Gorillas of Rwanda

Our Distinctive A+R Style

• Day 1 - Welcome to Kigali, 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.

• Day 2 - Discover Kigali + Travel to the Virunga Mountains

  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
  

• Day 3 - Gorillas in the Wild

  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

• Day 4 - Return to Kigali

  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

Check In!Virunga LodgeBisate LodgeMountain View Gorilla LodgeSabyinyo Silverback

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  Kigali Serena Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda

  Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art.

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  Volcanoes Virunga Lodge - Kigali, Rwanda

  One of the region’s premier lodges for Gorilla Trekking, the outstanding Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains, Musanze Valley and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Each of the Lodge’s 10 stone cottages features a private terrace, fireplace and luxury shower. Wide-plank floors, canopied beds and vibrant local textiles add ambience to these beautifully furnished cottages. The inviting main lodge and its terrace offer a delightful place to gather with your fellow guests. Virunga Lodge is located 45 minutes from the National Park Headquarters.

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  Kigali Serena Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda

  Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art.

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  Bisate Lodge - Kigali, Rwanda

  Spectacularly situated within the natural amphitheater of an ancient and eroded volcanic cone, this striking lodge offers dramatic views of the Afro-Alpine forests that stretch upward toward the Virunga Mountains. With attention to detail, the six double-domed private villas of Bisate are built of timber, stone and thatch. Inside, you’ll find stylish furnishings, a separate seating area and a private verandah with sweeping vistas. The en suite bath features a walk-in shower and large soaking tub. The Main Lodge, also built of local timber, stone and thatch, features a wide viewing deck and plenty of seating around a cozy fireplace. It’s a 35-minute drive from Bisate Lodge to the National Park Headquarters.

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  Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge - Kigali, Rwanda

  Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located close to the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans from where clients trek on foot to see the magnificent Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible.
  
  The lodge, situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed and appointed and the lodge is the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.

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  Kigali Serena Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda

  Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art.

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge - Ruhengeri, Rwanda

  Surrounded by gardens and forests in the foothills of Mt. Karisimbi in the Virunga Range, this comfortable Lodge features 30 individual cottages built of brick and tile. Comfortably furnished with traditional Rwandan accents, each cottage includes a fireplace, comfy seating area and en suite bath with shower. Meals are served in the main lodge with spectacular views across the gardens to the forest and mountains beyond. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is just 15 minutes from the National Park Headquarters.

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