Gorillas of Rwanda

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the deluxe Kigali Serena Hotel. The rest of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.

After breakfast, your personal car, driver and guide will be waiting to introduce you to the capital city. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you’ll learn about the country’s turbulent history and the tragically violent events of 1994 that took the lives of more than 500,000 citizens – mainly ethnic Tutsis. Opened in 2004, the Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide and serves as a place of both remembrance and learning. Then experience firsthand the resilience of the Rwandan people as you explore the downtown district. Kigali was founded more than 100 years ago as a German settlement and is now known for its progressive entrepreneurs, vibrant arts scene, and great dining.

After lunch at the stylish Hôtel des Mille Collines, you’ll depart Kigali and travel northwest through the beautiful terraced hills that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape. As we climb gradually toward the mighty Virunga Range, you’ll have breathtaking views of the volcano peaks rising high above the verdant countryside. Close to Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in to the lodge of your choice: The comfortable Mountain View Gorilla Lodge, the deluxe Virunga Lodge, the luxury Bisate Lodge, or the unique Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. You’ll have time to refresh before dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy the ambience and setting of your lodge.  Meals B+L+D

After an early breakfast, we’ll take you to the National Park Headquarters where you’ll register for today’s Gorilla Trek. An informative briefing with Park staff follows, during which you’ll learn the important Dos and Don’ts while in the presence of the Gorillas. Today there are about 10 Gorilla families that are habituated to human contact, and their movements along the forest mountain slopes will determine the duration of your trek. Setting out in a small group of no more than 8 visitors, you’ll trek with your group’s guide for about 2 to 5 hours to catch-up with your designated Gorilla family. After locating your assigned group, you’ll have one amazing hour to watch quietly as these magnificent primates go about their daily routine (Park regulations limit Gorilla / Human contact to 60 minutes each day). Then retracing your steps down the volcano, you’ll be chauffeured back to your Lodge.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast and check out, your car and driver will take you back to Kigali. Enjoy the scenic journey as we take you to the airport for your departure flight.  Meals B