Gorilla Safari in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains
Gorilla Safari in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains begins in Kigali, where you will have an opportunity to explore museums and markets. Then, you’ll take a scenic drive through the country, seeing stunning landscapes and cozy homes on your way to Volcanoes National Park. There, you’ll stay in a comfy forest cottage for two nights, where all your needs will be taken care of for your dream Gorilla Safari in Rwanda.
One whole day will be dedicated to trekking through the mountain forests of Volcanoes National Park to meet a friendly gorilla family. You’ll spend an hour watching these amazing creatures interact, which will be an experience you’ll never forget.
What’s Included
Your package includes staying in mid-range lodges and meals as mentioned in the plan. You’ll also get a permit for gorilla trekking, which costs $1,500. The fees for entering the park, along with all the activities mentioned in the plan, will be covered. You’ll travel in a 4×4 Custom Safari Landcruiser, and there will be an English-speaking safari guide to assist you. Additionally, you’ll be provided with AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover, and all government taxes are included.
What’s Not Included
However, there are some things not included in the package. You’ll need to arrange your own travel insurance and international flights. Visa fees and processing, as well as any extra activities or meals not mentioned in the plan, will be your responsibility. If you have extra luggage on domestic flights, you’ll need to cover those costs. Also, expenses like service tips, souvenirs, and snacks are not included. Lastly, accommodation after the trip ends is not part of the package.
Detailed Itinerary
The 3-Day Rwanda safari starts with a tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then, you’ll travel to Volcanoes National Park, stopping along the way to experience local culture. The highlight of the trip is gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains, where you’ll get up close with these remarkable creatures. Finally, the journey concludes with a return to Kigali.
Day 1: Start of the Trip and Nice Drive
Your Gorilla Safari in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains begins with a visit to a place called the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This is a special place in Rwanda that remembers a sad time in its history when many people were hurt or killed in 1994. A local guide will show you around and tell you stories about what happened. This might make you feel many emotions, but it’s a chance to understand how Rwanda has grown stronger since then.
After visiting the memorial, you’ll go on a drive to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of Rwanda. The road trip isn’t just about driving; you’ll stop in different places to meet local people. These stops let you see how people live in the countryside and learn about their culture. It’s a chance to make new memories and feel connected to Rwanda.
When you reach Volcanoes National Park, you’ll stay at a nice lodge called Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. It’s a cozy place with a good view, and it’s close to the park.
Day 2: Exciting Gorilla Adventure
The next day, you’ll wake up early for a special adventure: gorilla trekking. This means you’ll go searching for gorillas in the Virunga Mountains. Rangers and trackers will go with you to help find them. Walking through the misty forests, you’ll feel surrounded by green trees and the sounds of nature. Each step brings you closer to the gorillas.
Trekking to find the gorillas can be challenging because of the different terrains you’ll walk on. But when you finally see them, it’s amazing. Watching these big animals in their natural habitat is unforgettable. You’ll see how they interact with each other and feel like you’re part of their world for an hour.
After the trek, you can go back to your lodge and enjoy the memories of the day. Or you can visit the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Campus to learn more about how people are working to protect gorillas.
Day 3: Going Back Home
On the last day of your trip, you’ll drive back to Kigali. Along the way, you’ll see familiar sights and have time to think about all the things you’ve experienced. Remembering the cultural visits, seeing gorillas, and enjoying Rwanda’s landscapes will stay with you.
Arriving in Kigali means the end of your 3-day adventure. But the memories, the new friends, and the things you’ve learned will stay with you. Rwanda is a beautiful country with a rich history, and your trip has shown you its beauty in many ways.
