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9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari – the Trio of National parks plus Lake Kivu

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Tour Details

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

The largest living primate, gorillas are spread across much of the equatorial African rainforest. Broadly speaking, the species is split into lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas.

The volcanic range which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorilla. Tracking gorillas in Rwanda is safe and relatively accessible.

At the latest count, there are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild, with 604 in the Virunga Massif. The population is slowly increasing, thanks to concerted efforts between our governments, communities and NGOs.

There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters.

🦁Safari. 🦍Gorilla tracking. Primate tracking. 🌊Lake Kivu

  • Chimpanzee Tracks in Mahale
  • Mahale National Park
Itinerary

Day 1Kigali to Akagera National Park

Arrive in Kigali early in the morning. The drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park takes about four to five hours. The drive is on good quality paved roads except for the last section.

The 100,000 hectare Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania, and has been managed by African Parks in cooperation with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010. It includes some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, forests, lakes, swamps and grassy low mountain ranges. Over the last eight years, Akagera has undergone incredible development: poaching has been largely eradicated and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and black rhinos in 2017.

Enjoy an evening boat cruise across Lake Ihema and spot hippos and many different bird species.

You will stay overnight in a hotel within the park.

Day 2Akagera National Park

Wake early and enjoy a full day game drive accompanied by an experienced guide through the incredible landscape of Akagera National Park. The diverse landscape is reflected in the different species of animals that can be found here. On expertly guided game drives, walks and boat trips, visitors to the park can see a variety of wildlife including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra and many more. The park is also home to almost 500 species of birds including the spectacular shoebill with its incredibly large beak and the almost endemic red-faced barbet.

You will stay overnight in the same hotel.

Day 3 Akagera to Nyungwe National Park

Drive from Akagera National Park to Nyungwe Forest.

On the way to Nyungwe Forest, stop at the Cultural Heritage Corridor of Rwanda and visit the Royal Palace and Ethnographic Museum.

Covering an area of ​​over 1000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is surely one of the most beautiful and pristine montane rainforests in the world. It is believed to be one of the oldest forests in Africa, remaining green even during the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

It is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primate species (including a 400-strong group of Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 species including 16 endemic species, and is home to 75 different mammal species.

This majestic rainforest is full of nature and wildlife experiences to immerse yourself in. Hiking or cycling through the beautiful grounds, spotting the famous chimpanzees, taking the canopy walk, watching beautiful birds and relaxing by the waterfalls are just a small selection of the activities Nyungwe offers.

Sounds and sights combine to create a once in a lifetime natural experience. As travelers explore the forest, they will experience the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape they will not soon forget.

Experience the only canopy walk in East Africa before returning to your hotel.

Day 4Nyungwe National Park

Wake early to go chimpanzee hunting in Nyungwe Forest. After a short briefing from your guide, you will hike through stunning tea plantations before entering the dense, lush forest. The forest is home to over 13 species of monkeys and offers excellent bird watching opportunities as well as over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.

The trip can last between one and four hours, but you will definitely hear the chimpanzees as soon as you enter the forest. Once you find them, you will stay with the chimpanzees for an hour, watching them play, fight and feed in the atmospheric forest.

Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up.

Day 5Nyungwe to Lake Kivu

Transfer along the beautiful coastal road to Lake Kivu, Serena Hotel. The drive takes about three hours and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Rwanda. You will have views of the hundred islands of Lake Kivu and its beautiful shores.

Located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Serena Hotel offers magnificent views of the lake and the Congo region.

Relax with kayaking and swimming in the lake. Kingfisher Journeys organizes kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking tours on Lake Kivu and the surrounding area.

Day 6Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park

Spend the morning relaxing at the lake before continuing to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon.

Relax at your hotel near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 7Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park: Wake at sunrise and travel the short distance to the park headquarters where you will receive a briefing, porters and tea and coffee before starting the adventure in the forest. Local ports can be arranged and help with the guide to complete the gorilla tracking experience.

Tracking can last between 90 minutes and the whole morning depending on which family group is assigned. You will spend an hour with the gorillas – sometimes moving to stay with the gorillas or follow them. The guide will make sure you are in the best spots to take the most beautiful photos and properly enjoy the breathtaking experience.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and refreshments

Day 8Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

Golden Monkey Tracking: Walks to observe the smaller and nimble monkeys are a fun and adventurous way to explore the forest. Named for their bright orange bodies, they are native to the region. They are harder to find than the gorillas and these nimble monkeys are sure to keep you on your toes.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and have a light meal before returning to Kigali in the afternoon.

Spend the night at a hotel in Kigali and enjoy the hotel’s delicious food and offerings.

Day 9 Kigali

Flight departs from Kigali.

Start planning your chimpanzee and gorilla safari

Rates

Price Includes

  • Park fees
  • All activities as specified on day by dayAll accommodation
  • All Accommodation during Safaris
  • A professional driver/guide
  • 4X4 Custom built – Toyota Land cruiser during Safari
  • All Government Taxes and VAT
  • Round-trip Airport transfers
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water during game viewing
  • Meals and Drinking water as per day by day

Price Excludes

  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Can be arranged with extra cost)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
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