
- Day 4: Departure
Program & Route:
Day 1 – Kigali, Kigali Serena Hotel. Bed and Breakfast
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by a Wild Times representative and you will be transferred to Kigali Serena Hotel for overnight.
Day 2 – Virunga Mountains, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Full Board
After breakfast, proceed on a City Tour of Kigali including the Memorial Centre and Crafts Centres.
The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for a hundred years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Since then, the city has seen major economic development resulting in what it is today; a vibrant African city of 1 million with wide boulevards, an international airport, world-class hotels and restaurants, crafts & curio shops as well as a lively, cosmopolitan population. Visit the Kandt Museum, tour old Kigali and the Craft centers, visit the genocide memorial site where you learn about Rwanda’s history pre-colonial to 1994 genocide as well as other genocides in the world. Tour more and see the new developments; the recovery has been incredible, a true testament to humankind’s resilience.
After lunch at a local restaurant on own account, you will drive north through Rwandan countryside to Ruhengeri at the foot of the Virungas. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Virunga Mountains, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Full Board
After an early breakfast, drive to the Volcanoes National Park to be allocated a gorilla tracking group. 0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of an amazing adventure.
This exhilarating trek, in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the largest living primate on earth, starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon entering the national park, her paths littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls, butterflies, etc. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent Virunga peaks, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, are glimpsed, beckoning an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, they spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with the family.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
Afterwards trek back to base and drive at your lodge for a deserved shower then lunch.
In the afternoon, you tour to the nearby ex-poacher’s village.
An award-winning conservation initiative, former poachers were convinced to renounce their old ways and become conservation activists. Together with their families, they founded this little village with a replica of the Kings palace, where they now participate in eco-tourism showcasing Rwandan culture. Visitors are taught about traditional skills like fire-making, archery, weaving, traditional medicine, architecture (totally unique grass thatched huts that were used for the kings), cultural dances, etc. among other attractions. Time at ex-poachers village is very interactive, educational and fun for all ages.
Day 4 – departure
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali from where you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight after a lovely time in Rwanda.
