Visit the three countries of the world that host the endangered mountain gorillas– Rwanda (in Parc National des Volcans (PNV)), Uganda (within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park). Volcanoes National Park (PNV), Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga National Park are on either side of the misty Virungas. The tour starts with a visit to Virunga National Park connecting to Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, continuing to Mgahinga and then to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Clients have an opportunity to track gorillas for a total of FOUR times in the three countries.
Trip Highlights
This safari starts and finishes in Kigali. [3 gorilla permits are included in the cost but the other gorilla tracking require a supplement to be paid at time of booking]
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kanombe (Kigali) Airport. Our tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda. Visit the Genocide Memorial Site, a museum documenting the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. At the site are some of the burial grounds for the victims of the genocide. After the tour, drive to Lake Kivu shores. Enjoy the drive through the rolling hills for which Rwanda is well known. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] Overnight at Discover Guest House (Budget) / Hotel Paradise Malahide (Midrange) / Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
DAY 2: Virunga National Park
In the morning, travel to the Rwanda – Congo border. Cross to Congo and travel to Virunga National Park. The Virunga National Park protects the mountain gorillas and it is the pioneer for gorilla tourism. In the afternoon, visit the Sekwekwe Center, the only mountain gorilla orphanage. Return to the lodge for an overnight. Overnight at Mikeno Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
In the morning, drive to Bukima for a gorilla trek in the Virunga National Park, the oldest park in Africa and the second oldest in the world. After the trek, return to Gisenyi. Have Lunch. Travel to the Musanze (Ruhengeri) located in the shadows of the Virunga Mountains of the Parc National des Volcans (PNV). Dinner and Overnight at Muhabura Hotel (Budget) / Hotel La Palme or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) /Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury)
DAY 4: Parc National des Volcans
Gorilla tracking through the forest involves hiking through hills and swamps, an activity that can be tough, arduous and tiring. A gorilla trek takes from 2 Hours to up to 8 hours of hiking in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort. After the gorilla trek, visit the Iby’wachu for an educational tour that takes you back to the old times of Rwandan people.
O/N: Hotel La Palme/Virunga Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB)
Day 5: Golden Monkeys & Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
In Parc National des Volcans, go for golden monkey tracking. (Optional Activities or climb the awesome Visoke volcano, or trek to Karisoke Research Centre which was set up by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey. In the afternoon, cross the Rwanda border to Mgahinga National Park [Approximate driving time: 2 hours]. Enroute visit the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. O/N: Travellers Rest Hotel
DAY 6: Mgahinga Park Tour
Either guided nature walk in Gahinga or climb a volcano. In the evening go for a visit to the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores. Lunch in Kisoro. O/N: Travellers Rest Hotel (Budget & Midrange) / Lake Mutanda Lodge or Chameleon Hill Lodge (Luxury).
DAY 7: Gorilla tracking in Southern Bwindi
EITHER: Go for gorilla tracking in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We will track the gorillas in one of the gorilla groups – Nkuringo, Ishongi O/N: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget & Midrange) / Clouds Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
DAY 8: Return to Kigali
Leave for Kigali in Rwanda. Continue to Rwanda passing the Katuna border. Go for a tour of the city – Visit the Ntarama Genocide Memorial and Caplaki for arts and craft shopping that you can take as souvenirs. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]. Drop off at the airport for your flight.
Tour Ends.