4 Day Rwanda Gorillas - Bisate Lodge
Countries: Rwanda
Destinations: Kigali , Volcanoes National Park
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 4
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
Trekking Mountain Gorillas is a bucket list holiday for many. Below is a very brief safari, which makes a great extension to a Kenya or Tanzania trip.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali | The Retreat by Heaven |
| 2 | Volcanoes National Park | Wilderness Bisate Lodge |
| 3 | Volcanoes National Park | Wilderness Bisate Lodge |
| 4 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Kigali
You will be met at the airport and transferred to The Retreat.
Rwanda
Rwanda - "The Land of a Thousand Hills." Combining the staggering scenery of this beautiful country with the wonderful people who call it home makes Rwanda a magical destination.
Although Rwanda's tragic history is widely known, and the country makes no effort to hide it, the country has been pulling its way back strongly into the tourism market, thanks largely to the lovely locals, astonishing scenery, and the majestic mountain gorillas which live along the slopes of the volcanoes.
With the location of the Volcanoes National Park being so close to Kigali, Rwanda is the perfect add-on to any safari itinerary in Africa, in order to complete your holiday with an exciting gorilla trek.
Travelling to Rwanda you will be blown away by the distance the country has moved in the 18 years since 1994, and are hugely excited about promoting Rwanda as more than just a gorilla trekking destination.
Kigali
Ideally positioned in the centre of Rwanda, Kigali extends across several hills and valleys, with good road links to the rest of the country. The verdant capital city is pleasantly low key yet dynamic and progressive, with just over one million inhabitants.
First-time visitors to the bustling and colourful centre often remark how clean the streets are, a matter of pride across every community throughout the country.
Kigali is a relatively new city. It was founded as an administrative outpost in 1907, and became the capital of the country at independence in 1962, shifting focus away from Huye.
The city’s wide tree-lined boulevards and immaculate squares are safe to stroll, where outsiders are generally left to their own devices unless they need assistance, in which case they will be greeted with warm hospitality.
There is a burgeoning art scene, as well as a growing number of options to dine out and have a few drinks, many with charming panoramic views. The Kigali Cultural Village offers a dedicated space for local artisans and food vendors to exhibit and trade their goods.
Kigali is developing rapidly, with new shopping malls, office buildings and a world-class convention centre built in the style of the King’s Palace of olden days, which lights up the night sky atop of one of the many hills.
The central business district covers Nyarugenge Hill while the government and administrative quarter is further east on Kacyiru Hill.
Nyarutarama Lake, or Lover’s Lake, borders an 18-hole golf course in one of the main valleys. The track around the lake is remarkably peaceful and makes for an excellent urban nature walk, with the chance to see some of Rwanda’s incredible birds.
No visit to Rwanda would be complete without a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which, through education and peace-building, honours the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished, and provide a powerful educational tool for visitors.
The Retreat by Heaven
Ultimate luxury in Kigali
The Retreat is a luxury boutique hotel created by the American owners of Heaven, designed by Italian architects, brought to life by an extraordinary team of Rwandan hospitality leaders.
A tranquil luxury refuge
Nestled in the heart of Kigali, our luxury boutique hotel and spa grants seamless access to this dynamic city. As one of Kigalis top 5 star hotels, The Retreat blends tranquility, Rwandan charm, and vibrant urban energy.
The Retreat is a celebrated hospitality training center of excellence in Kigali; over 3,000 Rwandans have received training since our opening.
Unwind in our exclusive stays
From elegantly designed rooms to private pool villas, every space is a testament to our commitment to sophistication and comfort.
The citys leading luxury oasis boasting 20 rooms, this 5 Star luxury boutique hotel is Kigali’s first entirely eco-friendly solar-powered resort featuring locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture, expansive custom-built rooms with peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, outdoor rain showers and private saltwater plunge pools.
Day 2 : Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kigali and visit the Genocide Museum. Enjoy lunch in Kigali before driving to Musanze, the gateway town to the Volcanoes National Park where the gorillas live. Overnight at Bisate Lodge for 2 nights.
Volcanoes National Park
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas".
That description of the location, given by the primatologist Dian Fossey, explains what to look forward to when planning a visit to the Volcanoes National Park.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane eco-systems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.
Wilderness Bisate Lodge
Wilderness Bisate is a sustainably luxurious rainforest-based lodge offering Africas most thrilling wild primate experience.
Like giant birds’ nests tucked into the trees, the six Forest Villas that make up Wilderness Bisate at Volcanoes National Park are simply breath-taking. And arguably the finest base in Africa from which to trek to see the famous mountain gorillas of the Virungas.
Day 3 : Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking - Volcanoes National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located a gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
Day 4 - Day of Departure
Today you have another opportunity to see the Mountain Gorillas.You may opt to look for Golden Monkeys instead or take a hike to see Diane Fossey's grave. In the afternoon you'll return to Kigali.