7 DAYS –6 NIGHTS

AKAGERA, NYUNGWE AND VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS & KIGALI

This safari includes both a visit to the gorillas and the chimps as well as a visit to the savannahs of Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda where a large variety of animals as well as birds are found.

Day 1 Arrive to Kigali International Airport where you will be met by your driver / guide for the safari. Lunch either in Kigali or en route depending on arrival time. Proceed to eastern Rwanda and Akagera National Park. Afternoon game drive and overnight at Akagera Lodge.

Day 2 Proceed to southern Rwanda and Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving late afternoon / early evening. Lunch and visit to Butare museum en route.

Overnight Gisakura Guest House or Hotel in Cyangugu.

Day 3 Early start trekking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances during one day. There are several other primates in Nyungwe such as the Ruwenzori collubus, L’Hoest’s monkey, The Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey to name a few. After the trek return to base.

Overnight Gisakura Guest House or Hotel in Cyangugu.

Day 4 Long days drive to northern Rwanda and to the foothills of the volcanoes that make up “ Volcanoes National Park”. You have the choice of staying at the moderately priced “Gorillas nest” or the “Virunga Lodge” which is a high quality eco lodge with magnificent views over both the volcanoes and Lake Burera and Ruhondo.

Overnight Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge.

Day 5 Early breakfast before proceeding to the park head quarters where visitors assemble at 07.00 for a briefing on how to” behave” while in the company of a gorilla group. You will meet your guide here and proceed to the starting point of the trek to our allocated group of gorillas. The length of the trek varies depending on where the gorillas are as well as what the weather conditions are.

It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets as well as sufficient amount of water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. For further information please refer to “general information”.

You spend one hour with the gorillas which is a truly amazing experience – before trekking back to the base and return to your lodge / hotel. Overnight Gorillas Nest or Virunga Lodge.

Day 6 Optional second gorilla trek or a trek to the golden monkeys. Another option is to trek to the grave of the legendary Dian Fossey – all excursions have to booked in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Return to Kigali in the afternoon. Overnight Hotel in Kigali.

Day 7 Time permitting visit the genocide museum and transfer to the airport.

PRICE per person in US$:

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$ 300 per person in a single

VIRUNGA LODGE SUPPLEMENT 2 NIGHTS: US$ 260 per person in a double VIRUNGA LODGE SUPPLEMENT 2 NIGHTS: US$ 420 per person in a single INTERCONTINENTAL KIGALI SUPPL 1 NIGHT: US$ 30 per person in a double INTERCONTINENTAL KIGALI SUPPL 1 NIGHT: US$ 60 per person in a double OPTIONAL EXTRA ACTIVITIES

1. 2ND gorilla trekking permit: US$ 375 per person
2. Golden monkey trek: US$ 100 per person
3. Dian Fossey trek: US$ 70 per person

Rwanda's National Parks - Rwanda's primates - Rwanda Factfile

Copyright Melinda Rees of Eco-resorts