The 7 Day gorilla trekking safari offers a great privilege track gorillas more than once in Parc National Des Volcans, visit local communities(Gorilla neighbors), participate in traditional music and dance while wearing traditionally in Omushanana. From here we connect to Lake Kivu at Gisenyi, enjoy a boat ride to the Hot springs / Coffee Island and Visit DR Congo border of Goma. From Gisenyi, we connect to Nyungwe National Park either by Road or Water. Primates tracking, birding and canopy walk are the main attractions here. On the same trip, we visit some genocide memorial sites such as Murambi and Gisozi among others.
Accommodation is offered in a wide variety of lodges and hotels, all with en-suite bathrooms and toilets. Lodging is offered in budget, deluxe and luxury lodges depending on your budget level. Below is the detailed itinerary for 7 day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Volcanoes National park
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking
Day 4: Third Gorilla Trekking, transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee and Colobus Monkey trekking Expedition
Day 7: Departure
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Transfer to Volcanoes National park
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, your driver-guide will be waiting for you; he will then transfer you to Kigali for a city tour to Gisozi genocide memorial museum before proceeding to Volcanoes National Park; the home to Mountain Gorillas. The journey takes you through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape. Settle for a briefing about the Safari at;
- Hotel La Palme or Le bamboo gorilla lodge
- Mountain gorilla view lodge / Virunga lodge / Sabyinyo Lodge
- Muhabura hotel or Kinigi Guest House
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Have an early morning breakfast and get ready for today’s life time event of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. You will assemble at the park headquarters with packed lunch, have a briefing about the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ while with gorillas. Depending on the level of fitness, you may be asked to choose the group you wish to trek and the closest being about 2 hours or even a couple of minutes from the park boundary. The trek is quite strenuous, so you should be able to hike for 2-8 hours on steep and slippery mountain trails. Descend to the lodge for a rest. If the evening is free, we can have a cultural tour to nearby communities OR nature walk to the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight at DAY 1.
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking
Another chance to enjoy the endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat. You can choose a different group from yesterday, or visit the same gorilla family. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda currently has 10 gorilla families habituated. Relax in the evening or take a community walk around Musanze town or market. Dinner and overnight as on Day 1.
Day 4: Third Gorilla Trekking, transfer to Lake Kivu (1-2hrs)
Have breakfast then proceed for a third gorilla trek in Volcanoes national park, return for lunch and transfer to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. Take a boat ride to the Hot springs, relax on the beach in the evening. Overnight at Paradise Marahide Hotel, Stipp Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park, home to 13 Primate Species
Breakfast and connect to Nyungwe National park, located in south western Rwanda, home to 13 primate species and about 350 birds. We can connect to Nyungwe forest by road with a beautiful view of Lake Kivu, or by boat to Kibuye or Cyangugu near DR Congo border where the car will pick you to Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Chimpanzee and Colobus Monkey trekking Expedition
Take early breakfast and enter Nyungwe forest for Chimpanzee tracking. Along the trek, you will encounter other species of unhabituated Golden monkeys and Grey cheeked Mangabeys, blue monkey, l’hoest’s monkey, Angolan colobus monkey and Owl faced colobus monkey as well as many bird species. Relax after lunch or we can go for colobus monkey tracking or forest walk to the water falls, or canopy walk adventure, dinner and overnight at DAY 5.
Day 7: Departure
Depart for Kigali after breakfast, enroute visit to Murambi Genocide memorial museum and stop in Butare town for lunch and visit the National Museum (One of the finest in East Africa), proceed to the hotel of your choice in Kigali where the tour ends.
End of the tour
Included in the price;
– 2 Gorilla permits at US$750 each
– Private transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
– Services of a professional English speaking driver / tour guide
– 6 Night accommodation and meals (Full board)
– Primate tracking permits like Chimps and colobus monkeys
– All tour activities as per the itinerary
– Bottled mineral water for refreshment
Excluded are; International flights, Visas (If applicable), personal expenses like tips for staff and beverages.
