Combining Kibeho Pilgrimage with Gorilla Safari in Rwanda
Combining Kibeho Pilgrimage with Gorilla Safari in Rwanda offers a life-changing journey of faith and adventure. This trip allows you to visit sacred sites and meet mountain gorillas in their natural home. Start by exploring Kibeho, a spiritually powerful place recognized by the Catholic Church. Learn about the Marian apparitions and meet fellow pilgrims from all over the world. Then, continue to Volcanoes National Park to experience Rwanda’s mountain gorillas up close. Witness these gentle giants as they go about their daily lives. Iconic Africa Safaris arranges this inspiring and adventurous 4-day tour for travelers seeking a rich and rewarding experience.
Visit Kibeho: Rwanda’s Sacred Pilgrimage Site
Kibeho is located about 153 kilometers south of Kigali city. The journey takes around four hours by road. Upon arrival, you feel the deep spiritual atmosphere that defines this sacred place.
Kibeho gained worldwide recognition due to the Marian apparitions that occurred in the 1980s. Three girls at Kibeho High School experienced visions of the Virgin Mary. These visions delivered powerful messages about prayer, repentance, and faith in God.
You will visit the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, a central place for worshippers. You also explore the site where believers witnessed the apparitions. The area features many beautifully crafted statues that represent divine events.
One important highlight is the Divine Mercy statue of Jesus Christ. It originally came from the United States and carries a deep spiritual meaning. Guides share the story of its journey to Rwanda and its significance to pilgrims.
History of Kibeho Pilgrimage and Apparitions
The first Marian apparition in Kibeho happened on 28th November 1981. Alphonsine Mumureke, a 17-year-old student, saw a beautiful woman who called herself “Mother of the Word.”
She immediately believed she was seeing the Virgin Mary. The apparitions continued frequently, drawing both skeptics and believers.
Later, two other students also received visions. Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango both experienced appearances of the Virgin Mary between 1982 and 1983.
Marie Claire, who once doubted Alphonsine, became one of the strongest witnesses. She was asked to promote the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows prayer.
Several other individuals reported seeing visions, but the Catholic Church only approved the first three. In 1988, the Church approved public devotion at Kibeho. Then, in 2001, the apparitions’ authenticity received official confirmation.
How the Kibeho Pilgrimage Tour Happens
Start the pilgrimage with an early breakfast at your hotel in Kigali. Your Iconic Africa Safaris driver-guide picks you up for the journey southward.
You travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills and lush greenery. Upon reaching Kibeho, you join pilgrims already gathered at the sacred site.
Depending on the day, you might attend a lively mass celebrated in various languages. Later, explore the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows and the shrine built at the apparition site.
You will walk among pilgrims, praying, learning, and experiencing the spiritual energy that fills the area.
Best Time for the Kibeho Pilgrimage
Pilgrims visit Kibeho throughout the year. However, two dates stand out as the most significant.
The first is 15th August, celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The second is 28th November, commemorating the first apparition day.
During these days, Kibeho welcomes more than 30,000 visitors. It is wise to plan early with Iconic Africa Safaris to avoid crowds. The dry season months from June to September also offer good weather conditions for the trip.
Gorilla Tracking Adventure in Rwanda
After the pilgrimage, your journey continues to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Here, the real adventure begins as you prepare to meet mountain gorillas.
Gorilla tracking takes place in the lush forests covering the Virunga Volcanoes. Rwanda’s portion hosts about 604 of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
At Volcanoes National Park, twelve gorilla families are habituated for tourism. Each group features a dominant silverback, females, and young ones.
Your trekking experience starts early in the morning at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Visitors gather at 7:00 AM for a briefing on safety rules and group allocation.
The rangers assign you to a gorilla family based on your fitness level. The hikes vary greatly. Some groups live close, while others require longer treks lasting four or more hours.
What to Expect During Gorilla Tracking
During your trek, expert guides and trackers lead the way through bamboo forests and steep hills. You hike through thick vegetation, muddy trails, and sometimes slippery slopes.
Once you locate your gorilla family, you spend one magical hour observing them. Watch young gorillas play, mothers nurse their babies, and silverbacks watch over their families.
It is a life-changing hour, connecting you to one of nature’s most majestic creatures.
Important Details about Gorilla Tracking
Only eight permits are issued per gorilla family each day. Therefore, it is important to book early through Iconic Africa Safaris.
The cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit stands at $1,500 per person. This fee also supports local communities by building schools, health centers, and roads.
A portion of the funds compensates farmers for any damage caused by gorillas. This helps maintain peaceful coexistence between wildlife and communities.
Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
The gorilla families available for trekking include Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, and Sabyinyo. Others are Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza.
Each group has its own stories, behaviors, and characteristics. Guides from Iconic Africa Safaris help you choose the best group based on your hiking preferences.
Suggested 4-Day Kibeho Pilgrimage with Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali. Meet and greet by Iconic Africa Safaris guide. Transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Early breakfast. Drive to Kibeho. Participate in pilgrimage activities. Attend mass if available. Overnight near Kibeho.
Day 3: Return to Kigali. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Return to Kigali for your outbound flight or overnight stay.
