Gorillas of Virunga – A 4 Day Small Group Safari

Day 1 : Arrival & Transfer to Virunga

Arrival in Kigali (suggested arrival no later than 12:00hrs). Met on arrival at airport and transferred to Kigali. Briefing on your safari. After lunch, depart for Volcanoes National Park (PNV) at 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.

Overnight: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (D)

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in PNV

Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Max group size 8 whilst tracking the gorillas and can take between 4-8 hours. In the afternoon relax back at the lodge and enjoy its magical setting.

Overnight: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in PNV

Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr’s orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey’s grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.

Overnight: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 4: Kigali Tour & Transfer to the Airport

Leave for Kigali. Time permitting; go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial. Transfer to Kigali International airport for your return flight home (B)