Countries: Rwanda
Destinations: Kigali , Volcanoes National Park
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 5
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
Trekking Mountain Gorillas is a bucket list holiday for many. Below is a brief safari, which makes a great extension to a Kenya or Tanzania trip.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Kigali
You will be met at the airport and transferred to Heaven Boutique Hotel to spend 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis.
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.
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.
Heaven Boutique Hotel is our popular 4 Star hotel with 30 rooms located on 2 separate properties on a peaceful, residential road. Heaven Boutique Hotel features local Rwandan décor, warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts at Heaven Restaurant, and access to a solar-heated salt water swimming pool, outdoor yoga deck and fitness center.
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. You will spend 3 nights at Wilderness Sabyinyo on a fully inclusive basis.
“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.
In the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif nestles beautiful Sabyinyo. Here, the true spirit of conservation and rehabilitation can be felt everywhere: In our community-inspired luxurious lodge, our bountiful organic gardens, upliftment projects, abundant wildlife and, of course, the star attraction: Volcanoes National Park’s beloved mountain gorillas, and curious golden monkeys, among many others.
Looking for a truly authentic Rwandan experience? At Wilderness Sabyinyo you can get up close to the stories of the land, the wilderness, the wildlife and people. Just by staying here, you contribute to wildlife conservation and community empowerment initiatives. You will feel the power of resilience all around you.
Accommodation at Sabyinyo comprises six charming stone cottages, two luxurious suites with king-size four-poster beds and one spacious family unit with two separate bedrooms. Each elegant cottage features large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda with cinematic views over the volcanoes.
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.